Freedom Over Fear

It seems to me that so much of our lives can be consumed with fear. The obvious problem with this is that it is impossible to be both afraid and free at the same time! Fears freeze us. As a matter of fact I have heard (and seen) that extreme fears can actually freeze us to the point of clinical depression. I tend to believe that as I have seen lives frozen to the point of depression with those who have been very close to me. We can allow any emotion to control us, and fear is no exception. The problem with attempting to overcome our fears is that they are based on reality, both real and perceived.
After the attacks on September 11th, as a nation our fear level was heightened. As a matter of fact there were then certain colors assigned to our national security, which either calmed or intensified our fears, depending on each person's perspective. Even with the death of Usama Bin Laden, our security fears are not alleviated. So, what's my point here?
My point is this: fears do not have to rule us, nor should they usurp our freedom. One of my favorite movies is  Ghost Rider. I know, I know, it's strange. Near the end of this movie when Johnny Blaze (Nicholas Cage) confronts the devil, he says this: "You can't live in fear!" Johnny Blaze spoke the truth! You see, fears are natural, but we cannot let them become our life, our very existence. Hence, we cannot live in fear. Jesus said in John 10:10 "I have come that they may have life, and have it with abundance." The original word here in Greek is zoe and it means a real, full life. So, between Johnny Blaze and Jesus' Word (which of course has real authority) I think we can see that we can make choices that will help us to live real life. We have to make a conscious choice that we will not allow anything in our circumstances rule us. Fear is circumstantial. Freedom comes from living above our circumstances. For me that means trusting God when He says: Fear Not!! And when He tells me that His perfect love for me will drive any fear away. So, as I adjust my thoughts and change my mind, I realize that I do not have to be controlled by my fears.
This is just a start and I know often it is much more complicated than this. But, take a bite, chew on it for a while and see how tasty this freedom from fear can be.
Until next time. God bless you,
Vinny

Are You an Advocate?

This past Tuesday during my time at Walker State Prison in Georgia, the men in my class were discussing the critical need to have an advocate after release. This conversation was stimulated by our study of the book of Acts. You see in the early Christian church there was a great persecution headed by a notorious man named Saul. His goal appeared to be to single-handedly destroy as many believers as he possibly could. Without getting too involved in the verse by verse account, suffice it to say that Saul had a miraculous conversion and became one of the believers that he was previously hunting down.

Let me ask you a question: If that was your organization, and the former public enemy number one suddenly claimed he was now a dear friend, what would you do? You would at least be quite skeptical, true? Me too. So, the situation needed a solution. That solution came in the form of a man named Barnabas, aka: Son of Encouragement. I'm sure you can see where this is going. Barnabas introduced Saul to the inner circle and everything was great.

So, how does this apply to men and women who need to start a new life after incarceration? One of the men in our group said it very concisely: "I need a Barnabas when I get out." I know, it's a risky venture. I recently read a story on Facebook from Prison Fellowship. You know, the organization started by former president Nixon's man, Chuck Colson. According to this former inmate's posting, he had been in prison for 20 years. While there, he saved all of his pay from his twenty-five-cent an hour job for a motorcycle. He was ready to start all over and found someone who was willing to take a chance on him and hired him to work in his business.

How many of us would do that? Would I? To this day this ex-con remains a faithful employee and an honest man.

Did you know that the first three hours after an inmate is released are the most critical? So many men and women make life-changing decisions within those few hours: either positive or negative.

So, where am I going with this? I believe that everyone deserves a second chance. Many Barnabas's are needed. I've had my share and endeavor to be one for when someone needs me.

God bless you in your journey to find "Real Freedom."

Just So You Know...

Hey everyone. This is my first Blog entry and I thought I would get right down to it and let you know who I am. My name is Vinny Joy, AKA: My Cousin Vinny and I am married to Valerie Robinson-Joy. We have been married since December 6, 2003 and moved to Chattanooga in May of 2008. The Army moved us here as Valerie is a Sergeant First Class and works in a unit locally. We really love it here and have hopes of retirement (not too soon) in this area. I've got grown children from a previous marriage, both living nearby in North Georgia. God has blessed me with two wonderful grand-boys and a sweet, lovely granddaughter.
My background is in pastoral ministry and I have also been a prison chaplain. Right now I'm finishing up some work with the US Census Bureau and transitioning back into ministry. New Covenant Fellowship Church is our home and I just began serving there as Discipleship Pastor. Tabi Upton and I met while attending a neighborhood event, she representing Chattanoogacounselor.com and I the 2010 Census.
So, why blog? I've got a lot on my mind concerning hope, freedom, grace and overcoming struggles. My desire is to share some of those thoughts here and hopefully encourage someone along the way. I guess it's impossible to live as long as I have (balding and grey hairs prove it) and not discover some things about this life. God has allowed me to go through some stuff and rescued me from so many other disasters. I personally believe that we all need to experience freedom, hope, love and grace. I always remind the guys I minister to in prison that you can be freer in here than some of the folks I know "out there!" real freedom comes from real faith in a real God. My key Bible verse, and I promise not to beat y'all to death with them, is found in the gospel of John, chapter 8, verse 36. And it says: "So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." I believe that from my crop-circle at the top of my head, all the way to my size 12 1/2 feet!
I hope we can have some fun together as we explore this adventurous existence and get to know each other. So, for now...God bless.