There is a tradition of powerful Christian testimony written from prison. These stories from an Oklahoma prison are part of that tradition. They speak of hope behind razor wire and prison walls. They offer the promise of new life.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Bo Don Cox has been in prison since July 1986 where he is serving a life sentence for murder. While there his faith has developed and he has shared that faith through writing. His previous work include several puiblications for Foward Movement.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Your Owner's Manual Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
-Philippians 4:8
Before you begin . . .
These stories are about people. They're about prison. Some are about people in prison. They're about life, including death. Sometimes they're about doing life. I'd be a liar if I said they weren't also about "the system." They're about God. I'm not a theologian. I'm not a spiritual giant. I'm a stumbling student of life. I'm a sinner. I'm a mistake-maker. I'm a young man, trying-sometimes easily, sometimes desperately-to make sense out of my own little slice of existence.
These stories are my perceptions. Nothing-not prison, death, or life-is black and white. Depending on who you are and where you stand, literally and figuratively, you see shades of gray. This book is gray.
Had a young man named Bart Ennis and I not gotten into a fight on the night of July 26, 1986, had I not caused his death, had I not gone to prison, none of this would have been written. There is more than one side to every story. It would be callous to pretend this is different.
When I quit alcohol and other drugs, it was suggested I make amends to the people I had harmed while I was drinking and using drugs. My list was long. To amend is "to improve" or "to better." The harm I did Bart is irreversible, but I'm still alive and so are you, and we're both a part of humanity, and we can try to improve or better our little corner.
These stories, written from my point of view, are in memory of Bart Ennis. Bart, I have something to tell you: I'm sorry. I wish I could change that night. Please forgive me.
The following pages contain stories. Nothing less, nothing more. They are yours.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Powerful Experience,
By Jacqueline M Cooley (New Orleans, LA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: God is Not in the Thesaurus (Paperback)
Mr. Cox not only takes you inside a prison. He writes with the immediacy and openness that make you feel he is having a personal conversation with you, the reader. I literally could not put this book down.I live in a city that has major crime problems. I want anyone who commits a crime locked up. I came to this book with some trepidation. But Mr. Cox has put a human face on prisoners. He has made me think. He has spoken to me through this book in a most personal way. I recommend this book highly. It will change the way you think and feel about prisoners.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful,
By "readingcat" (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: God is Not in the Thesaurus (Paperback)
Having read some of Mr. Cox's short meditations, I wondered if his longer work would have the same immediacy and impact. No need to worry - this collection is even more powerful and moving than his meditations. Mr. Cox has an original, deeply personal and moving style. I've gained three things from his work. First, he has given me a new view on the people who live in prisons, and our penal institutions. Second, he illuminated the realities of chemical dependence that really helped me (even more than the Al-Anon literature I've poured over, useful though it is). Third, he has inspired my own spiritual life during several dark nights of the soul. Therefore, I give this a high (and very grateful) recommendation.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
God Is Not In The Thesaurus,
By Valeri Moon (Oklahoma) - See all my reviews
This review is from: God is Not in the Thesaurus (Paperback)
I have had the pleasure of actually meeting and visitning with Bo. I don't think that there is a better representation of wonderful people in prison than Bo Cox. This book jerked tears from my soul. I have actually worked at Joseph Harp, the facility where Bo is currently housed. He stood by the tree outside the unit, often times with "Jerry" and always took the time to say, "Good Morning" as I walked by. This book is very, very true. It paints an extremely vivid picture of Bo's day-to-day life. Bo, I cannot wait to hear that you have been released from state custody. You and Deb deserve a great life, and I know that God has a plan for the both of you. Keep praying, smiling, and believing. God Bless You and Keep You.
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