October 29, 2012

Hello World!

God will not be defeated. That knowledge gives me strength beyond measure. What am I talking about? Kindness, caring, being remembered and reminded that haters never win even if they have the right.

For the first ten years of my incarceration, around the holidays, a non-profit organization provided each inmate with a small bag of candy and nuts. They were tasty treats that warmed inmates' hearts. They were also reminders and examples that kindness is the hallmark of humankind.

Sadly, a victims' rights organization lobbied to prevent the donations, and were successful. Now, I would never deny a victim of crime a thing. If a victim needs to hate me or all of us to feel better, I would never say otherwise. However, the question is often asked - what example are you setting? What do you want me to learn? Fortunately, being carried on Jesus' shoulders I can see beyond the retribution to the many outstretched hands that only want me to be restored to a nature of goodwill toward all men. However, many caged inmates only feel the sting of the boot. They don't understand that victims are in pain - many times immeasurable. Instead of realizing they began turning the wheel of suffering, inmates foster resentment for the ill treatment. This prevents them from growing, learning, and changing. The cycle repeats. Case in point, California's 80% recidivism rate.

As I said, God will not be defeated. Tonight before chow an announcement was made that care packages would be passed out. The Hand of Hope - Joyce Meyer Ministries donated to each inmate an uplifting book, a bottle of shampoo, a bar of soap, and a letter reminding us that we have not been forgotten, and the ministry is praying for us. Awesome! The book I received was titled Reduce Me to Love. I will gobble it up. I will thank God. I will pray that whoever in the Department of Corrections saw the goodness in allowing the donation, that he or she will be abundantly blessed.

Listening to the many comments by Christians and non-Christians, all had the same sentiment - "Wow! Someone cares."

That someone is God and I will always try to do His will even if my body is covered in boot marks.

Thanks for checking in on me.

Cordially,

Gregory Barnes Watson
D-67547 C-14-104-U
PO Box 409060
Ione, CA 95640

Novel: A Thundering Wind, Amazon.com

Thank you to: joycemeyer.org