My name is Alvin. I am 56 years old. I am a son, an uncle, a cousin, a husband, a grandfather, a businessman, a patriot – and I am a crack addict and a thief. I am the first born of seven. I have five brothers and one sister, three children and three grand children. All of them are delightful young people. Trying to make a good start in life. My oldest child is married and has three children of her own. My son is newly married, is working full time, and going to night school. My youngest is in her second year at University of Houston with a 3.8 GPA. My wife, the “love of my life” and I have been married for 34 years. I believe I am a good man with a loving heart but I also know there are times when I am a self-centered, self-pitying victim. Over the past eight years I’ve nearly destroyed my life and the lives of those I profess to love. I’ve thrown away a good business, our home of 19 years and have been separated from my family. I have taken our prized possessions and sold or pawned them to maintain my habit. I’ve spent days and even weeks hiding from my family. I nearly destroyed my hopes and my family’s hopes.

Now, hearing all this, I’m sure you are wondering if this guy has lost his direction. Not too long ago, this was definitely true. But over the last 8 months, my values, even my value, has changed. My personal worth has increased – because I learned that I became exactly what I thought about – that is to say, when I dwelt on negatives I became negative, angry, bitter, and very unhappy. Conversely, when I focus on the positive I become better my disposition brightens, my relationships are harmonious, and I become willing to face life with heart and hope.

This change in thinking has not been easy and I did not accomplish it alone. Only by choosing to read the word of God and asking for His help, and praying have I been able to start the healing necessary to return to a productive life, to start to regain the trust and love of my family. Today they are supporting me – loving me, even waiting for me to return with hope in their hearts – because they know I am changing. The value of my currency has increased for them, the value of my currency has increased for me, and I believe, even to my God.

How then is it possible, for a man to go from being a self-possesses delusional sinner to one who is valued, loved, and wanted - all while being incarcerated?

The answer is simply – trust the word of God. Work to become enlightened. Make friends with like-minded people. Now, maybe this all sounds a little conceited, but it’s really not. Because once again “I” haven’t done anything – except make a choice – a decision to seek the help necessary. Maybe my point can be best illustrated by the story of “The Master’s Hand.”

You see there once was an auctioneer who was assigned the task of selling a battered, tarnished, old violin. He thought his time was being wasted but he proceeded anyway. When the pricing began he tried desperately to raise it from $3 to $4. Suddenly, an old gray haired man rose from the back. He picked up this ugly old instrument, cleaned it, picked up its bow, and began to play.

The sound that ushered forth was so sweet that it could have made the angels cry. When he finished and the bidding resumed, the price instantly jumped from $3 to $3,000. When all was done, someone asked what happened to change its value so suddenly and so sharply. The reply: “It was the touch of its master’s hands.”

This, you see, is exactly what happened to my life. It is why I now have hope, love, happiness and a future. A future here on Earth and in Heaven. “I” and my family have been changed by the touch of my loving master’s hands.

 

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