American
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REFLECTION BY JOHN TIPPET
Most of you probably recognize me, you may not know my name, but know me as the revolving criminal. My first arrest was at 12, I entered the judicial system at 13, again at 15, as an adult at 17, again at 19, and my most recent sentence of ten years when I was 29. I really was tired of living the life style I was in, but I didn’t know what to do about it. My attitude was that I would do the best with what I had. I read the bible, prayed daily, and paid attention for doors to open. A year into my sentence I was moved into Jessup Annex. I was offered a job at the school, tutoring in a reading program and also began attending college at night. I was fully occupying my time, which was good. Around this time I met Fr. Jeff Carlsen. He was very easy to talk to and grew to be a good friend. In our meetings we talked of my life and situations and I found myself gaining confidence as I learned to understand myself. I’ll never forget one day as I left Fr. Jeff’s office, heading back to the tier, and realizing how happy I was about the direction my life was taking. I transferred shortly after, which was my first big test, but Fr. Jeff helped me keep a positive attitude on my new found feet. I did manage, and three months later I was called back to court for reconsideration of my sentence – I was released. Twelve months after my release, I saved and bought a home and in my spare time I worked in youth ministry with underprivileged children. A few years later, I met my wife, Donna, and also became a Eucharistic Minister and served the sick and homebound. This month I have begun a year of discernment and will enter the five year Diaconate formation program in the Archdiocese of Washington. At the interview with the diaconate board they questioned me about my interest in prison ministry, I thought about Fr. Jeff and wasn’t this going full circle. Also they mentioned that my spiritual counselor had to be a priest, Fr. Jeff was the first person who came to mind. Later in my search to find him, I found out that he had passed on. I will always miss my friend and there’s no doubt the Lord brought him into my life. Hopefully a little of his legacy will live on through me and I’m sure there are others like me. Thank you for what all of you do. |
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