Lee's Story

This was not the first time she ended up here in jail, but Lee had gotten tired of this continued failure! She had made efforts to break the habit of drugs – whatever kind they were – but without success. She had been given opportunities, but without long term success because there was no proper support system. She had been an abused child – and in turn had chosen men that abused her! Lee knew nothing else. She loved her children, but even the memory of them had not been enough to bring about the permanent changes needed. This time she would be sentenced as a habitual felon and the “time” would be substantial. Lee’s children were taken care of by a family member – but the conditions were less than desirable!

Lee did not have a relationship with the Lord but during the time in the jail, she gave her life to Jesus and determined to begin the work of making some major changes. There was so much to learn and so much pain to deal with. She felt alone and very much a failure. As she slowly learned to put her confidence in the Lord, and to focus on Him, she struggled with worrying about her young children. The older child was very angry that “Mom left us”, and that anger was transmitted to Lee. It hurt!

Once in prison, I received a letter saying, “Please write me even if you do not hear from me. I might not have stamps”. Then I knew she did not have any money in her account. Changed Choices began sending enough to provide the basic necessities - we waited to see what the response might be. Lee wrote back and was tremendously grateful. Since that time, the pattern has continued and there is no question that help is appreciated. Christmas was around the corner and the children would have nothing. Another Changed Choices volunteer helped to put together the most wonderful Christmas box ever! There were toys, clothes and food!

The pattern has become a habit – letters, financial help, appreciation and help for the children. When school started this last year we had, “the best school shopping trip ever” according to one of the kids. We’ve even made trips to visit Mom is prison! These children are at risk! My heart hurts for them. There is damage that has already been done, but the youngest especially wants to learn about the Bible. The family situation in which they find themselves is less than ideal. For about a period of 2 months (during Christmas and the coldest part of the year) they were without heat and electricity. This followed an eviction from their former apartment. What future do these children have? It is by the grace of God that they are as healthy as they are. Lee wants to prepare herself to be the mother that God would have to be - but it will be about four more years before she is released. In the meantime, she tries to encourage them as best she is able. We must be here to encourage Lee for the next years!

Lee continues to do her very best. She has worked hard at the programs that she has been allowed to participate in and she’s done several workbooks in an effort to understand her own issues. She makes every effort to keep her focus on the Lord. As with all of us, there are failures. After one recent failure in prison, Lee recommitted her life again and has been trying to “get back on track”. She recently asked, “I am trying so hard to control my mouth and my language but now I have a question about music. I love hip-hop and rap but it is making me feel convicted when I listen to it. Do I have to give it up?” I love her honesty and her willingness to ask the questions.

A tremendous asset for Lee is the caring prayers, letters and help of a pen pal/mentor. It is the encouragement and consistency of someone on the outside that will so often make the difference in the life of a woman who has never had a good role model – or someone who cared for her unconditionally. Being a pen pal can be challenging and discouraging. It requires a tremendous amount of wisdom to know how and when to respond to some of the situations, but the potential to make a difference in many of the women’s lives is great.