5/18/16
Hi Josh,
I hope this letter finds you well and in high spirits. I heard that you’ve been receiving some very negative messages from Officer June at a time when you’re already having a hard time. I’m sorry to hear that. If it’s true that he’s been telling you that you’ll never make it out, that you can’t make it on your own and other abusive talk…these things are a lie.
You are my brother and I know every good and decent thing about you. I have seen countless times that you have given the last of what you had to a stranger on the street. I have seen you give shelter to the homeless and feed them and clothe them. I have seen you give your last cigarette and your last dime…not to mention all of the words of encouragement you have given others including me. You are brave and funny in even the hardest situations. You have a huge heart. It’s larger than most people I have every come across. I grew up with you and I know a lifetime of your tears and your smiles as well as the abuses you’ve suffered. You don’t deserve anything but love and compassion. You don’t deserve anything but encouragement. Those that would be negative towards you (whether in a position of control or not) give what they have and unfortunately if someone is giving you negativity and pain, they must have a lot of negativity and pain themselves to inflict it. I have prayed for healing and loving energy to heal and dissolve whatever may be going on within and around Officer June. I pray for his highest good, for the good of his family, for the best atmosphere within that prison and for each person there to recognize the Light within themselves and others, to feel empowered and take self-responsibility for how they touch the world and each person in it.
No man (or woman) is an island, not you, not Officer June, not myself, and not anyone else in that place you’re in. I pray that each person’s eyes be fully open to the connectedness we all share and the power we each have to contribute something of value, encouragement, transformation, and decency. I know it can be easy to forget in a place that can feel so disempowering and negative but each of you is a Light in the darkness and if you just acknowledge it, it grows exponentially. There is a larger picture then what your human eyes see every day. No matter what your position you can influence and inspire everyone around you. Your mind can convince you of wonderful and horrible things but you are not your mind. You are the observer of your thoughts. You are that consciousness. Once you see that you can take control over your petty thoughts and rise to higher truths. Hitler wasn’t using his heart when he did all he did and had others do. He was using a mind that can convince us all that others are “less-than” us …because they’re Jews, because they’re Native Americans, because they’re not our religion, because they were convicted of a crime etc. but we are all the same and our heart knows that, as evidenced in our loving connections.
I wish that every officer employed in that prison and all prisons was well educated on the Stanford psychology experiment regarding the effect prisons have on guards as well as inmates (even when they’re all only college students) and work to arm themselves against the effects of the way the prison system is set up. It’s a shame that the United States can’t take example from other countries that are truly reforming people/prisoners and growing them as people but if we have to continue with this sad example of “reform” it would be best if each and every person involved be reminded of their own Light and power, fully educated and self-responsible in their own actions and contributions not only to empower those they house to believe in a better and higher version of themselves but in doing so it empowers the guards and the world (remember the island idea). One person can make a difference. One person can change the lives of many. If you believe you have power, you do.
Try with all you can brother to be a Light for the guards. Be the Light I know you are. Remind everyone of who they truly are and what they can do if they choose to and use kindness, truth, and compassion. There is so much hurt in that place/prison. Just do your best to shine your Light and healing to those wounded around you. Everyone can use a little kindness.
I love you. I’m thinking of you always. You are never alone. Please remember that. A part of my spirit is with you and God’s presence is there even when you can’t feel it. Love surrounds you. Just remember the more you think about anything (including God) the more it expands in your mind and life. People love you and you bring others so much joy. You WILL be home soon. J
*BIG HUGS*
LOVE,
Rachel
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