Post# 1: Brett “Big Ed” Fowler
Freedom is not an address; it is a condition. What do I mean by that? Well, “Freedom” could have several definitions. It could pertain to the natural, or the supernatural. It could refer to the spiritual or the carnal. It might have to do with wide open spaces, or possibly solitary cells, locked doors, and razor wire. We could talk about freedom as if it were an onion, peeling away the layers and examining it from all sides.
My name is Brett Edward Fowler, and I have a perspective on freedom that is shaped by almost 30 years of incarceration. I believe firmly that not only does one's perception color their reality, but so does their perspective. What's the difference between the two? Maybe one day we can break it down together. As for today, for the sake of our initial interaction, let's just agree on their similarity. The point is, my perspective, though it is simple it involves a lot. It is simply this: Hallelujah for the cross.
To me, “free within” means a great deal. Am I bound in the natural by tons of concrete, steel, razor wire, and tall towers? For sure. At the same time, it is just as certain that I am free within all of it. Am I bound by the weakness of this carnal chunk of flesh that my spirit – the true me – lives within? Absolutely. Yet I am free within. That's my reality, my perspective. As they say, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
You could say that I am just a lifer. But I'm a lifer who loves Jesus. I'm a lifer who is free within his circumstances. Do I deserve this freedom? The answer to that question is a resounding “no.” Yet, the One who shaped the sun and the moon, who hung the stars in the sky, who was, and is, and always will be, the alpha and the Omega, gave this gift to me. For free...well, it came at a great cost to Him, but he paid it for me. Every bit of it. For me, a convicted murderer, a former gang member, a drug addict, and an all-around terrible excuse of a human being. He chose to set me free. How could I not shout hallelujah?!
By writing this, I am inviting you to come along with me on this journey of life, on this road to redemption. Though, yes, I have been redeemed by my Savior already, at the same time, I am being redeemed. So maybe we can walk a little way together, kick the can down the road, and just share in this great puzzle that is life. I'm surely no expert blogger; as a matter of fact, I wasn’t even really sure on what a “blog” was, but I wanted an avenue to meet you, and other like-minded people. Incarcerated or free, if we are brothers and sisters in Christ, then we have a lot to offer to one another. Thankfully, I have such brothers and sisters in the free world that are willing to post my words so that others can read them. Not that what I have to say is so important, but God’s word is. And as Proverbs 27:18 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” I may be just a lifer, but I'm a lifer who loves Jesus and loves people. If I have anything to offer that will help anyone else, I want to give it. Whether or not I have achieved anything will be up to you to decide as we travel.
So, for now, let's call this an introduction. It's nice to meet you. One day soon I'll join you again, for the next leg of our journey together. Until then, stay safe, and remember to praise God in all that you do.