Story of the Week

REFLECTIONS BY A PRISON INMATE

These words are by a prison inmate at the Snake River Correctional Institution for men in Ontario, Oregon where Pastor Todd did three horse-breaking gospel presentations the weekend of July 2-3, 2011. The words accompanied a chalk drawing of Todd and a horse by the same inmate.

When the piece was started, it wasn't intended to be traced or drawing backward from the original picture. Even though I made this small oversight, God used to teach me a lesson through it. The lesson was that no matter what life deals us, we have to take what is giving us and make the best of it. At first, I was somewhat displeased with the way the picture was turning out and I found my self wanting to start the drawing over again and correct it to its original direction. I couldn't do that if I wanted to, because I would not have had the time finish it on schedule. There were mockers that said, "Why are you continuing to work on that backward piece?" Nevertheless I kept working on it even when I was frustrated with the circumstance or should I say God kept me from give up on drawing.

Out of that frustrating situation, God created a somewhat decent artwork. Therefore, the piece was titled "Reflections", because of its mirrored image, from the original picture. It is also tells of our story as Christians, seeing how we are a representation of His image. God takes our mistakes and changes them to benefit us, for his glory. It is also similar to our current predicament. What I mean by that is, some people perception of us is real negative - just like the mockers that were trying to discourage me from finishing this art work. They believe that it is a waist of time to minister the word of God to us - just like the backward picture.

So, to show our appreciation for your service to us. We wanted to present you this small souvenir of our thanks. We really enjoyed having you here to share your testimony with us. Thank you and God bless you all for everything.

Labels: benefit, mirrored image, mistakes, Reflections, waste