Introducing Danny Vincent
The following letters from Danny Vincent are excerpts from Journey to Inner Freedom, a course that takes us through our inner Exodus from Egypt to The Promised Land.
"I was dissatisfied with my life and I tried many things to change it," wrote Danny from
prison. His comments referred to his readiness to leave the bondage, symbolized by Egypt, to
begin his inner Journey to freedom in The Promised Land, symbolizing the Christ
Consciousness. This Journey is sometimes referred to as regeneration. The things that used to
give satisfaction and pleasure don't work anymore. There is an emptiness; a longing, a
searching, sometimes called Divine Dissatisfaction.
Danny continues, "At first I blamed my parents. I used drugs as a means of escape." I
thought escaping from my parents was the solution, so I ran away from home. Instead of looking
within myself for the answers, I ran away from everything else. I ended up in the penitentiary
and learned a lot about life. After I got out I didn't change; but I kept on looking."
There comes a time when you must be willing to give up those things to which you have
become attached in Egypt -- those "things of the flesh" (sense consciousness) as they are called.
It is painful, it is simple; but not easy. It requires a willingness to give up the addictions and superficial pleasures of life.
Danny explains his experience, "After awhile I began to understand that something was
missing from my life. I had no idea what I was looking for, and I never thought to look within
myself. I traveled all over the country trying new religions and different ways of life." Although
he did not realize it, at the time, Danny was looking for release from Egypt. Recognizable
symptoms begin with a search for "meaning to life." You may investigate many religions,
lifestyles and belief-systems. You ask questions, "Who am I, where am I going?" You find
"pieces" to the puzzle along the way -- an answer here, another question there.
Danny continued, "I almost gave up the search and tried to become like every body else. I
got a job, married went to church, and generally tried to live according to societies standards.
Eventually, still dissatisfied, I ended up back in prison."
The Journey (Regeneration Process) takes as long as is necessary to "get the job done." In
the bible the number "40" or "400" symbolizes this period of time. It took over four hundred
years, after the time of Joseph, for the entire tribe of Israel to reach a place in consciousness for
Moses to lead them on their Exodus to freedom.
Danny's story parallels that of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel), for he,
too, was imprisoned in Egypt. Charles Fillmore, metaphysical author (co-founder of Unity
School of Christianity), says that Joseph must go to Egypt (area of subconscious) as preparation
for "redemption" (lifting up) of the whole person from bondage to freedom. We dwell in Egypt
as long as materiality, addictions and sense consciousness keep us in bondage to pharaoh, who
symbolizes the ego.
During Danny's second time in prison he begins the transition, as he explains, "Since I
was locked up I didn't have many things to give up, so it seemed easy to make the changes. I was
wrong, again. It wasn't easy, but I am, finally, really ready to do what is necessary to leave
Egypt."
The transition continues as described by Danny. "I had to learn a lot about myself. I
helped start a Support group in the Maximum unit, that didn't last very long. I was very
disappointed and felt like giving up. But, I soon realized that my trouble was trying to change
other people instead of myself. I've spent so much of my life worrying about how other people's
lives affected my life that I never tried to affect my own life. In the group I've learned that to
share what I have learned helps me to firmly set it in my life and move to the next step."
Charles Fillmore explains the Journey of the Israelites in this way, "It is the recognition
of this higher consciousness and the reorganization of our place in Being that we are seeking.
We are emerging from the darkness of Egyptian bondage -- we see The Promised Land, and we
want to know the shortest way to it. That way is the Jesus Christ way. The demonstration of
Jesus relates Him to us in a metaphysical sense, because it is only by a study of states of
consciousness formed by thought that it can be understood" (Talks on Truth, pg. 164).
Many are now in this evolutionary process of the spiritual man and are confused. There
seems to be no roadmap or roadsigns to point the way. Fear not -- there is a clearly defined road
map called the bible. The road signs are given in the story of the Exodus from Egypt to The
Promised Land. We are all somewhere along this spiritual journey. It is cyclic and it is an inward
spiral, much like a vortex, within ourselves.
When we begin this Journey of spiritualizing the whole person there are those Israelites,
illumined thoughts, that are of a spiritual nature, which are ready to leave Egypt and begin the
Journey. They pass through the plagues, the Red Sea, the Wilderness and cross over the River
Jordan to the Promised Land. In the meantime, more thoughts have become uplifted,
spiritualized or illumined and are ready to go through the same process. This continues until all
thoughts are redeemed (lifted up). This is called "living in the Promised Land" or Christ
consciousness, as exemplified in the New Testament by Jesus.
Now, it may seem, as you are passing through these various levels, that your aren't
making any progress; that you are stuck in the same place. Not so, it is that you are in a spiraling
movement as you journey inward. As you cycle around you are advanced to a new level,
although the view may look the same."
Danny cycled through the Journey several times during our acquaintance, as did I. The
first time through I was able to serve as a tour guide. Eventually, I found myself stressed-out
from circumstances in my life. We became traveling companions along the Journey, thereafter,
and supported each other through the rough roads and cheered each other along the freeways.
We found our sharings to be great therapy as we wrote out our experiences, emotions, pains and
joy.
We recommend some simple steps for those along the Journey to Inner Freedom. Read
the bible story (Exodus through Joshua and the first chapter of Judges), research the
metaphysical symbology of the proper names in the Metaphysical Bible Dictionary and other
words in the Revealing Word. Read metaphysical and self-awareness books. Select another
person on the Journey to Inner Freedom as your traveling companion and share your experiences,
feelings and insights; it is excellent therapy to write things out. An alternative to the traveling
companion idea is journal writing; write to yourself. Take time to meditate so that you may
become more aware of your Inner Tour Guide (Christ within). Have a good trip!
Danny concludes by saying, "Please feel free to share my Sharings. Maybe it will help
someone. The people around here even notice a change in me. It may take some time, but with
work and Gods help maybe we can turn these prisons into monasteries: and change the 'whole
world, too.
THE FREEDOMERS SPEAK
My Inner Freedom Ministry-by-Mail started with inmates seeking inner freedom whom I call Freedomers, such as Jerry Pitre and Bobby Lusk whose letters appear below.
The writings of Freedomers are also featured in many of my books in hopes their inspiring words will speak into the listening of other Insiders and Outsiders (non-inmates) struggling with today's challenges. I feel the Freedomers will change the negative image of inmates who truly are trying to improve their lives while incarcerated; so that time will serve them while they're serving time, and encourage more support for their transformation.
It's my prayer that prisons can become more than body warehouses as we reach out and touch with love, understanding, education and inspiration the untapped potential of America's last frontier. I hope the following letters move you, as they have me., please write feedback of encouragement that I can publish in Inner Freedom Support Connection to let them know their efforts are appreciated, and that you support them in continuing their good work.
"Nowhere to Run; No Place to Hide"
Bobby Lusk, a Death Row inmate in Florida, confirms my feelings that
Freedomers are human beings with a heart, soul, and mind just like anyone else. He comments on my ministry, our MLM business, and the world problems.
He and Jerry Pitre are examples of why I reach out and attempt to touch their lives.
Prisons are body ware-houses that store the untapped potential of America's last frontier. Your donations and purchase of my booklets will help rehabilitate their lives, and start a crusade that could greatly reduce the crime and violence -- from the inside out.
September 4, 1995
Dear Joyanna,
Your efforts have always made sense to me. You have always been a
down-to-earth lady, and you don't use fancy words to make a point. I have always
appreciated your style. You have always been an encouragement to me, and your
many works have helped me and countless others to live more positive and
productive lives.
I think back 15 years ago when I first heard from you, and I know my first
letter to you must have been terrible. But you answered with love, kindness and
understanding. And over the course of time you helped me change my life; and
over the years our friendship has never stopped growing.
I suppose there have been prisoners who have tried to use and abuse you, but I
always want you to remember me as the one who loved, appreciated and
respected you for all you have ever done for me. Sure, I could have reached out to
you for the material things, but instead I reached out to you for the greatest gift
you had. And you touched my soul with your spirit, and my fear of death was
overcome, and my heart was filled with love and peace.
I should explain what has taken place since I last wrote. My lawyers were
funded by federal funds, and in July Congress stopped the funding and that left
me and hundreds of other death row prisoners without a lawyer.
My court hearing was set for September 13th, but at a special hearing last
week the judge postponed the date until I can get a lawyer. Some people in
England have taken a great interest in my case, and they are helping me locate
another lawyer, but still it will take another lawyer six months to a year to read all
my records; and probably another year to be ready for a hearing. As slow as the
justice system is I believe it will be three to four more years until there is a
hearing.
I still have my Clemency lawyer, and my Clemency Hearing is set for
September 13th. He is a civil lawyer and he can only handle the clemency part of
my case. In July a very close friend of mine was executed here, and September
21st another friend of mine is set to be executed. To top all this off, this has been
one of the hottest summers Florida has ever had. We lived under a heat wave for
about five months, and inside this building without fans or air conditioning was
like being inside a hot oven; but somehow I made it.
I love you, Bobby
In January 1997 Bobby's prayers and legal actions were answered by his release from
Death Row, and his return to general prison population. His incredible story of child abuse and depravation, including weeks locked in a closet, and his spiritual victory and transformation are available in his inspiring book Nowhere to Run, No Place to Hide, written in his own words.
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The Butterfly Logo
Jerry Pitre has been a faithful correspondent and friend ever since we were introduced by a mutual friend. Every holiday and special occasion, he sends me a hand designed greeting card with a loving message. And he always gives me ongoing support, as the following letter:
September 27, 1995
My Beloved Friend, Joyanna:
I just finished reading your newest booklet, Freedomers Say 'Yes' to Inner
Freedom. Each Freedomers letters were a real treasure to be cherished. They
were all very discreet as they gave of their hearts, and that's not an easy thing to
do; that is, clothing feelings into words. I truly enjoyed the whole book, and took
it upon myself to share with 40 other guys in the class I teach.
We had ourselves a very good time with the sharings. I only regret that a lot of
these guys didn't want to hear of the situation spoken of, but that's perfectly
allright, just as long as there was one receptive ear to hear this cry for freedom,
and take this wisdom, and breathe life into it for their own personal life and use.
Dan Vincent, Pepin, Cole-Bey, and Chris Estep all gave us a beautiful inner
right and dialectical way of viewing what's truly written upon their minds and
hearts. They showed us how the world-at-large can have us believe in something
that's nothing more than a strong illusion, more often than fact. They also showed
that we have all been real partakers of the worldly Plagues, such as partaking of
beliefs that are not inborn, but rather, acquired. And it's with this that we make up
what we call reality. I say that because what is believed is then accepted as truth
and reality, and it's this that's taken into our minds, and seen and believed as truth.
This is indeed a very complex issue. There are no simple answers to any of what
each Freedomer testified to. This is a moment where either we are ready to face
the truth, or forever see it as being offensive to us; as the truth is offensive indeed,
especially when we are not ready to0 make that change.
We all seem to only appreciate things most when we have them least. I'm
speaking about the chain of events each of these Freedomers must have indeed
gone through. Events that brought them to the point where they were able to say
"Okay. enough is enough, let me look at this from a different point-of-view." I can
only thank each of them from my heart for going through what they've gone
through for all of us. I couldn't help but see how each of them put breath into
their affirmation and promise. And may not have happened immediately, but at
least, it took that most important step, where upon, a hundred miles start with the
first step.
It is a pleasure to be associated with the real writers of this book. It stands in a
noble tradition of respect for human endeavor, for recognition that there is a spark
in all of us that can be fanned to help shape a good life. True freedom comes
when we see past the many strange illusions of this world, and respond to life and
ourselves and each other as we really are, and truly do exist.
I guess in closing this letter it is safe to say that the greatest thief of our
freedom is our own narrow vision, and unbending ignorance. That's why I'm so
very grateful for these Freedomers who took time to dispel my narrow views and
ignorance. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you gave that I will in
every way use to better my life.
In Spirit and Truth, Your Eternal Friend, Jerry Pitre
(Soledad State Prison, California)
Jerry later wrote a letter that touched my heart deeply for it fulfills my dream that my
writings and ministry will help rehabilitate lives, and start a crusade that could greatly reduce the crime and violence -- from the inside out. Here's an excerpt from that letter:
11-21-95
My Beloved Friend, Joyanna:
I realize that I need to be able to deliver a stronger message to those who are
close to leaving the prison life and re-entering the world with a brand new set of
ideas and affirmations. The Pre-release class I'm teaching is coming along just
fine, and I get a new class of inmates every month.
I find this so very exciting, because I also get the opportunity to introduce
your works to these guys. And I truly wish you could see the expressions on their
faces, and the interest they show. You'd be so very proud of all of them, just
watching how they sup on what you've prepared and brought forth.
I'm excited about this because I know in my heart that this is of God, and He
has a real purpose and reason for it all. Let's see what He'll do with this as we
reach closer to our destination, our Christ-Self.
I really enjoyed Bobby Lusks' letter; he touched many hearts here. We even
made copies to pass around to everyone in class.
Joyanna, I must say that your letters are so refreshing, and I truly love all of
your writings. Mentally traveling into the unknown is tough without a manual to
go by, or a map. It must have been a real problem for Columbus too, but we do
know the trip can take place and be achieved.
You know, Joyanna, the carnal and worldly mind is a real liar. We must never
forget that our addiction to it is a liar also. Being held responsible for our own
actions will keep us busy; having no time to judge anyone. Period. After all, we'd
have to know what they're thinking to judge them. That's not my job. I have
enough to do just dealing with my own transition, and then and only then can I
help the next guy. I know now that with each day that God blesses me, I feel a
growing sense of real satisfaction in my efforts to really please Him (the Father).
Life is no longer just a series of problems which must be avoided or endured, but
rather a real joy. It doesn't come all at once or hit you like lightning. It comes in
little flashes of awareness, tiny glimpses of change, a sense of increased progress,
achievement, and momentum. I'm talking about a place within where you can be
at real peace while everything around you is in crisis.
I end with this poem I wrote today:
My thoughts of you like golden fires,
will forever warm my darkest moments.
And in those moments there will be a clean,
dry scar where now the flesh is raw.
Then you, beside me in truth will see,
perhaps with a startled eye, the scar,
and ask "Who made this wound?"
In truth I will answer, "I did."
We did it all to ourselves, Huh?
In spirit and truth, your eternal friend,
Jerry Pitre
When I asked God what logo I should use for my Inner Freedom Ministry, I glanced at the envelope from Jerry on the wall above my computer desk. I knew a butterfly was to be my logo when I saw the sparkled-golden-orange one he'd designed.
More on Bobby and Jerry in my booklet, Rainbows and Pots O' Gold: 2. My booklet, The Freedomers Say 'Yes' to Inner Freedom, featuring Danny, Pepin, Cole-Bey, and Chris
Please write and let the Freedomers know you support their efforts. Your subscription to Inner Freedom Support Connection and your donations and purchase of booklets will finance these continuing changes through my outreach in the prisons. This ministry makes a difference.
