Lessons I Learned While In Prison 3 (of 4)
PERCEPTION IS NOT ALWAYS REALITY
Many times people will use the phrase “Perception is Reality” or “Perception becomes Reality” which is true in some cases; however “Perception Is Not Always Reality.” One of the most common perceptions about prison is the old “Soap on a Rope” or “Big Bubba” is going to get you. In other words, many people think that if you go to prison that you are going to get raped.
I am here to tell you that perception is not always reality. There are definitely situations in prison where inmates are raped and even murdered; however that is the exception and not the rule. The same economy of scale applies to outside of the prison walls; you can be raped and murdered in the “Free World.” There are plenty of willing participants behind the walls, that inmates generally don’t have to force themselves. Here are a few more prison perceptions that are not always reality:
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Murderers are always the “Mean & Scary guys” (Many times, not the case.)
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If someone is behind bars they can’t continue to commit crimes (There are networks of criminal behavior behind the prison walls, just as there are in the free world. You give an idle mind and Satan a bunch of free time… Watch Out!)
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“They are just claiming God because they are in prison.” (Many times we have to find ourselves like Jonah, before we get it… remember these guys are no different than many of us, they just happened to get caught.)
What are some perceptions that are not always reality that we face: I’m not good enough, I can’t do this because I’m a female, we will never get out of debt, I’m to young, I will always be single, I couldn’t be a pastor, my business won’t be successful, you can’t shake that addiction, my marriage can’t be restored…..
PERCEPTION IS NOT ALAWYS REALITY!
What are some other perceptions that you have about prison? What are some perceptions that you have overcome as not being reality? Do you have any other thoughts on Perception & Reality?
