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September 4, 2024 102 mins

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James was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and is the youngest of 8 children in his family. Despite both of his parents working, his family was always involved in illegal activity. At a very young age, James began selling drugs. He saw the benefits it brought to those who did it.

He was arrested at the age of 20 for this very behavior. By the time he was 21, James was convicted by a jury and was sentenced to 40-years in Federal Prison.  His life changed in his first year of incarceration. He heard about the Lord and committed his life to Christ in 2000.

He spent the next almost 21 years growing in his faith and relationship with God and changing his perspective on what is good in this world. Miraculously, 10 days shy of 21 years, his sentence was commuted. This was done on the last day of Trump’s presidency with the support of about 30 other people he didn’t know. 

As he looks back on his experiences, he’s humbled by how God orchestrates people’s lives, and he’s grateful. “You never know whose life you are going to change” - James Cruz

We do a few shout outs and announcements then a devotional on being blinded by darkness. We honor Dalton on his last weekend with a trip to the Ranger game.

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