Ruby,
Hey sweetie! I hope you’re doing well and enjoying your summer so far. I’ve been a little blue lately. I had a hearing to discuss my case since the state violated my rights to a speedy trial. Turns out, the judge didn’t see it that way. I told my lawyer to try to get me a new offer, hopefully under the 20 I was being offered. It’s frustrating, knowing that the reason I’m not being offered anything less is because your mother has told the state that she doesn’t want me in your life until you’re 18. Well, worst case scenario, I’ll be home when you’re 15. As much as this hurts, I am able to stay strong because of my trust in God and His will for me.
The apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 of how he had a problem, “A thorn in the flesh” that he pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from him. Notice he didn’t just say, “God make this stop,” he begged Him not once, but three times, asking desperately to “take away this thorn.” The Lord said to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” In other words, God’s love for us, God’s plan for us, all that God provides for us, is enough to get us through whatever troubles we may face. Also, when we are at our weakest and overwhelmed with problems, if we have faith in Him, He will give us what seems a supernatural power to make it through.
This has helped me because dealing with the obstacles I have in front of me can be trying; not knowing what the future holds, not having much control over the outcome, and knowing all that I’ve lost and still lose out on during my imprisonment. I can’t throw in the towel, can’t give up, can’t lose faith in God, knowing His promises to me. God’s plan for me, His love for me, and His promises to me will be sufficient for me to come out the other side of this monumental task as a better, stronger, and more faithful servant of Christ.
In other news, the mullet I was growing as a joke, I cut off. For one reason, I saw a guy here with a terrible mullet that you could tell he got the haircut (with no sarcasm,) and it was awful. I figured it needed to go, plus, I’m considering letting all my hair grow while I’m locked up, so I wanted it to be even. It was sad though; the front of my hair reached the top of my chin. Oh well, we’ll see how it goes.
Uncle Andie has to go to prison for a while, too. He got found guilty for possessing a gun; he gets sentenced in July. He shouldn’t be gone but for a year or two.
I hope you know I miss you like crazy and not a day goes by that I don’t think about you. I can’t wait for the day I can give you a big hug. When you finally get to read these letters, I just ask you two things- One: Make sure you read more books, even if you read a lot now, keep reading more. Two, and most important: Learn about Jesus and His teachings. IDC if you start with Veggie Tales and a children’s Bible. Learn and keep learning, grow your understanding of the Lord. He can soothe all your troubles.
I love you and miss you.
Love,
Daddy
Letters to Ruby 