Written mostly from inside prison walls, the poems in Words from the Brother are testimony to God’s work in one man’s life. Powerful and honest, author James Hayes’s poetry tells it like it is from someone who has been there. He has the courage to share his past (“I fought and stole and lied and killed / I did not care whose blood got spilled”), and what it’s like to spend Christmas morning in prison while his children are gathered around the tree without him (“The Gift”).

The real power of this book, however, lies in James’s transformation, the type of change possible only with God. His poems range from expressions of faith and joy to prayers for his oldest son, whom he learns is using heroin (“Pattern”). Some are based on specific verses, whereas others call us to live out our faith by following God’s plan, such as the poem “Real Men.” Some even reveal a gentle, self-deprecating humor, as found in “Motormouth,” about learning to slow down, say less, and listen more.

James’s personal story is a dramatic one of a man saved from addiction and sin. Yet he has put God at the center of each poem, and it is God’s all-powerful love that shines through the book. No matter who you are or what your life experience has been, Words from the Brother is sure to speak to you.

The proceeds from this book will fund the Iron Saints Motorcycle-Prison Ministry!

“Live to Read Read to Live”

“Faith”

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for

The evidence of things not seen

Fully Assured I Trust Him

To wash me completely clean

Through faith we know the worlds were framed

Alone by the Word of God

While those who doubt can’t understand

To them it sounds too odd

There’s only one way to get it or haven’t you heard

Faith cometh by hearing and that by the Word

Yes faith is the mortar that locks in each stone

Even so without works it’s dead when alone

Noah had faith and Moses did too

They trusted in God to carry them through

From faith to faith is God’s nature revealed

By it the Saints are strengthened and healed

The just shall live by it for so it is written

While many are lost for with doubt they are smitten

Through faith in His Word His grace He will give

If we simply believe then forever we’ll live

You can’t please Him without it that’s just how it goes

But diligent seekers and believers He knows

So if you have faith keep it and love it

For Christ is the Author and Finisher of it

The Brother

Ask James and he will tell you that he is merely the one holding the pen. These words are a gift from the Holy Spirit to the Body of Christ. This is why James has chosen to use “The Brother” as his pen name, because it is not about James it is all about JESUS!!!