When an inmate I am close to gets released from prison, it's like losing a dear friend...
While I am happy to see him leaving prison, I will miss his company. I may never see him again on this side of eternity, either.
I also worry about how his life will turn out. The "streets" are fraught with dangers and temptations. And Wendell Judd can be like a lamb going to the slaughter in such an environment.
I know that he truly desires to lead a law-abiding life. When he was with me, he often talked about his family and how he longed to rejoin them. But the reality is, for many who are getting out of prison, this is easier said than done.
For I have seen too many men return to prison having left with the best of intentions. But when they got back to their respective neighborhoods, they were met with rejection and ostracism because of their criminal records. The only ones, it seems, who showed them any acceptance were the drug pushers and other ex-cons.
In truth, many doors are closed to a man coming out of the penitentiary. A vicious and unmerciful cycle of unforgiveness exists, and only a few succeed in "making it" and never return to jail.
Thus, when Wendell Judd was released in November 2002, I was both elated and sad. He had been such a blessing to us here at Sullivan Correctional Facility's chapel.
At the time he left, I did not know how he would fare, although I know his faith in God was strong. But today, however, I was overjoyed to hear the good report from a minister who came to join us for a worship service, that Wendell Judd is doing great.
D.B.
I also worry about how his life will turn out. The "streets" are fraught with dangers and temptations. And Wendell Judd can be like a lamb going to the slaughter in such an environment.
I know that he truly desires to lead a law-abiding life. When he was with me, he often talked about his family and how he longed to rejoin them. But the reality is, for many who are getting out of prison, this is easier said than done.
For I have seen too many men return to prison having left with the best of intentions. But when they got back to their respective neighborhoods, they were met with rejection and ostracism because of their criminal records. The only ones, it seems, who showed them any acceptance were the drug pushers and other ex-cons.
In truth, many doors are closed to a man coming out of the penitentiary. A vicious and unmerciful cycle of unforgiveness exists, and only a few succeed in "making it" and never return to jail.
Thus, when Wendell Judd was released in November 2002, I was both elated and sad. He had been such a blessing to us here at Sullivan Correctional Facility's chapel.
At the time he left, I did not know how he would fare, although I know his faith in God was strong. But today, however, I was overjoyed to hear the good report from a minister who came to join us for a worship service, that Wendell Judd is doing great.
D.B.
