No one that has ever lived within the walls of the Tennessee Prison for Women has ever been given an execution date. Until now. You can imagine that entering the prison Tuesday night caused us to pause over the heaviness of the situation. We did not know what to expect with the choir members. We were blessed to find them ready with their robes on. They were anticipating a special service. They were prepared.
I shared with them that we had the honor of bringing messages of hope to a hurting group of women. What a privilege to be chosen by God for this season!
Chaplain Walker announced that we would have a special time to pray for Gaile and Governor Bredesen. She asked if the women would get on their knees. One by one, all who were physically able, dropped to their knees. You could hear the sound echo in the gym as women got out of their seats to kneel. We cried out to God with tears.
Life on earth is complex and a series of twists and turns. It can feel as if we are on a trampoline - bouncing up and down. In reality, we are on the ROCK if we know Jesus. Gaile is standing on the ROCK. And no matter what the outcome - she has a sure foundation. And God will use all of this for HIS Glory. He is trustworthy in ALL things - even the hard things that make us shudder with agony.
It is inside the walls of a prison where we are reminded of the freedom in HIM that no man can take. No one can take Gaile's life - they can only still her body. Her spirit will not skip a breath. There is more to life than life on earth! But we pray for her human life to be spared - to be able to continue to smile and bless us in the natural and spiritual realm.
This weekend I head to Cleveland, TN to lead a women's retreat. Three former inmates will travel from different parts of our state to attend with me. I am EXCITED beyond measure! The theme of the retreat is Mission:Possible and it is SO fitting that God would remind me of His ability to use anyone and anything to rescue his people. He is able to deliver!
I am a woman on a mission.
We are going to raise our voice for Gaile Owens and her family.
I will keep you posted.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
3 comments:
Praying for you, my friend, as you serve those precious ones at the retreat!! Praying He will be high and lifted up. I know you will bless them beyond measure because you go in HIs name!!
Leah
Tina, thanks for reminding us where our hope lies -- only in Jesus Christ. Praying for Gaile and her family, Gov. Bredesen, all inmates of TPW and their families and for you and the attendees of this weekend's retreat. Go in confidence as He has prepared the way for you!
Have a great weekend, Mo!!! Praying for you... I'll be serving Him here... leading worship at another church on Sunday am... And in an instrumental conference all weekend (the same one we'll be taking to Brazil in June...)
Much love!
Bitz
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