REFLECTIVE THOUGHTS
PAUSE & CONSIDER
BOOKS FOR PRISONFor several months I've wished to donate some of my books to the prison population, particularly those in solitary. The content is inspirational, spiritual in harmony with nature. What the research turns up shows religious gifts are discouraged. I need a lead. Can anyone help me?
MADE ANEW
God transforms a hard heart into a tender one once His love is received.
CHRISTIANITY
Christianity seems to be all over the map these days. Its beliefs, purpose, practices, doctrine, theology, the spiritual-social connection, and it's biblical interpretations are varied. Some common ground is needed as a uniter. What common ground? Christ with His message of life.
TRUTH TALKERS
I think it's important to be a truth talker. There's lots of pressure to say what society wants you to say ... at all times. That's not freedom, it's control. I've noticed the insincerity of it all. It's hard to be a truth talker when you know you'l get stomped on. Still do it.
HEALING PLACES
How beautiful it is when the church lives its mission with compassion, grace, hope, love and acceptance. Christ lived it, modeled it, offered it. His arms are open for all.
CHARACTER
Interesting how this works. At 90 my dad's character still comes through. Today one of his new friends where he now lives had this to say, "I like your dad. He has a clean mind. He wouldn't hurt anyone." She's noticed his graciousness. My dad loves the Lord. His life speaks to it.
WHEN IT'S HARD
God is good. God is faithful. God is just. Somehow the knowing of these truths is freeing to me. I know I can trust Him no matter what, no matter how hard it is, no matter how contradictory it may seem from my perspective. Like others, I stress, get confused, despair. Nevertheless, through it all I know God knows what I do not. I can rest in that knowledge.
People in prison are desperate to read anything; I've never heard anything about religious books being discouraged. On the contrary, inmates tend to be open to reading just about anything and they're often ripe for the Gospel. I think it would be most effective if you could donate the books AND perhaps a bit of your time. I know a handful of individuals who gave their lives to Christ while serving time.
ReplyDeleteThe websites I looked on said to not donate any religious paraphanalia. I think the personal contact is a good starting point. Thank you for your suggestions. Appreciate it.
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