Los Angeles Mission's Blog

Where do we begin with this incredible example of a life gone wrong?

The New York Times story by Amy Green has the following:

“What could possibly be in the mind of a 10- or 12-year-old that would possess them to pick up a rock and pick up a brick and beat another human being in the head?” said Ron Book, chairman of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust. “It defies any rational thought process, but it’s also why we felt so strongly we had to do something.”

Where are the parents of these kids? One thing we do know is that they are human beings capable of greatness or great evil. Education helps. We support homeless outreach efforts in schools. We support youth activities and personal accountability of our kids.

Warren Messner’s tats of “hope, faith and love” call out for the greatness of humanity. What happens to him in 22 years when he gets his release? Will he end up homeless like so many prisoner releases? Or, will he find hope, faith and love for a life-time of repentance and forgiveness? Where will he go on the first day of freedom?

Playing the blame game will not help Warren or his friends. It will not bring a homeless man back to life.

“He does not like prison much. He keeps busy doing yard work, exercising and reading. He likes James Patterson novels and murder mysteries. He has dropped at least 40 pounds and developed a penchant for prison tattoos. One arm reads “thug” while the other reads “life.” His mother’s name, Lori, is on one hand. On one arm is the same cross he wears around his neck, surrounded by the words “hope,” “faith” and “love.”

“I’m not a killer. I know that,” Mr. Messner said. “A lot of people, they see this story and call us killers. I’m not a killer. I regret what I did. I wish I could take it back.”

Sorry Warren, one life lesson learned: we cannot take back the wrongs we have done. Life lesson two: You can learn to give back so others don’t follow in your stumbling footsteps.