The Sunday after Thanksgiving I had the opportunity to share my story with inmates in the Peoria County Jail. The following week the opening line of the blog I wrote was, “Last Sunday I was unable to attend church because I was locked up in jail.” I received a text from a friend of mine telling me she kind of freaked out when she read that first line. She was okay though, once she read the rest of the story.

Quite a few people were freaked out by the news. My family was a little freaked out. The day I learned I was going back in, my sons asked me how my day was and I said, “Great! I am going back to prison.” Maybe I should have worded it differently.
My mom seemed a little freaked out by the news until I assured her I was in no danger.

I told my friend, author, and prison pastor Manny Mill and he was freaked out. He commented, “Wow! That was quick,” probably because it usually takes years before an ex-offender is allowed back as a participant in a prison ministry.

Looking back, I recall the peace I was filled with that day, a peace that passes all understanding. After the service I accepted the offer to return. So, next time you hear I went back to prison, don’t freak out because I am just doing what God has called me to do.

• freaked out