PRISONER EXPRESS

As long as I have been living in this country the only culture I've witnessed using the noun 'neighbor' in the right content are those whom follow the Amish tradition. They may have chosen to live among themselves; but their natural rituals of living demonstrate heart filled with love for their neighbors. I've heard rumors that many young people among these individuals has begun to intermingle abroad. It's a wise saying that nothing remains the same. Some things can change for better or worse.

Originally, greeting a person as neighbor was considered a Christian gesture. Christians now seem to greet only those in their houses of worship whom they are acquainted with. Courteous acts of love are diminishing at an alarming rate. We as Americans should be the beacon of light to all who are in need. There are too many undeveloped countries that are the bare essentials of life. Medical treatment and food are two basic essentials that this alone could probably provide in a short period of time to all that are in need. But yet, there is unwarranted poverty and inadequate medical treatment and care in our own back yard.

"The ways of honest people are made straight because they do what is right. But those who do what is wrong are brought down by their own sins" (Proverbs 11:5). We do not have to look in a dictionary to know the real meaning of neighbors. It's obvious we all are neighbors to each other.

Sharing the same goals and purpose in life is a basic human right. We should help our neighbors to achieve these fundamental rights. Knowing that one child may starve to death every day is the responsibility we must prevent. Would you let your neighbor die from starvation who you have befriended all your life? Better than that- "with their words ungodly people destroy their neighbors. But those who do what is right escape because of their knowledge" (Proverbs 11:9).

It's a real pity that we are to be judged by our neighbors that are in need, by the ungodly practices of our leadership. We only help our neighbors when we can invest in our special interest. The many ministries that visit penal institutions try their best to get us to radiate love toward our neighbors. It is hard for some of us when we witness day after day being treated as substandard inferior misfits because we have committed a crime.

The brotherly love and love thy neighbor as you love yourself concept has become a harsh reality behind prison walls. The bitterness of love thy neighbor, even goes far as one prisoner refusing to sleep beside another or share the same cell.