This is Part 3 of our 6-part interview series. This inmate has requested to remain anonymous at this time.
Hi. I am thirty-one years old from Pasadena, California. I have made more mistakes than I can count. Recently, I was arrested for a drug-related crime. I never actually considered the impact my actions had on other people. I felt that my mistakes or choices affected me and me alone, but I was wrong. Well, over the last 3 years I have been inmate number ####, housed at the Somerset County Jail. This is not my first trip to jail, but this time is a lot different. I could tell you it’s different because I am looking at doing 25 years in federal prison, but that is not the reason I say things are different. This time around I’ve found that no one is going to help me out of the situation I have found myself in but God. I have given Him control of my life. I know that He has a plan for me and my life, so I feel comfort in knowing He is directing my path. I honestly believe that if I didn’t land in jail that I would not be here to write this letter today.
I also want to tell you that I have a much better view on life. I know now that one man can make a difference. So, every day I try to give back some of what I have taken from our communities. I don’t know where I am going on this path of life but I know that if I live by the scriptures that once this life is over there will be a place for me in heaven. I heard a saying once in the movie Shawshank Redemption, “Sometimes you have to crawl through s–t to come out clean.” Well I have to go through this stage in my life to move on to bigger and better things.
I miss my wife, kids and mother but what good to them was I? Now I have actually learned what it means to be a man and I thank God for showing me the way. I offer this look into my life as a reminder to seek God in all that you do and He will lead your path. He may not come when you want Him, but He will always be there when you need him. I am happy to report that I have found God and I’m now a born again Christian. So, no matter what happens to me, I feel comfort knowing that I have found GOD.