The Shadow Of Death
Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Dearly Beloved: May God’s grace, peace, love, joy and will to live be ever upon you. As many of my loyal readers know, I am currently housed at the max prison here in Massachusetts. Recently, former New England Patriot, Aaron Hernandez, took his own life. I never met Aaron. We were housed in different areas, but his reputation preceded him. He was a larger than life character with a magnetic personality. He was well known for his generosity and his faith in God. He was referred to by those who knew him as “Double A”. Even though I never met Aaron, his death had a profound affect on me. Like Aaron, I am serving a life sentence. Thoughts of ending my own life used to loom in my mind as well. My love for my children and family kept me sane and helped me to realize how much pain it would cause them. Most importantly, though, my faith in Jesus has led me to realize that I still have purpose. God has plans for me. Still, I can’t help but feel Aaron’s pain. I can’t help but understand his decision. I don’t know whether or not Aaron was guilty or innocent. It is not my place to judge him nor is it right to believe the media hype. Being a man serving a life sentence for crimes that I did not commit has both humbled me and opened my eyes. I am no longer so quick to judge. (more…)