3/13/17
Jane Williams

John 4:27 – 42

I recently finished reading “Race Hoss, Big Emma’s Boy.” I heard about it on the Diane Rehm radio rebroadcast of a show she had aired in 1986. Race Hoss grew up in Texas, the son of an alcoholic, abusive mother. He eventually ended up in a Texas prison for incorrigibles, known as “the burning Hell”. He spent 17 years there undergoing unspeakable brutality, working in the plantation style fields 6 1/2 days a week. While in solitary confinement, he was fed only a biscuit and a cup of water a day, six days a week and a full meal on the seventh day. He was in pitch darkness, naked and cold. He cried out, “Help me, God.” He said he opened his eyes and there was a dim light in the cell. For the first time in his life he felt completely loved. He also was at peace and was not hungry. When released from solitary after 28 days, he was weighed and found to have gained 5 pounds. His life changed after this spiritual awakening. After his release, he became the first ex-convict in Texas to work out of the Governor’s office and to serve on the staff of the State Bar of Texas. He worked in the field of corrections and rehabilitation of ex-offenders, and received numerous high-profile humanitarian awards.

Prayer: Dear God, we know that there is no one that is beyond your love. Help us to see the good in all of your children. Amen.

Thought for the Day: Jesus said, “I have the kind for food you know nothing about.”