In memory of…..Charles Crawford

In Memory Of…….. Psalm 40:4——-“Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies”. Dark clouds hung over the prison and the sidewalk was empty where usually I’d see Charles spraying down the walkway early in the morning.

The thought hit me as I stepped into the grass and leaned upon the fence that I’d spent more time knowing him in his last 30 days than I had in the past 30 years. We were close to one another and we were two of the believers who started the DogPenChurch in Christ. But in all the years we’ve known one another, praised God with one another, and overcame obstacles with one another, I’d never seen him more at peace than when he was facing execution.

We prayed together in my cell just about every day and we embraced one another with brotherly love. Charles understood the broad reach of God’s perfect love even in all of his imperfections, and he was more concerned about others here on the Row than of himself. I’m proud to have known him and I’m greatly proud to call him my brother in Christ.

His presence will surely be missed here but we know that he’s in a safer place and truly at peace in the gentle arms of our heavenly Father. Rest in peace dear brother and I’ll see you some day in our heavenly abode———-

Your brother in Christ, Justin H. Underwood.