Praying for the Innocent Man

I haven't updated for awhile about the

Innocent Man.

He has now been in jail for three months.

His sentencing is Friday, April 20th.

The parole officer who did the pre-sentencing investigation (PSI)

recommended 13-16 years.

That was a punch in the gut.

He is doing well, spending his days praying, reading the Bible,

singing hymns, reading books, exercising and witnessing.

He has had moments of weakness, but days of strength.

After reading about the stages of grief,  I diagnosed myself at Stage 4.

4. "DEPRESSION", REFLECTION, LONELINESS-

Just when your friends may think you should be getting on with your life,

a long period of sad reflection will likely overtake you.

This is a normal stage of grief,
so do not be "talked out of it" by well-meaning outsiders.

Encouragement from others is not helpful to you during this stage of grieving.

During this time,

you finally realize the true magnitude of your loss,

and it depresses you.

You may isolate yourself on purpose,

reflect on things you did with your lost one,

and focus on memories of the past.

You may sense feelings of emptiness or despair.

***

Last week when the Innocent Man called from jail,

using one of his $5 for 15 minute calling cards,

he asked how I was doing.

I hesitated.

He pressed.

I wept.

I admitted.
It's hard to grasp the Lord's will sometimes,
especially when it means an innocent person going to jail,
possibly for a long time.

The next Saturday during visiting hours,

 when he can see 4 people for 15 minutes,

he asked the believers to call me and encourage me.

They did.

The theory on stage 4 is that encouragement doesn't work,

they're wrong.

It always works.

Tonight I received an email from a believer from

the fellowship the Innocent Man attended the year before his verdict.

Read the edited exerpt below.

************************

Just wanted to tell you how you were all  remembered tonight in our prayer meeting. During the prayer request/announcement time,  parts of the email and letter that we received from the Innocent Man yesterday were read.

Then a brother read Psalm 145...

it is all wonderful, the second half of it just seemed to fit and is so comforting.

Every brother that prayed, prayed about the sentencing on Friday.

It was so obvious the Innocent Man was on everyone's heart

as all the prayers went up for him and the family.

After the prayers, another brother said that it was so obvious that we are all occupied with the Innocent Man and asked that we sing hymn 209

 with his perspective and as a prayer for him....

Our Times Are In Thy Hand

 Our times are in Thy hand

Father we wish them there;

Our life, our soul, our all, we leave

Entirely to Thy care.

Our times are in Thy hand,

Whatever they may be,

Pleasing or painful dark or bright,

As best may seem to Thee.

Our times are in Thy hand;

Why should we doubt or fear?

A Father's hand will never cause

His child a needless tear.

Our times are in thy hand;

Jesus once crucified,

Now leads His own with tender care,

Our Shepherd, Guard and Guide.

Our times are in Thy hand;

Christ is our Advocate;

No creature power from love divine

Our souls can separate.

Our times are in thy hand,

We'd always trust in Thee,

Till we have left this weary land,

And all Thy glory see.

Please know that so many prayers are being offered up on your behalf...

I told the Innocent Man in an email this morning that I use Isaiah 41:10

when I feel like I have to talk myself down off a wall

 and just say it over and over to myself:

 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,

for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

************************
My blogging family has been a great source of strength,

help, encouragement and prayer during the past 16 months.

We are approaching the next major step,

the sentencing.

Please pray for the Innocent Man,

the lawyers, The Honorable Judge M., and the families involved.

I am so indebted to you all who

comment, pray, and send me emails.

Thank you.

Please.....
keep praying...