Hi Brothers
You know that scene in Die Hard where John McClain sends the elevator down with the dead guy in the chair, with the sign that reads ‘Ho Ho Ho NOW I HAVE A MACHINE GUN’? Definitely got that kind of vibe having a typewriter.
When your handwriting is as bad as mine is, you become accustomed to typing. Maybe it’s just laziness, you see all those examples of Victorian penmanship and its beautiful, and here I am , scratching away like a chimp with a stick.
Anyway, figured I’d write and let you know I’m doing alright. Being away from the wife and little ones at this time sucks, but I’ve been here before.
I have Jesus with me, and the suffering I go through is nothing compared to His.
This advent I pray for the innocents jailed this year, not only the political prisoners but all who find themselves victims of this discordant system. As Peter wrote:
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that’s when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (Peter 4:12-14).
It took me a long time and a lot of pain this year to get the real depths of this message. It’s something that looks good on paper but the practicality of it, well; I found that a real struggle.
At times I cursed God for what he had done, but it’s not God that does this evil to us.
We have to remember that He is a loving God, and where we suffer we must use it for our good and His glory.
Anyway, whether you are Christian or not it is the time for peace on Earth and goodwill to all men, and this I extend to you all from my cell. God bless you and keep you.
Now I can put words on a page again I’ll see if I still have the chops for writing. Maybe them hill dwelling Antelopes will want it, if it’s not at least useful for my own mind to get down an accurate record of my curious life.
Lift heavy, Do Burpees. Hail Victory!
Ash
(Political Prisoner)
