A concern in my life...

Bassman · #1 24th February 2007, 11:49 AM

After spending considerable time in the "For All Members" section of the forum, I am posting here specifically for any help in one area of my life. I've been saved since February 16, 1989 and have come to know that G-d has loved me regardless of the fact that I make some of the stupidest and silliest choices in my life (and who doesn't??).

ANYWAYS....

The area in my life that I'm having trouble with is this. For most of my life, I never saw the business end of the Criminal Justice System. That is, until December 7, 1996 when two fire investigators here in my hometown of Buffalo intimidated me into confessing to a fire, even though the truth is, I never did it. So there I was, arrested and sitting in a filthy holding cell for the next day and a half until I was bailed out. After the obligatory felony hearing, which BTW, the DA waived in order to present directly to a grand jury, I spent the next two months wondering what was happening, and hoping for complete exoneration because I was supposed to have a solid alibi defense. Around the end of February, I got a call from my court appointed attorney that my defense had fallen through and that I had to plead out (If I didn't, the prospect was to have been up to 15 years' State time). Now, while awaiting sentencing, both of my maternal grandparents died within six days of each other (talk about adding insult to injury). So what happened?? Five years' probation, out $7500USD in restitution and assorted fees and surcharges, and a felony conviction that will dog me for the rest of my earthly life. Let me tell you the feelings of despondency and depression had settled in for the next year or so. It even got to a point where death was welcome. Although I had to forgive the authorities and even myself, it was (and still is) not easy. About a year and a half later (and this is where the anger has really set in) I come to find out that they (the authorities) knew full well that I was indeed never involved. And since this was through 3rd party info, it was hearsay, so inadmissible.

Here's my dilemma. With a family to provide for, a felony locks me out of certain jobs. And the feelings of anger and despondency keep rearing their ugly heads. So what can be done as far as employment prospect (just so you folks know, I'm not interested in the nickel-and-dime Ricky-tick "side work", and I am a dunce when it comes to starting my own business) what can I do?? I hold a Class A Commercial Driver's Licence but because of my family situation, I'm needing to be close to home, so going over the road is out. Thoughts??

ChowdersMom · #2 25th February 2007, 03:22 PM

I'm sorry, Bassman. I have no advice to give, but I can certainly pray for you and I shall do that.

peacechild4 · #3 28th February 2007, 07:53 PM

My thoughts are...

God is the answer to all your needs...

God can get you through this.. and Jesus has promised to be with you always..

I don't have any answers.. but God can do impossible things.. He can make a way where there is no way..

Trust in the Lord.. with all your heart.. lean not on your own understanding.. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.. Proverbs 3:5-6

I think the more difficult the situation.. the more wonderful His deliverance..

I will pray for you too.. Keep coming back here to post and share.. then I will keep remembering to pray..

God can do anything.. and everything.. You will find peace.. strength.. guidance through Him and looking to Him.. Press into Him with all You have... seek Him.. and dwell in His Word.. I think the more desperate we are.. the greater need we have to press in.. and trust God.. He will do this for you as you trust in Him.. and He can get you through..

Dear Father God, I come to You because Jesus made the way open.. I pray through Jesus name.. Father I know so little.. and can do so little to help this one who asks.. But I CAN lift his needs to You.. and ohhh.. that brings comfort to my soul.. That You who created the world.. will guide him.. Father his needs are many.. but Your strength is made perfect in our weakness!! Thank You for hearing our prayers.. for being there to hear us.. For not deserting us even when we are at fault.. Father forgive us.. Yes and thank You for forgiving us.. Father thank You that this one comes to ask for help.. Father let him see that in You.. there is help and hope.. Father guide him forward.. Let him see what he has to do.. and where he has to go.. and what he can do to help.. Father lead the right people into his life to give him support.. Father I ask for his name to be cleared and that this turns out well for him and his family.. Father help him to trust in You for everything.. and develop a deep abiding faith through this trial.. Father thank You that Jesus promised that in this world we will have troubles but that we can take heart.. Because He has overcome the world!! Bless this man.. thank You that he came here.. May indeed his needs be met through You.. and Your grace and mercy be His guide, stronghold and help.. To You be the glory forever and ever.. amen