Regrets and Restoration

As jail chaplain, I have the opportunity to spend time with a lot of guys who have a lot of time to reflect on their lives. This week, I received a poem from one of the guys. I asked, and he said I was welcome to share it. For now, I am withholding the name but will share upon his release. Listen to these words. Here is a man reflecting on his life. He’s seeking healing and transformation and is in need of hope and restoration.

I think it’s safe to say that we can all think of decisions we’ve made that we regret. I’m a huge fan of restoration and healing, but this process takes time. When we take time to look inward, it's clear that no one really knows our story. And we truly don’t know the story of everyone we meet. Let’s remember that today. No matter where we find ourselves, there is hope for all of us. Let’s not judge. We don't know the full story. Let’s practice empathy and forgiveness for others and for ourselves. Let’s all seek restoration.

Life of Regrets

Life full of regrets

My future unknown

In this cell I await

So cold and alone

The past it now haunts me

Each and every day

With all these regrets

Can I choose the right way

I’ve never been one

To walk the straight line

So sure in my youth

Everything would be fine

The guilt and regrets

Now laid on so thick

They’re weighing me down

Like eight tons of brick

What once was so murky

Now so perfectly clear

For it isn’t my future

But myself I should fear

With so many regrets

Bad outcomes I’ve earned

Consequences and heartaches

You’d think I’d have learned

The guilt and regrets

Of my fool-hearted way

Bring shame down upon me

And the price I now pay

The guilt and regrets

Have taken their toll

They’ve broken my spirit

And blackened my soul

But once I have paid

The dues for my crime

I’ll learn from my past

I’ll walk the straight line

So I pray now to God

Please grant this request

Dear Lord guide me through

This life of regrets

- author's name withheld until release