Staying Put (Developing an open heart)

[Mark Dohle]

​

Staying Put
(Developing an open heart)

It may seem strange but since I have been in prison I have learned a lot about myself. I have grown up a lot and have gotten closer to God and He has opened my heart to a lot.
--Gregory B.​

++++++++++​

I have been writing a prisoner named Gregory for two years. He comes across as a fine young man, who made a very bad choice and is now paying the price for whatever he did. Usually, I do not check up on those I write in prison unless there is a need. I have done this only two times.

Gregory is so transparent, as well as childlike, that I feel no need to do so. I do know that he feels that he needs to be there to pay his depth to society, and will be getting out in a couple of years.

I have noticed that men in prison will often ‘find God’. I am sure that it is a real conversion for them, and they truly deepen their relationship with God. However, more than one has written to me about their concern when they get out of prison. Those on a faith path seem to be able to take responsibility for their actions and have the humility to admit that they have serious impulse control problems.

In prison, men are forced to stay put. For some, perhaps many more than I know, this can be used to their advantage, and in doing so they can find their ‘true north'. One way of looking at what our ‘true north’ means is whatever keeps us on the track, on the path that we know we should be walking. For a monk, our vows help us to navigate through rough seas. For married people, their vows also can help them to survive the many crises that will be faced. For all of us, it is in developing a healthy conscience that is most needed.

He likes to write short notes. When we first started writing, he would send me four notes a week. They were very short just letting me know how he is doing. So I wrote him and said that he could send me as many ‘notes’ as he wanted, but I would still stick to my one or two letters a month. He was fine with that. Now we do email and it seems to be working out for him.

Gregory’s growth is being deepened, and I believe sped up because he is in an environment where he has to make choices. To choose to grow, or to follow the path that has the least resistance. He has chosen to swim upstream and in doing so has opened his heart to the “Yes of God”. His perspective is changing, he is praying and studying, and I am honored to play a small part in that.

When a prisoner can admit his guilt before God, the humility that allows that to happen is the key in allowing the flood gate of God’s love, to pour into their souls.

Self-Knowledge leads to Self-Love, the kind that Jesus tells us we must do, to love ourselves as we love our neighbor, and yes, most importantly, God.-Br.MD

 

[bèlla]

Beautifully stated. Thank you Mark. It was a wonderful read. I hope you're well and thriving.

~bella

 

[Jesus is my Superhero]

We were all prisoners prior to our calling. Some, due to the pleasure of sins, remain prisoners to certain top shelf sins: those that titillate the senses, until the injury to self and others become so obvious, the conviction by guilt so powerful, that they finally fully submit to their calling.

 

[Mark Dohle]

Beautifully stated. Thank you Mark. It was a wonderful read. I hope you're well and thriving.

~bella

Yes, I am doing well. Thank you for your kind comment.

peace
Mark

 

[Mark Dohle]

We were all prisoners prior to our calling. Some, due to the pleasure of sins, remain prisoners to certain top shelf sins: those that titillate the senses, until the injury to self and others become so obvious, the conviction by guilt so powerful, that they finally fully submit to their calling.

God seems to use 'corners' a lot to get our attention.

Peace
mark