breaking the hush

In a previous blog, I wrote about giving thanks in all situations – I Thessalonians 5:16.  Well, just yesterday I was tested! It was Sunday and Sundays are probably my busiest days here at the Gurney Unit. I’m a church worker involved in worship and volunteer with the baptismal services. In prison, we don’t do anything without being allowed or told to do it first. I’ve always tended to be submissive to authority due to my fear of rejection, so it isn’t a problem for me;)
Well, yesterday they failed to call our dorm out for church. Church workers would usually be called out around 7:30am then church around 8am – at around 8:45 I asked if they called out church and I was told ‘a long time ago,’ and then was told that it was okay to head to the gym for service. When I got there, I didn’t see anyone from my building – knowing that ‘a long time ago’ church was never called in our dorm. The guard at the door refused to let me in because of my tardiness – even though it was not my fault. Therefore, I was back to my dorm with a bad attitude. Immediately I was reminded of 1 Thessalonians 5:16 and “the fleas!” As I began to give God thanks, He showed me my heart towards that guard and I began to pray for him. Luke 6:27-28 – “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hurt you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” You know, Jesus really knew what He was talking about! Not only did that guard receive a petition to God for a true and real revelation of His love, but my resentment, anger, and bitterness harbored by me had seemed to be alleviated and was replaced with a peace and a love for that man’s soul that could only be given by the Lover of All Souls!