You Never Know

I watched an interesting piece on “60 Minutes” the other evening. Actor Mark Wahlberg was profiled (http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7076433n). Wahlberg is one of the most powerful forces in Hollywood today. He is senior producer of two of HBO’s most successful series: “Entourage” and “Boardwalk Empire”. He received critical acclaim for his performance in “Boogie Nights”. His newest move, “The Fighter”, is scheduled for release in December and is already enjoying “buzz”.



By all appearances, Wahlberg has a perfect life. He has money, fame, power. He is happily married and has four beautiful children to accompany his equally beautiful wife. He lives in a huge, Beverly Hills mansion. He’s living “the dream”.


But, it wasn’t always like that. Wahlberg came from very difficult circumstances. Quitting school at thirteen, he was in constant trouble with the Boston police. This trouble culminated in his arrest at seventeen for assaulting a man to steal two cases of beer, the man was struck with a pool cue and lost his sight in one eye.


Wahlberg was sent to a notorious Massachusetts prison; old, decrepit, full of violence and despair. He was not yet eighteen. He was surrounded in prison by many of his street-wise friends, the ones that weren’t already dead. He decided, sitting in that cell, that he wanted a different life.


He spent only 45 days in prison, but it was enough to change his life. He found breaks. He landed a recording deal and became a teen girl heart throb as white rapper “Marky Mark”. He moved from music to movies. He became successful.


No one can be sure how the decisions they make will turn out. No one can fully comprehend all the consequences of their actions. You can’t go back and undo what’s been done. But, you can go on, and overcome, and achieve.


Wahlberg’s story should smack us in the face and cause us to rethink our preconceived notions about the incarcerated. While it is true there are evil, sociopathic men and women locked up, there are literally tons of thousands of others who merely need a break, a chance, just someone to care enough about them and believe in them and give them a chance.


Mark Wahlberg had that. He had a parish priest who knew he was “a good kid”. Perhaps that is why today, just like yesterday, and the day before that, Wahlberg attended church. He attends every day, no matter where in the world he finds himself.


In this prison I have encountered a number of amazing men. There are artists who draw, and paint, and create beautiful landscapes and portraits. The man in the bunk two beds over spends hours rolling paper into tight three inch to six inch tubes. I watched him cut cardboard into various geometric shapes and sizes. Last night he showed me what all his efforts were for. He had crafted a replica of a Ford Mustang body frame and engine block from memory.


Two of the teacher’s aides I work with have taken up knitting. In less than a month, they’ve turned out dozens of scarves with various football team logos. Each week, two dozen men ask me to read poems, essays and short stories they wrote. Their words, the images they create capture my imagination.


Prison is a wasteland. It is a dumping ground, a landfill, a refuse pit. Yet life, art, hope can flourish even in the midst of despair and decay. You never know who is locked up or why. You never know, unless you’re willing to take a chance on someone.


My cousin reminded me of a powerful Bible verse the other day. With the holiday season upon us, consider these words from Hebrews 13:3 –


“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”


No one’s life is beyond redemption. With hope – and help, mercy – and love, any inmate willing to try can turn their life around. Mark Wahlberg proved that.