A Newbie

Building My Faith

A little more than four years ago, I began the journey to regain my faith. It began with quite a jolt! I was arrested and sent to prison.

Well, first I was a guest for 22 months at the Christian County Correctional Center. Then, I spent 14 months as a guest of the State of Illinois. I spent some time at the Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro, Illinois. Once processed, I was sent to the Lincoln Correctional Center. Three years of my life…”behind the wire.” But, three years NOT wasted.

So, I’m still new at this. I’m a reborn Christian, as a matter of fact. It was a Sunday…July 18, 2023. By that time, I was attending EVERY bible study group offered at my correctional center. There, I met Gerald. He’s now 95. His immortal words still ring in my ear: “SHARE YOUR FAITH!”

Photo by James Kovin on Unsplash

That Sunday I became “Rob.” I was no longer “Bob.” I had changed…miraculously by the sacrament of Baptism. My bible teacher, Gerald, emphasized the miracle that came from that moment. Gerald was my baptist! My old self was gone.

2 Cor 5:17…”Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (NIV)

I have continued this journey since that fateful day back in 2020. Seems like a long time ago. I haven’t faltered or quit. This was not “jailhouse religion.” I’m still seeking and reading the Word…every single day. I’m not about to quit, either. And, as far as “Bob” is concerned, I do not miss him.

I still fumble and stumble trying to incorporate the Word into my life…pulling a Scripture from the Bible from time to time. I now will often find myself using a verse here and there…sometimes paraphrasing but always with a lot of effort to find the right words.

The same applies here…on Substack. I haven’t quite mastered all of its intricacies…but I’m learning. And I have found that we all are. We’re never really “there”…but working our way to a destination. Whether we are Dr. David Jeremiah (I use his study bible) or Joyce Meyer…or Rick Warren…whomever, they all confess to learning something new about the Good Book every day. Well, I guess I’m not so different.

We can read a Scripture one day and realize a new and different meaning the next! It amazes me. I could do an entire Bible study on just one verse! As a “newbie” to all of this, I find it exciting, inspiring, challenging and sometimes frustrating. But I have gained a lot of help from those around me. Whether it be here on Substack with like minded writers such as you, or in our Kingdom of Living Writers (members only on Facebook) or at the church I now attend…I’m always seeking and RECEIVING the Word.

I tell you all this in order for you to get to know me a little better. I’m hungry to learn more and share what I have with others so they can do likewise. And, I have found many a friendly ear to do this.

Just a little more than four years ago, I would NOT be anything like this. I never quoted Scripture. I never opened a Bible. And, I wasn’t attending church on a regular basis. I used to think of prison as a sort of Bible Boot Camp. I squeezed a heck of a lot of effort into drinking as much as I could from the cup of faith. I was thirsty! I needed it so badly.

Three years. And, I didn’t waste a drop.

I now have started my own faith-based podcast as well: “Breath of Life: “Sharing our faith!” I hope you’ll get a chance to check it out and, please, send me your comments and feedback. I’m still learning and growing…as we all are. I have found safe shelter to practice my new found faith. A sanctuary, a safe haven. Like-minded souls. What’s NOT to like?!

Since posting here on Substack, I have found so many, many worthwhile folks sharing their life stories, crises, deep conflicts and the like. You all inspire me. I only hope I am returning the favor! Meanwhile, let’s all continue to support and love one another with encouragement and open, honest and spirited discussion. We all share one very valuable asset…each other.