God Works In Mysterious Ways - Joy

Our guest blogger, Joy continues to share her experiences as an offender. Her first blog was posted on April 2, 2010.

God opened the door for me to go home on G.P.S. (the bracelet- which is house arrest) on March 31st, after just 2 months in jail. As I write this, I am sitting at home reflecting on my recent arrest and incarceration.

I have two 9-month consecutive sentences on my revocation of probation. I violated my probation by getting my first drunk driving ticket. Mind you, my probation would have been over September 2010. I will be spending more time than if I had a forgery or burglary case. Go figure. . . this is the probation and parole system.

Sitting in jail with 60 women in one dorm means eating, showering, sleeping and existing together for the appointed time. The women you meet, the stories you hear are sometimes overwhelming but somehow we bond and look past the predicament we're in.

This time, when I sat, I didn't so much look at my situation as I had in the past. I just leaned on and trusted God. I spent my time listening and looking at others and their needs and I found myself praying for others instead of myself. It's amazing what God will do for you when you want for someone else.

But God had work for me to do in there as He led me to minister to others. While in custody, I took the time to pray and share with others what God has done in my life. I just believed God would work out my situation and He did.

Though I am on house arrest, I seek God and His word every minute I am awake because I need to renew my mind and I have a desire to serve Him. In the meantime, I have written the judge to ask for work release. I have a job waiting. I will let you know what happens.

In my next blog, I will share how hard it is for ex-offenders to get a job. Society is not forgiving. Most offenders go back to old behaviors because they can't find work - very few employers will give us another chance. But God is in control and what he has done for me, he will do for others.

Please continue to pray for ex-offenders.

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More about women offenders at: http://www.thewomenofblock12.com/

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