A number of years ago, through a series of events and musings, I changed from being in favor of the death penalty to being opposed. There are a host of reasons why I changed my position, but I truly don't intent to start a debate or an argument here. I respect your opinion, whatever it is, even if I hold a different one.
But as an outgrowth to my opposition, I began to correspond with inmates who were on death row as a way of sharing my faith. I wrote to about 8 men altogether. Three of them were executed. One was released. Two died in prison after years of incarceration. One remains on death row but I stopped our correspondence when it became apparent that he was just playing games. One of them I remain friends with after 25 years; he has been resentenced to life without parole.
One of the men who ultimately died of cancer while on death row was an artist. The prison gave the inmates advance warning that they were to have all of their art supplies confiscated. The inmate, who went by the nickname "Buck", asked me if he could paint something for me before the paints were taken. I told him that my favorite gospel story was that of the woman who had been bleeding for decades but was healed when she touched the hem of Jesus' robe. This story is told in Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:24-34, and Luke 8:42-48. Here is the painting Buck sent me:
You really live your faith - that's a very touching story. I pray that we're all healed.
ReplyDeleteA very touching painting and story behind it Sue. Jesus was loving and forgiving and tried to teach us all that is the way, the truth, and the light. I pray we will all be healed.
ReplyDeleteThat was a very brave and unusual thing to do Sue. I don't think that many people could do the same. Thank you for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteA very touching story - although I must confess that I don´t believe in this story the bible wants to tell us. Everyone should be allowed to believe what he/she wants - as far as he/she respects others and does not damage others because of their faith.
ReplyDeleteall the best
Violetta
I don't think we have it here anyway but I admire you for sticking to your beliefs.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting
ReplyDeleteIt is good that you were open minded and began to weigh up your point of view. It's surprisingly rare these days. We stopped doing the death penalty in the 60's because it's pretty barbaric (but we lock up 10 year olds so we aren't saints either) and I guess that whole 'but what if you got it wrong?'...and let's face it, there's been a lot of that. Nice that you gave people comfort in dark times. And nice that he ,ade you a painting. Why were they taking their art supplies? That seems weird.
ReplyDeleteGreat painting, Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteLove the beautiful painting and the touching story behind it.
ReplyDeleteI said a prayer for Buck.
Hugs and blessings, Sue
We live and learn. I respect you for being able to change your opinion. More people should be as honest as you are. Intellectually
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog
ReplyDeleteReaching out to inmates, like the artist 'Buck,' shows the chance for redemption and change, except of course for the incorrigible. 'Every saint has a past, every sinner has a future.'
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story with the inmates. No matter what people think about the death penalty, they are humans and deserve human connection. That was beautiful of you, but also of them. Buck was an exceptional artist! It is sad they took away his paints. Cruel, almost.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift he gave you! He was a talented artist! I used to be for the dealth penalty too as I thought they should pay with their lives, but then I changed my opinion as well as I got older and realized sitting in prison was more of a punishment.
ReplyDeleteFor me, respect for human life is an ethical and moral issue. It comes into conflict with our need for retribution and revenge. I admire your actions which have certainly changed minds and lives. The painting is beautiful and its back story is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very special story. You continue to surprise me with what you share.
ReplyDeleteBuck's painting is beautiful.
All he best, Sue! Hugs and blessings!
Wow, what an amazing story. What a great gift "Buck" gave you but I think you gave all these men a gift that is great. I know someone on California's Death Row (it was one of the few fights I ever got in while in school). Thank you for being honest. You are truly doing God's work.
ReplyDeleteI love that story, and Buck's painting of it is amazing. Thank you for living your faith, andf for sharing it with others, Sue!
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching story and a very good painting!
ReplyDeleteIt was a special gift, and a powerful backstory, and I know you cherish the painting. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI remember that story, and the power of her faith. I always like that one.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, one of rare occasions that I can comment on your post (not being on my PC). This is a very touching post. Best, klara
ReplyDeleteWhy on earth would art supplies be confiscated? To me that is crueller than the death penalty itself! Imprisonment these days is meant to be for reform, education and contrition, not for punishment. We are still a barbarous lot, even if this is the 21st century!
ReplyDeleteIt's good that you had the experience to correspond with the prisoners and see them as people.
ReplyDeleteHe is quite talented, I think the fact that he believes in God, helps him ! Others believe in Alllah, Buddha , etc etc. who is right ? I think this has no importance, important is that it helps.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Thank you for sharing, dear blogfriend and being part of
ReplyDeleteMosaicMonday
Wish you a wonderful weekend, hugs by Heidrun
You are a brave and very dedicated woman Sue and I admire your spirit and attitude. Thank you for this very touching post.
ReplyDeleteHuge hugs from
isabella