Why I Believe People Deserve a Second Chance by Todd L. Cook

As an underdog, I’m one of the reasons second chances exist. If you have ever been wrong about anything, or failed miserably at life in general, you can probably relate to needing a second chance. Not everyone gets one though, and not everyone deserves one. So this begs the question: Why do people deserve a second chance?

From my perspective, the answer goes deeper than surface level considerations like everyone makes mistakes and we are all sinners. Absolutely true on both accounts, but far from an explanation to our question. So what is it then?

With 47 years of experience in screwing up my life on a high level, I can tell you that many things go into “deserving” anything of value. We are not entitled to forgiveness, yet, as believers in Christ, we receive it. We are not guaranteed a “do-over” when we mess up or even an opportunity to make things right. However, if our character flaws are genuinely corrected, and it’s our mission in life to do better than we have in the past, sometimes we can actually “earn” redemption, also known as a second chance.

So what does it take to change our lives so significantly that we are able to ask for a Mulligan (do-over)? I’d say it takes reflection, guilt, remorse, growth, commitment to change, forgiveness of self, education, compromise, hard work, dedication, consistency, persistence, faith, rebirth, belief in a Higher power, emotional maturity, a recalibration of priorities, and an evolution of character.

Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? Well, it is, and yet, many people are able to accomplish such a feat, even in the face of overwhelming odds, such as a life sentence.

Knowing it is both possible, and likely, that a person will change in these ways as they grow up, isn’t it our responsibility as a society built by trial-and-error to afford these redeemable souls an opportunity for a second chance? Shouldn’t everyone be allowed to confess their sins, ask for forgiveness, and be forgiven? If so, shouldn’t they then be granted the privilege to regain their footing in a community that accepts them as they are now, as opposed to viewing them as what they were before they repaired their character defects? I sincerely would hope so…for all our sakes.

Contact Info:

If you'd like to receive a reply from Todd, postal mail is the best option:

Todd L. Cook #47656
P.O. Box 22500
Lincoln, NE 68542-2500

Website: toddcookauthor.com
Facebook: Todd Cook, Author
YouTube: Todd Cook, Nebraska or @ToddCook6953
Email: info@toddcookauthor.com

You may also email Todd directly through GettingOut.com or the Getting Out app.

The post Why I Believe People Deserve a Second Chance by Todd L. Cook appeared first on Inmate Blogger.