Fruit of the Prison Ministry

One of the participants in a Correctional Facility Journey Group wrote a poem during the Holy Spirit Sailboat Analogy session, and we wanted to share. And if you want to know more about Prison Ministry Journey groups, email us at [email protected].

DONE

 The man sits in the boat alone and depressed,

crates litter the vessel which needs to be addressed.

He examines them one by one

Lust

Pride

Self-assurance

Apathy

Their weight and size, threaten to capsize.

          The craft teeters to and fro,

A rusty chain attached to an anchor,

holds the man captive in the sea.

It’s inscription screams one harsh word: Adultery.

          The mast stands tall but in need of much care,

          the sail sits neglected, torn and threadbare.

                    Loneliness and despair threaten to crush.

The man’s soul is torn,

“I feel lost,” he whispers, “So forlorn.”

          Suddenly in the distance he hears a voice,

          It both thunders and whispers, “You have choice.”

His heart leaps at the sound and his eye is drawn,

A lone figure stands on the water and beckons him come,

          With a cry the man throws the crates overboard,

          Instantly he realizes stability restored.

He hauls up the anchor link by link,

Detaches the whole ordeal and heaves it in the deep.

          He grasps the sail, fits it onto the mast,  

          No more holes, no more gaps; it will hold fast.

A strong wind blows and fills the sail.

Propels the boat forward by the strength of the gale.

          He grabs the rudder and aims toward the One.

          The prodigal returns, his rebellion is done.