{"product_id":"from-crack-to-the-cross-breaking-the-chains-of-addiction-and-finding-freedom-behind-bars","title":"From Crack to the Cross: Breaking the Chains of Addiction and Finding Freedom Behind Bars","description":"A Tale of Unyielding Hope\nIn this gripping memoir, with raw honesty and unflinching courage, Reginald Watts shares his remarkable story of breaking free from the shackles of addiction and how he found freedom behind bars, and a second chance beyond bars. His story answers the question with unwavering conviction: Can a person find freedom when all hope seems lost?\n\nFrom Innocence to Addiction\nIn the vibrant landscape of 1960s and 70s Louisiana, Reginald Watts’s upbringing was nothing short of a “Leave it to Beaver” life. But the strong family values he was raised with were not enough to keep him from the allure of the wrong crowd once he ventured off to college. What began as innocent college revelry spiraled into a devastating addiction to crack cocaine, shattering the dreams his family had nurtured.\nReginald’s descent was brutal, marked by addiction, theft, and repeated encounters with the law. He found himself in and out of prison twice, only to return to the same lifestyle of drugs, theft, and almost losing his life. The third time he faced a judge, the sentence was swift and sure—a life sentence without possibility of parole.\n\nBehind Bars, Beyond Chains\nFaced with the reality that the remainder of his life would be spent in the confines of Angola State Penitentiary, one of America’s most notorious prisons, Reginald discovered hope like he had never before experienced—a profound faith in Jesus Christ. Letting go of drugs, he emerged as a beacon of hope within the prison walls, becoming a pastor, a mentor, and inspiring fellow inmates and staff alike with his unwavering resolve and newfound purpose.\n\nBeyond Bars, Beyond Chains\nThe possibility of life outside of prison walls may have felt like a distant dream, but once again, a miracle of all miracles unfolded. After serving twenty-five years on a life without parole sentence, against every odd, a pardon was granted, offering yet another glimmer of hope where none seemed to exist.\nWith this second chance begins a new chapter in Reginald’s life. And just like every other part of his story, just when you think you know what is going to happen next, God shows up with something better.\u003cbr\u003eASIN: 1957026219\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: BVV.1957026219.G\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:Watts, Reginald D.|Grunder, Robin\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact  including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Blue Vase Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43612122775613,"sku":"BVV.1957026219.G","price":5.89,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0589\/4225\/9261\/files\/1957026219-0.jpg?v=1789253203","url":"https:\/\/www.bluevasebooks.com\/products\/from-crack-to-the-cross-breaking-the-chains-of-addiction-and-finding-freedom-behind-bars","provider":"Blue Vase Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}