Dear Readers:
Last week was a test of faith in the midst of adversity. My mother, sister and two daughters came to visit. I had not seen my mother or sister for two and a half years. I planned their visit two and a half weeks in advance. I spoke to the administration and I was assured that I would be granted a two-hour contact visit. However, the day before the scheduled visit, I was told it would be a non-contact visit (behind glass) and I would not be allowed to hug and kiss my family. For a brief regretful moment, I lost my composure and acted out of character. You must understand that I love my family dearly. In fact, the only thing in existence that I love more than my family is my Lord. I spoke to my mom on the phone. I was very upset, but she calmed me down and told me to pray on it. She reminded me that I am saved and that I should not lose the peace that God has given me. I have been through a lot these past few years and I have grit and bared and taken all of it without complaint; For I have trusted in the Lord. This was the first time that I had lost my composure since being incarcerated. I did what my mother said. I prayed, I begged for forgiveness and I asked the Lord for His help. Later, I was able to negotiate with the administration. We came to a compromise. My visit was split in two; one hour non-contact and one hour contact.
My mother is not well. I fear she will die while I am in prison. Hugging and kissing her and the rest of the family meant so much to me. Praise God for He is good; for His mercy endures forever! I know it was my Lord who opened doors for me and made the visit possible. No matter how much I suffer, He always reveals Himself to me and lets me know He is with me. How blessed are we to have such a mighty, merciful God? I was reminded on that day that as a representative of God, I must maintain my composure and continue to trust in Him. We are called to show even greater faith in the face of adversity.
I am just a man and no more than an infant in the faith. I am prone to stumble and make mistakes. There are lessons to be learned each and every day. When we recognize our mistakes and correct them, we know that the Holy Spirit is working in us. For it is the Spirit that gives us our conscience and reveals our heart to us. Always put your faith in the Lord above all. Trust in Him!
I leave you with Philippians 4:6 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;”
May God bless and keep you! Love in Christ,
Randall