Prison

This is a story about my life, who knows it may be your story as well. When we hear prison we don’t think anything good. There is very little if any positive connotation in that word. I think we can all agree no one wants to go to prison, give up your freedom, to be at someone else’s mercy all of the time. So if we are in agreement on that why do we build prisons around us and then throw away the key, or at least hide it for far too long? Now before you check-out on me, these prisons are real, they are detrimental, and without tearing down the prison they are inescapable.

I have spent the last few days at the ARC Conference, listening to some of the most gifted and anointed speakers, both on stage, in the halls, and even sitting around the house with my Pastor chatting about the day. I have been with thousands of people who are living their calling and sharing Jesus with the world. One of the messages was written for and preached right to me.

I know they say the Lord works in mysterious ways so I guess that’s why a well known preacher managed climb into my mind and share my deepest fears. Jimmy Rollins preached on inner prisons. He told us about the three kind of walls that make up the prisons.

The first he talked about was the “wall of isolation”. When we get in a stressful season we like to separate us from family, friends, and community. We don’t want to trouble others with our problems, we don’t want to be a burden.

Then he talked about the “wall of insulation “. We insulate ourselves from everyone. We tell ourselves we are the only one going through this. No one would understand my struggle.

The third was the “wall of insecurity”. Living in doubt, not feeling good enough. I can’t share my problems because people will see the real me. I can’t let them in because they won’t love me.

Now I’ll be the first to tell you these prisons don’t look like you might expect. These prisons are hiding behind a smile, they are hidden inside a joke that brings laughter to a crowded room, they are often wrapped up in one of the most comforting hugs you can imagine. Being inside of their own prison doesn’t stop someone from appearing happy, from bringing happiness to others, or from showing love to those around them.

I am working to put my prison out of business, to escape, to tear down the walls that have held my happiness hostage, so please pardon my construction. I am thankful for the smiles, thankful for the prayers, and most importantly thankful for the love I have received from the people in my life. I will be better today than I was yesterday and I will be even better tomorrow.

If you’re going through the same struggle as me then today take a step to escape that prison, put it out of business, start to destroy the walls you have built. Let others love you and let your light shine. God created you to stand out.

I love you.