Saint Francis Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.

STARTING SOMETHING THAT MATTERS

The prison ministry has a special place in my heart. Many have put these people out of their minds, having no compassion for them. They’re often forgotten. Hated. Wrongfully judged.

If you’ve been fortunate enough to never be incarcerated, or experience a loved one that has, it can be difficult to imagine what it’s like. I’ve been writing to several inmates since 2004, and was told there’s a saying in prison, “If you ain’t got mail, you ain’t loved”.

Many that are incarcerated have lost hope. Their families, friends, and loved ones have abandoned them for one reasons or another. Each day can be tough to face, and even more so on Holidays and Birthdays.

To receive a piece mail is HUGE! To have someone acknowledge ones birthday, something that is often forgotten, is a true blessing. It can bring hope to the hopeless, letting them know someone cares.

Jesus said:

“Don’t forget about those in prison. Suffer with them as though you were there yourself. Share the sorrow of those being mistreated, as though you feel their pain in your own bodies.”

Hebrew 13:3

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Matthew 25:34-36

I recently read START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS by Blake Mycoskie, and I’m putting all doubts, fears, and lack of knowledge to start a business, in God’s hands. Going off Blake’s concept, ONE FOR ONE, I’m going to design my own line of birthday cards. For each card that is purchased, one will be send to an inmate on their birthday.

I need your help with a name. Please let me know which name you prefer. You can just specify one, or list them from favorite to least favorite. Or even come up with a new one.

1) One for One for the Least of These

2) One for One Hope

3) Hope through a Card

4) Hope Cards

5) Cards of Hope

6) For the Least of These

7) Card for Card

Thanks in advance for your help. Make sure to check back often for updates.

A CARD FOR A CARD

I’m very excited about this new mission God has placed in my heart. Keep checking back to discover when we’ll be up and running.

My inspiration:

1) God
2) Jack from Angola State Penitentiary, in Louisiana
3) Blake Mycoskie, TOMS and him book, START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS

The name is still in the works, though I have a couple running through my mind.