Truth Be Told, part 1

Have you ever been part of something that made a difference in the lives of many? I have, and here's my story.

In 2002, my then-new friend Suzanne Armistead, whom I met through InterPlay, was talking about her volunteer work with women at the state prison in Lockhart. It sounded interesting, and when she invited me to come to the prison and witness a graduation ceremony, I signed up and went.

What I saw was probably one of the most heart-opening events I've ever had the grace to witness. Woman after woman, dressed in drab prison garb, came up and told her story to those of us who came to witness, about how she came to be in prison. Each one was so vulnerable, so authentic, and so brave, publicly coming to terms with their pasts to total strangers, pasts that were often full of a lack of resources, lack of good judgment, lack of support, lack of love. So much lack.

And yet, here they were, now part of a program that teaches public speaking, respectful listening, writing, movement, and creative skills to incarcerated women, a support that continues after their release from prison and back into society.

And the way they told their stories was as if they were not victims or perpetrators, but vulnerable AND strong! Strong, capable women who owned themselves and who were telling their pasts and claiming their own futures right in front of our eyes.

I don't believe there was a dry eye among the witnesses. The energy filling the prison gym was totally amazing and unexpected. We witnessed the human soul laid bare, struggling with pain and shame and suffering, and yet also present was hope for the future, amazing talent, beautiful smiles, shy giggles, rockin' hair styles, motivation, determination, and a very warm welcome for us visitors in one of the most sterile, unfriendly environments you can imagine.