BLOG

“I pray that God can help me to positively, handle my anger and emotions, to be able to identify positive and negative people in my life, to help me stay focused on my music and getting in to Bowie State University and that God can make something positive out of my situation and that everything…

In 1 Corinthians, Paul boldly states, “I exhort you, be imitators of me.” This is what we are called to in our Christian walk, to set an example for others by imitating Christ and imitating mature believers who have lead us. Leading up to my incarceration, Joe Ehrmann was a man who gave me great…

I went to my first unCUFFED court appearance last week to speak as an advocate for one of the boys I mentor. I’ve attended many sentencing hearings with youth at my last place of employment, but this was quite different. I have come to know this kind, humble, standoffish kid. When I heard the specifics…

Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” How wonderful it is to work for a ministry, that IS a ministry! Although I have yet to meet everyone, I know that everyone whom I have…

Psalm 34:17-18 “The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” A boy can be understandably depressed, upset or angry when he is incarcerated. Perhaps he is remorseful for his actions, feeling guilty and…

Sometimes, when we have Bible study with the youth we do a warm up where we spread a collection of 30 photographs on a table and ask the guys, “What photo represents God to you?” This short exercise gives us a window into their spiritual journey and perception of God. Below are some of their…

Have you heard the term disconnected youth? That is the latest sociological term for youth between the ages of 16-24 who are either not in any school or are unemployed. So they are disconnected from educational and employment opportunities and really disconnected from achieving their goals and dreams. So many of the youth we work…

Some days you go inside expecting one thing to happen, the plan is changed, and something even better occurs. We planned a Bible Study but God had great conversations in mind instead. CB is being released in two months and he is planning for his future now. He brought me over to his cell to…

I meet weekly with a young man in a Detention Center in Annapolis. He is charged as an adult with a serious crime but has expressed sincere remorse for his actions. I don’t mean “I’m sorry I got caught” but more like “I am sorry that I made so many poor choices that led up…

It is a bit unnerving to get out of the car and leave everything in it except my student folder, driver’s license and keys. Walk to the gate, let them know I am there with unCUFFED and wait as they take down the info, hand me a visitor pass and then invite me to walk…