My name is Uyoyo Mercy Abire but my married name is Uyoyo Mercy Matanmi. I was sentenced to 41months on December 7, 2023 and today makes it 298days, equal 7130hours living as a federal prisoner BOP 19031-510. I did no know what to expect when i came to prison but i knew i needed to have a strong mind and a positive outlook. I knew before i got to prison that i need a job within a week in prison i got a job at the recreational center. This led me into teaching the afro beat dance class and helping others understand my African culture. I wanted to add to my skills, so i applied for another job at ‘Unicor” where i learned how to sew. i also participated in the peer success which helps me prepare for release and also go to church to help me stay balance spiritually. i take opportunities that arises to encourage my fellow peers when broken, depressed or needing encouragement by doing this helps me stay focused and positive.
At the beginning of my journey i had pledged to work on myself positively to be a better person. In this area i had planned to read books that will help me grow mentally and spiritually. this has given me the motivation of self empowerment. So far these are the books i have learned from
– The Holy Bible by the Holy Spirit
-The Master piece by Francine Rivers
-Redeeming love by Francine Rivers
-And the shofar blew By Francine Rivers
-Leota’s Garden by Francine Rivers PS: (I am addicted to Francine Rivers’ Books)
-How to counsel biblically by John MacArthur
-Fresh Start by Joel Osteen
-The purpose driven life Rick Warren
-What color is your parachute? 2021 edition by Richard .N. Bolles
-Becoming by Michelle Obama
-The Confident woman by Joyce meyer
-The parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
I have read some urban books in the mix of entertainment but i have learned from one titled Blackface by Jimmy Saints, he quoted in his book “Great minds think about ideas, Average minds think about places while small minds talk about people”. These has been a key factors in choosing the right support system around me.
I have learned the power of resilience and these have helped me to work on myself positively. i have prioritized 3 different books where i Journal , talk about my story and My vision book
1) My journal
Coming to prison has been a mind changing game for me. It has taught me about myself and has helped me grow in the area i need to work on. These book are were i evaluate myself and my relationship with God. i reveal things to God and He reveals things to me. Its where i outline the time line of events in my Journey.
2) My Story
I have came to the understanding that no one can tell my story but me. I decided to write my story for people to know who i am, how i got to prison and the lesson i learned out of it. I am confident that my story will touch lives and God will use it for His glory.
3) My Vision Book
When i was reading ‘Fresh Start” by Joel Osteen. He quoted Habakkuk 2 vs 2 its says “Write the Vision and make it plain. This lead me in having a vision book where i write my vision and aspiration for the future. my vision book helps me put my plans and goals on paper. I am setting in stone my desires and ambitions for the future.
