Bow Ties and Broken Chains
This blog is where faith, travel, and criminal justice intersect. As someone who has worked in probation and parole and now serves as Director of Government Affairs with Prison Fellowship, I’ve seen firsthand how justice systems shape lives, families, and communities. Through my travels—whether standing in historic courthouses, visiting prisons, or walking the streets of cities and small towns—I reflect on the past, present, and future of justice in America and beyond. These journeys often bring me face-to-face with places of beauty and brokenness, history and hope. Here, I share stories from the road, lessons from history, and insights from policy and ministry. You’ll find posts on: • Travel Reflections: visiting landmarks tied to justice, faith, or freedom. • Criminal Justice Insights: policy updates, reform efforts, and lessons from my work. • Faith & Justice: reflections rooted in the belief that every person is made in the image of God. • Personal Notes: moments where family, faith, and advocacy all meet. My hope is that this space encourages readers to see the world differently, to believe that justice and mercy can walk hand in hand, and to join me on the road toward a more just and compassionate society.
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They say the road to justice isn’t always straight—and neither was my travel to Michigan.
What should have been a simple flight turned into a marathon of connections, delays, and detours. But along the way, I found reminders of why I do this work: small moments of joy, unexpected opportunities to share the Gospel, and time with family.
A Crazy Travel Day
My journey started in Baton Rouge with a hop to Houston, then up to Chicago.
In between gates, I had just enough time to grab a slice of classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza. From there, I flew into Detroit, rented a car, and drove the final stretch to Lansing.
Travel days can be long, but they often prepare us for the mission ahead.
The Bow Tie
Before stepping into the Capitol, I tied my bow tie—a practice that has become part of my identity in this work.
Years ago, I traded in my probation and parole badge for a bow tie, shifting from direct supervision to advocacy. Over time, the bow tie has come to symbolize more than fashion.
It reminds me that justice should carry dignity, restoration, and hope. With the hashtag #BowTies4CJR, I mark each Capitol visit not just as a workday, but as a mission field.
[Photo: Bow tie selfie outside the Michigan Capitol — #BowTies4CJR in action]
Purpose at the Capitol
The next morning, I walked into the Michigan State Capitol with two purposes: to advocate for criminal justice reform and to share the Gospel message.
Each meeting with lawmakers and staff was an opportunity to talk policy, but also to point to the greater truth of redemption in Christ.
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” — 2 Corinthians 5:20
Every person is made in the image of God and deserves dignity, restoration, and the chance for a new beginning.
Walking the Halls of History
Walking those historic halls brought to mind Micah 6:8:
“To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Laws matter, but so do the hearts of those who shape and carry them out. I left encouraged that God can work through every handshake, every conversation, and every seed planted in faith.
Before leaving, I stamped my State Capitol Passport—a small but meaningful way to mark another stop on this journey of advocacy and ministry across America.
[Photo: Michigan State Capitol at sunrise — a place where history and advocacy meet]
Michigan’s Capitol Story
The Michigan State Capitol in Lansing opened in 1879 and was one of the first state capitols modeled after the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Its cast-iron dome and ornate interior reflect both strength and democratic ideals. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the Capitol has stood as a symbol of Michigan’s political and civic life for nearly 150 years.
Walking beneath its dome, I was reminded that our work today—whether in justice reform or Gospel ministry—is part of a much larger story woven through history.
[Photo: Michigan State Capitol marker — construction began in 1872 and completed in 1879]
[Photo: Michigan Capitol dome lit at night — justice work continues beyond daylight hours]
Family and Faithfulness
The trip ended on a high note. Back in Detroit, I joined my daughter and son-in-law for some famous Detroit-style pizza.
After a whirlwind of flights, driving, and meetings, nothing could have capped it off better than family, food, and gratitude for God’s faithfulness along the way.
Final Reflection
From Chicago deep dish to Detroit squares, from bow ties to Capitol briefings, this trip was a reminder that God works in every detail.
Whether in a meeting room or around a dinner table, I carry the same message: hope, justice, and second chances through Christ.
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For years, I’ve worn two hats that might seem worlds apart: one as a traveler with a curious eye for people and places, and another as an advocate working to transform America’s criminal justice system. Both pursuits, though different on the surface, flow from the same conviction—that every person and every place has a story worth listening to.
This blog will bring those stories together. Some posts will trace the roads I’ve walked—historic streets, bustling cities, and quiet corners where lessons hide in plain sight. Others will dive into the challenges and opportunities in criminal justice reform, drawing on my background in probation, parole, and policy work. Along the way, I’ll explore how justice, mercy, and human dignity intersect with the lives we live and the places we go.
Why combine travel and justice? Because travel teaches us to see the world with fresh eyes, and justice demands that same posture—curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn. Both invite us into deeper empathy and call us to act for the good of others.
So whether you’re here for reflections on reform, stories from the road, or the spaces where the two overlap, I’m glad you’ve found your way here. Let’s journey together.
Bow Ties and Broken Chains 