Another Letter

Evil is a word used to describe the absence of good, just as we use the word darkness to describe the absence of light or death to describe the absence of life. Both evil and darkness can be understood only in relation to light and good; they do not have any actual existence. I am light and I am good. I am love and there is no darkness in me. Light and Good actually exist. So, removing yourself from me will plunge you into darkness. Declaring independence will result in evil because, apart from me, you can draw only upon yourself. That is death because you have separated yourself from me: Life. ~ The Shack

Man bro, I read that and was like WOW! In fact, I said the exact same thing as the man God was speaking with. I just hadn’t read far enough to know his response.

How are you? I’m well bro for real. God is good and I praise His Holy Name for everything He’s done. Grace and Peace indeed! We’ll get to a few of those things here in a minute, first things first.

How’s Sara and your son? Miss you guys, man. Been a while since I’ve had people like you two around. Two of a kind I’m sure of it. Lil guy is getting big huh? I’ll meet him soon. God’s got something planned for me.

How’s the church family? Can’t wait to come home man. Feel like this is training camp or something. Been burying myself in books and different things to give me a better understanding of my Father. I actually started VBC – Victory Bible College – last Sunday. 30, 16 hour courses, nothing major but I will get and use the opportunity to further my growth in Christ.

Man bro, I can’t shut up about God! I’m on the yard talking about God. I thank my Father for his grace. Bro, I’m actually happy! Been a long time since I’ve been happy. So many tears, frowns and painful nights. I feel as if I’ve seen a portion of hell, but through the dark, Abba Father got me and held me close. No more darkness. I was witnessing to a brother today. Showing my battle wounds and scars. I know where I’ve been, I know where God’s brought me from. And through it all, He still loves me. Everyone needs to know about this Love.


I told you that I’ve hooked up with a few other men of Christ. We do our best to keep each other’s spirits up and help each other out. I’m kind of a solo individual though. But these are my bro’s, nonetheless. Four of my favorite guys to be around are Tapia – he looks like a Mexican Doug from the show “King of Queens.” Only short. Strong in faith. The guy is a blessing to anyone he comes in contact with.


Then you have Pollywood – at first glance, you’d see ‘all business, no nonsense strait to the point type of guy.’ And at times he is, but Pollywood is a blast to be around. He has an I’ll tell you the truth, so if you can’t handle it don’t ask’ type of character about him.


Man of God. ‘Papa’ – Bobby Sanders – He’s the one who is about mid-50’s, but beams as if he’s 10 years old all the time. Keeps us all laughing and has so much knowledge and wisdom, Richard. This guy is amazing and such a blessing to be around. His testimony is amazing bro. All these guys have extraordinary testimonies, but ‘Papa’ sticks out the most to me. This guy shines so bright with the Holy Spirit bro. I touch him every day to get a piece of his happiness to go along with my own. You’d never think he had all the time he has. God is evident in El Reno Federal Correctional Institution.


Last is Santiago, as much as I’d like to consider myself a soldier, this would be the guy who has been in and out of battle so many times he lost count of all the victories. My brother, man. He reminds me of me so much. He’s done and been through enough to realize that he’s truly blessed to be alive and still have an out date one day. And now, he is a warrior of the Father and pushes the line on Satan, helping us all with our walk as we do him. Powerful soldier of God and you know what? He reminds me of you. He helped me take those first few steps back in the faith. And showed me how to really trust God. Like I said, God is here bro. We are holding it down and leading by example. Pray for us man and know that the Squad is strong as ever here at El Reno. I’ll send you pictures soon.

I’ve talked to my sister, she’s doing better. Man, I wish I were there with her. Miss her and want better for her. Thank you for hooking her up with Nancy. True blessing. Our Father moves, doesn’t he?

I wanted to ask you about John Chapman. Did he ever become a pastor? And how is he? Good man, right there, Richard. And Nathan Holloway and Chris? Let me know how they are and to be honest I’d like email addresses to put on my mailing lists. It’d be cool to speak to those guys again. Let me know about that.

I have my mother’s picture sitting up on my bed. She’s smiling at me. I know she’s proud and really smiling at her son now. Took a while but I’m not running from my responsibility any longer. “Son of a Soldier.” Miss her, but I’ll see her again one of these days. God has some things He wants me to do. I believe those things are great.

Oh year, before I forget, these guys at church don’t know ‘Shout to the Lord.’ You think someone could send me the music and lyrics for the praise team band? Get with me on that. Please let them know I appreciate any other songs they would like to send as well. Just try and send the music as well.

Well, it’s getting late big bro. I gotta get some sleep. Up early breakfast is the best of the week on Wednesday morning. Love you bro and please tell Sara I’m happy to be an uncle. Stay up Richard and since everyday is a struggle, pray for us as I pray for you and my church family. Kind of don’t want to end the letter, feel as if I’m talking directly to you over a cup of coffee. Soon enough, right? God already told me, I’ll be home sooner than what these people say. Pray for my family and sister. And pray that the Judge finds it in his heart to grant me another chance.

To my brother and Pastor
With love of a younger brother
And solider in Christ!
~ Tori

P.S. Most birds were created to fly. Being grounded for them is a limitation within their ability to fly, not the other way around. You, on the other hand, were created to be loved. So for you to live as if you were un-loved is a limitation, not the other way around. Living unloved is like clipping a bird’s wings and removing its ability to fly. Not something I want for you. ~ The Shack

Sometimes we hurt so bad, all we see is our pain. Sometimes we lose sight of God. But I know now, my Father never left me. Was there the whole time. Go in love, grace and peace Bro.

I Am Second: Bradford

St. Louis lost their season opener, but look like they are going to be a strong team this year. I imagine that several OU fans will now become Rams fans due to the Bradford effect. He is extremely talented and it looks like he will have a truly successful NFL career. But I don't like him for any of those reasons. I like Bradford because he seems to be a young man with great character. After I watched this video, my intuitions were confirmed... so I think I'm going to follow the Rams a little more closely this year.

Seeds

7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
~ Galatians 6:7-10

We reap what we sow. If we sow apple seeds, we’re not going to get grapefruits. And if we plant tomatoes, we won’t receive watermelons. Some folks call it Karma and may understand it in different ways, but we know it as this Biblical principle. The Lord ordered this relational world in such a way so that we reap what we sow.

We are in the farming business. We are in the seed planting business. And those seeds take time to germinate, grow roots, and develop before they begin to produce fruit. After sharing these things on Sunday, I received a powerful letter from my friend Tori this week that confirmed God’s word. Tori was involved in the youth ministry and his family were some of the first and most faithful members of our congregation. Sadly he drifted from God, made some bad choices and ended up in prison. We have recently reconnected and here is the letter I received this week.

8-30-2010


Pastor Richard,

Sup bro? How’s the wife and son? Once again, congratulations on your upcoming new edition as well. Would love to be there, but God has something He wants me to do right now. Feels like training camp or something around here. Maybe it is… Doing time isn’t easy but I’m alright, really.

How’s the church doing? I’m sure they congregation has exploded now that you’re back. Wish I were there to catch your sermons, man. You know, I’ve been away since ’07, and honestly, every time I think about peace, I see New Life (ROC) and our friends. Smiling faces fill my thoughts and that’s when my day becomes cool. That’s what made me ask for some pictures. I hope I wasn’t asking for too much, if so it’s cool bro, really. Get me when you can.

God’s been taking care of me. After all this time, I’m still in His favor, man. You know how that makes me feel? Like I shouldn’t have ever turned away. But Pastor Richard, I was a coward. A true coward who ran from the path God set in front of me. That’s what happened man. I ran from the responsibility of being on the frontline 4 God. I’m sorry man. When Satan came at with guns blazing, I ran. Ran to the money, the women, the violence. And when my mother passed, I felt that God was turning His back, so I literally turned my even more. Went deeper into my wayz. Cowardess. I was so angry at God man. I was hurt. And when someone hurts you, instinctively your flesh wants to hurt them back. I didn’t want that, I just wanted to get away from the pain I was feeling. I got deeper into the life of the streets. They comforted me in a way. You know, they have a warm embrace for a short time. But one thing I learned was that the streets are loyal to no one. They love no one. The sad thing about it, some people never realize this and continue to 4give her trespasses. Even me. I’ve been robbed, stabbed, shot at, and beat within an inch of my life, literally. And that’s barely tipping the iceberg between my actions toward others. I didn’t realize God wanted me to come back all this time.

I think I’m here because God wanted to slow me down long enough to show what’s real. You know what I realized about the last time I was in His embracing arms? I wasn’t grounded in the word. I realize now that the word is vital to being a true child of God. So when the storm came, I fell… Not now though. I’m finally for the first time ever, actually studying. I’m 4real walking with Pops. Pray for me to stay strong, please. Pray for my sister as well. And if you get a chance have Sara, Allison call her 4 me, please. I want her to have positive role models like she used to have. Someone strong in the word and a genuine good person, Sara has always been the best example and Allison is right beside her. Please don’t 4get about us Pastor. I’m asking you to recognize us as lost sheep right now.

Well, I have to write my sister. Please stay strong and confident that you reach us. Those seeds you and the others planted in our hearts has finally sprouted and have begun to grow. One day we will bear fruit and continue the cycle until God calls us home. God is good and to Him, all praises are due, man. Maybe one day soon we’ll be side by side on the field again.

Last summer a friend asked me over the phone what I wanted out of life. What I was looking 4? That question rings now as I write this letter. I want to commit myself to doing the will of my Father, He who I now have my missing piece. In whom I now have my peace. Thanks again, man.

Sorry, I get enthusiastic when on this topic. Seems like its so much to tell you and 15 minutes on the phone is nothing. I know you’re busy but when you get a chance, slide up here bro, come holla at your old friend. Better yet your little brother in the feds. Give the church my love and pray 4 me to stay focused.

Always and for sure,

Tori

P.S. I’ve been thinking about the old crew, Nathan, John and Jennifer, Lacy, Nancy, Trevor and Jamie. How’s everyone doing man? If you speak to them, tell them I said “Hello”. Man I keep thinking about you all. I’m sure everyone is graduated and on with their lives, so just tell them all I’m proud of them, alright? Talk to you later Pastor.

ROC Flock ~ 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.