The 14 Standards

by AIC B. Jeremiah

As we come and go within the prison system, our ask to the AIC (Adults in Custody) is for personal stories of how God has changed, blessed, rescued or led them during the years behind the walls. It seems many do not follow through, not because there are no stories, but maybe because they feel their grammar or handwriting might fall short. We try to get past that with encouragement or reassurances we can fix anything, but the response is a bit sparce. It is always a blessing to find someone has stepped up to share stories. This is one of those special times.

Brian has written a few things before. When we are presenting at his facility, he is always helpful because he is the chapel clerk. That means he can step in, fixing the many loose ends that always show up in a visit. This last time at TRCI was no exception, logistically, technically and practically. Nothing is a surprise as we know that Satan loves to show up in everything, but the men love to pray over a non-working, brand new projector, or lost paperwork. It’s really quite amusing….but those stories for a later time.

Brian sent a document called The 14 Standards. I see there are other “Standards” out there and I’m not familiar with any of them, but this list is a great one. To consider and use this list in a prison culture is daunting. Brian says, “My suggestion is to pick one listing to start with and focus on it for a week, or a month. Pray for it every day. Place it somewhere you can see it often. You will be like Jesus and His character. Failure is temporary, moving forward comes with stumbling. Don’t stay down. Get up and fight.”

1. I will always treat each person with kindness and gentleness, even when wronged.
2. I will SEE and VALUE people as God does.
3. I will consider others as more important than self.
4. I will listen and genuinely care.
5. I will live NOW, not in the future or in the past.
6. I will receive and give freely.
7. My name will be associated with Christ’s name, and I will represent Him well.
8. I will be the arms, feet, hands, and mouth of God.
9. The person is more important than the circumstance or situation.
10. I am a steward, not an owner, as God owns all things.
11. I am placed in this spot for a reason, I will find it and do it.
12. When things get difficult or hairy, I will remember and trust that God is my protector and problem solver.
13. I will always remember I am a heavenly being and all my needs can only be met by heavenly means. I will ask and trust.
14. I will place ultimate value in heavenly things, not earthly things.

Once again, we are blessed with the actions and intentions of an AIC. There’s a lot to consider here.  Think back on who in your life might have relayed these principles to you. An inmate thought it was important enough to pass this on to you and me. What does that tell you about who he is?  Does it change the way you think of a prisoner?

A wonderful way to reconsider inmates is to actually meet them. If you are hesitant to do this, ask yourself why. Where did your impressions come from? TV, movies, social media? Consider those sources always started with financial motives or uninformed individuals. It’s time to trade your impressions for new ones! If you come with us, we promise to make your experience an eye opener.

Follow the prison visit schedule within the emails from VOH or contact us with your questions. info@visionsofhope.org.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Is your part to make success out of the 14 Standards, or a visit with someone like Brian? Oh wait…..you can do both!