Chris Wilson’s story is one you should know. He provides a no-holds-barred account of it in his book, “The Master Plan”. Sentenced as a teenager to life in prison, Wilson isn’t abandoned to despair. In fact, it’s just the opposite.
At seventeen years old, Chris Wilson drew a gun and fired 6 shots into a man, taking his life. This brutal, tragic event could and would define most people’s life. Not his.
From Murder to Master Plan
The events leading up to the murder are sadly common. Wilson endured physical and emotional violence. Abused and abandoned by his loved ones, he found a new family on the streets of Washington DC. Something desperate takes hold when your life is constantly threatened. When nowhere is safe and the only person you can trust is yourself it is only a matter of time before your life explodes in anger and violence.
Following his conviction, Chris Wilson had a life sentence without opportunity for parole before he had the opportunity to vote. He is sent to a facility in Maryland where he will send the rest of his natural life. This is where the miracle begins.
Through the friendship and mentoring of a couple inmates, Chris creates something his life has always lacked, a master plan. He begins with a few key questions:
- What’s my end game?
- What does success look like?
- What do I have to do to make it happen?
With his master plan and the determination and discipline that would make a Benedictine Monk applaud, Wilson, sets about doing what he can to improve his life and the lives of those who, unlike him will return to society.
Because of his hard work (and frankly, God’s grace), Chris is released. I won’t ruin the story for you, but it is not a stretch to call it a miracle. But, that is not the end of the story.
Mr. Wilson would go on to work to improve and create opportunities for those he calls “returning citizens” (as opposed to ex-cons). In doing so he demonstrates just how broken the system is especially for those who had similar circumstances of being born poor and black.
Favorite Quotes – The Master Plan
Normally when I review books I like to include a section with some of my favorite quotes. This time though, since the subject of the book is so compelling and actively engaged in his work, I wanted to include a
The Daily Show Interview – Chris Wilson
Stoop Stories – Chris Wilson
My Top 3 Take-Aways
The System Is Broken
If you have any experience working with the criminal justice system (or welfare system for that matter) you know that it is broken. The system is designed not to rehabilitate but rather to punish. I am in no way trying to minimize the crimes that committed. Neither does Chris Wilson. He owns his mistakes. But like him, I question rather it is appropriate to sentence someone who’s brain has not fully developed to a life sentence with no hope of parole.
And, even if we disagree on that point, it is hard to argue that for the citizens who are allowed to return to society, little to knowing is done to help their re-entry. We all but ensure a return to the patterns and lifestyle that sent them to prison in the first place.
I don’t have an answer for how to correct this problem. But like, Chris Wilson, I want to try.
I Take SO MUCH for Granted
I have never spent a day behind bars. It is my personal version of hell. I can work myself into cold sweats just thinking about it. My life has a million little luxuries that I take for granted.
After his release, Chris describes experiences that he missed and that I take for granted every day. A cool breeze, riding in a car, eating shrimp whenever I want lol. I found myself profoundly moved to hear a man relishing these simple things.
Love Covers A Multitude of Sins, So Does Hard Work
I have personally never read a story like Chris Wilson’s story. His determination to succeed is without precedent to me. Especially since there was virtually no hope of him being able to benefit from it.
Sure, in short bursts of effort I am able to work hard and focus. But, I am almost always greeted with a reward within a pretty short time frame for my energies. I have so much to learn about being diligent and hardworking from a man like Mr. Wilson.
And so often it seems like the difference between a wish and a reality is measured in the hard work in between.
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