Musings and insights from a twenty-something man inside the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
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Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Saga of the Journal - Part 3: "Be careful who you talk to"
Last night the lieutenant came to my cell and told me to pack up to move back to my dorm. Just as he had assured me, I got out on Tuesday. When I got back in the dorm, the guys congratulated me on getting our and asked how my vacation went. They said that when Buzz Cut came in to gather my stuff, he said that I would be gone for a long time. When someone asked when I'd be back, he said probably never.
"Don't you know he runs 75% of the unit?"
I just started laughing when I heard that absurd statement. I don't run anything except a D&D game every now and then.
Turns out that the dorm went to commissary yesterday, so everyone has lockers full of food. I missed out, being back in solitary. I'm glad a few of the guys share with me because there are some days when the dining hall just doesn't cut the mustard.
This morning I went to the lieutenant's office to thank him for being so level-headed about the investigation and not just laying down the law like some of the other guards do. I also asked if there was anything I needed to do. He said all I needed to do is never share my blog with any staff again.*
"It is a very vague infraction," he said. I asked when I could get my property back and if I could go to commissary because my dorm went the previous day. He said commissary was probably out of the picture, but he would talk with the property officer about getting my stuff back.
Now it's back to normal prison life starting with class this morning and the moving picture box that makes evil distractions.
* Note to prison staff from the blog editors: We hope that you enjoy reading this blog. It is here primarily to help the writer maintain relationships with his friends and family on the outside and, as stated in the very first entry on December 8, 2007 -
"This blog is a way for me to not only make sense of the other culture on the inside but to process and share my thoughts on prison life and the experiences that I encounter. My hope is that what you read here offers you a glimpse into what it's like to be incarcerated and what goes on for those Waiting On the Inside."
Happy reading! - The Editors
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9 comments:
Hi There!
I was just browsing through blogs here on blogger and happened across your blog. I spent most of last night catching up on your posts.
I just want you to know that I think this blog is amazing. I have a 23 year old son who is an addiict, in spite of his attempts to stay clean, and as much as I fear it, I'm afraid that his most reccent choices will soon catch up to him and land him in prison as well.
Throughout many of his junvenile incarcerations it's been his faith that has kept him strong. In spite of the invetitable legal issues that are hanging over his head, he is trying to renew his faith in God. Your blog gives me hope. Thank you.
If you don't mind, I have added you to my blog roll and will continue to check in with you. You will be in my prayers. And if I might add, I think that continuing your blog after your release would be helpful to many as well.
Take care,
Susan
I stayed up til 3am the other night reading this blog - it was like when I cross stitch - just one more page...how many hours later ;-)
Thank you for your efforts in "processing". I've always wondered what it is like on the inside for believers. I've read Wurmbrand and his wife's accounts and The Heavenly Man but the US is different - praise God. We are rooting for you in the spirit! Love, Cheri
CHeri,
Thanks for your encouraging comments. We are always excited when someone "finds" this blog and hopes that it is a source of strength and "enlightenment."
Yes, things are different in the U.S. This figure from the New York Times, April 23, 2008:
Inmate Count in U.S. Dwarfs Other Nations’ - The United States has less than 5 percent of the world’s population. But it has almost a quarter of the world’s prisoners. (See http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/23/us/23prison.html)
Is it any wonder that The U.S.' esteem continues to slide in the eyes of the rest of the world?
Dear Auburn haired artist,
Thanks for taking the time to read our blog and keep us in your prayers. It is God's grace that draws these young men and women into God's presence and His kindness that leads them (and us!) to repentance. We will pray for your family, also, as your faith is tested and results in greater honor for Christ (1 Peter 1:6-9) Keep in touch!
When the world says, "Give up,"
Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."
I would like to add a link to your blog on our blog and website. Would that be okay with you? We are a network of people and prison ministries, not just in-prison ministries but all types of ministries for inmates, ex-offenders, families, victims...the list goes on.
I believe your insights and honesty will be helpful to people in prison ministry. Your blog not only helps you process your journey but gives insight to those on the outside (even the ones who have been going in for years to minister) and a glimpse of the feelings and thoughts of a man behind bars.
We are proud of you for sharing your heart and for allowing our God strengthen you day by day.
God Bless,
DFS
I forgot to click the box to have followup comments sent to our email address
Dear DFS,
This note from the editor: We are proud of R Johnson, too, for sharing his heart and allowing God to use him in ways that we could never imagine.
"One must really have suffered oneself to help others."
Mother Teresa
Can I add a link to your blog on COPE's blog?
Yes, Please do post a link on COPE's blog. We are always excited when we can instrumental in serving others and sharing the Good News.
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