Matt Brooks is an inmate in the Missouri Department of Corrections. I was introduced to Matt by my good friend, Josh Monk. Matt had an experience with Jesus Christ while in a local county jail. He and I have been corresponding ever since that time.
While in prison, Matt reads, writes, exercises, and tries to be a positive influence to others. This section of Matt’s writings concern the famed outlaw, Jesse James.
Why is a ruthless criminal famous?
Bang Bang! rang the sound from Jesse’s revolver, “Yah! Yah!,” yelled his brother Frank as they barreled around the corner to ride out on the plains.
“We’d better skedaddle out of here if we wanna get a jump on that Pinkerton bunch,” Jesse James said urgently. “You know they’ll have every law dog in this neck of Clay County on our heals, once they find we plugged one of their own!”
Every time I hear mention of the name Jesse James I’m reminded of the unbalanced justice system in place today. Portrayed as a dapper, chivalrous gentlemen during his robberies, was only to sell the nickel and dime novels he so proudly helped usher into the 20th century. They say money is the root of all evil, sitting right there central to, was Jesse James. Raised by a Baptist minister, I guess the goodness of the truth from the gospel would pass him by. He was set up on high as some sort of myth, or legend, when in all actuality he was savage, cold blooded, killer. Continue reading “Jesse James and Mixed Messages: Matt Brooks” →
