The Misty Hollow Carvers include an Ex-Offender Coming Out of Prison

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Today’s Blog Post


The Misty Hollow Carvers include an Ex-Offender Coming Out of Prison
One week ago when I met “J” he had only been in our community a short while. He arrived from one of our Federal Prisons and is now settling into a “new home”.

I had heard of “J’s” arrival from my friend.

“J” is young and has lots of life to live yet. But what will he do now?

He cannot work like other guys his age. The criminal record kind of puts a kibosh on making big plans to work alongside of others. As much as he may want to do something, there are restrictions.

An idea has been percolating for some time now. Maybe I could help “J” and guys like him with some of the things that I do. Maybe “J” could become a wood carver.

As “J” and I were speaking I asked if he had ever tried to carve. He smiled. “J” said that he used to have a set of carving tools inside of prison but had traded them for a walking staff that the other guy had carved. He said that he didn’t know if he could do it or not… but was interested.

Bingo! That was all that I needed. I offered “J” the possibility of carving alongside me to get him started. I will show him my tricks and specialities that I do. He in turn can give it a try. If he likes it I will give him all the help that I can… if he doesn’t then he can choose something else to do.

If the carving idea works, his life could catch a new possibility and hope.

After “J” and I talked he was beaming from ear to ear. He grabbed my hand three times and thanked me. I am doubtful that he has shaken hands with any of his guards in prison over these last few years. But he trusts me and I care.

Now the “What if”…
“J” has got talent that has not yet been discovered. I am convinced of that as I speak with him. The way that his eyes light up… is real. You can’t fake that… even “J” can’t fake that.

He is really interested in what I am saying to him… and wants to talk.

What if “J” becomes great at what he does? What if he is able to do well? Do you think that some one might buy what he is selling?

I think that just might happen.

And it might happen comfortably under Misty Hollow Carving’s umbrella and business.

Would you attend a carving show and maybe even buy something from the Misty Hollow Carvers? If these Carvers were doing excellent work and had proven themselves – would you buy?

If the Misty Hollow Carvers showed that they no longer want to commit crime and wanted to contribute to society… giving back – instead of taking… would you support them?

I will.

My Wood Carving business has been going along well enough. I guess it could always be bigger and better… but now it is comfortable and doing okay.

I had been dreaming how I could give the whole effort a little kick to get to the next level. I think “J” has helped me to envision something new… and it will happen.

Tonight is the first class for “J”. He will be carving with me in my “studio”… that is my dusty garage. I really don’t think that “J” will care.

When I saw him yesterday and confirmed that everything is set for Monday night… he was grinning from ear to ear! He grabbed my hand again and shook it.

I am pretty sure now that “J” has a new hope. Something great is about to happen.

Years ago when he first lay down in that first cell… I am pretty sure that he cried. As tough as he tried to be… he was a broken young man. He had committed a crime that would separate him from his old life. And from what I already know… he is pretty much alone now.

“J” told me that he is not computer-wise – at all. He has not had the opportunity to learn. But who knows… maybe that will be our next project.

So tonight… around 7 PM “J” is coming to my house. Hey.. maybe I am more excited than he is! Wish us success – the Misty Hollow Carvers are going to give it a try!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/