The Key to Freedom from Captivity
by
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The view I believe most people have of inmates is that they had committed a crime against humanity and they deserve all that they get from our judicial system. As the inmates would put it, “You do the crime, you do the time.” Often times once they are incarcerated they are forgotten by the public and in some cases their friends and family, unless they do something additional that becomes noticeable or alarming.
My endeavor in writing this book is to get the reader and the public to look at these men and women in a different light. We need to begin to see them as God sees them - sinners for whom Christ died. I have found many, especially those in their late teens and early twenties, seeking a way to live a purposeful life and a way to become an asset to society rather then a liability. As Dr. James Dobson stated in his March, 2002 letter, quoting from the “Code Blue” Report of 1990, “Never before has one generation of American teenagers been less healthy, less cared for, or less prepared for life.” He further states that “This is occurring, in one of the most affluent and privileged nations in the history of the world. It is a direct result of marital disintegration and related forces at work amongst the family.”
To show the importance the role of a Father plays in the life of their children, especially their sons, allow me to show you two letters written by two young men, whose names will not be used, to their dads in the endeavor of releasing some of their anger toward their dads.
“To my Dad:
I really don’t know how to start this letter. But I guess we can start like this; I love you , but I hate you too. I love you for being my Dad, but if you think about it, where were you when I needed a dad? I can tell you, you were either with one of your girl friends or picking up the other kids and leaving me behind. Dad you weren’t there when I needed a dad to talk to. Dad, what did I do so wrong for you walking away from me? You beat the hell out of me, and like a fool, I still loved you. When you weren’t there, I looked for other ways to see if I could just get you to notice me. Yes, dad that even meant getting into trouble. I’m not saying that my being in jail is your fault, but me not having a Dad really doesn’t help me. Dad, God said it is a sin to hate. Well, dad, tell me what I should do? I could divorce you as my dad, but really what would that solve? (My sister) sent me a picture of me and you together. I am about 1½, maybe 2 years old. Dad that is the only picture I have of us together. We look so happy. What happened to that feeling? I really do miss it. She really wants me and you to have a bond. How many times have you held your grand-daughter? Dad that would mean the world to me, if Sammie would know her grandpa. Well, Dad sorry to send this letter, but I have to call my daughter and tell her how much I love her and how much she means to me.
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About the Book
The purpose of this book is to
give the public a new view of those incarcerated, that differs from the one
most people hold- “they have committed a crime against society and humanity,
and deserve that which our judicial system requires.” Only as we allow ourselves
to see them as God sees them; can we reach out with Compassion, to help them in
their present state of captivity. “But for the Grace of God” we could find
ourselves in their place, away from our families, friends and society. As we
make ourselves available to God, He can and He will use anyone to help those
who feel hopeless and provide a way to freedom to those in captivity. He will offer a Plan of Salvation to those
bound by sin and show His love to those who are lonely, seeking someone,
anyone, to care what happens to them. I am amazed to see their openness to find
a purpose to life and a desire to become a happy and productive member of
society. To experience a transformation in one’s life is beyond description.
All of us can become a part of this great adventure, in our service to our
fellow human beings.
About the Author
Harvey A.
Thomas is the middle child of eleven
children, born in