Short Stories

Come Out Of That Prison

by Tesse Wilson
09/20/17
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Jesse did not think he was much of a speaker. He stuttered a lot since he was a child, especially when he was nervous. This was something  he was conscious of and felt embarrassed about. But he could not say opportunity. Two weeks ago he was invited to share something positive with inmates at the prison where he served a twelve year sentence.

Jesse whispered a silent prayer asking God for his help as he alighted his vehicle.  He became very emotional as he entered the prison gate. After security checks, he was escorted to a room with prison guards and inmates. He greeted the guards and chatted briefly with some of his former inmates.

The moment came, it was Jesse's turn to speak. He began his presentation nervously; afraid to make eye contact, head down reading from his notes. He told of a conversation he had five years ago with an elderly lady. This woman was a regular visitor to the prison, but he only agreed to speak with her a few days before he was released. He recounted that at first he told her he was not into the religious mumbo jumbo stuff. However, what she shared with him gave him more than a glimmer of hope, even though at that time he acted as though her words had no affect on him. 

As Jesse continued he became more relaxed and confident. He took his eyes from his notes, lifted his head, looked to his attentive audience  and spoke from his heart.

This is what Jesse said, “I want to say to you the same thing this elderly woman said to me. My friends, do not live in two prisons. In other words you are already in a physical prison, but you do not have to live also in a mental prison. A mental prison where you allow your past mistakes to keep you bound. Perhaps not all of you are in a mental prison. But to the ones who are, I want to encourage you to step out of that mental prison. Today if you have limited yourself I challenge and encourage to set a goal, be the best you can be.  

Friends make use of the resources available to improve your lives. Step out of that mental prison; go finish that high school diploma, go ahead get the degree, go polish your talents and abilities, write that poem, that song, play that instrument, sing, and dance. Each one of you have a God- given talent. Go on learn something new. Go write that person who you need to apologize to, the one you hurt. Do not be afraid of rejection. Go ahead feel remorse it does not make you a weak person. Go on reach out to your son, your daughter. Go on forgive your father, your mother, that person who hurt you, yes the one who abandoned you, the one you took the fall for ,who has never visited you, those who lied on you, yes the one who abused you. Forgive them.  Forgive yourself. Go ahead love yourself. Stop feeling guilty about loving yourself. Stop punishing yourself. Take care of yourself,  pay attention to your health, ask to see the prison doctor. Inspite of what you have done. You have a purpose. You have potential. You can still make a positive contribution right here; starting in the lives of each other.

Friends, I use to think very little of myself. I  thought I would never be able to speak in front of an audience. I thought I would never be able to move pass the fact that I committed a crime. Here I am! I came out of that mental prison. Join me! Yes I have struggled, but I found a friend in the Lord Jesus Christ. This same Jesus who said I do not condemn you, go and sin no more to the woman caught in adultery. This woman was brought to Jesus by her accusers. They wanted him to pronounce judgment upon her, but Jesus showed her mercy. Jesus is saying to you that he does not condemn you even if the accusations  made against you are true.  Jesus offers you forgiveness because he died for your sins and mine. He offers you the gift of salvation (deliverance) so that sin and sinful desires will no longer dominate you. My Friends, you can  experience mental and spiritual freedom in this physical prison.”

 Jesse ended by saying, “Friends, I encourage you to reach out to Jesus. He is reaching out to you... Jesus loves you and he cares about you.” 

 By Tesse Wilson