#lighttheworld Day 23 I was in prison, yet you visited me.

Hello,

I've been taking a break from writing daily light the world posts, and reading the ones everyone else is writing. What i've found, is that while I may try and explain bible, everyone else is writing from the heart. While I may be well read, I have much to learn when it comes to emotional content, and being vulnerable with my own thoughts.

So i’d like to thank @bigbear @methusalem @gavvet, and @hanshotfirst @frieda @cindycam @xioran @deisip67 @daniellozada @gensequini @darlenys01
and many many more for their heartfelt messages of their real life application and experiences of how they have tried to #lighttheworld :)

So, today's verse is Matthew 25:36
36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

How many of us have been to prison? Hopefully none, it's not a nice place.

But how many of us know someone, or has a relative or family member who has been in jail?

People are put into prison because they are deemed a threat to society, and too dangerous to be allowed to live as free people.

In essence, someone serving prison time, is rejected and condemned by society.

They are then robbed of their identity, their self esteem degraded, and their personal freedom and privacy invaded. Even some, especially in american prisons, are sexually abused and violated by the other people in their cell block.

Prison was originally designed not just for detaining dangerous people, but also as a chance for people to rethink their life choices and hopefully rehabilitate. Unfortunately, the opposite often happens. When someone is sent to prison for a felony charge, when they get out they won't be able to find work, cant purchase housing, and often have their voting rights as well as parental rights taken away. So what do they do? They have had years of their life stripped away, told they are no good, had every opportunity to build a better life taken away.

That's where we, as people come in. Thanks to companies like dave's killer bread, people convicted of felonies can have a second chance.

http://www.daveskillerbread.com/secondchances/#secondchances-slideshow

“At Dave’s Killer Bread, we have witnessed the power of Second Chance Employment: hiring those who have a criminal background, and are ready to change their lives for the better. It gives people a second chance not only to make a living, but make a life. Without employment opportunities, those with criminal backgrounds often resort to the only life they know — a life of crime. We want to change that. We started the Dave’s Killer Bread Foundation, which helps get other businesses to do what we do, and the Second Chance Project to invite others express their support – or submit a personal story.”

Just like dave's killer bread, Jesus always offers second chances. The truth of the gospel is everyone is welcome in the Kingdom of God. Murderers, drug dealers, even rapists. The key is repentance, admitting you were wrong, and feeling true remorse for hurting those around you and then turning your life around to God.

As far as people in prison go, if God can offer anyone forgiveness, shouldn't we do the same and give someone a second or third chance?

The light the world website has its own applications for today's message:

Do you know someone who’s been affected by addiction?
Reach out to the person and offer your support and love.

Do you have an incarcerated family member or friend?
Pay the person a visit, and offer love and encouragement.

Have you seen how an illness or depression can trap a loved one?
Reach out and go for a walk or have a nice chat with the person.

Cool fun fact though, Paul who wrote a majority of what is now the new testament while he was in jail. Most of the apostles were thrown into prison at some point during their journey spreading the gospel. Sometimes God truly works all things for the good of those called according to his purposes, even if in the struggle they have to keep their thoughts fixed on what is good pleasing, and holy. Romans 8:28 and Phillipians 4:8.

For me, I was almost sent to jail once. I only spent 24 hours in lock up and got released, but what I saw was enough. I've known people who have struggled with drug addiction, depression, and felony records. I can honestly say the best thing that ever helped them was being surrounded by people who loved and cared about them and offered them infinite chances to get back on a positive life track. :)

So, If your love for another person extends past their circumstance and you want to bring them joy, try to help them find their identities again, as well as a way to provide for themselves and contribute to the economy. But first, when you go talk to them bring them a nice, hearty, turkey club sandwich made from dave's killer bread :)