Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 1:7 NLT
My unexpected move to another cell block has worked out very well...
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 1:7 NLT
My unexpected move to another cell block has worked out very well...
When a guard walked up to me while I was in the mess hall this past January 5th and told me to pack my things because I was moving, I was elated. I knew immediately it was from the Lord. He answered my prayers.
The building I now live in has a younger and rougher crowd. Many of them, and I don't mean this in a derogatory way, would be thought of by society as "street thugs" and "gangbangers." They grew up in the streets and came from dysfunctional family backgrounds. Most never had honest employment, and many never finished high school.
These men experienced poverty and were raised in what is known as "high crime" areas, where lawlessness and violence are common. They also grew up in poverty and without good male role models.
So, this being the case, they would sometimes seek out an older male, especially one who's been locked up for a while, for advice or emotional support. And they know I am usually willing to help. Oddly, I've become something of a father figure to some of them.
They also know me as one who likes to encourage them to become better persons. I know that for the most part, many of these men have had lots of negative things spoken over their lives. But I have chosen to give them words of encouragement instead.
For instance, I would tell them that their lives are of great worth in the eyes of the Creator. And how, even in spite of incarceration and possessing a criminal record, they can still accomplish many good things as well as be a positive force in the lives of their peers. They could also have a good relationship with the Lord.
When the occasion presents itself, I would encourage them with words such as "Seek the Lord while He may be found, and call upon Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6), or "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser" (Proverbs 9:9).
But when all is said, I will always remind whomever I can to make your life count. If one of my fellow prisoners takes my words to heart, great! If not, it's his loss.
D.B.
The building I now live in has a younger and rougher crowd. Many of them, and I don't mean this in a derogatory way, would be thought of by society as "street thugs" and "gangbangers." They grew up in the streets and came from dysfunctional family backgrounds. Most never had honest employment, and many never finished high school.
These men experienced poverty and were raised in what is known as "high crime" areas, where lawlessness and violence are common. They also grew up in poverty and without good male role models.
So, this being the case, they would sometimes seek out an older male, especially one who's been locked up for a while, for advice or emotional support. And they know I am usually willing to help. Oddly, I've become something of a father figure to some of them.
They also know me as one who likes to encourage them to become better persons. I know that for the most part, many of these men have had lots of negative things spoken over their lives. But I have chosen to give them words of encouragement instead.
For instance, I would tell them that their lives are of great worth in the eyes of the Creator. And how, even in spite of incarceration and possessing a criminal record, they can still accomplish many good things as well as be a positive force in the lives of their peers. They could also have a good relationship with the Lord.
When the occasion presents itself, I would encourage them with words such as "Seek the Lord while He may be found, and call upon Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6), or "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser" (Proverbs 9:9).
But when all is said, I will always remind whomever I can to make your life count. If one of my fellow prisoners takes my words to heart, great! If not, it's his loss.
D.B.
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