Shawshank

The Menard Correctional Center is Illinois' largest maximum security prison. It was opened in 1878 and expanded in the early 1900's. It is a large, old, formidable looking place that houses about 3500 inmates, most of who are repeat offenders, gang members, and hardened criminals. This is no country club prison!
Saturday a carload of us drove down to southern Illinois to visit a friend imprisoned there. We waited in line, had a background check, showed 2 forms of picture ID, had to leave all personal items behind (handkerchief, mints, change, comb, billfold, keys), walked though a metal detector, got patted down, were escorted by guards through 7 or 8 locked doors, and finally ended up in the visiting room across the table from Phil. He shared his trials and struggles. He shared with us his routine and stories of life inside a maximum security prison. Visions of Shawshank Redemption flashed through my mind. What an awful life. But, I enjoyed the hour and a half visit and hope that we lifted Phil's spirits a little and were an encouragement to him.
After the reverse process to get out, I, as a free man, could walk outside into a beautiful sunny day and return to my comfortable life. I was reminded of the freedom and liberty we have in Christ when his shed blood released us from the bondage of sin.
And I accept the responsibility to submit to and obey God's laws and commandments.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:1