Treasure

Born from the belly of the earth, 
Shaped by unrelenting pressure.

Formless and unassuming until touched
by the hand of its Creator.

Polished and shaped into a brilliant 
Jewel for eighteen years.

Dazzling in its brilliance now, 
And priceless beyond compare.

No matter the setting its placed, 
Or what jewels surround.

Shining in its own brilliance, 
From a light that's within.

Precious and beautiful, 
A treasure with value uncountable.

Memoirs of Four Convicted Murderers

I recently read a book published by four guys at this facility called Memoirs of Four Convicted Murderers. I personally know three of the four authors, and they are good men who made terribly tragic choices, two of whom were only teens at the time.

While the media sensationalizes the stories of teenage killers through news reports and TV specials, this book is a raw look at the criminal mindset that these authors were committed to before taking the life of another person. The authors take full responsibility for their actions and don't glorify or sensationalize what they did. As you read their stories you can't help but realize how easy a single decision can forever alter lives.

With all of the tragic shooting stories in the news, there appears to be an epidemic of teen shootings and teenage killers. The authors of Memoirs want to reach every teen or young adult whose thinking is leading to criminal behavior; the authors want to show these teens that there's more to life than "Life in Prison."

Memoirs is a self-help book on criminal behavior and rehabilitation that uses personal stories to connect ideas about rehabilitation to real life.

This book is available at Amazon.com in ebook or paperback and at DwightHenley.com. All profits go to the Michigan Crime Victims Services Fund. 

Developing Intrinsic Motivation

I've been enjoying co-facilitating an introduction to psychology class as part of our college prep curriculum in the College Program at our facility. I find it very satisfying to help others learn, but especially to help them learn something that will transform their lives in a positive way. 

Many of the inmates who are taking this psychology class have participated in rehabilitation-based classes as well. When they learn the psychology behind some of their past choices, and they connect this knowledge with what they've learned before about themselves, you can see a light come on in their understanding. 

Most prisoners end up in prison because they failed to develop or foster intrinsic (internal) motivators to avoid breaking the law. Their love for, or obsession with, money, drugs, or women was stronger than their desire to remain a law-abiding citizen.

By developing and feeding the proper intrinsic motivators (love for God and family, a desire for providing for one's self and family, a hunger for education, and a commitment to be a good example for the next generation, among other things), these inmates are empowering themselves for future success. 

For me, leaving a legacy of even one life changed drives me to help me who don't know how to help themselves. And in the process, I'm strengthening my own intrinsic motivators and healing my own brokenness.