Bob Goff

Motivational speaker Bob Goff led an eclectic group of celebrities into San Quentin’s Protestant Chapel on Feb. 25 to bring a message of hope and inspiration through “Adventures in Faith and Love.”

Some at San Quentin know Goff from previous visits. Derry “Brotha D” Brown smiled broadly as he talked about the warmth of Goff’s greeting, “He embraces people; that’s what I like about him,” said Brown. “He’s inclusive, not exclusive. The other people [with him] were good, too.”

The other people Brown referred to include the cast of Duck Dynasty, American Idol star Danny Gokey, and Miles Adcox, an internationally renowned rehabilitation leader.

San Quentin’s Captain Escalera opened the program with a brief prayer. Gokey, third-place finisher on American Idol several seasons ago, followed with two inspirational songs, the second of which had everyone standing, clapping, and a few even dancing in the aisle.

The singer then delivered a brief inspirational message before handing the microphone to Duck Dynasty star Willie Robertson, who sported his trademark long hair, full beard, and American flag bandana. Robertson is a great storyteller and he shared amusing anecdotes about his experiences as a celebrity.

Robertson has met three presidents, including presidential candidate Donald J. Trump, whom he encountered at an Oklahoma State Fair. Robertson drew a laugh by talking about the crowd at the Oklahoma fair and noting, “That’s my people.”

The Duck Dynasty star also met President Obama at a national correspondents’ dinner, and when the President gave him a bear hug nearby Secret Service agents eyed him closely. He told them, “He’s hugging me. I’m not hugging him.” Robertson’s message was inspirational, but he also evoked a steady stream of laughter with his humorous, Southern-style presentation, and he left the stage to a standing ovation.

Gokey returned to the stage for two more songs before turning the microphone over to Adcox, who related his story with the Southern accent that was characteristic of several of Goff’s entourage. He said that he had been abused as a child, got caught up in an effort to self-medicate, and eventually sought help for addiction and mental health problems.

After achieving his own sobriety, Adcox began to help others work through twelve-step programs. Since his recovery from addiction he has “been turning my mess into my message,” he said. His reputation for helping others recover from addiction grew and he became a regular guest on the Dr. Phil show. At one point, he hosted a talk show on the Fox network.

Adcox was humble about his ability to contribute to others, “I don’t have anything to stand on but my story,” he said. Nevertheless, as blessings accumulated in his life he “realized my dreams were beginning to come true.” Finally, he found his way to his current role on Goff’s team. Adcox finished by noting his favorite proverb that espouses the virtues of twelve-step groups, “Rows inform; circles heal.”

Goff stepped in to wrap up the evening with a word of encouragement to the audience. “You’re our church, too,” he said. Then he asked the three women in his troupe to come to the stage. Korie Robertson, Jody Luke, and Dae Eriksson each promised to keep the audience in prayer and offered hopeful words to San Quentin’s residents. Korie Robertson said, “You’re in our hearts.”

“Bob Goff is a kindhearted and loving person and the people he brings in are cut out of the same cloth,” said San Quentin resident Kenny Rogers, nodding and smiling enthusiastically. He added, “All of them are loving Christians that believe in helping people.”

Gokey returned to the stage to close “Adventures in Faith and Love” with a final song. A line of San Quentin residents formed to seek autographs from the celebrity visitors and to offer their thanks for the visit, bringing a close to an evening of laughter, tears, cheers, and inspiration.

Bob Goff speaking to the crowd about ambition

Bob Goff refers to him- self as a “recovering lawyer” after practicing law for 25 years. In May, he returned to San Quentin, along with some friends, to speak with the inmates who assist the many guests who tour the prison.

Goff met these inmates when he toured San Quentin, and he wanted to speak directly to them. He first engaged them in the Protestant Chapel with dialog that involved comedy. Then he asked about their ambitions.

“When people know what you want they want to help you,” Goff said. He said people who know what they want will do what it takes to achieve their goal, and he warned that, “Hoping is not a strategy.”

One inmate named Jerry said he wants to be a sound engineer. “Jerry wants to be a sound engineer,” Goff repeated. “Tell everyone what you want,” said Goff.

Inmate Brian Asey said he wants to change the perception of how people view the incarcerated. Goff responded by acknowledging how the rehabilitative programs at San Quentin allow men to “get to know the man under the hat.”

“You’ll never honor God if you don’t honor each other,” said Goff. He advised the men to surround themselves with people who have good character because it’s a reflection of who they are. “I’m big on the idea of love thy neighbor.”

“You’ll start seeing the opportunity when you know what you want,” said Goff. “When you have an opportunity, take the next step.” He said there are also people outside who don’t know what they want.

That’s the same kind of advice and motivation Goff delivered in the form of comedy to a larger audience at the prison in February. His message both times was “Love Does.” It’s also the title of a book he wrote that’s a best- seller. He uses the money from the millions of books sold to build schools around the world.

“God doesn’t pass us messages, he gives us people,” said Goff. On this evening, without sounding preachy, he told the men “You were for- given before you were even born.”

Like his last visit, Goff told jokes to keep the audience engaged. But the laughter didn’t dilute his positive message. “It starts by knowing what you want,” he repeated. “Know yourself.”

Goff’s friend and fellow comedian who goes by Michael Jr. took the stage after he spoke. “He knows how to be a friend,” said Michael Jr. about Goff. “I read people for a living.” He explained, to do comedy he has to pay attention to people.

Comedian Michael Jr. performing on love thy neighbor

Making the men laugh was only a small part of Michael Jr.’s act. He also discussed the art of telling jokes. He said a good story and joke comes from the setup, using resources. He explained that hardship, tragedy, skill, talent, and other abilities are what everyone receives, but the punch line is what’s delivered from all of it.

“Setbacks,” Michael Jr. said, are also the key to the setup for a good story or joke. He said bouncing back from adversity and setbacks is like being placed in a sling shot: The further you’re pulled back, the further you’ll reach. “Where will you aim?” he asked, and said, “Where ever that is, focus.”

Later, Lauren Daigle, a mentor and voice coach for contestants on American Idol took the stage.

“There are people who are not looking at you as your crime,” she said, explaining some people’s point of view about the incarcerated.

In her clear strong voice, Daigle sang her song “You Say” to the men over a prerecorded CD that played the music on the chapel’s PA system.

The final performance came when a local father and daughter duo, Pastor Zach and Abby, sang together. Zach finger-picked arpeggios on his acoustic guitar as Abby sang Reck- less Love and other songs. Zach joined in later vocals.

Abby ended the evening with a prayer on the stage as those in the audience bowed their heads. Before the crowd dispersed the men mingled and got auto- graphs from Goff, Michael Jr., Daigle, Abby and Zach.

Goff said he plans to come back to San Quentin, probably in the fall.

When President Obama Hugged Duck Dynasty Star

Bob Goff returns to San Quentin with friends