When We Talk - Mood: Calm and Grateful

All we have as means of communication are monthly visits which are 6 days a month, telephone calls that are limited to 15 minutes a call, and emails that are allowed once for an hour a day. Every time we speak we have to make it count. Meaning that we have to try and lift the other up as much as possible in the limited time we have. There is no time for words other than those of affection and words that motivate and encourage. Sometimes we just listen when one of us just needs to be heard. I often overhear how other inmates speak to women and it's always filled with disrespect. I say to myself that I will not let this be us.

I always ask God to enable us to communicate clearly and respectfully with each other. I ask God to give us words that build each other up and not tear each other down. She and I both compromised our defenses to allow the other to enter into our hearts, minds, and souls. For her, letting down her defensive walls was extremely difficult to do. She called it her wall of protection that prevented any hurt or disappointment. It was through God, through praying, and through talking and loving each other according to the word (1 Peter 4:7) that we were able to overcome our so-called self preservation and embrace this foreign feeling of being loved and being understood.

Love,
Him
Postmark 10.18.17