Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Jailhouse Religion

It may come as a surprise that a hot-shot street cop, mostly known for a marital fidelity problem, wrongfully convicted and imprisoned, would be found in prison as a devout Christian believer.

Patrick is fond of referring to his faith (tongue in cheek) as "jailhouse religion". The fact is, nobody hits absolute bottom in their life journey (such as going to prison) without either accepting or rejecting a moral/spiritual reality superintended by a God of like nature. Patrick simply accepted.

To Patrick, it has been a "no-brainer" to trust and serve a God who has continually guided and protected him in the midst of the most extraordinarily deadly circumstances. This God has faithfully cared for Patrick's two children, bringing them to healthy adulthood despite the tremendous potential for psychological damage in the way that they lost their father. And who could fail to see a divine hand in raising Patrick up to be a well-respected and highly fruitful agent of reformation and practical rehabilitation?

Patrick is very touched and honored by those kind friends and fellow ministers who testify so glowingly of his Christian character and service. But he believes his miraculous success is merely the fruit of a normal Christian life. It's pretty confusing for those who haven't been with God themselves.

The Bible says, by the pen of a prisoner, "To live is Christ, and to die is gain." In that spirit, Patrick is content that, whether in prison or out, whether vindicated or not, whether he lives or dies, he simply can't lose. 

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