"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned
how to be content with whatever I have."
Philippians 4:11 NLT
Life doesn't always go as we hope it would...
how to be content with whatever I have."
Philippians 4:11 NLT
Life doesn't always go as we hope it would...
And this can be true for anyone. It's definitely true for me, a man who has survived forty-seven years of incarceration, thanks to God's grace, and by those who've kept me in their prayers.
While today marks the sixteenth day of our lockdown. As it now stands, things have been on an even keel. In other words, in spite of all the inconveniences and restrictions we're now going through, we are probably doing better than most of those in other prisons here in New York State.
Being that each prison is run independently, an incarcerated individual may have more privileges in one facility than someone in another. As I mentioned in my earlier entries when the lockdown first began, here at Shawangunk, we've been allowed to shower daily. We can also go to the mess hall to eat our meals, instead of having to eat alone in our cells.
Nevertheless, it feels strange seeing soldiers from New York's National Guard walking around the prison's grounds. While every so often, several of them would walk down the tier I'm on to check on us to see what we're up to. Usually, they would walk in threes or fours. But they never travel alone, which is wise. Sometimes a correction officer would be with them, and sometimes not, as the prison guards are in short supply.
These cell checks go on all day long, even throughout the night. Normally these "welfare checks" would be done by the officers, making sure we inmates are alive and well. It's all a part of the routine of prison life.
But as far as the National Guard troops go, I could tell they're not comfortable being here. I don't blame them. This is not their element. But for the most part the prisoners have been courteous to them. I haven't heard of any bad incidents. We'll all be glad when this is over.
With this said, I believe the Lord is using the lockdown as a means of teaching me how to be content in any situation I may find myself in. I've been walking with Jesus long enough to know that He is fully capable of taking an unpleasant situation and turning it into a teaching tool, which is what this lockdown is really about.
As we like to say in our church fellowship, "God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good." How true!
D.B.
While today marks the sixteenth day of our lockdown. As it now stands, things have been on an even keel. In other words, in spite of all the inconveniences and restrictions we're now going through, we are probably doing better than most of those in other prisons here in New York State.
Being that each prison is run independently, an incarcerated individual may have more privileges in one facility than someone in another. As I mentioned in my earlier entries when the lockdown first began, here at Shawangunk, we've been allowed to shower daily. We can also go to the mess hall to eat our meals, instead of having to eat alone in our cells.
Nevertheless, it feels strange seeing soldiers from New York's National Guard walking around the prison's grounds. While every so often, several of them would walk down the tier I'm on to check on us to see what we're up to. Usually, they would walk in threes or fours. But they never travel alone, which is wise. Sometimes a correction officer would be with them, and sometimes not, as the prison guards are in short supply.
These cell checks go on all day long, even throughout the night. Normally these "welfare checks" would be done by the officers, making sure we inmates are alive and well. It's all a part of the routine of prison life.
But as far as the National Guard troops go, I could tell they're not comfortable being here. I don't blame them. This is not their element. But for the most part the prisoners have been courteous to them. I haven't heard of any bad incidents. We'll all be glad when this is over.
With this said, I believe the Lord is using the lockdown as a means of teaching me how to be content in any situation I may find myself in. I've been walking with Jesus long enough to know that He is fully capable of taking an unpleasant situation and turning it into a teaching tool, which is what this lockdown is really about.
As we like to say in our church fellowship, "God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good." How true!
D.B.