DEATH ROW INMATE'S STORY

Today I'm 25 and on Texas Death Row. But my journey to this place began at home---when I was a child. My parents' drinking and mom's beatings happened all the time. Mom liked to leave and go drinking by herself, which made my step-dad crazy - to the point that he took us children with him to go find her. He'd chase her down and my heart would beat hard cause I was scared. We would drive fast and wild and I knew my mom had a beating coming - a real bad one too.

Beatings were always done behind closed doors, but my mother's screams were heard clearly. Once the doors would open, blood would be everywhere and her face black and blue. She became abusive with my brother and me. When we got in trouble, she would give us the beating of our lives, hitting us with anything she could get her hands on. My emotions hurt, my heart hurt, and I felt anger and hate inside.

Eventually, no one cared about what I did and by age 12 I was smoking marijuana, cigarettes, having sex, stealing and carried a gun. At 15 I became a father. I didn't care about anything and nothing bothered me. I remember being in a parking lot with friends one time, when a group of guys talked with us about Christ. I didn't understand and didn't care. When I ran into "God's people", I would lie to get them out of my way.

I remember one time, walking past a guy when he smiled and said, "Jesus loves you!" It was the first time I'd actually heard that. Something rang in my head, but as quickly as it came, it left. It was in prison when a Christian visited me and told me the same thing. Once again, something rang within me. It was louder this time. Even though I ignored it, I couldn't forget those words.

After arriving on Texas death row, several Christians visited me and told me of Christ. It wasn't until several months had passed that this huge man stopped by and asked if I would at least listen to what he had to say. He sat in front of my cell. As I took a good look at him, I noticed he was a little tired. But when I looked into his eyes, there was a glow of love and peace. He told me his name was Tom and that he was with Weekend of Champions. He read John 3:16, explaining that God loved me and gave His Son to die for my sins. I heard that ringing sound again, but this time it was clear.

As Tom told me of how Christ had been a blessing in his life, he began to cry. I was stunned that this huge man was crying in front of my cell. It was then that I truly accepted Christ into my heart. By the time Tom left, I felt different---something had lifted off me. I slept good for the first time since arriving on death row.

Sometimes I think I ended up here just so I could follow Christ. A am happy---I know I'll live eternally. I would rather be on Death Row than out there and not know Jesus at all. I have a peace no drug can ever bring. I'm happy with my situation. My heart has grown and I love everyone. Jesus has done a lot for me. Before I gave Him my life, the mother of my children gave her life to Christ and He put her and my children in my life again. Now my children believe! I know one day we will be reunited!

I look forward to my death cause only this body will die. I will not beg for my life to be spared. Nothing on earth can give me what Christ has for me in Heaven. I would rather be in Heaven than in a cell. Being on Death Row with Christ is like not being on Death Row; He has taken away my loneliness and worries and has put beautiful brothers and sisters in my life. And these are all the blessing I need.