In his own words, Louis says he's a ruined man...
Years of abusing alcohol and an addiction to heroin led him into a life of crime. Crimes he claims he committed in order to pay for his drug habit. It was a lifestyle which left him feeling lonely, he said, and oftentimes in jail.
Now fifty years old and having returned to prison several years ago after being deemed a "Persistent Felony Offender" under New York's tough anti-crime laws, Louis is currently doing a sentence of 12-years to life.
He had done several stints in prison in the past, mostly for burglary and robbery. This time he'd been nabbed for breaking into a classy residence in Manhattan, and the judge socked it to him. His Honor was unsympathetic to Louis's story of living a life of hardship and years of struggling with drugs. Louis was given his sentence without any pity from the court.
I first ran into Louis about eight months ago when he was transferred to Shawangunk. A friendly but quiet man with a tough, hard-looking exterior, Louis and I hit it off. We'd spend several nights each week walking together in the outdoor recreation yard.
Apparently wanting to get things off his chest, Louis spoke freely about his life. He told me about growing up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It's an area of the city known for its crushing poverty and high rates of crime.
Louis's neighborhood was a dope fiend's paradise. There was lots of gang activity and endless numbers of drug dealers plying their trade. It was in this environment where Louis grew up.
Strung-out on heroin since his early twenties, and consuming bottles of cheap wine since he was a teenager, Louis told me he "lived for the high." Yet surprisingly, he was able to find several decent jobs. For a while he worked as a plumber's helper, and as an auto mechanic as well, but the pull of his addiction was too strong. To maintain his worsening habit, Louis needed more money than a legitimate job could provide.
Louis also got married and tried his best to support his wife and child. He wanted to be a responsible father to his son. Yet the streets pressed hard upon him, and the drugs drove him. His marriage eventually failed when Louis made a return trip to prison.
Like many who are incarcerated, Louis has regret. He told me that years ago, in an effort to get free of the drugs which held him in bondage, Louis entered a local Christian program which helped those struggling with addiction. He said he received Christ there. That as he grew in his faith and in the knowledge of the Bible, the staff would occasionally allow for Louis to teach a Bible study.
It was sad to learn that Louis once walked with the Lord, but ended up giving in to the lure and power of the streets. I've since been encouraging him to come back to Christ.
In our friendly, no pressure talks, I would share Scriptures with Louis. One of which is First John 1:9. "If we confess our sins, He (the Lord) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
We also talked about the story of the prodigal son, which Louis was familiar with. It is the Lord's desire to forgive and restore those who have fallen back into sin. I spoke about God's mercy and the deep love He has for all His children, even those who failed Him. Louis always listened intently.
I believe God's word will never return to Him without first accomplishing the purpose for which it
was sent. Therefore, it's up to Louis to repent and return to the Savior, who will gladly pardon him and allow for him to make a new start. And if he doesn't return to the Lord, my friend will continue to live with regret and despair; and he knows it.
D.B.
Now fifty years old and having returned to prison several years ago after being deemed a "Persistent Felony Offender" under New York's tough anti-crime laws, Louis is currently doing a sentence of 12-years to life.
He had done several stints in prison in the past, mostly for burglary and robbery. This time he'd been nabbed for breaking into a classy residence in Manhattan, and the judge socked it to him. His Honor was unsympathetic to Louis's story of living a life of hardship and years of struggling with drugs. Louis was given his sentence without any pity from the court.
I first ran into Louis about eight months ago when he was transferred to Shawangunk. A friendly but quiet man with a tough, hard-looking exterior, Louis and I hit it off. We'd spend several nights each week walking together in the outdoor recreation yard.
Apparently wanting to get things off his chest, Louis spoke freely about his life. He told me about growing up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It's an area of the city known for its crushing poverty and high rates of crime.
Louis's neighborhood was a dope fiend's paradise. There was lots of gang activity and endless numbers of drug dealers plying their trade. It was in this environment where Louis grew up.
Strung-out on heroin since his early twenties, and consuming bottles of cheap wine since he was a teenager, Louis told me he "lived for the high." Yet surprisingly, he was able to find several decent jobs. For a while he worked as a plumber's helper, and as an auto mechanic as well, but the pull of his addiction was too strong. To maintain his worsening habit, Louis needed more money than a legitimate job could provide.
Louis also got married and tried his best to support his wife and child. He wanted to be a responsible father to his son. Yet the streets pressed hard upon him, and the drugs drove him. His marriage eventually failed when Louis made a return trip to prison.
Like many who are incarcerated, Louis has regret. He told me that years ago, in an effort to get free of the drugs which held him in bondage, Louis entered a local Christian program which helped those struggling with addiction. He said he received Christ there. That as he grew in his faith and in the knowledge of the Bible, the staff would occasionally allow for Louis to teach a Bible study.
It was sad to learn that Louis once walked with the Lord, but ended up giving in to the lure and power of the streets. I've since been encouraging him to come back to Christ.
In our friendly, no pressure talks, I would share Scriptures with Louis. One of which is First John 1:9. "If we confess our sins, He (the Lord) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
We also talked about the story of the prodigal son, which Louis was familiar with. It is the Lord's desire to forgive and restore those who have fallen back into sin. I spoke about God's mercy and the deep love He has for all His children, even those who failed Him. Louis always listened intently.
I believe God's word will never return to Him without first accomplishing the purpose for which it
was sent. Therefore, it's up to Louis to repent and return to the Savior, who will gladly pardon him and allow for him to make a new start. And if he doesn't return to the Lord, my friend will continue to live with regret and despair; and he knows it.
D.B.
