It happens often…
I will get into a friendly conversation with a fellow convict who's a member of a gang. We will start out talking about prison life in general, then about our families and loved ones, followed by the crimes we're doing time for. While last, will come the humble admissions of regret and sorrow at the realization of having walked down a very self-destructive path in life.
Perhaps it's because I am an easy person to talk to, and they know I am something of an unofficial minister, that guys will come to me and start sharing whatever's on their minds. They know as well that they'll have a sympathetic audience in me, and one who will also keep their personal details about our conversations private.
With "gangbangers" (guys who are in gangs) it's usually the same story. There's regret for getting wrapped up in this dead-end lifestyle in the first place, and frustration for not listening to their instincts to run away from it all. Then finally getting arrested, which obviously was going to happen sooner or later, and now having to be dragged through the criminal justice system. I myself know the journey well.
Throughout the years, I have shared stories like this in both my journal and in other writings, too. It's the same old tale of woe that gets told over and over. That being having to grow up in a neighborhood where
hardcore gang activity abounds, while at the same time trying to escape the pressure to join a crew of
wannabe thugs and outlaws, can itself be a challenge fraught with danger.
It's a territorial thing. One group controls a particular street, while another claims ownership of the street next to it. Trying to avoid them can be difficult. Even the local playground and nearby park is under the control of yet another mob of thugs. This is not a world for weak or unaffiliated men. The levels of peer pressure to join a gang can be intense.
It's easy for the public to rant against gangs. But there must be alternatives, and I know there are many
groups and organizations who are working on this. But obviously they cannot save every young man living in the "hood." Some will get sucked into a gang, and that's reality.
Yet from my own observations throughout the years, a majority of these individuals who claim membership in a gang never really wanted to be a part of one. Nor did they want to live a life of crime. They joined because they were pressured to. It's something of an invisible chain that you don't even realize you're wearing until you want to get away from it all, and realize you cannot.
It's the same sad story that always begins with, "I wish I never..." Dreams of what could have abounded. But now they're doing prison time, some for decades, and some for the remainder of their natural lives.
I'm here to listen to these men. They know I care. I will share my thoughts and suggestions, and my faith, with them whenever they allow me to. I will also tell them about God's forgiveness. I will likewise remind every man never to lose hope. And if I've only touched one life for the better, I will rejoice just knowing this.
What comes to mind with all this is what Jesus Christ said to his followers, and to all who will listen:
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28 in the New Living Translation).
D.B.
Perhaps it's because I am an easy person to talk to, and they know I am something of an unofficial minister, that guys will come to me and start sharing whatever's on their minds. They know as well that they'll have a sympathetic audience in me, and one who will also keep their personal details about our conversations private.
With "gangbangers" (guys who are in gangs) it's usually the same story. There's regret for getting wrapped up in this dead-end lifestyle in the first place, and frustration for not listening to their instincts to run away from it all. Then finally getting arrested, which obviously was going to happen sooner or later, and now having to be dragged through the criminal justice system. I myself know the journey well.
Throughout the years, I have shared stories like this in both my journal and in other writings, too. It's the same old tale of woe that gets told over and over. That being having to grow up in a neighborhood where
hardcore gang activity abounds, while at the same time trying to escape the pressure to join a crew of
wannabe thugs and outlaws, can itself be a challenge fraught with danger.
It's a territorial thing. One group controls a particular street, while another claims ownership of the street next to it. Trying to avoid them can be difficult. Even the local playground and nearby park is under the control of yet another mob of thugs. This is not a world for weak or unaffiliated men. The levels of peer pressure to join a gang can be intense.
It's easy for the public to rant against gangs. But there must be alternatives, and I know there are many
groups and organizations who are working on this. But obviously they cannot save every young man living in the "hood." Some will get sucked into a gang, and that's reality.
Yet from my own observations throughout the years, a majority of these individuals who claim membership in a gang never really wanted to be a part of one. Nor did they want to live a life of crime. They joined because they were pressured to. It's something of an invisible chain that you don't even realize you're wearing until you want to get away from it all, and realize you cannot.
It's the same sad story that always begins with, "I wish I never..." Dreams of what could have abounded. But now they're doing prison time, some for decades, and some for the remainder of their natural lives.
I'm here to listen to these men. They know I care. I will share my thoughts and suggestions, and my faith, with them whenever they allow me to. I will also tell them about God's forgiveness. I will likewise remind every man never to lose hope. And if I've only touched one life for the better, I will rejoice just knowing this.
What comes to mind with all this is what Jesus Christ said to his followers, and to all who will listen:
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28 in the New Living Translation).
D.B.
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