Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If—” has long been admired as a guide to character. It celebrates calm under pressure, self-control amid chaos, and the ability to endure loss without bitterness. For many people, the poem represents maturity—becoming someone who can stand tall no matter what life throws their way. Written for a free person navigating life’s trials, its ideals feel aspirational and dignified. But what happens when those ideals are placed behind concrete walls and metal bars? What does “If—” look like in prison, and how does the Christian faith reinterpret both suffering and strength in that context? Examining prison through a Christian perspective alongside Kipling’s poem reveals both striking parallels and meaningful tensions—especially around dignity, endurance, failure, and hope. Read the rest
Author: tima6674
As a Christian who is a professional auditor by training and has spent 10 years under the custody and supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections I have a unique perspective on the criminal justice system which I feel compelled to write about.
The Valley of Dry Bones
The blog urges the Church to support returning citizens, drawing parallels between Ezekiel's vision of the Valley of Dry Bones and the realities faced by incarcerated individuals. It emphasizes that many in prison feel abandoned and stripped of identity, akin to dry bones waiting for renewal. The author promotes the idea that transformation requires collective effort and highlights the necessity of providing hope, community, and support for reentry. Key actions for the Church include advocating for housing stability, creating employment pathways, and building mentorship programs. The message is clear: with commitment and compassion, recovery and restoration are achievable for those previously imprisoned. Read the rest
OLD SCHOOL
While in prison I met a lot of men that required assistance in the form of wheelchairs, walkers or canes to get around. Most of the handicapped inmates I knew didn’t arrive in prison that way. In Prison time moves slowly but inmates age faster than on the outside. A substantial body of medical, gerontological, and social science research demonstrates that incarceration is associated with accelerated aging. Each year spent incarcerated is associated with an estimated two‑year reduction in life expectancy. Incarcerated individuals experience earlier onset of chronic disease, functional impairment, cognitive decline, and reduced life expectancy compared to the general population. As a result, people in prison are often considered physiologically 10–15 years older than their chronological age. Recent reforms move Michigan away from the most restrictive end of the spectrum, but it remains closer to “medically frail only” systems than to states that treat advanced age and lengthy incarceration itself as grounds for sentence review. Compared with these models, Michigan—like most U.S. states—places greater emphasis on managing aging within prison rather than structurally limiting long-term incarceration of older adults. Read the rest
What’s in a name?
Our name is how we are identified from birth. It represents us conceptually to others. Hearing someone's name that we know often brings their face, personality, or character to mind. We can remember conversations, funny anecdotes, or life encounters that inform our opinion of who they are. When we hear a stranger’s name it is just a name until we have information to associate with it. Information may come in the form of gossip passed along from another person, social media viewed online, or news reports. Read the rest
Second Chances
There has been much said about whether or not those convicted of committing a crime should be given a second chance. A wide variety of voices in our culture have made their opinions perfectly clear. "Tough On Crime" was a political approach that emphasizes strict enforcement of laws and harsher penalties for offenders, often associated … Continue reading Second Chances Read the rest
Testimony
In April of 2025 I was given the opportunity to give my testimony to a group of Keryx volunteers preparing for a Keryx Weekend Spiritual Retreat at Mid-Michigan Correctional Facility. Prior to Covid they were able to conduct these retreats twice a year. After Covid it took several years to even begin having weekly groupings … Continue reading Testimony Read the rest
We Bear US
International debut of unique UK and US prison art exhibit at Ann Arbor Art Fair. In the depths of the Covid pandemic lockdown, 31 people isolated in prisons in the UK and US produced extraordinary artworks exploring personal experiences of incarceration. The Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP), based at the University of Michigan, has partnered in the project from conception and is now collaborating as co-curator for the art fair exhibit. Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair July 21-23, 2022 Read the rest
Disquieting Solitude
I recently read an article in Rolling Stone entitled 'Right Before I Hung Myself’: Prisoners Share Tales of Solitary Confinement in Michigan by Tana Ganeva. First, I would highly recommend that you take the time to read the article because it is professionally well written and brings a national spotlight onto the dark underbelly of the Michigan Department of Corrections. Secondly it uses firsthand information obtained from correspondence directly with those who have experience serving time in solitary confinement. Like my blog the author is providing a voice for those who otherwise couldn’t speak for themselves. But it doesn’t stop with the article there is an excellent website that contains the words and artwork of those whose lives have been forever changed by a practice that is internationally recognized as inhumane and by many to constitute torture. Please check out ‘Silenced: Voices from Solitary in Michigan’ a website where prisoners tell harrowing experiences in their own words. Read the rest
The Prodigal’s Return
From my teenage years I wanted to distance myself from my family. I went off to college and then further away for graduate school seeking to gain my freedom. I then got married and started my career to establish my independence. I filled my time with what I wanted and only made grudging appearances for holidays. My brother grew up and got married. My parents grew their business and took up square dancing. They had their lives and I had mine. I didn’t live in a faraway land but halfway between my parents and my wife’s parents. Close enough to make the trip but far enough to not have to make it frequently. My focus was on my career, my interests, and my friends. I didn’t have time for family obligations or responsibilities. Even after my daughter was born, I continued to pursue my dreams without any concerns for how this affected anyone else. This is the very essence of being a prodigal. Read the rest
Thank You
In the overcrowded yet lonely confines of prison I looked forward with great anticipation for the weekly callouts to the Sunday Worship Service, Tuesday night Bible Study, Spiritual Development classes, and Keryx. It wasn’t just something to do in a vast wasteland of monotony. It was an opportunity to chew on spiritual meat, to sharpen iron, and to be renewed in my inner being. All of this was only possible because of the dedication of faithful, Spirit-filled, gifted pastors and laymen; retirees and businessmen. These were missionaries, clergy, and volunteers from all walks of life who have given up much to bring light into darkness, hope to the hopeless, wisdom to the foolish, and the love of God to the least of these. Read the rest