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.

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.

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2 responses to “Welcome to My Journey: Travels and Justice”

  1. Andrew Tanner, PhD Avatar

    Looking forward to the ride!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. poeaxtry_ Avatar

    Welcome to WordPress!

    Liked by 1 person

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