Don’t Allow Mistakes To Hold You Back

By:  James T. Mayberry Sr.

            My name is James and I am in prison serving a sentence of 50-years-to-life.  I have been incarcerated going on my 18^th year.

            This is the third year that I have written a testimony, but this time instead of talking about myself, I only hope that this writing will inspire someone to know that they are redeemable.

            I want you to know that your past does not have to be your future.  Years ago, there was a song called “Please Be Patient With Me, God Is Not Through With Me Yet.” 

            I’m writing to tell you that just because you may have fallen short doesn’t mean that your life can’t be fixed.  I am speaking to you from experience, from the change in my own life, and one who felt that because of my past shortcomings and failures, I was good for nothing and life was over.  When you have done something that you have felt guilt or shame or maybe let family or friends down, just know that as long as there is breath in your body and a desire to do better, you will make it.

            This brings me to a man named Mark who is the author of the second Gospel of the Bible.  I believe Mark is the perfect example of one who failed but did not allow his failure to hold him back.  History tells us that Mark most likely came from a well-to-do family (Acts 12:12). Not much is said about his father, but his mother was a prominent member of the church.  I’m sure most of us who have or had godly mothers can relate to Mark’s home life.

            It is believed that Mark is one of the two disciples whom Jesus sent to meet the man with the pitcher of water that they were to follow in preparation of the supper (Mark 14:13).  Also, Mark was the cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10), a member of the first missionary team.  He was companion to Paul (Phil 24) and Peter (I Peter 5:13).  Mark has a good upbringing and a strong connection to the church.  But as human beings, he had failures as we all do.  It seemed that Mark lacked courage in his youth and early life; and for whatever reason, he was fearful and would flee.  It is believed that Mark is the youth who fled naked from the scene the night of night of Christ’s arrest (Mark 14:51:52).

            Then Mark went on with Paul and Barnabas which was their first mission journey and deserted the team. Paul and Barnabas split up prior to the departure of their second missionary journey because Barnabas wanted to include Mark, but Paul did not him to come because of his failure to complete the first journey.  

            There are times in our lives when we have “blown it” causing others to write us off, but not so with God.  He never gives up on us.  He knows every slip, fall, and mistake that we have made, and will make.  Our past experiences are the trials God uses to strengthen us and make us better and useful.         If Mark would have allowed his past failures to hold him back, I am very doubtful that he could have become the author of the second gospel of the Bible.  Proof of Mark’s change is in the words of Paul saying to Timothy, “Get Mark and bring him with you for he is very useful to me for the ministry.” (II Tim 4:11 ESV).

            So young brothers and sisters, don’t give up because God is not through with you “yet!”