A Prisoner’s Pardon – Michelle Jackson

As we witness the continuous degradation of our society, one thing that continues to catch news headlines is the rampant violent crime happening all over America right now. Mainly in our inner cities, but it is not exclusive to those cities.

Teenagers taking guns to school. Elementary kids taking guns to school. Kids killing kids over things that used to result in fist fights. Now, they settle it with guns.

Add to that, the ever increasing alure of “money and fame” by so called, music icons whose lyrics does nothing but promote violence and things like that.

“Well, Brother Bob, that’s just the culture. The music reflects what’s happening in the streets.”

My response, “Why is happening to begin with?”  What has caused us to accept it as normal?

Take just one city in America.  Chicago. There have been more murders there over the last ten years than the military experienced over ten years in Afghanistan. Think about that. But yet, it’s just “normal.”

Here in Baltimore, whenever this is a brazen, daylight shooting, inevitably, during a news interview, someone will say something to the effect of, “Well, that’s just living in Baltimore.”

Why have we accepted this as normal?

What can be done about it?

What are some of the personal ramifications that others experience, besides the victims and the perpetrators?

Our guest today is Michelle Jackson. I’ve known Michelle for several years now. She is an author and podcast host. She is releasing her long awaited book, “A Prisoner’s Pardon” at about the time you are listening to this episode. 

I did an interview with her recently, which you can find on the KCR Podcast as episodes 1294 and 1295, where we discussed her companion book, “Pharaoh’s Butler & Baker, The Unknown Power of Forgiveness.”

Today though, we are focusing on “A Prisoner’s Pardon.”

Help me welcome back to the program, my good friend, Michelle Jackson!  Michelle, it’s great to have you back on.

For those that may have missed our previous interview, can you tell us in your own words, “Who is Michelle Jackson?”

Ok, let’s get into this.  Your twin brother has been in and out of prison his whole life. But, as I just said in the opening, his incarceration does not only affect him – but everyone around him as well, correct?

Can you share a little bit about why that is?

Your book, “A Prisoner’s Pardon” is basically a reflection of your journal entries. Why did you choose that format to write this book?

There has been numerous “prison reform” programs passed by various legislative measures over the years. In your opinion, why don’t these programs work?

You’ve done a lot of research for your book in the area of “the decline of family” in the black community. Can you share some of things you’ve discovered?

You broke your book down, basically into three sections. Can explain that for us?

I was listening to a radio interview several days ago, and the expert they had on was attributing a lot of the youth violence we have been seeing and experiencing to several factors. But the one he kept coming back to was “no authority figure in the family.” He said that mothers were doing their best, but when a boy hit his teenage years and that testosterone was kicking in, there came a point when the mother could no longer invoke a sense of fear and retribution in the boy – but would actually begin to fear him a bit. Have you seen or discovered any information in this area?

What about the church influence?  Do you feel the church has failed in this area?

I see in your book you discussed the fact that churches are failing to address sin. Explain that for us.

One guest I had on a few years back, I can’t remember the name right now, he said the church leadership, especially in the African-American communities, has sided up with the politicians for political favors and even monetary favors. This has led to a watering down of the Gospel and actual care for the members. All of this, coupled with the social programs aimed at destroying the family unit in favor of “Government is your provider” type mentality, has actually worked to the opposite effect of their intentions. How do you see this issue? 

Back on the topic of your book, “A Prisoner’s Pardon,” I read in one instance, you asked your brother “Why” he kept doing these things. His response was because he “thought he could get away with it.”  How true that statement is. Not just for criminals, but for US as well. Whenever we do something that we KNOW is wrong in God’s eyes, it’s because: A. We want to, and B. We think we can get away with it. Often it is just because we tell ourselves, “I’ll ask forgiveness later.” Can you shed some light on that area for us?

In your book, you present a very compelling example of what happens when a person “represents themselves” in a court of law. I have to admit, I had never looked at our Salvation from that perspective. As believers, we have our “advocate,” Jesus represent us. But could you go over that part of your book for us?

Why is a pardon the only solution?

You share a lot about the family offering forgiveness. Is that the only way to repair the damage done to the family when a loved one is locked up for a crime?

Throughout the book, you discuss a concept you discovered in the Bible involving Joseph and couple of other prisoners. Can you share that concept of a “Pardon.”

Your podcast is also titled, “A Prisoner’s Pardon.” Correct?

Share a bit about your podcast as we get ready to wrap up.

Let’s talk about something I seen in your book. The subject of “Spam and fried rice…”

How can someone obtain a copy of your book, “A Prisoner’s Pardon?” Is it on Amazon?

If someone wanted to reach out to you, to ask a question or maybe to do an interview such as this. How can they do that? How can someone get in touch with you?

Folks, I’ve known Michelle Jackson for several years now. She is a straight shooter who is passionate about her topic. She’s lived it. Everything she has shared with us today is straight from the heart. I encourage you drop down into the show notes and get in touch with Michelle, right now, while you are thinking about it. Amen!

And don’t forget to click the links to her two books! You need to order these babies right NOW!  Amen!  Buy a couple for your church. Give one to your pastor – I can almost guarantee he will appreciate them. Amen!

Be sure to order your books right now! Order more than one copy. Order three or four!  I know that you know some people that could use this information and encouragement “right now!” Amen!

Be sure to click the link to her podcast below. I highly, HIGHLY encourage you to subscribe to her podcast so you can be notified when new episodes drop. Amen! Be sure to share the link to her podcast with those you know could use a word of encouragement in this area as well…

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Email:   michelle@prisonerspardon.com

Website:   http://prisonerspardon.com/

Book:  “A Prisoner’s Pardon” – on Amazon

Book:  “Pharaoh’s Butler & Baker, The Unknown Power of Forgiveness” – on Amazon

Mentioned in this episode:

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