Today makes twenty-four years since I was first arrested and began this journey of incarceration...
In spite of all the hardships of prison life, plus other circumstances that brought forth many challenges, this has been an enriching experience. I know that sounds odd. Whoever heard of a convicted felon calling prison an enriching experience? But it is the truth. Christ has given me hope and peace. My heart is settled. My life is going on, and only by His grace.
There is a popular saying about two prisoners, one who looked towards a window in their cell and saw the iron bars, while the other prisoner looked at the same window and saw the blue sky. So prison life, like any other sort of life, is many times a matter of perception. I can spend my days looking back, tormenting myself with thoughts about the past, the things I am sorry for but can never undo or change, or I can focus on what I believe God has called me to do with the rest of my life.
As far as I am concerned, there are so many good things to look forward to that there is no point in wasting my time looking back. I know I will be in prison for the rest of my life. I have accepted this, and I have complete peace about the matter. Furthermore, I have never made any effort to seek release, nor have I ever asked any of my Christian friends to campaign for my release from prison. In fact, such a thought nauseates me. May God strike me dead should I ever misuse a Christian brother or sister in such a manner as to have them write a letter, circulate a petition, or do anything along those lines in an effort to get me out of prison.
In addition, in the coming months I will be issuing a personal statement regarding the matter of parole. This will all be taken care of properly and decently. I am certain that those I have hurt in the past, and understandably have grave concerns about this matter, will be pleased with the outcome. Once this is done, everyone can move on with their lives. They will not have to worry about this situation ever again.
As this twenty-four-year-anniversary day draws to a close, I am thankful that, for the most part, the news media has been quiet. Another prisoner told me he had heard a brief mention about my arrest on one of those "this day in history" things, but thankfully that was all.
However, next year the situation will be much different. A media storm may be brewing, along with lots of misinformation and confusion; hence, my desire to straighten things out as much as possible. Of course, should the Lord see fit to take me, as well as all the other Christians, out of this world through the "Rapture of the Church" before the summer of 2002 arrives, that would be great! But should Jesus not come this year or next, I know He will take me through the coming media storm with my faith intact. Amen!
D.B.
There is a popular saying about two prisoners, one who looked towards a window in their cell and saw the iron bars, while the other prisoner looked at the same window and saw the blue sky. So prison life, like any other sort of life, is many times a matter of perception. I can spend my days looking back, tormenting myself with thoughts about the past, the things I am sorry for but can never undo or change, or I can focus on what I believe God has called me to do with the rest of my life.
As far as I am concerned, there are so many good things to look forward to that there is no point in wasting my time looking back. I know I will be in prison for the rest of my life. I have accepted this, and I have complete peace about the matter. Furthermore, I have never made any effort to seek release, nor have I ever asked any of my Christian friends to campaign for my release from prison. In fact, such a thought nauseates me. May God strike me dead should I ever misuse a Christian brother or sister in such a manner as to have them write a letter, circulate a petition, or do anything along those lines in an effort to get me out of prison.
In addition, in the coming months I will be issuing a personal statement regarding the matter of parole. This will all be taken care of properly and decently. I am certain that those I have hurt in the past, and understandably have grave concerns about this matter, will be pleased with the outcome. Once this is done, everyone can move on with their lives. They will not have to worry about this situation ever again.
As this twenty-four-year-anniversary day draws to a close, I am thankful that, for the most part, the news media has been quiet. Another prisoner told me he had heard a brief mention about my arrest on one of those "this day in history" things, but thankfully that was all.
However, next year the situation will be much different. A media storm may be brewing, along with lots of misinformation and confusion; hence, my desire to straighten things out as much as possible. Of course, should the Lord see fit to take me, as well as all the other Christians, out of this world through the "Rapture of the Church" before the summer of 2002 arrives, that would be great! But should Jesus not come this year or next, I know He will take me through the coming media storm with my faith intact. Amen!
D.B.