Met some of the most amazing women yesterday. I cannot name them. And they are those whom most of us would rather cast to oblivion. Lifers is what they are called. They are the ladies of CIW, Correctional Institute for Women.
Why i happened to be there was through an invitation by a good friend to share a message as part of their graduation ceremony from a program of recovery. I shared a message of hope as an encouragement but i was more encouraged and got in touch with the grace of hope through them. To see them thrive, be joy-filled, gracious and giving with the life sentences they have to live out is simply mind-boggling.
A couple of ladies past middle age were sentenced to life behind bars forever for pushing drugs and ordering the death of persons. One whom i spent chatting with over lunch told me that her being incarcerated is actually a blessing for she is kept from her aberrant ways and has the chance now to have a contrite and renewed heart.
Connecting with the natural and basic state which the Creator meant them for is topmost of their priorities. This i think is the secret to recouping peace and joy. Wherever we are.
