Today marks 7 years since my false conviction and unjust incarceration. I have grown to stop bemoaning the issue and to learn what the Lord wants me to glean from this situation that He has continued to allow! 1
Over the past 365 weeks, I have written reflections of each
of the previous 100 days. It is interesting to read over my 25+ reflections and
take note of the way that the Holy Spirit has helped me to develop, mature, and
rise above the fray.
Recently, the Lord has been challenging me to not only not
allow my (His) standards to slip, but He has called me to be very mindful of
the motives that drive my behavior. His word has reminded me that it is my
actions (as observed by others) that can silence the ignorant quidnunc through service
to others, as well as displaying non-judgmental compassion.2
A few weeks ago, He drove this point home in what I thought
was a very poignant and public venue. I had been blessed to eat a bowl of
richly red, deliciously sweet, and icy cold watermelon. It was a reaffirming
reward for a 5th year in a row of having zero inventory shortages in
our inmate canteen. This rarely heard of long season of profit brought a great
amount of praise, credit and favor upon my staff supervisors whom I work for.
They in turn blessed me for my hard work and honesty. 3
Later that afternoon, as is my normal daily routine, I went out
for my 5pm 2.5-mile run. It was a typical excruciatingly hot and humid July
afternoon. There were not too many other men on the track. What few there were
decided to remove their shirts, which is against yard policy. After my 2.5-mile
run, I was slowly jogging a cool down lap. I decided to wipe my brow with my
shirt; then to flip the front over my head and behind my neck.
Just as soon as I exposed my torso the unit officer stepped
out onto the yard and yelled my name across the field; personally, calling me
out, while allowing the rest of the dozen or so men to go unchecked.
I was immediately compliant. As I continued with my cool
down lap, I complained to the Lord that I rarely, purposefully, break any
policy expectations. 99% of the time, I have had exemplary behavior for the
past 2557 days. So, why not allow myself a cool down lap without my shirt on,
like the rest of the men were doing on this 100 degree plus day? Why did I have to be singled out?
His answer to me was a swift and acute: “You ate the watermelon,
so wear the shirt!” He then proceeded to let me know that I am expected to
continue to be compliant with every nuance Policy Operation and procedure, no
matter how I feel abut them. I have asked for and been overwhelmingly granted
the blessings of Manasseh and Ephriam4 during this unjust incarceration.
In return, He has asked for me to remain obedient to even the seemingly trivial
rules that the authority of this foreign culture5 has over me. 6
As I continue this Armenianistic peregrination it is
important to me that I not be “two-faced”.7 That, like the moon, I
reflect the character, conduct, conversation, and consciousness of the Son. 8
Because He loved me so much 2019-ish years ago to be my atoning
sacrifice, I want to mirror that same love today by serving those around me in
the hope that they find His purpose in their life. 9 Because He
loved me from the creation of humanity, I want to be obedient to what He
personally tasked me to do; even while unjustly incarcerated: to eat the
watermelon and to ear the shirt. 10
1.
Luke 7:18-23
2.
I Peter 2:11-15
3.
Gen 39:20-23
4.
Gen 41:51-52
5.
Daniel 1
6.
Titus 3:1-2
7.
Ps 119:113
8.
Isaiah 30:25, Prov 27:19 (day #2500)
9.
Phil 2:12-18
10.
Lev 26:1-4
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