Finally Free

Dear Family and Friends,

I've been given the difficult task of informing everyone of a recent loss in our family. This morning, May 8, 2008 my Uncle, Mr. Claude Woods received his pardon.

Why do I use that terminology? It's because my uncle did not die in the nursing home, in a car accident, or in his own residence. He died in the cold, lonely, hospital prison of Angola (also known as "The Farm") or the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Sadly, I never knew my Uncle Claude as a free man. Yes, he did it- a convicted felon charged with life. My dad's brother, that got into "some trouble" when he was just a teenager, was sentenced to death, and later given a lighter sentence of life in prison.

To me, he was that tall, handsome, and strong man resembling my father slightly. He was the uncle that could lift me up off the floor and give me the smile that someone gave when they were not quite happy, but happy to see me. He was the uncle that kept me supplied with leather belts, wooden crafts, and letters. He was always an inmate that had a number, and a guard that told me when our visits were up. He was always the man my dad would faithfully visit and support. He was always the uncle that was up for parole, and denied again and again. I'll never see him bound again. He's finally free.

After working on "the farm" for most of his life, his name was called. He knew this day would come, so he was also working on the plans for his release date. I hear he made preparations. I hear that he gave his life to Jesus, and served him through singing in the gospel choir. I hear that he ministered the word. As the years went by, his body was growing weary of the years of hard labor and work, and he received his transfer to move on. Finally, when the Lord saw fit, he stood before the "pardon board" a final time and GOD SAID that it was time to release him, "Come on home Claude." As he leaves behind his limited earthly belongings, and bids his family friends goodbye, I can almost hear him singing and telling us not to cry...



I'm free
Praise the Lord, I'm free
No longer bound
No more chains holding me
My soul is resting
It's just a blessing
Praise the Lord, Hallelujah, I'm free

- I'm Free- written by: Milton Brunson-




Rest well Uncle, I'll see you in the morning.


Pray for us,

Stacey

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• Free
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• Death
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• Prison

[lolafemi]

It is well with your soul.

I would like to know the singer and the lyrics of the song - i am free praise the Lord i'm free..................... Keep the faith and the Almighty console you amen.

[DimentionsofStacey]

- I'm Free- written by: Milton Brunson-

THE REST IS OVER ON THE ABOUT THIS VIDEO SECTION :D

[bornkool]

Wow

[loriann1237]

sister, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My brother, who was out on parole, murdered an 81 yr old woman. He plead guilty to a lesser charge and is facing only 25 yrs. Because of our childhood I also have mixed emotions about visiting him. We are only two of thirteen. I really only talk to two of my siblings, the rest have "gone astray". I'm thrilled to hear your Uncle became a leader in his community to which he shared the Gospel. May the Lord have mercy on him.

[velencb]

Jesus Christ!!

[DimentionsofStacey]

Amen, thank you!

[MoMRX101]

Praying for you and your family, love your ministry. God bless you!

[HOLLINESS1]

We the youtube family and the family of the MOST HIGH GOD, Love you, with the love of the Lord. God bless you and your family during this time. Remember the song woman of God "Weeping may endure for a night.. but JOY comes in the morning."

[88sp]

Sis you be encourged, I am praying for you!