Updated Post: Emptiness / Sadness That Won’t Go Away? Seven Ways to Feel Better Now!

June 28, 2008 by emptynomore | Edit

Emptiness tops the list on all the posts that have been written (and that have been read) on this site. Emptiness…feeling empty is a common “sickness” with the majority of people I talk to. If it were a disease, I would say that it is an epidemic in our society. This feeling of emptiness is causing much sadness, increased clinical depression, decreased satisfaction of once loved jobs and hobbies, inability to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, difficulty in communication with friends and work associates, and many many more difficulties.

In my work, I deal with this symptom every day. In previous writings, I have attempted to explain what is happening or not happening in the life of someone who feels “empty.” When we say the word, “empty,” it quickly lets us know that “something” is missing. Something is missing or the feeling would not be the sense that something important (something that it seems like most other people have) is just not there in your life.

I believe that in my writings the most accurate explanation I have given and what I believe is the core problem which causes this feeling of being empty is the lack of purpose in life. In other words, people feel empty when they are not sure of the direction their life is taking. Or they know the direction and are deeply disappointed about it – perhaps they have not reached this goal or are experiencing roadblocks along the way of achieving this goal. This lack of purpose and direction takes into account those BIG areas of relationships (family, friends, and romance); also job availability/educational options.

I do not normally “go in for” quick fixes; however, sometimes we need to get a little spark of “hope” to carry us through while we are making a plan that will lead to a fulfilling purpose(s) and to create more magic in the relationships that…yes…fill those empty spaces. Do not forget that this plan is the ultimate goal!!

NUMBER ONE: Reconnect with a family member or friend that you have lost touch with. It is better if you can reconnect with someone who is close enough that you can get together. Whatever the reason you disconnected…be willing to let the past be in the past. Do not rehash any old disagreement. Start new! Apologize if it is the right thing to do. Forgive if that is the right thing to do. Choose someone that you and s/he have connected well with in the past.

NUMBER TWO: If you have someone to do this with you – good. But it can be done alone and be just as effective! If you are not satisfied with your job – go get the want ads from the newspapers in your area. And depending on your lifestyle…you may even dare to consider a relocation!! If you need more education or training – go to the nearest college (or with relocation in mind) choose college or training in a different part of the state or country. Check things out in areas that you are truly interested in. By the way…I went completely through college and graduate school on scholarships..ending up paying for only ONE semester. IT CAN BE DONE!

NUMBER THREE: Everyone needs to define their belief system. Get comfortable and ready to put your mind in gear. Fill in this sentence as many times as you can: “I believe that _____.” These statements can be as short or as long as you want/need them to be. The goal is not how many things you can name…it is your ability to write down those things that you really feel strongly about. Remember that our belief systems grow as we grow – not many beliefs are “written in cement!” It is amazing how many people go through life not having defined the things they actually believe…things that are important in their lives…not having understood their morals and ethics. Starting to know these things about yourself will lift your spirits!  There are not many more things in life that are more important than defining who you are – not depending on what other people think or say about you.  Define yourself!!

NUMBER FOUR: Regardless of time of day or night…regardless of weather conditions (unless it would be dangerous), go outside and find the beauty in nature.  If you are in a crowded city…look up.  Look at the sky whether day or night…find the beauty.  Grass, trees, bushes, flowers…even bugs!  Contemplate two things that seem like opposites:  think how simple nature is and then…think how complex nature is!  As you allow your mind to dwell in these two places with Nature…your own troubles will become smaller in your mind.  Nature has a powerful healing force.  When I have a headache, I go outside and study nature and just breathe…

NUMBER FIVE: Take a long warm bath!   Play your favorite music while you tend to taking care of and cleansing your body – that living frame that carries you around on this Earth!  Depending on YOUR frame of mind, play the kind of music that will create the right atmosphere for you to cleanse your inside as well:  At times, I play music that is slow and even somewhat melancholy…these are the times I allow myself to cry.  There is no better place to have that cleansing cry than in the bathtub or shower.  Let the tears flow – get it all out.  Real men cry…women too.  Sometimes we release anger when it is actually despair / sadness that needs to be released.  Other times, I will play energizing music and sing along – even though I don’t sing well!  Make the music work for you…to release pent up sadness – or – give yourself a jazzy fix with energizing tunes.

NUMBER SIX: Move!  To the extent you are able to do it safely:  MOVE!  Get off your backside and take a walk.  Again…you will be out in nature and when you add movement,  you will actually change the chemistry in your body!  Weather too bad for a walk?  Walk around your house for 10 to 30 minutes!  Add music if you like…clean up around the house if you like – but MOVE!  If you are not allowed out of bed due to a physical condition…move whatever you can: arms, legs, fingers, or facial movements!  NOW:  after your movement – whatever it was:  look at yourself in the mirror and smile at yourself for at least one minute- DO IT !  Write your thoughts down after you have moved and smiled!  It would be interesting to write down your thought before and after your “move and smile” routine.

NUMBER SEVEN: I believe I have saved the best for last; though, you might hesitate to do this.  This is the most humbling of things to experience but can be THE THING / THE BEHAVIOR that can help you break through your feelings of emptiness:  find or make a clean place…a private place and lay on the floor on your face.  If you are uncomfortable, use a pillow, but the point is – to humble yourself before God.  The Bible tells us to “seek His face.”  Let your mind be quiet and listen.  He knows what you need.  Listen for the answer.  Answers can come in many different forms:  a thought may enter your mind; a “picture” may enter your mind; a course of action may present itself.  Again, the point is:  humble yourself…surrender all your “power and control” to He who does have absolute power.  You will receive some kind of answer – within yourself…from others…from something you hear or read.  God loves you.

I am sitting here…hoping that you will take the time and expend the effort to do these simple things. You are worth it. Let me know how it works out for you. I would be pleased to hear from those of you who get back into the stream of a life that brings fulfillment and joy.  Remember, we all have ups and downs.  Have these simple but powerful tools ready when your down times occur.

Daniel 10:12:  Then he said to me, Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind and heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come as a consequence of [and in response to] your words.

Micah 6:8:  He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God? [Deut 10:12, 13 )

Romans 12:16:  Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits. [Prov 3:7 ]

Wishing you fulfillment, humility, wisdom and peace,

Macky

Empty? Depressed? Help is here…

Anyone who has read this blog, even a few times, knows that I am deeply concerned and involved in the well-being of those who are hurting.  People who come here are usually in some kind of pain:  emotional, physical, psychological, etc.  Readers here are seeking relief to fairly specific problems:  emptiness; depression; concern for a loved one; feeling lost in this world we live in; incarceration; incarceration of a loved one.

Because I have been involved in the field of mental health for nearly 30 years…I KNOW some things about people’s responses to “Self-Help” writings, such as this article.  ARE YOU PREPARED FOR SOME TRUTH…SOME TRUTH THAT MAY HURT BUT WILL THEN BE HELPFUL?????

MOST OF YOU ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING POSITIVE TO HELP YOURSELF. You read these suggestions that CAN help and then you continue in your old ways or continue to sit in your misery.

There is a story that will help you to understand why you do this…why you do not take steps to help yourself.  READ THIS SHORT STORY!  There was a bird flying south for the winter, but he became very cold and began to doubt he could make it.  He decided to “take a break” and he landed in a pile of cow manure.  “OH MAN…what a mess I’m in now…I thought I had trouble before but now look where I am – sticky mess….and oh Lordy…the smell…I can’t stand this!”  The bird started to struggle to get free of the mess when he noticed some seeds were in the manure also…he ate a few and after a very bad first taste – he found the seed was good enough to eat.  Then as he continued to struggle to free himself…he noticed how warm the slimy mess was.  “Hmmm,” thought the bird, I will just rest a while and warm up.  It wasn’t long until he didn’t notice the bitter taste of the seeds and after a while, he didn’t even notice the smell.”  Thus…he began his life of jumping from one pile of manure to another and forgot his goal of flying south.  He became accustomed / “used to” AND even comfortable in his pile of manure…

ARE YOU JUMPING FROM ONE PILE TO ANOTHER? Have you forgotten your purpose in life and you now don’t even notice that your life stinks?

I realize that as we continue down a bad path – WE DO NOT STAY IN THE MESS BECAUSE WE LIKE IT – WE ARE MERELY USED TO IT and have lost our passion to reach our goals in life.  Some of you have not even established any goals!!!  What will it take for you to crawl out of your pile and rediscover life – or discover a good life for the first time?!  You MUST be willing to TAKE SOME ACTION on your own.  For most of us – there is no Superman who will come along and rescue us!  It is OUR responsibility to take a stand and improve our life…improve our circumstances!  Stop waiting for your hero – he or she is not coming.  Our True Hope in is our Lord GOD and no man or woman on this Earth can continually sustain us…even if we want to be taken care of.  Remember when Jesus said, “Pick up your bed and walk!”  It is time for you to move forward.

I believe that each of us know what the “next step” is that we need to take.  I don’t know your personal circumstances, but I know this:  when I sit and talk to people .. people who have serious problems – 99% of those persons already KNOW what they need to do to help themselves!!  This is the truth!  People who have been in a lot of pain or depression have gotten bogged down and have lost the will to pull themselves up and out of their mess.  Is this you?

Renew your HOPE!  Renew your BELIEF that you can be successful in your attempt to make your life better!  Take action now!  You know what to do…do it with the strength of the Lord and your own determination!  Trust that God is in full control.  Surrender to Him completely and then take action!

Passage Romans 8:28: And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Loving Him, loving you,

Macky

Feeling Empty? Feeling Depressed? I Bet You Never Thought of This as a Solution…

My writings that address feeling EMPTY get the most activity…no other subject comes close.

Emptiness is a chronic condition in our society.  There are many reasons for this and those things need to be addressed, but I have decided to discuss SOLUTIONS, actually one primary solution, in this writing today and at another time, I will talk about and explain many of the reasons we feel empty.  For your information, this feeling of emptiness is experienced by all ages, all races. both men and women, married, divorced, rich, poor…you name it.

The Solution:  TRUTH

I need to explain.  When you decide that TRUTH IS NOT OPTIONAL in your life…in other words, when you decide that you will tell the truth regardless of who you are talking to or the subject you are talking about….you will begin to feel a sense of freedom that you have never experienced before.  Let me interrupt myself to say this:  we must use Wisdom as we live the life of truth.  There are times when we should say to someone, “I want to speak with you about this, but this is not the right time for me to tell you my truth. ”  Using wisdom, you will sense / discern those times when it is not the right time to talk about certain subjects.  There have been times when someone asks me a question about a sensitive issue and I have an immediate response in my mind; however, I know that it is the wrong time for me to speak…it is perhaps a subject that I need to think about more thoroughly or perhaps I need to wait until the circumstances are better for the two of us to sit down and discuss a sensitive subject.  Telling the truth does not mean that a person just blurts out whatever they are thinking!  That type of “truth telling” can cause more harm than good.  Again, use wisdom.  You can tell someone, “I want to think about this some more.” 

And what if someone you know confronts you with their truth about something you have said or done?  Isn’t your first response to throw up your defenses and justify yourself??  Draw back friend.  Wisdom, again, is your saving grace.  Swallow your pride (God hates pride!) and ask the person who has confronted you for some time to think about what they have said.  You can say, “I want to think about what you have told me for a while (you decide how much time…an hour…a day…a week) and then we will discuss it.”  If you feel hurt or angry, excuse yourself politely.  You then go to your “thinking place” and you get honest with yourself.  This is sometimes, often times, the hardest Truth…those things we tell ourselves.

I have learned to look forward to confrontations – that’s the truth!  I look forward to it because I know I may have an opportunity to see myself through someone else’s eyes.  A word of caution:  I do not dwell on just anyone’s opinions about me.  I contemplate only those opinions and viewpoints of persons I trust.  There are always people out there who will have a goal of merely causing you pain.  Be discerning and consider only those things from those persons you trust.

Don’t expect to find a great number of people who will join you on this lifestyle of Truth.  Sadly, most people walk around with “walls of defense” around them.  But when you find those special people who are like-minded – those who stand on their truth and integrity – hold on to them.  Honor and love them.

I feel so good and so “full” when I have had communication with someone “without walls.”  I feel genuine and I feel blessed.  Do not think that another flesh and blood person is the only way to experience this fullness of communication.  Dear friends, talk to God…tell Him all and I know He will lead you to others who also depend on Him – which is depending on the truth!

“And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.”  John 8:32

May you know His Truth and find His people of Truth,

Macky

Coming Home From Prison…Identity Lost?

As a licensed psychotherapist, I want to let you know (even if other therapists do not tell you); we don’t know everything!  But those of us who are called to a specific work and really care about what we are doing – we will do our best to put ourselves in your “shoes” in order to help you.  Then there are times when I become certain that a specific event has occured in my life so that I will be more understanding and better able to help you.  This would be a “God” event!

As I have referred to in past posts, the Department of Corrections in the state in which I live has been closing Programs in the Prison System.  Programs – in most prisons are a major light at the end of the tunnel…Programs have been one of the major tools with which a man can begin to reclaim his life as he walks out of the gate of his incarceration.  Within the next several years, men will be walking out of the prisons in my state without some of the major tools that could help him.  But all is not lost!  Stay with me…

As Director of one of the major Programs (Sexual Offenses), I lost my position about two weeks ago.  I admit to all who read these words that I am walking around in a fog.  I finally broke down today and said it out loud – “I don’t know who I am without my job.”  I spoke to a family member and then with a dear friend – bearing my soul…talking about how I feel and how I don’t feel anymore.  Yes, I have plans but I am caught in the middle right now.  I am no longer the Director of the Program…I no longer share lessons and listen to the internal and external feelings of the men I treated.  In short, I feel sad and lost.  I don’t feel that I have a platform to continue the calling that God has put in my life…which means I do not (at this time) have a way to reach out and offer the help that I used to do everyday.

I am thinking and comparing the way I feel with the way a man may feel when he is given his freedom.  Most people would think, “What could possibly be sad or depressing about FREEDOM?”  But, I know many men who are now free and I have spoken to them as they have plowed their way through the first few weeks, months, and even years of freedom.  Many have left behind very good friends in prison!  And in our state, and I believe in the whole United States, the men who have been released may not gather together – it is seen by society’s laws as a risky and a dangerous thing for two or more felons to be together for any reason.  Therefore, most newly free men are faced with old friends who do not know or understand them anymore.  The men who have had intensive Treatment can not risk getting involved in their “old crowds/gangs.”  They would be tempted to go back to their old habits…they would be jeopardizing their newly attained freedom.  So, I am definitely encouraging you newly free (treated/changed) men to create a new niche for yourself in society.  You see?  In some ways, you and I are in the same boat!

We are at a point in our lives where we must recreate ourselves!  Let’s go over a few things that can be helpful…things I am doing myself:

1)  Give yourself time to become accustomed to your freedom.  Be gentle with yourself.  If you feel panicy – it is okay to have a little alone time – but not too much or it will become isolation.  It might be good to keep a journal of how you are feeling each day, rating your feelings on a scale of 1 – 10 – “10” being the best you can feel and “1” being the worst.  Write down things you notice that are different and talk about or write down your opinions if the differences are things you like or don’t like.  Be aware that you may change your mind with time.  Share your journal with a trusted family member or trusted friend.

2) Maybe you don’t have any family members or trusted friends?  I can understand that too because I have moved to a different community.  I am the new person and am not close to anyone yet.  But I am going to a church and you can too!  I do suggest that you speak with the pastor of the church and let him know your situation so that he/she will not have any surprises and he/she will respect you for being forthright.  If one church does not want you to attend…go to another church.  Let me tell you something…I am preparing to talk to the Pastor of a church I am going to and tell him what my calling/ministry is (working with prisoners / men who have been in prison / men who have committed sexual offenses in their past.  He may not be pleased with what I tell him and I know that there is a chance that he will at least ask me if I intend to invite any of my “clients,” or friends who have been incarcerated into the church.  I will say, “Absolutely, I intend to invite them to church.”  If he lets me know that they would not be welcome – you can know that I will attend another church…and then another…until I find a Pastor who loves ALL God’s children.  I will be patient and I want you to be patient too.  I am facing rejection – not quite the same as you – but rejection nonetheless.  We can endure!!

3)  If you have to go to work right away, I understand – we need money to live!  Don’t look down on yourself if you work physical labor or fast food.  My friends – this is honest labor and it will help you to start a new schedule…a good schedule of working…making a living!

4)  Want to do different work?  Look into tech schools and some of you can go to college.  Hey – I didn’t start college until I was over 30!  And I have a friend who did not go to college until she was in her late 50’s.  She started working as a Therapist when she was 65 years old!  She was one of the best Therapists I have ever known.  The more mature students in tech or college usually do better anyway! 

5)  You won’t like this suggestion, but here goes anyway:  don’t be in a hurry to get involved romantically.  You are going through a lot of changes and this is not a good time to focus on a romantic relationship.  You don’t want to make a hasty marriage that may not work out…I have seen this happen.  Instead, let your goal be to make friends…good friends…both male and female.  Let the ladies know that you are not going to get involved in a romantic relationship for quite a while but let them know that you would really enjoy good friendships.  And who knows…later down the road, one of these good friends may be “the one” you will spend your life with.  This is the very best way to find a marriage partner – to be good friends first…knowing the good, the bad, the quirks, all those things that could drive you crazy later!  Find these things out in a good friendship.

6)  I think all men (or women) who have been released from prison require “aftercare” Therapy for a few months…while the newly free man is adjusting to life.  It is so comforting to know that you have someone who will tell you the complete truth and someone who will challenge you to live your best life…your Good Life. 

7)  Pray my dear friends and make solid goals for your life!  Live your life doing good for others and all will be blessed!

As you can see, there are many different situations that can make a person feel lost.  Let’s work together…encourage each other and find the joy and blessings in rebuilding your life.  I will be rebuilding my life and I will be happy to share my progress with you!

May God watch over all of us as we go through these changes!

Macky

Living Life Deliberately…

People who have made major life changes cannot live “in the shadows” of their old lifestyles.  There must be a deliberation as we go through our days, months, years…our lives.

How can we afford to do less?  If we “ad-lib” our lives, old habits will creep back in…if we are not thinking about the changes we have made and continue making obvious and noticeable  efforts to put our new changes into our lives – again and again and again – we could lose that for which we have worked so hard.  We must live our lives deliberately until the old man is gone and the new man is the new norm!

Have you created a new routine to start your day?  This is so important!  You must capture those first thoughts of the morning.  The enemy loves to “grab” you at the beginning of the day.  Why?  Because the start of your day sets the stage for the rest of your day…If your new morning routine includes Bible reading – be sure your Bible is set where you can see it when you first wake up.  Maybe you have an exercise routine…be sure to play Christian and/or positive music as you begin your day moving to good music and good lyrics.  Eat something healthy at the beginning of the day.  Again, when we do something this healthy and positive at the beginning of our day, we are giving ourselves the message that we are worthy of health, love, and all that God wants to give us!

Do you have goals?  Living your life deliberately requires that you become the guide of your life (as it is in line with God’s will!)  Some of us make daily goals…some weekly goals…some monthly goals.  I don’t believe a once a year “New Year’s Resolution” package will do the job for those of us who want to have meaningful, productive and joyful lives!  Write your goals on paper.  Mark off your goals as you achieve them – give yourself a “happy face!”  🙂

Here’s what I’m trying to get across:  A Good Life is not just “handed to you.”  You must work it out and work it deliberately…on purpose.  Share your Good Life plans with those people in your life – those people who are truly on your side…who want to see you succeed.   Some people want you to fail – now don’t be shocked.  There will be people around you who want to see you fail because they are not happy with who they are; therefore, if you fail too, they won’t feel so bad about themselves.  MISERY DOES LOVE COMPANY.  Be sure you are in the company of positive people who themselves are on the Good path.

Continue to pray for our brothers and sisters who are still in the prison system – a system which is now lacking in LIGHT…lacking in HOPE.  Our God reigns…we will see change in His timing!  Be sure of it!

Loving our Lord…Loving you,

Mrs. H

Depressed? Light Exists…

Dear Readers,

I have so much to say, but it is so much that I must do it in small pieces.  Please be patient.  Tragedy hits everyone’s life – no one wins that one!  Many Prison Programs are being cut due to the state of the economy of our nation.  The prison I worked in has done this thing…it has begun shutting down the Programs in the prison system.  Programs were one of the greatest “Lights at the end of the tunnel” to be found within the razor wire.  And at this time, our prison system is becoming a holding facility – with little to do with rehabilitation or habilitation.  The program I was associated with closed approximately one week ago and I have news that violence has already broken out on the unit of which I worked.

I cannot change the financial situation in our society – but I know the One who can…I know Almighty God and He can turn this country around and as a society, we can become people who care again…I know this is possible.

One of the last days I was on the yard, our Program Group had a “Sunrise Program,” to remind us that each day is a new day.  WE CAN MAKE GOOD CHOICES TODAY!  It was the first time during one of our Sunrise Programs that the clouds hid our view of the sun.  As it turn out – it was a very special day – it seemed to forecast that darkness may reign on the yard temporarily – BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN THE SUN IS NOT THERE!  Though it does not always make a bright yellow appearance, we know the sun is there…the Light exists even if I cannot see its source.  It is the same with our lives and with our blessings or lack of blessings.  Light exists and is doing Its job whether or not I am can see what is happening. 

There is hope.  Hang on.  The Light exists and His name is Jesus.  He has not stopped shining in our hearts. 

God loves each and every one of us,

Macky

 

Words From Prison…Looking Back & Looking Ahead With Hope

This topic was written by a man who is incarcerated at this time for sexual crimes.  He has transitioned the Sexual Offenses Treatment Program and is planning to live a good and productive life when he leaves prison.  I believe you will be deeply interested and moved by what he has to say:

WHAT IF I HAD?

by Michael

Have you ever let your mind wander?  Do you ever daydream?  I know that for me I do that quite a bit.  Some of my thoughts are of great memories of my grandmother, who has went on to be with the Lord, and sometimes I reflect on the places I’ve been and the things I’ve seen in my short time here on this Earth.  However, sometimes I look back at my life and I wonder, “what if I had…?”

I had many opportunities in my life to do the “right thing” but didn’t and the culmination of that has led me down a road of deviancy, and immorality that eventually landed me here in prison for the second time, just six short months after getting out of prison the first time.

Many times I reflect on my teen years and thought, “What if I had applied myself more in school, after all the teachers all said I was capable of good things.”  I look back now and see a lot of missed opportunities that were directly related to my poor behavior in school.  This is where, (age 13) I believe I started rebelling against everyone, doing only the things I wanted to do.  This is called immediate gratification. Do you remember a time in your past when you started doing what you want when you wanted it?  It is my opinion that everyone that is in prison has a problem with immediate gratification. In other words, we came to a point, in any given situation, that we were going to get what we wanted regardless of the potential consequences.

I continued on this path while in the Army.  I was drinking, drugging and many other illegal things.  I could have had a great career and seen the world all the while getting a free education.  I also participated in a part of modern history by serving in combat in Desert Storm and being awarded the Bronze Star not once, but twice!  However, I thew it all away because I thought I was entitled to walk my own path but the Army did not agree.  Therefore, I left behind a huge opportunity to be someone of integrity, respect and trust.  I was quite the liar.

You are probably getting bored with my story, but if you will just hang on, I believe you will find something that applies to you.  That is the reason I am writing this article – to help someone out there that thinks he is all alone.

I have squandered many job opportunities that I could have turned into careers and been able to provide for my family and myself.  Again, I ask myself, “What is I had just toughed it out at work and been thankful for the job I had?”  I was too busy doing whatever my flash desired regardless of consequences or who got hurt.  I have said many times, “I’m a grown man – no one can stop me from doing what I want!”  Maybe I am the only one who has ever thought or said that, but that is what I truly believed at the time.  All by myself, I ruined three marriages and damaged my relationship with my children to the extent that I can only pray that they still love me and want to be part of my life someday.  Every day that my name is highlighted on our prison mail list, I think, “Is it a letter from my daughters?”

My first trip to prison was for sexual assault in Texas.  I spent a lot of my time fighting and sticking my hand into every illegal activity that I could.  How crazy is it, that after arriving at the prison to do my time I continued to commit crimes within the prison!  There is that immediate gratification again.  How could I have been so blind to my behaviors?  I could justify by saying that I was just trying to fit in with the others, but the fact remains that I did the things I did because I wanted to.  Today I see this same kind of behavior from some of the men on our unit; it is not very surprising.  Men are put in prison for rebelling against the law and continue to do so inside prison for two reasons:  1) They are surrounded by people who are doing the same thing.  2) They just do not know how to be different.  I had to make a decision that I was tired of being locked up, tired of hurting my mother’s feelings, tired of beating my head up against the proverbial brick wall, and just plain tired of thinking that I was crazy.  Are you tired yet?

I got the rare opportunity to be a part of the treatment community in this prison and I completed the Program for men who have committed sexual offenses.  I can stay at this prison until I discharge and am trying to give back some of what I have learned to people like me who want to change.  I have to tell you the Program road was hard and hurtful.  I HAD to face the demons of my past and deal with the distorted and twisted way I was thinking.  You can do this as well.  Maybe you are thinking, “I got too much time,  I’ll never get into the right group.  You can start your treatment today.  Remember that true change is focused on the man, not the behavior.  First, make the decision that you are not going to be the same man you were when you walked in here, and that you are going to walk a new path that will lead you to the man that you want to be.  On the inside, I believe there is a place in the hearts of all men that cries out to be a man of honor.

“What if I had known then what I know now?”  We all look back on our past with 20/20 vision and ask ourselves “What if I had….?”  I do not think that it is possible to look back on our past with some regret, but I do believe that from the present time and on into the future we can make a difference in our own lives.  If we really want to take control of our lives, we have to stop the cycle of behaviors that we do that is illegal, against the rules, and harmful to others and ourselves.

I know that this was really a long and wordy way of getting to the point of this paper, but I thought that if I shared a part of my life with you,  maybe I could help someone.  Maybe some of you men will have the courage to step forward to a life of change (it takes loads of courage).  It will be hard, but the payoff if well worth it!  I am willing to communicate with those who need help.

Michael

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May God bless all who read and heed these words of wisdom,

Macky

Much Needed Truth for Our Society…Are You Destructive?

Hello Readers…I think you will really like this…..if you give the truth a chance!!

I have been thinking about a verse, Proverbs 18:9, that can open your eyes to some straight forward truth if you will be open to it.  When I was much younger, I remember thinking occasionally that God was sometimes so frank in the way He spoke His truth…well, I thought this truth might drive people away.  One of the reasons that I believed this way is that when I was growing up, my family did not deal with the truth openly.  My family, like many of your families, had many secrets and when someone simply and plainly told the truth – it seemed like they were being rude or trying to hurt someone’s feelings!  Thank God I have matured somewhat now (still on that journey!) and I see His brilliance and His love in the way God tells us His truth without beating around the bush…without mincing words.  He wants the best for us – so He gives us His truth boldly!  Here it is:

Proverbs 18:9a:   “He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer…”

Do you agree with me that those are powerful words?  This tells us so much about the character of God and what he expects of us.  

God wants us to know that the work that we do while we are on this Earth is really very important!  Do you know why?  Because (in my study and therefore in my opinion) God has a plan (a very good plan!) for each of our lives and that plan includes the work that we do while we are here.  Maybe you are saying to yourself, “Well, what could God possibly expect of me – my job is only that of being a bookkeeper…or perhaps a waitress…or a construction worker…or a ______ (you fill in the blank).  Or let’s consider one other possibility, “I was just laid off or fired from my job – so what does God expect of me NOW?!”  I believe that God expects you to do your best at whatever you are doing.  Period.  If you are laid off, you can help your husband, wife, family, or friends in whatever they need while you are praying for God’s will and His blessing for your next opportunity to do work that brings glory to His Name!  Any job can bring glory to His Name if you have a righteous attitude and give your best efforts!  If you believe that you are not in His will in your areas of work, you need to get on your knees or your face before Him and ask for guidance.  Be open to His leading because His answers may come to you through family, friends, reading (like this humble writing), television or a Divine Knowing.  Our Lord wants to work through you.  Yes, YOU – I do not care what mistakes you have made in life!!  There is a specific job that only you can do in your own way.  Yes…he will let someone else do the chosen work if you ignore His leading, but you will miss your Divine purpose and a lifetime of joy and blessings.

To summarize the first part of this verse in our language of today, if a person performs his/her job in a “loose” way – it would mean that, that person is not “attached,” meaning that he/she feels no obligation to their employer and is performing their job without taking full responsibility of what is required to do the job well.  He/she is not respecting the rules and is lacking loyalty to the employer.  Looking at the meaning of “slack,” shows us that this worker is characterized by slowness, sluggishness, and without energy.  That sums up a man or woman who is not doing a good job and the Bible describes this person as a brother to him who is a destroyer.  Wow, there are those strong words again.  God tells the truth boldly!  In other words, to do a job poorly is the same as destroying the product of the work.

Is there any clearer way that God can tell us that we must be diligent workers?  I know that after this study, I will give my best to the people at work who depend on me.  Will you do the same?  If God is calling you to a different work field, trust Him and follow His leading.

May each of us give our best wherever we are. 

Walk in peace…work with honor..

Your friend,

Macky

P.S.  Remember…”Every man dies, but not every man truly lives.”

Guardian of Your Soul…

Helpful hint:  I believe it would be most helpful if you read the story of Joseph in Genesis before reading this.  If you are familiar with his story, you will likely understand!

Consider this passage from Psalm 105 as the Psalm writer speaks of Joseph.  God allowed Joseph (of the Old Testament) to be captured…to be imprisoned and placed in chains.  God allowed this to test and teach His servant, Joseph.

^“17He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold as a servant.  (NOTE TO READERS:  I just love this verse!  Joseph had no idea that he was being “sent on a mission” by and for God Almighty.  He only knew that his brothers had sold him into slavery!  Remember that old saying:  God works in mysterious ways…it is so true!)

¹⁸His feet they hurt with fetters; he was laid in chains of iron and his soul entered into the iron,

¹⁹Until his word [to his cruel brothers] came true, until the word of the Lord tried and tested him.

²⁰The king sent and loosed him, even the ruler of the peoples, and let him go free.”

Consider what the Bible means when it tells us that Joseph’s soul entered into the iron.   What a mind-boggling statement – what could it mean? I think those are a few words that should be thought about and examined thoroughly with our minds and hearts.  Because it is not only chains of iron that are able to bind us…there are many situations in life that bind us AND our souls enter into those situations as well.

I have been taught and believe as I read the Bible that our soul consists of our mind / our will / and our emotions. So, the state of my mind would include:  those things I think about, the plans I make and the fantasies and visuals  I allow myself to dwell on.  My will is my ability to make decisions – whether they are “good” or “bad” decisions.  Our God has given us free will and our future successes, failures and everything in-between is determined by the will.  My emotions are the feelings that I choose to express.  Therefore when we say “soul” we are speaking of a vital and large part of our existence.

SO WHAT DID THIS MEAN TO JOSEPH – THAT HIS SOUL ENTERED INTO THE IRON?

I believe this means that when Joseph was thrown into prison that his soul (his mind, his will and his emotions) was consumed by the conditions he was living in…the prison; the cruel and painful  iron restricting his actions.  Every dream he had ever had for his life, he was giving up…throwing in the towel.  There seems little doubt that his mind was filled with negativity, anger, fear and hopelessness.  The iron on his body and all around him likely caused him to lose his will to try to make good decisions about his life – a life he was thinking was basically finished.  As for his emotions, how could he not have been severely depressed?  Likely he was at times in tears over his physical and emotional pain.  Other times, he likely took out his highly emotional state in the form of anger and lashed out on his fellow prison mates.  Those things are what I think it meant when the Bible tells us that Joseph’s soul entered into the iron.  He could not or would not look beyond his circumstances when he was first placed in prison.  He did finally “break free” (no, he did not escape from prison…he was released) when TWO things came to pass:

1)  Until his word [to his cruel brothers] came true,

2)  and until the word of the Lord tried and tested him.

Joseph had prophesied to his brothers regarding things that would “come to pass” in the future.  All prophesies are from God; therefore #1 above indicates that God’s Holy Will…HIS PLAN for our lives must come to pass.  #2 was in Joseph’s own hands and he had to mend his reactions and responses to his circumstances in prison.  He had to heal and change the condition of his soul: his mind; his will and his emotions.  And THEN the combination was correct and complete resulting in Joseph’s release from prison:

“The king sent and loosed him, even the ruler of the peoples, and let him go free.”

This could be you.  Whether you are in or out of prison.  If you want to be free from an actual prison – you must first understand the Will of God for your life and then YOUR #2 is to change and heal your soul (until the Word of the Lord tries and tests you – and you PASS THE TESTS!!)

Please prayerfully read the entire story of Joseph in Genesis and you are sure to be blessed.

May you allow Him to guide and direct your life and may you be set free.

Walk in peace,

Macky

Pornography: The Journey of Death…

This writing is intentionally biased against pornography and makes no attempts to cover what some people may consider “both sides of an issue.” A specific viewpoint is dominant and that viewpoint is Christianity.

Pornography – the carnal desire to depict the sexual act has been present on the Earth since mankind lost their innocence.

INNOCENCE: In the beginning, the human form was considered a beautiful and wonderfully useful creation and the difference between the animals of the fields and male and female persons was not that people wore clothing. Clothing was not necessary until Innocence was lost and with this loss came all kinds of suffering. One purpose of clothing was to protect the body from the destructive elements of weather and others dangers of nature. While people were still in their Innocent state of being, pain and danger did not exist. The desire to procreate was as natural and joyful as the enjoyment of a beautiful sunrise. Mankind had no need or desire to elevate the gift of sexual intimacy beyond any other gifts and blessings from the Creator.

With Innocence lost, people had to learn to survive on the Earth and they also started to focus on the pleasures of their five senses: sight; hearing; touch; taste and smell. When thinking of those five senses, it becomes clear how people lost their way and needed the Leaders that were “sent” to guide mankind back to a righteous path and back towards Innocence. With the Leaders and the commandments they delivered, the Creator allowed each of us to choose. He allowed people then and allows people now to choose their Earthly path…the path that will determine the path of your Spirit after it returns to dust, thus returning to his/her Maker.

GOAL OF DARKNESS: Without Innocence, the darkness grew in the Earth and mankind lost their Balance and their ability to walk with Wisdom. Therefore, not walking daily with the Creator, people made for themselves other “gods,” choosing all that darkness offered: carnal and immediate gratification; choosing exaggerated ways in which they could indulge their five senses. The darkness expanded and tried to destroy the Light. The darkness continues its attempt to turn off the true Light, but it cannot be done. Yet the darkness is satiated when it can swallow one man or woman at a time and increase its spread of blackness and filth.

If you study the word “pornography,” it tells this story (I will shorten it considerably): Pornography has a foundation in the dark and carnal world of prostitution and in the distribution of portrayals of mankind with their Innocence lost…in other words, in various forms of the destruction of one of the first gifts from the Creator – the beautiful physical act that was given to the children of the Earth in order to continue our generations of life….LIFE! The final defining feature of pornography that I will explain is that in its definition – pornography is a journey! One can only imagine and dread the ending point of this obscene path.

If you think or believe that pornography is not harmful; you are believing a lie of the darkness and the darkness is in the process of swallowing you as you walk on this dark, deviant and dead path. May the Creator show Himself to you…may He have mercy on your soul.

May God bless each of you,

Macky