“Brought up the Right Way, but took the Wrong Turn”
All the Glory goes to God the Father and my Lord Jesus Christ. I come from a family that has struggled all their lives in all areas, such as church, family, jobs, finances, and so on. My mom always prayed to someone; I didn’t have a clue what or who she would be talking to, but she would always say, “Lord, keep my children in Your arms.” And now I truly do believe in my heart that the Lord heard that prayer. But as for me, I just made the choice to take the wrong turn in my life.
I started doing prison time on April 6, 1985. I came in the system with a life sentence plus 20 years. God has sustained me all these years, through hard times and also through good times. My main problem is that I always had to fight. It’s gotten me in trouble with God and the authorities. But one day, I was in cell #12 of the county jail and I just started to cry out to the Lord to help me if He’s real. I reflected back on the upbringing of my mom. And from that moment on, I didn’t feel the same. I’ve come to realize that the Lord has not left me in the midst of my circumstances. And I truly do thank Him for that and for the prayers of others that reached Heaven.
My momma came to visit me in the state penitentiary in 1992. She told me, “Son, when you quit fighting God and trust in Him, He can do wonders in your life.” But with me being in prison, I did not want to hear that kind of talk. I wanted some quick relief right then. But I could not see what God had in store, because I couldn’t see His Hand. I couldn’t see the Hand of God at work in my situation until April 16 of 2005. That’s when I went back to court and the life sentence was overturned.
I’ve been shouting for joy; because now, by the Lord’s Will, I have a release date!
That’s why I’m telling my fellow inmates no matter what turn you’ve taken in life, turn it over to the Lord and let Him handle it. Because if you’re like me, we’re going to mess it up.
Now I’m not all the way there yet, but as long as I have and keep the Faith, and trust in what my momma instilled in me, I’ll make it through this also. And that’s the way God wants me to be.
So brothers and sisters – keep the Faith and trust God. Be good to yourself and to others also.
Psalm 34:11-16. I truly stand on God’s Word.
