June 20th: An Unexpected Meeting of Minds
Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem,
Yesterday, June 20th, brought an extraordinary visitor to our facility – New York Times bestselling author Francisco Guerra, known for his book “This is How You Do it, Kid – The Inventropreneur’s Handbook.” What makes this meeting even more remarkable is that Francisco isn’t just visiting – he’s preparing for his own journey here. SubhanAllah, how Allah brings together souls who can understand each other’s paths.
Guerra, who had heard about my story, spent the entire day with me. There’s something uniquely powerful about sharing deep, meaningful dialogue with someone who not only understands the craft of storytelling but also comprehends the reality of where we both stand – at the threshold of accountability and redemption.
The conversation flowed naturally between literary analysis and spiritual reflection. Guerra showed particular interest in how my current circumstances have shaped my perspective on redemption and personal growth. We talked about how every trial can become a testimony if we approach it with the right intention.
This meeting served as a powerful reminder that our circumstances don’t define our potential for impact. Even from within these walls, Allah can create opportunities to serve His creation in meaningful ways. Perhaps there’s divine wisdom in bringing us together, two people from different worlds, both facing incarceration, both seeking to turn their trials into benefit for others.
Keep me in your duaas as we explore these possibilities. May Allah guide this project to serve as a source of benefit for others, and may He make our time here a means of purification and growth for both Francisco and me.
Your brother in faith,
Wisam
