My First Bicycle
When I was just a little boy my mother got me my first bicycle and then I got one every year. My first ride, boy I was joyously nervous. Mom helped me get on and told me it's okay son and the whole time I'm saying "It's okay. It's okay I got this". So then she starts to push me ever so gently forward. My feet begin to paddle so I start to smile. She's all smiles with me and then she does what all mothers do - she lets me go! There I was, riding my bike all by myself. Wow, I was on top of the world! But then came the most important decision in my whole young life. How do I turn around? As I start to pull my bars to the left and begin my turn I panic because I am going too fast. I start to shake and all of a sudden encounter concrete. Bam!
I'm on the ground crying telling my mom it's all her fault. She rushes up to me with tears in her eyes, she pulls me up and tells me "No son, it's the bike's fault you were just going too fast". As she wipes my hands off and with a gentle smile she asked me "Do you want to do it again?" I then look down at my bike. I begin to smile too and say with all the boldness of a child, "I made it". My first crash.
Life would bring many more of those. I should know because I still have the scars to prove it. The scars we receive in this life will be with us forever. Jesus still has His scars to this very day! I read in a book recently that 'if Jesus chose to live with His scars for eternity and not be ashamed, then why should we be ashamed of ours?' Life's scars can hurt us to the point of despair that drives us to a place that will eat at our hearts. All the troubles, all the pain and sorrows and the agony of being defeated every time can take a toll on us. Most just give up and quit! But Jesus said "I will never leave you nor forsake you". But most won't turn to God for help, only live in constant misery. We have a hope that stands ready to pick us up, just like mom did. All we have to do is reach up. My hands are held high! So come and join me will you?
Steven Long, Texas
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In a Death Row prisoner‘s own words:
“I already answered Sally‘s first letter, but not just a letter of words. I wrote letting her know I want to be her friend forever. I can already see she is a very sweet person, full of smiles and happiness and my heart is very full of care and respect for her.”
“I already answered Sally‘s first letter, but not just a letter of words. I wrote letting her know I want to be her friend forever. I can already see she is a very sweet person, full of smiles and happiness and my heart is very full of care and respect for her.”
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Prisoner Art and Writing
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