What's in this for you..?

If you are visiting this website for the first time, you may be asking yourself why you stopped by to view it's content- after all, everyone have a story to share with the world.  What is different about my story compared to the many others with similarities?  The TRUTH about what goes on in prison and how it could save your life or someone you know.  My questions to you are: will your son or daughter be willing to give consideration to the direction of their lives after hearing the realities of prison life?  Will one less person die from violence or turn away from crime after reading about the realities of prison?  Will your mate share the truth about his/her sex life while incarcerated?  Death lies at every corner whether or not someone goes off to prison for life or whether you become a victim of crime.  Purchase "From one Thoughtless Act" and learn how to save your life or the life of someone you know.

What's in this for you..?  ...LIFE or DEATH!!!!  The very life you save just might be your own.

Welcome back, freedom fighters

I want to thank all supporters of this fight to stop the influx of our youth entering into the dark world of incarceration and the prevention of recidivism among the formerly incarcerated.

From one thoughtless act, I caused a lot of pain and suffering among many people including myself which landed me 28 years in prison- do not miss this opportunity to let my revised book bring clarity to the young people within your community and reawaken the sense of "right" to those whom are already incarcerated.

The Only Answer

Most individuals often asks their purpose for existing on earth, I say: seek out the answer

Most people lose hope, I say: find the answer

Most people make mistakes and feel that they can't recover, I say: find out how to overcome

The youth movement today have parents shaking their heads and asking "why", I say: there is an answer

Former prisoners continue to become " reprocessed" prisoners at an alarming rate and the questions are asked, "why", I say: there is an answer

Women are calling themselves unmentionable words and they have others wondering " why", I say: there is answer

I  asked those same questions for many years, so I started a journey to find out the answers to "why"

Much to my surprise and delight, I found that there is no greater discovery beyond The Only Answer to every problem:

The studying, proper teaching, and application of The Holy Bible.

Now that you have the ANSWER to all of life's questions, start your journey immediately !!!!!

Thirty-Three Months Later

The obstacles designed to create struggles (hurdles) within our lives will only make the individual quit before fulfilling his/ her goals, or they will compel the individual to push forward a little harder.


Having re-entered society after 28 years of incarceration, I have encountered many things within these last 33 months that's frustrated, angered, and caused me to realize the hardship one endures for breaking the laws established by the governing body.


I have discovered that most citizens I have encountered really believe in "second " chances for individuals who's run afoul of the law, but the controlling minority have established laws designed to create roadblocks at every turn.


When I speak with troubled youth groups, my first question addressed to them are, "who is at fault because of your present situation?"  My answer to the question is, "it's my fault." After sharing parts of my life's story and the realities of prison life, I conclude with ," now that you know about prison and it's lifestyle, if you end up being incarcerated, it's your fault". 


Regardless of the negativism, the obstacles, and hardships encountered - if I fail to accomplish my goals, guess who is at fault..?  Me !! 


I am the only one who can stop myself from any desired accomplishments. (Philippians 4:13)

The Humanitarian

Today I had the honor and privilege of seeing a great man (Howard L. Johnson) eulogized and laid to rest.
Howard transitioned from this earthly life to eternity on July 6, 2011 after a lengthy illness; he was only 45 years of age.
Like myself, Howard spent many years residing away from family and friends.  While living in other parts of  the state, this man opened and operated housing for the less fortunate.
With the Understanding of the extent of his illness, Howard didn't quit his service to humanity until his last breath was taken.
To most of the family, he was just plain ole Howard, but to the less fortunate, he's their hero.
A great person does extraordinary things without boasting or fanfare - Howard was that person.
As a friend and family member, this man will be missed by me, but I'll always remember him as a fighter, innovator, and a humanitarian.
Truly, this was a GREAT man !!!!

Don't Quit

The year of 2011 have come upon me so fast that I've hardly had time to accomplish goals established in 2010.
The goal of enrolling in college this year has been met with every obstacle (money, schedule, etc.) imaginable, but I refuse to quit or surrender my thought-life towards negativism.
I've adopted the attitude of a man named Paul in the Holy Bible who were troubled on every side, yet not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair.
As a child of God through Jesus Christ, I trust my Lord that I shall accomplish my purpose before departing this life as I know it.
My purpose is to touch the young people who's headed on a path of destruction; to encourage the one who's already incarcerated to get in touch with themselves and make better choices; and to encourage the families whom are struggling with members that's on drugs or making unwise decisions.
To all the above (young people, prisoners, parents), I say " continue to strive for the positive goals set before you. Don't commit One Thoughtless Act."

A CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

In today's world, reaching out to help others are slowly becoming nonexistent.  There are so many concerns for our own desires and wants that we shy away from our duty to help those whom are in need.

As a follower of Christ, I am instructed to help, love, and serve my fellowman with joy.

It is my duty to aid my brother even if it means surrending my own life, because Jesus said : " Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Let us follow our Savior's commandment to help those in need today.

What Would You Say ?

What would you say to :

• A teenager headed down the wrong path in life ?
• A parent who's about to give up on his/her child ?
• An adult who's made the wrong choices in life?

My first sentence would be : " Everything will be okay. We'll get through this crisis together".  Listening and sharing one another's buedens are one of the requirements to helping those in need.

Starting now, let us reassure and encourage our friends and the discouraged with the right words to say.

LIBERALITY

Most of us take for granted our freedom to move about without hinderances and boundaries affecting us.  We make plans without considering or consulting others.

After 28 years of incarceration, I don't take anything ( including freedom) for granted anymore.  Having been confined to a restricted area for months and years at a time, I now enjoy the liberty of just going to the neighborhood store.

Being able to function (move about) with liberality causes me offer up praises to GOD for this most cherished (freedom) gift !!

My friends, be thankful and never give up your freedom by committing ONE THOUGHTLESS ACT !!!

Choose you this day

As I awakened on the anniversary of the crime I committed 30 years ago which also coincided with my birthday, I felt a wave of sadness when remembering the pain caused by my decision to rob a store owner.

While wallowing in the fact that so many lives were altered by my actions, I heard my inner voice saying, "choose you this day the path you will travel."  I could live in the past or continue to help, encourage, and direct those in similiar situations towards a path of righteousness and a brighter tomorrow.

My choice is to build a brighter tomorrow- what's yours?

Going Somewhere

 Although the new year haven't began as I envisioned, I know that I'm going in a positive direction.  All of the missteps of 2010 are behind ( I refuse to look back ).
 I'm looking forward to building upon the basic spiritual principles we all need : LOVE, MERCY, and JUSTICE.
 Yes, I am going somewhere...

Positive

The Possibilities are endless

It’s the end of a most wonderful year for me and – for the first time in a long, long time – I’m looking forward to the next one.

When I think of 2011 (just around the corner), I think of the goals I can finally reach: growing closer to family and friends, and, just as importantly, my continuing efforts to touch the hearts and minds of many of today’s wayward youth.

Yes, the possibilities are endless; long live possibilities.

2011: Bring it on.

Looking ahead

I often reflect on my life – where I’ve been and where I’m going. And I think reflecting is a good thing when it’s put to good use.

But I used to find myself looking back and feeling gloomy and depressed. It used to stop me from getting up in the morning, from feeling that I have something worthwhile to offer, from feeling any self-worth.

Yes, I was once in that place. But today I refuse to ‘go there.’ I refuse to get so bogged down with past regrets that I can’t see a better tomorrow…or even look forward to today. I realized that if I allowed the past to haunt me, to paralyze me with fear, that it would be the same as spitting in the face of Almighty God – the same God who gave his son in order for ME to have hope. Real hope.

So if you’re that person who keeps looking to his past with regrets, who allows it to stop you from being the best YOU that you can be, remember that someone great died a tortuous death in order for you to be worthy of his kingdom.”

Yes, you ARE worthy.

Thankful…so very thankful…

In my book, “From One Thoughtless Act,” I rarely discuss the trait of being thankful. For certain I’ve thanked my son, my mother and all my family and friends who provided support throughout my 28-year incarceration. But in the truest meaning of being thankful – I’m just coming to know what that means.

You see, this past Thursday I shared meals and laughter with family and friends – as we all should do. Those are things that make life worth living. But we should all be grateful and thankful for every single day of our lives, knowing that not all of us were blessed to see “this day.”

So from this respect, I guess I am still growing, still maturing, still pressing on to perfection. Yes, my life, like everyone’s, is a constant struggle in becoming better than we are. Better today than we were yesterday.

And today, I am truly thankful to know the difference.

…yes, these days I am truly thankful…

I Never Dreamed…

If anyone would have told me just last year that today I would be a published author, a motivational speaker and a contribution to society (in a positive way), I would have gladly given them my meds.

I never dreamed this could be my life.

If you’ve read my book, “From One Thoughtless Act,” you know why: dysfunctional upbringing, homicidal tendencies, and warped beliefs – they all boil down to worthlessness. Or so I thought.

No, I never dreamed that my life could be what it is today. And that’s why I continue to do what I do, to speak with the youth and others who feel ‘things just can’t get any better for me,’ because (believe me) they always can. Or they feel that ‘nothing good can come of my life,’ but I’m living proof that that’s not necessarily the case.

Yes, life is filled with possibilities beyond our wildest imaginations! And although you don’t know what the next day will bring…whatever it is, grab it with both hands and make the best of it. Because there’s something out there greater than yourself…and it’s waiting for you…

…even if you never dreamed…

WE ALL FALL SHORT

Not one of us is perfect: We all fall short – and you’re no exception. That doesn’t mean that we give up, although we might give in. It means we try harder, we push farther, we propel forward.

That’s the message I want to leave my readers in my new book From One Thoughtless Act. I know about falling short of the glory of God. If I didn’t know any better, I’d believe I created the concept. But that’s not the case. Man has fallen short for millenniums – and we’ll keep falling short. But it’s not the falling that matters; it’s the getting up.

I should know: I've been down most of my life, yet I'm back on my feet again. And if I can get up anyone can! So stop feeling sorry for yourself. Pick yourself up. Dust yourself off. And start all over again…not now, but RIGHT NOW!

No, you are no exception.

We all fall short.