by AIC Brooklyn Shepard
Intro by Dale Russell
As we share with our AIC contacts there is always an open invitation to help with communications to you. It is always a treat to hear stories of success, humor, or insights into prison culture we may not be aware of. There is a constant request for these stories and a few times it actually happens.
When I ask for a blog post, I usually must explain what “bolg” means. That’s not a common term inside of prison. Technology, and the elements that go with it, have left many AIC in the dust, but the stories that do come out are insightful or amazing.
Brooklyn has been a sponsor of one of the Otino Waa kids for a couple of years and has been a shining example of how to do it. Taking the next step of sharing stories with us shows where her heart and passions lie. She wants to do this and desires feedback. (You can comment below and I will make sure she sees it.)
Here is her first attempt at writing to us. Read slowly. It will take you behind the various scenes in day-to-day life at a women’s prison. Picturing the descriptions is exactly what she wanted you to do. Examining the mindset of a “hero” could easily translate to our own lives, and understanding that our cheerleading came from behind bars is extraordinary.
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Who Are the Real Heroes?
Surfing through the channels on television, you can spy any number of famous athletes, musicians, or actors/actresses that we consider to be our heroes. Some have even used their wealth and fame to accomplish great things in the world, but many others have not, choosing to embrace lavish parties, drug use, and the accumulation of wealth. Are these the people that we should be considering our heroes?
Instead, today, take a look around. Let’s notice the person uncomplainingly serving chow to the hordes. How about the person who skips a game of cards to help a neighbor studying for his GED? Or the peer counselor that devotes his day to improving the mental health of others? Then there are a few who have the sensitivity of a true friend.
Say hello. Give a thank you. Let people know they are seen and appreciated.
Heroes don’t grow just from football catches and movie roles. They grow from quietly serving one another, as if working for the Lord.
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“Finally, brothers, whatever things are true,
whatever things are honest, whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.
Do those things which you have both learned and received,
and heard and seen in me,
and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8-9