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Letters From Prison

Here's the latest inspirational post as I attempt to tune out the strains of classic ballet on the flat screen while my daughter slips into a medicated, post-op slumber after this morning's wisdom teeth removal ... šŸ˜¬

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Remember those in prison as if you were fellow prisoners. Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)


Not too long ago, the Lord led me to read through the book of Jeremiah.


Tough reading. Not the stuff of Hallmark cards. Far from uplifting and whimsical like the Psalms (most of them anyway). But here and there I discovered beautiful, rock-solid promises tucked within this weighty book.

When I came to chapter 37, my heart wrenched at one particular verse.

ā€œJeremiah was put in a vaulted cell in a dungeon, where he remained a long time.ā€ (verse 16)

First, he was innocent. Then, imprisoned for "... a long time".


What, several hours? A day. A year ā€¦ or more?

God doesnā€™t say.

If someone you cared about was put in prison for ā€œa long timeā€, wouldnā€™t you beg to know exactly how long?

I wondered ... Did Jeremiah have anyone on the outside with whom to correspond who knew of his predicament?


A bigger question is, if he'd written them, would they have responded?


A few days after I read Jeremiah's account, God nudged me to contact the director of a local prison ministry with which Iā€™ve served for several years. According to the director, Forgiven Ministries receives letters on a regular basis from inmates all over the country. A good number of them ask for girlfriends, moneyā€”that which the ministry canā€™t (nor wouldn't) offer. But there are those precious percentages of inmates who are sincerely seeking, the eyes of their heart and mind opened and curious.


The questions go something like ā€¦

*Does God care?

*Is He out there?

*Will anyone provide me with spiritual material ā€¦ a Bible ā€¦ so I can know him better?

*My faith isn't too good, but maybe this is God's way of getting my attention.


These are worthy of response. They need to be acknowledged as if I were one among them.


Heck. Writing is what I do. Why not use the opportunity to let inquisitive inmates know they are seen and heard and being prayed for by name. To assure them of the hope and forgiveness found in Jesus.

It made me consider the four letters Paul wrote to encourage (and admonish) early Christians during the time he was under house arrest in Romeā€”Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, referred to as the 'Prison Epistles'.


If those select letters received by Forgiven Ministries are due a response, how much more should we respond to Paul's God-breathed letters (II Timothy 3:16)?


All 66 books of the Bible, for that matterā€”an inerrant collection of letters that provides answers to every fear, regret, sorrow, or stronghold.

As a ministry volunteer, my responsibility is to respond to these letters and direct inmates to the Source of all their needs.


But not one word I write will be effective unless I'm regularly reading (or listening to) God's letters. Because if my spiritual tank is empty, my responses will be also.


Wasted ink.


Who might benefit from knowing you're praying for their needs, demonstrating your care with action?

When have you experienced a connection with the time (more or less) you've invested in God's word and the quality of your responses to others?

Most important, have you responded to God's love letter to you?


If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (NIV)

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Thanks for reading!


If you found today's post inspirational and know others who would benefit, please share.


Until next time,



āœļø I'll be recruiting #Felkinsfiction #inspirational #romance readers to join my book launch team from now until October 13th to help promote You Are the Reason, Book #1 in The Heart of Moreland Manor series.


Last week, I had the joy of sending the first of many bookish giveaways to launch team members.


If you'd like a digital ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) prior to mid-November's release, please join the rest of us.

āœļøIf you'd like to receive my blog and/or quarterly author newsletter with bookish giveaways, subscribe here and receive the first 3 chapters of Call to Love, my debut inspirational romance, for FREE!


āœļøHere's a link to the talk I gave in April with a dear friend of mine. Shining Your Light in Brokenness has received over 135 views!! May it encourage you in seasons of hardship and realign your perspective.



4 Kommentare


J.D. Wininger
J.D. Wininger
08. Okt. 2021

I didn't think it possible for my respect and admiration for the godly life you live grow any more than it has already Ms. Mary. Then I learn of your support of a prison ministry in your "spare time." What an inspirational way to use the gifts our God gives us to further His kingdom. M&Ms for life young lady!

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Mary A. Felkins
Mary A. Felkins
08. Okt. 2021
Antwort an

Lol! Very little has impacted me more than interacting with those who are incarcerated. When I've stood shoulder to shoulder with men who've committed crimes, I remember we all fall short. The experience is a great equalizer. I'm not a fan of board meetings on any level, but I can surely make it a priority to pen a response to one whose searching for Truth. I'm excited to consider the prospect of M&Ms for life! Thanks for sharing, O wise and humble friend.

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Katherine Pasour
Katherine Pasour
08. Okt. 2021

Mary, you've reminded us of how important it is to keep our spiritual tanks full (or to at least keep adding to it). Sometimes I find my tank nearing empty and I know it is because I've allowed the crush of daily life to limit my time with God--in His Word, in prayer with Him, In praise of Him. This past week has been one of those times. Your message is just what I needed to to encourage and inspire me. There are so many needs, so many opportunities for us to serve, but we must be filled with His Spirit to serve Him fully. Thank you.

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Mary A. Felkins
Mary A. Felkins
08. Okt. 2021
Antwort an

I've been feeling the same way this week, Katherine! In fact, I hadn't even thought of the tank part of this post until reviewing the message several times. Typically, I don't start my day until after a solid bit of time with the Lord, but I've let it slip some. In any endeavor to serve Him and His people, we must have enough spiritual material from which to draw. Praying for us both, for the Lord to relieve the crush of daily living as you so well stated.

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