by JonathanUnlimited
This is the first story in the Project Unlimited series titled: “Pina Colada Bios.” Inmates at Tomoka Correctional Institution wrote these stories, not to justify or excuse behaviors, but for the purpose of educating and increasing awareness. You’re welcomed and encouraged to send questions for consideration for the Unlimited men to answer throughout this series. To learn more about Project Unlimited click here.
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I like Cuban coffee with condensed milk and sugar, toasted Cuban bread, and the love of breakfast with mis abuelos.
I like to lay down in the grass and stare at the moon, stars, and planets, feeling the Earth fall away from beneath me.
I like making a piece of paper bend to my will with the magic of poetry singing “Songs of Myself.”
I like to find amazing words in the randomized pulling of seven tiles from a Scrabble bag. I like watching America’s Got Talent, knowing I am witnessing the beginning of life-changing careers for normal people who had the courage to follow their dream. I love heckling old episodes of Wipeout contestants and laughing until I cry at the wit of John and John. The greatest comedic pair ever!
I love the Tampa Bay “Anything” because I am proud of my home and my name. Don’t try to change it. It’s Jonathan, not John or Johnny. Jonathan.
Maybe I was named after Jonathan Winters or maybe I was named after the friend of David in the Bible. Depends on who you ask—my dad or my mom. Either way, my mother named me, so I honor her by staying true to her choice.
Vision and Voice
I like teaching and leading because I have a vision and a voice. And I only recently found the courage to give voice to my vision. I believe that I can help men, forgotten like me, to find their voice through education, self-empowerment, and ministry.
I like telling my stories as a member of the Unlimited Gavel Club to my brothers and sisters and, now, to the world. I like knowing these words may change someone, bring a ripple of wonder to an awe-struck crowd while I, just a stone, stare up from the bottom of a murky and wonderful lake.
I like being a willing and hope-filled vessel for the miraculous work of God. I see His blessings in my life every day, and I am humbled by a Love that has chosen me to partner in His work.
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Read more of Jonathan’s stories:
- Forgiveness, Who Do You Think You Are? Part 2 by JonathanUnlimited and RomanoUnlimited
- Don’t Tell Me What God Can’t Do! by JonathanUnlimited