LIVING IN GRACE AND PEACE

Greetings:

May grace and peace be upon you.  My name is Melvin Carroll.  I am serving a life sentence for murder.  I have been incarcerated since 1986.  In the years leading up to my present situation, I was dealing with unhappiness, low self-esteem, acceptance, and shame which led to my drinking, drugs, and living a criminal lifestyle.

I left home at the age of 13 and ended up in the Youth Authority from the age of 14 through 18.  Leaving, I thought I would leave that life behind, but the devil still had a hold on me.  I was still holding on to my ego and pride.

Even when I got my life sentence, I was still in my mess.  At times when I was in my cell, I could feel the hurt that I was dealing with wanting to change and wanting to leave the old life behind.  I knew I had obstacles to overcome, but who do I talk to?  Who do I trust?

Then one day when I was in the game room playing Dominoes, church was on my mind.  We made a bet “the loser goes to church,” and that was the day I started making my change.  I decided to let God take control of my life.  He showed me how to deal with my hurts and pains.

Today, I feel truly blessed and thank Him for putting people in my life which gives me peace.  I pray that you will find that peace and grace my Lord and Savior has given me.

I’m at peace and saved by grace.

God bless,

Melvin Carroll