The purpose of this blog is not only to show the way to Jesus, it's also a window into our life behind bars. 4th of July is right around the corner and to be totally transparent, this is the first time since I've been locked up that I'm sad I'm not out with my family for it. Most people aren't like me in that regard and they hate the fact that they're in prison and not out with family and friends! The difference for me I believe was finally being able to talk to my son. We've talked a handful of times in these 4 years, but they were more one sided with me talking and him halfway answering. Video games..ughgh. So, he and I had a decent conversation and it brought back memories of my childhood and times with him. I remembered times at Grandpa Cutchall's during this time of year, the smell of the chicken, and vegetables that Grandma was making on the grill, the hot sun beating down on me as I drove the tractor through the field with Grandpa beside me on the footrest because I wasn't tall enough to reach the clutch or brake! Times when I had my son in my lap on that same tractor, the pride I felt as he steered it through the trees as a toddler! How I miss him! Heck I miss all my family and friends! Communication is very important in any relationship. As an inmate who is taken out and even ostracized from society it becomes glaringly important. For me personally, anytime I get a message via Jpay, or even a letter, it makes me feel loved and not forgotten. Everyone who's behind bars has times of loneliness. Surrounded by hundreds of men every day, yet they feel alone and unloved. Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus is speaking of the coming Day when He will return and Judge the world. Verse 36 states " I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Growing up, I never heard about visiting prisoners! Heck, I just thought ' They did the crime, they deserve the time!' Yet, I never knew how it was! The justice system, the prison system, or what it's like behind bars! The system is broken! People do get locked up who are innocent. But still, we should never throw anyone away because of a crime they committed! Did Jesus turn His back on law breakers? No! He said while being beaten, and whipped, " Father, forgive them, they don't know what they're doing!" in Luke 23:34He also said to the thief on a cross beside Him, " Today, you will see Me in Paradise." in verse 43. Y'all, what is Christianity really about? Love. And Relationship. Glory to God! His love is never ending! He loved us ALL even while we turn our backs on His law and His Love by not repenting and obeying His commands! Jesus said in Mark 12:29-31, replying to the scribe's question of the most important commandment, Jesus stated " The most important one, is this: Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." Please take time this weekend to think about what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. Do you have family or friends who've been in prison for years and you've never taken the time to just say " Hi I am thinking about you and praying for you." That's all most people want in here. Remember those who are in prison too, while you thank God for the Good Ole U.S.A.!
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