In chapter 11 of “Unshackled, From Ruin to Redemption” I share how my friendship with Henry began. He offered some good advice to our struggling Quarterback as our football team practiced out in the prison yard. Although we both struggled and searched for satisfaction using drugs, we both came to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the eternal life we all crave. Henry’s constant encouragement in my life and his ability to affirm the ministry I was doing …
How can something become so out of control? How can an Institution go from smooth running to total chaos in just minutes as I write about in my book Unshackled? How can life change all of a sudden? There isn’t an answer that fits all, but I am convinced God is unchanging and unshaken by any sudden emergency in our lives. He is Sovereign. Because of the impact of Adam’s original sin, we may have to suffer circumstances of it. …
That night still remains vivid in my mind. It wasn’t a single act or some radical moment that stands out, but that I was in the middle of one of the worst prison riots in the United States and walked through it untouched. While so many thoughts ran through my head the moment it when it all begun, the explosion of violence and mayhem erupted, the one thing that anchored me was my relationship with Christ. He didn’t exactly tell …
The other day I ordered Internet service which was new to me. Spectrum sent me a modem, a router, a bunch of wires, numerous AC adapters and a couple instruction pamphlets. Simply opening the box made me sweat. I stepped back, took a breath and began with the Instructions. Before I knew it, I had successfully connected the entire system. I did so by following the Instructions. Thank you Spectrum for picture illustrations. In my book Unshackled, I wrote about …
The past few weeks have been the most heart-breaking and yet the most fruitful moments since my release from a Life Sentence in April 2012. My beautiful sister, Mary Teresa, recently passed away from cancer two days after arriving in Pennsylvania for a week-long speaking schedule. My sister had responded in a text to my itinerary the week before arriving, “Wow, you are a busy guy for sure.” Looking back over the trip I am reminded of a few things. …
There’s not a single event, nor will there ever be that God will not use to further His Kingdom, once it passes through the Sovereign hands of Jesus. In my book Unshackled, From Ruin to Redemption, I write about an experience that enslaved me for years. The ability to overcome came when the Holy Spirit reminded me of God’s Word to treat those who hurt us differently so the character of our heavenly Father can be revealed in His sons …
Some years ago, as I read over a favorite scripture in the Bible – one I memorized, quoted and studied out. The Holy Spirit said, “You don’t believe it.” I began this exchange: “Yes I do.” His response, “No you don’t.” And of course I’d say, “Yes I do!” That’s when He said “Go look in the mirror and tell yourself you’re Awesome!” Immediately I thought that’s dead. Not happening. That’s dumb. But reluctantly I did or at least tried …
Occasionally, I find myself flooded with thoughts of the numerous people who have influenced my life over the years. From Larry Titus, to Warner, and even Clyde. Each has played a significant roll in my spiritual growth. In my book Unshackled: From Ruin To Redemption, I share about my first month as a Christian. Wow! I’m STILL in AWE of how great JESUS is, how HE transforms live yielded to Him. By permitting the Word of God to change my …
The morning I received Christ as Savior in the Chapel at SCI-Camp Hill, something tangible occurred within me. Something changed my life. I was a different person after that prayer. In Unshackled, From Ruin to Redemption, I share a dozen pages about making a commitment to live for Jesus Christ. Here are a few tangible to count on after receiving Christ as Savior: 1) You desire to read the Bible. 2) You want to Pray. 3) You fellowship with others …
As a teen without transportation, I learned how to hitch-hike rides. I would often visit a girlfriend who lived twenty miles away. I was successful half the time recalling the frigid winter nights along the narrows, and the long, dark, winding roads I walked and jogged, especially around Lake Winola. I was motivated by love and determined to get there – no matter what it took. Ten years into my incarceration I became a follower of Christ. Motivated by His …