Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Leniency (04/18/24)
-
TITLE: As Your Sins Deserve | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jack Taylor
04/22/24 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
The small bag of toiletries, along with a pair of underwear and socks, was all I owned now. The blue plaid shirt and the oversized jeans from the donation bin would have to keep me going until my sister could take me to the Thrift Shop. “Are you sure this isn’t a clerical error?” Jenelle had asked during my phone call the week before. “I don’t want to drive all the way up there for nothing.”
Somehow, the sun felt different out here as I waited for her. The songbirds were cheerier and the flowers brighter. The contrails of a jet lured me into thinking I could go anywhere. Of course, my probation officer and release restrictions choked off that thought.
“Harley, don’t let me see you back here again,” the warden warned from behind me. “Someone’s taking it easy on you. I’d advise you to get some religion, a good job, and mind your own business.”
That voice of Warden Barnes had echoed down the halls and into the cells of my prison block for over a decade and it now echoed into my head and heart. Religion? That’s what got me into this place.
The gang life was a brotherhood that helped me keep food on the table for my mom and two siblings. Mom slung hash at some diner but it wasn’t enough to get us by. The opportunities came easy for me and the rewards flowed. Mom’s warnings were clear. “Don’t you be doing things you ought not to be doing. I ain’t bailing you out if you’re crossing the line somewhere.” Most days I minded her.
Everything changed the day Devin Parks stepped into my neighborhood, setting up his microphone, and preaching the love of Jesus so I couldn’t ignore him. Frankly, he was invading our space and the place where our girls camped out for customers. When I was trying to display my wares for the regulars, evangelist Parks would step right in. “What you doing Harley?” he’d say. “Is this something that would make your momma and Jesus proud?”
I have no question that what happened was my fault. I complained to the gang leaders and they told me to take care of the problem. If I had known he was a hemophiliac I wouldn’t have used the shiv on him. It was meant to be a warning to give us space. He bled out before the ambulance could get there.
Of course, I take full responsibility. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be standing here on the side of the road. The other thing that opened the doors for my world is when the Parks family stood up in court saying they had forgiven me. Some member of the family has been writing to me every week, except one, for thirteen years. Keekee, Devin’s younger sister, has been the most faithful.
Her first letter hit me in the heart. “Dear Harley, my brother loved you and Jesus still loves you. I’m only ten but my brother was the best brother in the world. Jesus shed his blood for us and I guess my brother shed his blood for you. I read Psalm 103 which says that God doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve. I’m praying that for you. Love, Keekee.”
I had never cried before but I can tell you that Keekee’s letter got wet that day and a few others days after that. I’ve had that piece of paper as a bookmark in the Bible she sent me. Right now, it’s in the front pocket of my blue plaid shirt, right over my heart.
Standing in the parking lot, waiting for my sister, I can see Chaplain Taylor sitting in his car. He’s probably praying for the angry young men he’ll be talking to in a few minutes. Guys like me who made choices that sealed them away from the hope and freedom they needed. Maybe he’s praying Keekee’s prayer. “God, don’t treat them as their sins deserve.”
I aim to do that as soon as I get away from here.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
