For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Philippians 3:3
Philippians 3:3
Circumcision of the Heart Ministry
Joseph N. Hall Jr.
Bishop Hall's Blog
The Hall Brothers' Case Profile
Sun, 10th July, 2011
The Hall Brothers' Case Profile
On October 8, 1992, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against the Hall Brothers Joseph, David and Cleophas Hall, alleging:
Count One-that by or about January 1, 1986, up to and including October 8, 1992, in the Middle District of Florida, David Lee Hall, Cleophas James Hall, and Joseph Hall, conspired to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, a Schedule II Controlled Substance, in violation of 21 USC 841(a)(1) and 846.
Count Two-that on or about January 30, 1991, in the Middle of Florida, David Lee Hall and Cleophas James Hall, did knowingly possess with intent to distribute a substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, a Schedule II Controlled Substance, in violation of 21 USC 841(a)(1) AND 18 USC 2.
Count Four-that on about July 9, 1992, in Lee County, in the Middle District of Florida, David Lee Hall, Cleophas James Hall and Joseph Hall, did possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in violation of 21 USC 841(a)(1) and 18 USC 2 and forfeiture.
The Hall Brothers proceeded to five days of trial, on February 5, 1993, the jury found them guilty of Counts One and Four. On April 28, 1993, the Hall Brothers were sentenced. Count Two was dismissed against David and Cleophas Hall. David and Cleophas were later sentenced to life imprisonment on Count One and Four, to run concurrently, followed by five years of supervised release. Joseph Hall was sentenced to 360 months (30 years) imprisonment on Count One and Four to run concurrently, followed by five years of supervised release. The Hall Brothers are currently incarcerated, and they have been for approximately 19 years.
David Hall Presentence Report reported his offense level was 42, based on him being accountable for over 15 kilograms of cocaine base. At the sentencing hearing, the district court referenced several witnesses' testimony at trial, to hold David hall responsible for in excess of 50 kilograms of crack cocaine. David objected to this amount, arguing that he was only responsible for the amount of cocaine he specifically agreed to distribute and for distributions that were reasonably foreseeable to him, which was not 50 kilograms. David also objected to a four-level role enhancement assigned to him. The court overruled David's objections and sentenced him at level 43, the highest offense level in the 1992 Guidelines. Level 43, combined with criminal history category I, resulted in a guideline range of life imprisonment. The court sentenced David Hall to life imprisonment.
However, in 1996, Amendment 505 was passed and David Hall's drug offense level was reduced from 42 to 38, and his sentence was reduced to 360 months (30 years) imprisonment, the low end of the revised guideline range.
Cleophas Hall’s Presentence Report reported that he was responsible for more than 15 kilograms of crack cocaine, a finding to which Cleophas did not object. The court assigned Cleophas Hall a base offense level of 42; and imposed a three level role enhancement over Cleophas' objection. The adjusted offense level came to 45. According the USSG 5A1.1 comment (n.2), an offense level of more than 43 is to be treated as an offense level of 43. Level 43 combined with criminal history I, resulted in a guideline range of life imprisonment. Cleophas was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Cleophas also moved for a reduction under Amendment 505 in 1996, and his motion was granted. Cleophas guideline range was reduced to 324-405 months, and his sentence was reduced to 324 months.
Joseph Hall was found to be responsible for over 50 kilograms of crack cocaine during the course of the conspiracy. Joseph objected, but the government agreed with the finding, and the curt agreed with the government. The government argued that Joseph Hall was an active participant throughout the conspiracy, up to the date of his arrest, and thus, he should be held responsible for all the cocaine involved in the conspiracy. The court overruled Joseph' objection. The court adopted the PSR, and assigned Joseph Hall an offense level of 42; a criminal history category IV; which resulted in a guideline range of 360-life imprisonment.
The court sentenced Joseph to 360 months' imprisonment. In 1996, Joseph also applied for a sentence reduction under Amendment 505, but the court denied his motion without providing any reason.
On December 11, 2007, The United States Sentencing Commission unanimously voted today to give retroactive effect to a recent amendment to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines that reduces penalties for crack cocaine offenses. Retroactivity of the crack cocaine amendment became effective on March 3, 2008.
On March 6, 2008, the Hall Brothers filed a consolidated motion for sentence reduction under Amendment 706, pursuant 18 USC 3582(c) (2). Upon receiving the Brothers' motion, the district court appointed the Federal Public Defender to represent them, and ordered the United States Probation Office to prepare Supplemental Pre-Sentence Reports (PSR) regarding their individual eligibility under Amendment 706.
The Probation Office, which does the PSR and recommends if someone is eligible for release under the new changes in crack cocaine sentencing law, said that the Hall Brothers were the perfect candidates to be release. He went on to state how impressed he was with the changes in their lives and the changes that they have caused not only in other inmates lives but, staff as well. The reports that he had received from the staff at Coleman Medium prison, highly recommended these brothers for release. The Hall Brothers have not only rehabilitated themselves but have helped rehabilitate many others.
Why are they still in prison, why have they not been set free? I asked him, he said it hurt him deeply to have to deny their release, but it is the “law”. The Hall brothers were sentenced to more crack cocaine than the new law allowed for their release. Regretfully, the probation officer reported that neither Joseph Hall, David Hall or Cleophas Hall were eligible for a reduction under Amendment 706 due to the amount of drugs involved in the instant offense, namely more than 15 kilograms of cocaine base.
The 30-Year and 27-Year sentences imposed in this case are far greater than necessary to achieve the purposes of sentencing under 18 USC 3553(a).
On June 30, 2011, the United States Sentencing Commission voted unanimously to give retroactive effect to its proposed permanent amendment to the federal sentencing guidelines that implements the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010. Retroactivity of the amendment will become effective on November 1, 2011― the same day that the proposed permanent amendment would take effect― unless Congress acts to disapprove the amendment.
However, because the federal court system has relies on testimonies of others who are facing criminal charges, others, that would do and say anything to get their charges reduced or dropped, the sentences and the punishment for more than 15 kilos of cocaine; the new law may not reduce the sentence for those having been sentenced for more than 2.8 kilos of crack cocaine.
The Hall Brothers, David Hall was 28 years old when he was sentenced. He is now 47 years old, and will be in his fifties when he is released from imprisonment. Cleophas Hall was 24 years old when he was sentenced; he is now 43 years old, and will be in his fifties when he is released from imprisonment Joseph Hall was 36 years old when he was sentenced. He will be in his sixties when he is released from prison. Compare United States v. Thomas, 360 F.Supp. 2d 238, 243 (D.Mass 2005) (“Defendant, at the time of his release in his late fifties, or early sixties, will offer no danger to the community....”).
In the same vein, Cleophas Hall and David Hall had no criminal history prior to the 1993 conspiracy offense. While Joseph Hall's criminal history was category IV, he had never been incarcerated more than six months on any of his prior offenses.
The Hall Brothers' mother died in 1992 from cirrhosis of the liver, shortly before the Hall Brothers were arrested; the Hall Brothers have now served approximately nineteen (19) years in federal prison and believe enough is enough. While incarcerated, they have completed numerous educational courses while in custody. These include, but not limited to, advanced mathematics, advanced English, accounting, finance, psychology, music and business management to name a few. They have helped change the lives of the inmates they have come in contact with, for the better.
But, the government doesn’t consider this, as Attorney General Holder stated, to Kara Gotsch, director of advocacy for the Sentencing Project, "That's because the problem with the crack law historically is this presumption that defendants who operate in crack are violent, or more violent than someone who operates in(powder) cocaine. This belief is why, to this day, we continue to have an 18-to-1 sentencing disparity. That is fundamentally unfair, and I think the commission believes that is fundamentally unfair."
Laura Murphy of the American Civil Liberties Union warned that this didn’t mean all eligible people would be freed. “Not every crack cocaine offender will have his sentence reduced,” she said. But more than 12,000 people, 96 percent of whom are black and Latino are now able to go before a judge to seek a reduction.
Laura also stated that the Judges will decide whether to reduce sentences by weighing behavior in prison, the nature of the offense, and whether a weapon was involved. The Hall brothers will find favor in the judge’s eyes, if they are allowed to go before a judge. I agree in some ways with Murphy, who says, “What we really need is statutory retroactivity,” meaning that Congress has to vote to make the entire Fair Sentencing Act retroactive. However, I feel that they should go above the recommended release based on 2.8 kilos of crack cocaine; and they should change the law to correspond to the amount of crack cocaine, a person is charged and found guilty of and not what rely on what another criminal has said in court. This is not fair and it must be changed.
The Sentencing Commission’s vote only applied certain amendments from the act retroactively — leaving things like mandatory minimums in place. “There will be efforts to eliminate the U.S. Sentencing Commission,” she said, which is why having the statute changed by Congress is critical.
Enough is Enough and this is too much, if the Hall Brothers are not to be released from prison, they would like to at the least be move to a lower custody level in prison, as mentioned above they have a very good record. Notwithstanding, all that they are doing to help others, they are unable to help themselves. Because of incident reports they received for supposedly participating in a riot that took place October 25, 1995, over fifteen (15) years ago at FCI Mariana in Mariana Florida, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) insist on keeping a Public Safety Factor; in their records that is preventing the Hall Brothers from being able to take advantage of a lower custody level, such as low facility and Camp.
The Hall Brothers have points low enough to go to a low or camp but can't because of the Public Safety Factor being large against them. Please we need your support by signing this petition and contacting the Region--Bureau of Prisons and asking them to please remove the Public Safety Factor and allow the Hall Brothers the opportunity move on to a lower custody level.
We will be keeping a close watch on these issues and will notify you of any changes. We thank you for your help in getting these laws changed.
To read more about this, go to: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/help-the-hall-brothers-move-to-a-lower-custody-level.html and please sign the petition, if these brothers cannot be set free at least, they deserve to be in a lower custody level.
Thanks for taking time to read this article and we pray that you will help us help the Hall Brothers who have given so much of themselves to help others.
Notes:
Help the Hall Brothers Move to a Lower Custody Level
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/help-the-hall-brothers-move-to-a-lower-custody-level/sign.html
U.S. sentencing commission votes unanimously to apply fair sentencing act of 2010 amendment to the federal sentencing guidelines retroactively
http://colorlines.com/archives/2011/07/though_thousands_are_eligible_for_sentence_reduction_prison_reform_still_needed.html
Views on Crack Sentencing Decision http://www.sentencingproject.org/detail/news.cfm?news_id=1160&id=167
The Next Battle for Crack Cocaine Sentence Reform? Congress http://colorlines.com/archives/2011/07/though_thousands_are_eligible_for_sentence_reduction_prison_reform_still_needed.html
Crack Sentencing Changes Made Retroactive!
http://seedsuppliers.net/uncategorized/crack-sentencing-changes-made-retroactive/
On October 8, 1992, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against the Hall Brothers Joseph, David and Cleophas Hall, alleging:
Count One-that by or about January 1, 1986, up to and including October 8, 1992, in the Middle District of Florida, David Lee Hall, Cleophas James Hall, and Joseph Hall, conspired to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, a Schedule II Controlled Substance, in violation of 21 USC 841(a)(1) and 846.
Count Two-that on or about January 30, 1991, in the Middle of Florida, David Lee Hall and Cleophas James Hall, did knowingly possess with intent to distribute a substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, a Schedule II Controlled Substance, in violation of 21 USC 841(a)(1) AND 18 USC 2.
Count Four-that on about July 9, 1992, in Lee County, in the Middle District of Florida, David Lee Hall, Cleophas James Hall and Joseph Hall, did possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in violation of 21 USC 841(a)(1) and 18 USC 2 and forfeiture.
The Hall Brothers proceeded to five days of trial, on February 5, 1993, the jury found them guilty of Counts One and Four. On April 28, 1993, the Hall Brothers were sentenced. Count Two was dismissed against David and Cleophas Hall. David and Cleophas were later sentenced to life imprisonment on Count One and Four, to run concurrently, followed by five years of supervised release. Joseph Hall was sentenced to 360 months (30 years) imprisonment on Count One and Four to run concurrently, followed by five years of supervised release. The Hall Brothers are currently incarcerated, and they have been for approximately 19 years.
David Hall Presentence Report reported his offense level was 42, based on him being accountable for over 15 kilograms of cocaine base. At the sentencing hearing, the district court referenced several witnesses' testimony at trial, to hold David hall responsible for in excess of 50 kilograms of crack cocaine. David objected to this amount, arguing that he was only responsible for the amount of cocaine he specifically agreed to distribute and for distributions that were reasonably foreseeable to him, which was not 50 kilograms. David also objected to a four-level role enhancement assigned to him. The court overruled David's objections and sentenced him at level 43, the highest offense level in the 1992 Guidelines. Level 43, combined with criminal history category I, resulted in a guideline range of life imprisonment. The court sentenced David Hall to life imprisonment.
However, in 1996, Amendment 505 was passed and David Hall's drug offense level was reduced from 42 to 38, and his sentence was reduced to 360 months (30 years) imprisonment, the low end of the revised guideline range.
Cleophas Hall’s Presentence Report reported that he was responsible for more than 15 kilograms of crack cocaine, a finding to which Cleophas did not object. The court assigned Cleophas Hall a base offense level of 42; and imposed a three level role enhancement over Cleophas' objection. The adjusted offense level came to 45. According the USSG 5A1.1 comment (n.2), an offense level of more than 43 is to be treated as an offense level of 43. Level 43 combined with criminal history I, resulted in a guideline range of life imprisonment. Cleophas was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Cleophas also moved for a reduction under Amendment 505 in 1996, and his motion was granted. Cleophas guideline range was reduced to 324-405 months, and his sentence was reduced to 324 months.
Joseph Hall was found to be responsible for over 50 kilograms of crack cocaine during the course of the conspiracy. Joseph objected, but the government agreed with the finding, and the curt agreed with the government. The government argued that Joseph Hall was an active participant throughout the conspiracy, up to the date of his arrest, and thus, he should be held responsible for all the cocaine involved in the conspiracy. The court overruled Joseph' objection. The court adopted the PSR, and assigned Joseph Hall an offense level of 42; a criminal history category IV; which resulted in a guideline range of 360-life imprisonment.
The court sentenced Joseph to 360 months' imprisonment. In 1996, Joseph also applied for a sentence reduction under Amendment 505, but the court denied his motion without providing any reason.
On December 11, 2007, The United States Sentencing Commission unanimously voted today to give retroactive effect to a recent amendment to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines that reduces penalties for crack cocaine offenses. Retroactivity of the crack cocaine amendment became effective on March 3, 2008.
On March 6, 2008, the Hall Brothers filed a consolidated motion for sentence reduction under Amendment 706, pursuant 18 USC 3582(c) (2). Upon receiving the Brothers' motion, the district court appointed the Federal Public Defender to represent them, and ordered the United States Probation Office to prepare Supplemental Pre-Sentence Reports (PSR) regarding their individual eligibility under Amendment 706.
The Probation Office, which does the PSR and recommends if someone is eligible for release under the new changes in crack cocaine sentencing law, said that the Hall Brothers were the perfect candidates to be release. He went on to state how impressed he was with the changes in their lives and the changes that they have caused not only in other inmates lives but, staff as well. The reports that he had received from the staff at Coleman Medium prison, highly recommended these brothers for release. The Hall Brothers have not only rehabilitated themselves but have helped rehabilitate many others.
Why are they still in prison, why have they not been set free? I asked him, he said it hurt him deeply to have to deny their release, but it is the “law”. The Hall brothers were sentenced to more crack cocaine than the new law allowed for their release. Regretfully, the probation officer reported that neither Joseph Hall, David Hall or Cleophas Hall were eligible for a reduction under Amendment 706 due to the amount of drugs involved in the instant offense, namely more than 15 kilograms of cocaine base.
The 30-Year and 27-Year sentences imposed in this case are far greater than necessary to achieve the purposes of sentencing under 18 USC 3553(a).
On June 30, 2011, the United States Sentencing Commission voted unanimously to give retroactive effect to its proposed permanent amendment to the federal sentencing guidelines that implements the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010. Retroactivity of the amendment will become effective on November 1, 2011― the same day that the proposed permanent amendment would take effect― unless Congress acts to disapprove the amendment.
However, because the federal court system has relies on testimonies of others who are facing criminal charges, others, that would do and say anything to get their charges reduced or dropped, the sentences and the punishment for more than 15 kilos of cocaine; the new law may not reduce the sentence for those having been sentenced for more than 2.8 kilos of crack cocaine.
The Hall Brothers, David Hall was 28 years old when he was sentenced. He is now 47 years old, and will be in his fifties when he is released from imprisonment. Cleophas Hall was 24 years old when he was sentenced; he is now 43 years old, and will be in his fifties when he is released from imprisonment Joseph Hall was 36 years old when he was sentenced. He will be in his sixties when he is released from prison. Compare United States v. Thomas, 360 F.Supp. 2d 238, 243 (D.Mass 2005) (“Defendant, at the time of his release in his late fifties, or early sixties, will offer no danger to the community....”).
In the same vein, Cleophas Hall and David Hall had no criminal history prior to the 1993 conspiracy offense. While Joseph Hall's criminal history was category IV, he had never been incarcerated more than six months on any of his prior offenses.
The Hall Brothers' mother died in 1992 from cirrhosis of the liver, shortly before the Hall Brothers were arrested; the Hall Brothers have now served approximately nineteen (19) years in federal prison and believe enough is enough. While incarcerated, they have completed numerous educational courses while in custody. These include, but not limited to, advanced mathematics, advanced English, accounting, finance, psychology, music and business management to name a few. They have helped change the lives of the inmates they have come in contact with, for the better.
But, the government doesn’t consider this, as Attorney General Holder stated, to Kara Gotsch, director of advocacy for the Sentencing Project, "That's because the problem with the crack law historically is this presumption that defendants who operate in crack are violent, or more violent than someone who operates in(powder) cocaine. This belief is why, to this day, we continue to have an 18-to-1 sentencing disparity. That is fundamentally unfair, and I think the commission believes that is fundamentally unfair."
Laura Murphy of the American Civil Liberties Union warned that this didn’t mean all eligible people would be freed. “Not every crack cocaine offender will have his sentence reduced,” she said. But more than 12,000 people, 96 percent of whom are black and Latino are now able to go before a judge to seek a reduction.
Laura also stated that the Judges will decide whether to reduce sentences by weighing behavior in prison, the nature of the offense, and whether a weapon was involved. The Hall brothers will find favor in the judge’s eyes, if they are allowed to go before a judge. I agree in some ways with Murphy, who says, “What we really need is statutory retroactivity,” meaning that Congress has to vote to make the entire Fair Sentencing Act retroactive. However, I feel that they should go above the recommended release based on 2.8 kilos of crack cocaine; and they should change the law to correspond to the amount of crack cocaine, a person is charged and found guilty of and not what rely on what another criminal has said in court. This is not fair and it must be changed.
The Sentencing Commission’s vote only applied certain amendments from the act retroactively — leaving things like mandatory minimums in place. “There will be efforts to eliminate the U.S. Sentencing Commission,” she said, which is why having the statute changed by Congress is critical.
Enough is Enough and this is too much, if the Hall Brothers are not to be released from prison, they would like to at the least be move to a lower custody level in prison, as mentioned above they have a very good record. Notwithstanding, all that they are doing to help others, they are unable to help themselves. Because of incident reports they received for supposedly participating in a riot that took place October 25, 1995, over fifteen (15) years ago at FCI Mariana in Mariana Florida, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) insist on keeping a Public Safety Factor; in their records that is preventing the Hall Brothers from being able to take advantage of a lower custody level, such as low facility and Camp.
The Hall Brothers have points low enough to go to a low or camp but can't because of the Public Safety Factor being large against them. Please we need your support by signing this petition and contacting the Region--Bureau of Prisons and asking them to please remove the Public Safety Factor and allow the Hall Brothers the opportunity move on to a lower custody level.
We will be keeping a close watch on these issues and will notify you of any changes. We thank you for your help in getting these laws changed.
To read more about this, go to: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/help-the-hall-brothers-move-to-a-lower-custody-level.html and please sign the petition, if these brothers cannot be set free at least, they deserve to be in a lower custody level.
Thanks for taking time to read this article and we pray that you will help us help the Hall Brothers who have given so much of themselves to help others.
Notes:
Help the Hall Brothers Move to a Lower Custody Level
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/help-the-hall-brothers-move-to-a-lower-custody-level/sign.html
U.S. sentencing commission votes unanimously to apply fair sentencing act of 2010 amendment to the federal sentencing guidelines retroactively
http://colorlines.com/archives/2011/07/though_thousands_are_eligible_for_sentence_reduction_prison_reform_still_needed.html
Views on Crack Sentencing Decision http://www.sentencingproject.org/detail/news.cfm?news_id=1160&id=167
The Next Battle for Crack Cocaine Sentence Reform? Congress http://colorlines.com/archives/2011/07/though_thousands_are_eligible_for_sentence_reduction_prison_reform_still_needed.html
Crack Sentencing Changes Made Retroactive!
http://seedsuppliers.net/uncategorized/crack-sentencing-changes-made-retroactive/
Allow the Hall Brothers the opportunity move on to a lower custody level
Fri, 8th July, 2011
To Whom It May Concern;
The following petition is an imploration on behalf of the Hall Brothers; Joseph Hall 13874-018; David Hall 13816-018; and Cleophas Hall 43117-019 who are currently serving out sentences imposed in 1992, on charges of Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; and Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine powder.
The Hall Brothers have been incarcerated for approximately nineteen (19) years and during such time they have completed a number of rehabilitative programs, self-improvement programs and worked as facilitators in many of the programs they themselves completed. The Hall Brothers has work for UNICOR Federal Prison Industries, Inc., for over thirteen (13) years. Not only have they worked to improve their own lives, but they have worked untiringly and determinedly to assist many other inmates to set goals for themselves and work toward accomplishing their goals as well as helping others to build and re-build family ties. Via a web site hosted by a dear friend, the Hall Brothers work to expose the many talented and gifted inmates to society in hope of building a bridge that would enable those incarcerated to find and take advantage of the help available upon reentry back into the mainstream of society as quickly and as smoothly as possible.
Notwithstanding, all that they do to help others, they are unable to help themselves. Because of incident reports they received for supposedly participating in a riot that took place October 25, 1995, over fifteen (15) years ago at FCI Mariana in Mariana Florida, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) insist on keeping a Public Safety Factor; in their records that is preventing the Hall Brothers from being able to take advantage of a lower custody level, such as low facility and Camp.
The Hall Brothers have points low enough to go to a low or camp but can't because of the Public Safety Factor being large against them. Please we need your support by signing this petition and contacting the Region--Bureau of Prisons and asking them to please remove the Public Safety Factor and allow the Hall Brothers the opportunity move on to a lower custody level.
Please sign this Petition
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BROTHERS CAN YOU HEAR ME?
Fri, 17th June, 2011
It is time for us to take our place and be the men God created us to be. We have been dead far too long. It is time for us, as men, to rise from a dead level to a living perpendicular.
Whether, black, white, red, yellow, or brown we have a responsibility to God to please him, squaring our actions in everything we do that He (God) might be glorified in us.
Too many families, communities and even our churches are filled with women doing the jobs that men ought to be doing because we (the men) have been placed in the balance and found wanting--missing from our place appointed and ordained of God as husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers living upright, respectful and just lives as Kings, Priest, and Prophets to our families, Communities and, most importantly, churches.
My dear beloved sisters, this is not an attempt to discredit, under mind or belittle your contributions as wives, mothers, daughters and sisters, especially, in a time when you are called upon to do more than your share. You have been incredibly strong and courageous in spite of. However, I wanted to send a message to my brothers in hope of igniting the flames of responsibility, loyalty to and most importantly, their oneness, or lack thereof, with God. However, know that you my loving sisters are loved and highly appreciated.
I have not been a perfect husband, father, son or brother, by any means. But my family life on the whole has been okay for the most part, for which I give God the glory. Through it I have learned many lessons. Not all of the lessons learned have been pleasant ones. You could say, looking back over my life, especially my marriages, I missed God's plan for my marriage and subsequently, my family. Three marriages, nineteen (19) years in federal prison later God challenged me in an altogether new way that I had to succeed, first and foremost, as a husband and father before I could succeed in any other capacity. Nevertheless, my wife moved on with her life after waiting as long as she could handle, leaving me with that area of my life to be continued. But as a father, I began to analyze my own motives why did I make the choices I made? What I found turned my stomach to its core. My excuses that the things I did, I did for my family so we could have, was a lie I'd come to believe so strangely it almost sounded true. At least to me.
Drawn and driven by my own lust. Lust had conceived and brought forth sin...and sin had brought forth spiritual death--separation from God. It was just a matter of time, traveling the path I'd chosen, that physical death would occur. As a Christian I had defiled the temple of God--my body, mind and soul. I needed to be rebuilt but the one stone I needed to complete me, I was rejecting.
We, men God created in his image, are rejecting the stone needed to complete us so that we can be the men God created us to be. I'm reminded of a story of Masters Builders building a temple; an ancient temple. They came across a stone (a keystone) which account of its singular form and beauty was passed on from one overseer to another; until it was finally cast into the rubbish heap.
History informs us that Egypt was at one time invaded by an Eastern nation called Hyksos, or Shepherd Kings, who compelled the people of the land to close their idolatrous temples, and enlisted them to erect the Great Pyramid. The Egyptians had, therefore, no personal interest in the work.
In the opinion of Professor Flinders Petrie, a recognized authority on Egyptian archaeology, the stone used in all important parts of the Great Pyramid were carefully cut to size at the quarried, and specially marked to fit their allotted places before being conveyed to the site of the building.
During the erecting operations, which the Greek historian Herodotus says took thirty years, the workmen would find one stone laying among the others, namely, the head cornerstone. The purpose of which must have been for some time incomprehensible, for the Great Pyramid was the first example of that style of architecture, and the builders could not have known its finished design.
We can imagine these ignorant men conjecturing and puzzling over this stone, and as it did not then appear what place it would occupy, they rejected, it of no use. It doubtless became, as the Apostle indicates, a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. Apparently the workmen did not understand that this peculiarly shaped stone was a little model of the monument they were erecting; it contains the angles to which the outer stones were required to be cut.
When the building was nearing completion, however, they beheld with wonder that the very stone they had rejected as useless was the only one which could crown their work! Thus the stone which the builders rejected or refused or disallowed, the same became the head cornerstone.
Stone, or rock, means law, together with the fullness or completeness thereof. The Pyramid of Cheops was constructed in accordance with the law, i.e., light in the east, darkness in the west, life in the north, or above, death in the south, or below. It is this way, so it will be that way and it is above, so it will be below. The capstone, or cape stone, of the pyramid was an exact model of the pyramid itself, and was looked upon as a stone of singular form and beauty.
In the course of time it became covered with the rubbish of the temple, where, after diligent search and inquiry, it was brought to light and raised to its proper position, which resulted in the celebrating of the cape stone. Thus, the stone (law) which the builders rejected, the same is become the headstone of the corner. Luke 20:17. Today the builders of personal character are rejecting not only the capstone of the superstructure but also the foundation stone (knowledge) upon which they might build a morally structured life, and walk upright in a their relationship with the Lord. And then and only then can we be the men God has created us to be.
By Bishop Joseph Hall
Whether, black, white, red, yellow, or brown we have a responsibility to God to please him, squaring our actions in everything we do that He (God) might be glorified in us.
Too many families, communities and even our churches are filled with women doing the jobs that men ought to be doing because we (the men) have been placed in the balance and found wanting--missing from our place appointed and ordained of God as husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers living upright, respectful and just lives as Kings, Priest, and Prophets to our families, Communities and, most importantly, churches.
My dear beloved sisters, this is not an attempt to discredit, under mind or belittle your contributions as wives, mothers, daughters and sisters, especially, in a time when you are called upon to do more than your share. You have been incredibly strong and courageous in spite of. However, I wanted to send a message to my brothers in hope of igniting the flames of responsibility, loyalty to and most importantly, their oneness, or lack thereof, with God. However, know that you my loving sisters are loved and highly appreciated.
I have not been a perfect husband, father, son or brother, by any means. But my family life on the whole has been okay for the most part, for which I give God the glory. Through it I have learned many lessons. Not all of the lessons learned have been pleasant ones. You could say, looking back over my life, especially my marriages, I missed God's plan for my marriage and subsequently, my family. Three marriages, nineteen (19) years in federal prison later God challenged me in an altogether new way that I had to succeed, first and foremost, as a husband and father before I could succeed in any other capacity. Nevertheless, my wife moved on with her life after waiting as long as she could handle, leaving me with that area of my life to be continued. But as a father, I began to analyze my own motives why did I make the choices I made? What I found turned my stomach to its core. My excuses that the things I did, I did for my family so we could have, was a lie I'd come to believe so strangely it almost sounded true. At least to me.
Drawn and driven by my own lust. Lust had conceived and brought forth sin...and sin had brought forth spiritual death--separation from God. It was just a matter of time, traveling the path I'd chosen, that physical death would occur. As a Christian I had defiled the temple of God--my body, mind and soul. I needed to be rebuilt but the one stone I needed to complete me, I was rejecting.
We, men God created in his image, are rejecting the stone needed to complete us so that we can be the men God created us to be. I'm reminded of a story of Masters Builders building a temple; an ancient temple. They came across a stone (a keystone) which account of its singular form and beauty was passed on from one overseer to another; until it was finally cast into the rubbish heap.
History informs us that Egypt was at one time invaded by an Eastern nation called Hyksos, or Shepherd Kings, who compelled the people of the land to close their idolatrous temples, and enlisted them to erect the Great Pyramid. The Egyptians had, therefore, no personal interest in the work.
In the opinion of Professor Flinders Petrie, a recognized authority on Egyptian archaeology, the stone used in all important parts of the Great Pyramid were carefully cut to size at the quarried, and specially marked to fit their allotted places before being conveyed to the site of the building.
During the erecting operations, which the Greek historian Herodotus says took thirty years, the workmen would find one stone laying among the others, namely, the head cornerstone. The purpose of which must have been for some time incomprehensible, for the Great Pyramid was the first example of that style of architecture, and the builders could not have known its finished design.
We can imagine these ignorant men conjecturing and puzzling over this stone, and as it did not then appear what place it would occupy, they rejected, it of no use. It doubtless became, as the Apostle indicates, a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. Apparently the workmen did not understand that this peculiarly shaped stone was a little model of the monument they were erecting; it contains the angles to which the outer stones were required to be cut.
When the building was nearing completion, however, they beheld with wonder that the very stone they had rejected as useless was the only one which could crown their work! Thus the stone which the builders rejected or refused or disallowed, the same became the head cornerstone.
Stone, or rock, means law, together with the fullness or completeness thereof. The Pyramid of Cheops was constructed in accordance with the law, i.e., light in the east, darkness in the west, life in the north, or above, death in the south, or below. It is this way, so it will be that way and it is above, so it will be below. The capstone, or cape stone, of the pyramid was an exact model of the pyramid itself, and was looked upon as a stone of singular form and beauty.
In the course of time it became covered with the rubbish of the temple, where, after diligent search and inquiry, it was brought to light and raised to its proper position, which resulted in the celebrating of the cape stone. Thus, the stone (law) which the builders rejected, the same is become the headstone of the corner. Luke 20:17. Today the builders of personal character are rejecting not only the capstone of the superstructure but also the foundation stone (knowledge) upon which they might build a morally structured life, and walk upright in a their relationship with the Lord. And then and only then can we be the men God has created us to be.
By Bishop Joseph Hall
BROTHERS CAN YOU HEAR ME?
Fri, 17th June, 2011
It is time for us to take our place and be the men God created us to be. We have been dead far too long. It is time for us, as men, to rise from a dead level to a living perpendicular.
Whether, black, white, red, yellow, or brown we have a responsibility to God to please him, squaring our actions in everything we do that He (God) might be glorified in us.
Too many families, communities and even our churches are filled with women doing the jobs that men ought to be doing because we (the men) have been placed in the balance and found wanting--missing from our place appointed and ordained of God as husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers living upright, respectful and just lives as Kings, Priest, and Prophets to our families, Communities and, most importantly, churches.
My dear beloved sisters, this is not an attempt to discredit, under mind or belittle your contributions as wives, mothers, daughters and sisters, especially, in a time when you are called upon to do more than your share. You have been incredibly strong and courageous in spite of. However, I wanted to send a message to my brothers in hope of igniting the flames of responsibility, loyalty to and most importantly, their oneness, or lack thereof, with God. However, know that you my loving sisters are loved and highly appreciated.
I have not been a perfect husband, father, son or brother, by any means. But my family life on the whole has been okay for the most part, for which I give God the glory. Through it I have learned many lessons. Not all of the lessons learned have been pleasant ones. You could say, looking back over my life, especially my marriages, I missed God's plan for my marriage and subsequently, my family. Three marriages, nineteen (19) years in federal prison later God challenged me in an altogether new way that I had to succeed, first and foremost, as a husband and father before I could succeed in any other capacity. Nevertheless, my wife moved on with her life after waiting as long as she could handle, leaving me with that area of my life to be continued. But as a father, I began to analyze my own motives why did I make the choices I made? What I found turned my stomach to its core. My excuses that the things I did, I did for my family so we could have, was a lie I'd come to believe so strangely it almost sounded true. At least to me.
Drawn and driven by my own lust. Lust had conceived and brought forth sin...and sin had brought forth spiritual death--separation from God. It was just a matter of time, traveling the path I'd chosen, that physical death would occur. As a Christian I had defiled the temple of God--my body, mind and soul. I needed to be rebuilt but the one stone I needed to complete me, I was rejecting.
We, men God created in his image, are rejecting the stone needed to complete us so that we can be the men God created us to be. I'm reminded of a story of Masters Builders building a temple; an ancient temple. They came across a stone (a keystone) which account of its singular form and beauty was passed on from one overseer to another; until it was finally cast into the rubbish heap.
History informs us that Egypt was at one time invaded by an Eastern nation called Hyksos, or Shepherd Kings, who compelled the people of the land to close their idolatrous temples, and enlisted them to erect the Great Pyramid. The Egyptians had, therefore, no personal interest in the work.
In the opinion of Professor Flinders Petrie, a recognized authority on Egyptian archaeology, the stone used in all important parts of the Great Pyramid were carefully cut to size at the quarried, and specially marked to fit their allotted places before being conveyed to the site of the building.
During the erecting operations, which the Greek historian Herodotus says took thirty years, the workmen would find one stone laying among the others, namely, the head cornerstone. The purpose of which must have been for some time incomprehensible, for the Great Pyramid was the first example of that style of architecture, and the builders could not have known its finished design.
We can imagine these ignorant men conjecturing and puzzling over this stone, and as it did not then appear what place it would occupy, they rejected, it of no use. It doubtless became, as the Apostle indicates, a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. Apparently the workmen did not understand that this peculiarly shaped stone was a little model of the monument they were erecting; it contains the angles to which the outer stones were required to be cut.
When the building was nearing completion, however, they beheld with wonder that the very stone they had rejected as useless was the only one which could crown their work! Thus the stone which the builders rejected or refused or disallowed, the same became the head cornerstone.
Stone, or rock, means law, together with the fullness or completeness thereof. The Pyramid of Cheops was constructed in accordance with the law, i.e., light in the east, darkness in the west, life in the north, or above, death in the south, or below. It is this way, so it will be that way and it is above, so it will be below. The capstone, or cape stone, of the pyramid was an exact model of the pyramid itself, and was looked upon as a stone of singular form and beauty.
In the course of time it became covered with the rubbish of the temple, where, after diligent search and inquiry, it was brought to light and raised to its proper position, which resulted in the celebrating of the cape stone. Thus, the stone (law) which the builders rejected, the same is become the headstone of the corner. Luke 20:17. Today the builders of personal character are rejecting not only the capstone of the superstructure but also the foundation stone (knowledge) upon which they might build a morally structured life, and walk upright in a their relationship with the Lord. And then and only then can we be the men God has created us to be.
By Bishop Joseph Hall
Whether, black, white, red, yellow, or brown we have a responsibility to God to please him, squaring our actions in everything we do that He (God) might be glorified in us.
Too many families, communities and even our churches are filled with women doing the jobs that men ought to be doing because we (the men) have been placed in the balance and found wanting--missing from our place appointed and ordained of God as husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers living upright, respectful and just lives as Kings, Priest, and Prophets to our families, Communities and, most importantly, churches.
My dear beloved sisters, this is not an attempt to discredit, under mind or belittle your contributions as wives, mothers, daughters and sisters, especially, in a time when you are called upon to do more than your share. You have been incredibly strong and courageous in spite of. However, I wanted to send a message to my brothers in hope of igniting the flames of responsibility, loyalty to and most importantly, their oneness, or lack thereof, with God. However, know that you my loving sisters are loved and highly appreciated.
I have not been a perfect husband, father, son or brother, by any means. But my family life on the whole has been okay for the most part, for which I give God the glory. Through it I have learned many lessons. Not all of the lessons learned have been pleasant ones. You could say, looking back over my life, especially my marriages, I missed God's plan for my marriage and subsequently, my family. Three marriages, nineteen (19) years in federal prison later God challenged me in an altogether new way that I had to succeed, first and foremost, as a husband and father before I could succeed in any other capacity. Nevertheless, my wife moved on with her life after waiting as long as she could handle, leaving me with that area of my life to be continued. But as a father, I began to analyze my own motives why did I make the choices I made? What I found turned my stomach to its core. My excuses that the things I did, I did for my family so we could have, was a lie I'd come to believe so strangely it almost sounded true. At least to me.
Drawn and driven by my own lust. Lust had conceived and brought forth sin...and sin had brought forth spiritual death--separation from God. It was just a matter of time, traveling the path I'd chosen, that physical death would occur. As a Christian I had defiled the temple of God--my body, mind and soul. I needed to be rebuilt but the one stone I needed to complete me, I was rejecting.
We, men God created in his image, are rejecting the stone needed to complete us so that we can be the men God created us to be. I'm reminded of a story of Masters Builders building a temple; an ancient temple. They came across a stone (a keystone) which account of its singular form and beauty was passed on from one overseer to another; until it was finally cast into the rubbish heap.
History informs us that Egypt was at one time invaded by an Eastern nation called Hyksos, or Shepherd Kings, who compelled the people of the land to close their idolatrous temples, and enlisted them to erect the Great Pyramid. The Egyptians had, therefore, no personal interest in the work.
In the opinion of Professor Flinders Petrie, a recognized authority on Egyptian archaeology, the stone used in all important parts of the Great Pyramid were carefully cut to size at the quarried, and specially marked to fit their allotted places before being conveyed to the site of the building.
During the erecting operations, which the Greek historian Herodotus says took thirty years, the workmen would find one stone laying among the others, namely, the head cornerstone. The purpose of which must have been for some time incomprehensible, for the Great Pyramid was the first example of that style of architecture, and the builders could not have known its finished design.
We can imagine these ignorant men conjecturing and puzzling over this stone, and as it did not then appear what place it would occupy, they rejected, it of no use. It doubtless became, as the Apostle indicates, a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. Apparently the workmen did not understand that this peculiarly shaped stone was a little model of the monument they were erecting; it contains the angles to which the outer stones were required to be cut.
When the building was nearing completion, however, they beheld with wonder that the very stone they had rejected as useless was the only one which could crown their work! Thus the stone which the builders rejected or refused or disallowed, the same became the head cornerstone.
Stone, or rock, means law, together with the fullness or completeness thereof. The Pyramid of Cheops was constructed in accordance with the law, i.e., light in the east, darkness in the west, life in the north, or above, death in the south, or below. It is this way, so it will be that way and it is above, so it will be below. The capstone, or cape stone, of the pyramid was an exact model of the pyramid itself, and was looked upon as a stone of singular form and beauty.
In the course of time it became covered with the rubbish of the temple, where, after diligent search and inquiry, it was brought to light and raised to its proper position, which resulted in the celebrating of the cape stone. Thus, the stone (law) which the builders rejected, the same is become the headstone of the corner. Luke 20:17. Today the builders of personal character are rejecting not only the capstone of the superstructure but also the foundation stone (knowledge) upon which they might build a morally structured life, and walk upright in a their relationship with the Lord. And then and only then can we be the men God has created us to be.
By Bishop Joseph Hall
It It Wasn't For The Lord
Wed, 13th October, 2010
“But for the grace and mercy of God”, this statement has proven to be true over and over again.
Arrested and convicted, along with my two younger brothers David and Cleophas (Cleo) Hall and codefendant Greg Caldwell of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine. Cleo, David and I were also convicted of possession with the intent to distribute 50 rams or more of crack cocaine.
The probation officer prepared a presentence investigation reports (PSI) for each of us, calculating the applicable guideline range that held us responsible for more than 15 kilograms of crack, which corresponded to a base level offense of 42 under the United States Sentencing Guidelines . Caldwell and I faced no enhancements or reductions. Our guideline range was 360 months (30 years) to life imprisonment.
Cleophas’ offense level was increased by three levels, due to his managerial role, for a total adjusted offense level of 45. Cleophas’ guideline range was life imprisonment. David also received an enhancement for his role in the offense and therefore his guideline was life as well.
At sentencing, the judge determined that David and I were responsible for more than 50 kilograms of cocaine base; based on approximately the testimony of fifteen witnesses, who were brought back from prison to testify in return for reductions in their sentences.
After all was said and done, we were remanded to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), where we have been for the last eighteen (18) years. We trusted God for the strength, tenacity, and love we needed, to not only endure this incredible experience, but to change our lives as well. Only by the grace of God can we hope to complete this complex, sometimes frightening, and tedious journey.
There have been many of times that I have felt that all hope was gone. Times when I believed in my heart I would die in prison. There was no way; in my mind…I was going to make 30 years in this place.
When I think back on the day that I arrived at Atlanta Federal Penitentiary, having never been incarcerated for a long period of time, I didn’t know what to expect. The cell block was huge. The catwalks that ran in front of the long rows of cells seemed to go on forever. The air was warm and heavy with a strong, pungent smell of antiseptic. The gray cement floors were still wet with dirty streaks of water from their morning scrubbing. The cells looked like long rows of apple boxes, standing on end with gray steel bars across the front, like cages.
We shuffled along the corridor of the cell block, dressed in our federal -issued and ill- fitting outfits. “Open em up” the guard yelled. From somewhere out of sight someone hit the switch and the narrow barred doors of the individual cells slid noisily open.
“Okay, let’s go!” the guard yelled as he moved down the line of cells. He began to call out names and right after the names, he called out the cell numbers, that were printed over each of the narrow openings.
The guard shouted “Hall 5-12”; I was assigned the last cell on the fifth floor.
I shifted my roll of blankets in my arms and slowly walked into the tiny cubicle. It was narrow; I could stand in the middle of it hold my arms out and touch both sides with my fingertips. There was a thin well-used mattress stretched out on a steel bunk against one side of the cell. A one piece stainless steel sink, with a toilet attached to the wall in the corner of the cell.
I remember thinking “You can’t even used the toilet in private”. It seemed like the final insult to my dignity.
The only other furnishing… was a steel table with a stool attached and bolted to the wall and floor. The cell door shut behind me with a loud clang of metal against metal. I felt totally alone.
The feeling of loneliness was almost suffocating. I sat down on the bunk, covered my face with both hands and silently cried. This new emotion was a feeling of helplessness, as if I were at the mercy of this stark monstrous cell block.
The noise of doors banging and discordant voices ricocheting off walls, down the long cavernous cell block became almost unbearable. I covered my ears with my hands, trying to block out the sound. It had come to this…this place would be my home for the next thirty (30) years.
At first, I became very bitter, I blamed everyone; the people who testified against us, the police, Drug Enforcement Agents (DEA), who arrested us, the judge and jury that convicted us and subsequently the Federal Bureau of Prisons. You name it; everyone was to blame for my situation…everyone …but me.
It took some time, but, finally, I remembered a scripture my father once quoted to me. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin bringeth forth death”. (James 1:14-15). First it brings forth spiritual death, eventually, physical death, and eternal damnation.
For many, I’ve been forgotten and that’s okay…really, as the saying goes “I made my bed”. I have to admit, this has been an incredible experience in my life and the lives of those who loves us. However, I believe that everything is necessary…the things that we go through…for the making of us.
As our president, Mr. Obama likes to say of unique situations, this has been for me, “a teachable moment”.
To my family and friends, and all of you …who have found themselves in some low valleys in life, “Be of good courage and he (the Lord Jesus) shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord” (Psalms 21:24).
In my eighteen (18) years of incarceration, I have come to trust in the truth of this statement, especially most recently. Laws concerning crack cocaine, after two decades of unjust disparities, are being changed. We never believed it would happen. However, there is always hope; if we call on the Lord.
Brothers and sisters, continue to hope in the Lord. He will strengthen your heart.
Arrested and convicted, along with my two younger brothers David and Cleophas (Cleo) Hall and codefendant Greg Caldwell of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine. Cleo, David and I were also convicted of possession with the intent to distribute 50 rams or more of crack cocaine.
The probation officer prepared a presentence investigation reports (PSI) for each of us, calculating the applicable guideline range that held us responsible for more than 15 kilograms of crack, which corresponded to a base level offense of 42 under the United States Sentencing Guidelines . Caldwell and I faced no enhancements or reductions. Our guideline range was 360 months (30 years) to life imprisonment.
Cleophas’ offense level was increased by three levels, due to his managerial role, for a total adjusted offense level of 45. Cleophas’ guideline range was life imprisonment. David also received an enhancement for his role in the offense and therefore his guideline was life as well.
At sentencing, the judge determined that David and I were responsible for more than 50 kilograms of cocaine base; based on approximately the testimony of fifteen witnesses, who were brought back from prison to testify in return for reductions in their sentences.
After all was said and done, we were remanded to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), where we have been for the last eighteen (18) years. We trusted God for the strength, tenacity, and love we needed, to not only endure this incredible experience, but to change our lives as well. Only by the grace of God can we hope to complete this complex, sometimes frightening, and tedious journey.
There have been many of times that I have felt that all hope was gone. Times when I believed in my heart I would die in prison. There was no way; in my mind…I was going to make 30 years in this place.
When I think back on the day that I arrived at Atlanta Federal Penitentiary, having never been incarcerated for a long period of time, I didn’t know what to expect. The cell block was huge. The catwalks that ran in front of the long rows of cells seemed to go on forever. The air was warm and heavy with a strong, pungent smell of antiseptic. The gray cement floors were still wet with dirty streaks of water from their morning scrubbing. The cells looked like long rows of apple boxes, standing on end with gray steel bars across the front, like cages.
We shuffled along the corridor of the cell block, dressed in our federal -issued and ill- fitting outfits. “Open em up” the guard yelled. From somewhere out of sight someone hit the switch and the narrow barred doors of the individual cells slid noisily open.
“Okay, let’s go!” the guard yelled as he moved down the line of cells. He began to call out names and right after the names, he called out the cell numbers, that were printed over each of the narrow openings.
The guard shouted “Hall 5-12”; I was assigned the last cell on the fifth floor.
I shifted my roll of blankets in my arms and slowly walked into the tiny cubicle. It was narrow; I could stand in the middle of it hold my arms out and touch both sides with my fingertips. There was a thin well-used mattress stretched out on a steel bunk against one side of the cell. A one piece stainless steel sink, with a toilet attached to the wall in the corner of the cell.
I remember thinking “You can’t even used the toilet in private”. It seemed like the final insult to my dignity.
The only other furnishing… was a steel table with a stool attached and bolted to the wall and floor. The cell door shut behind me with a loud clang of metal against metal. I felt totally alone.
The feeling of loneliness was almost suffocating. I sat down on the bunk, covered my face with both hands and silently cried. This new emotion was a feeling of helplessness, as if I were at the mercy of this stark monstrous cell block.
The noise of doors banging and discordant voices ricocheting off walls, down the long cavernous cell block became almost unbearable. I covered my ears with my hands, trying to block out the sound. It had come to this…this place would be my home for the next thirty (30) years.
At first, I became very bitter, I blamed everyone; the people who testified against us, the police, Drug Enforcement Agents (DEA), who arrested us, the judge and jury that convicted us and subsequently the Federal Bureau of Prisons. You name it; everyone was to blame for my situation…everyone …but me.
It took some time, but, finally, I remembered a scripture my father once quoted to me. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin bringeth forth death”. (James 1:14-15). First it brings forth spiritual death, eventually, physical death, and eternal damnation.
For many, I’ve been forgotten and that’s okay…really, as the saying goes “I made my bed”. I have to admit, this has been an incredible experience in my life and the lives of those who loves us. However, I believe that everything is necessary…the things that we go through…for the making of us.
As our president, Mr. Obama likes to say of unique situations, this has been for me, “a teachable moment”.
To my family and friends, and all of you …who have found themselves in some low valleys in life, “Be of good courage and he (the Lord Jesus) shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord” (Psalms 21:24).
In my eighteen (18) years of incarceration, I have come to trust in the truth of this statement, especially most recently. Laws concerning crack cocaine, after two decades of unjust disparities, are being changed. We never believed it would happen. However, there is always hope; if we call on the Lord.
Brothers and sisters, continue to hope in the Lord. He will strengthen your heart.
