Pat Lucy, with the support of our Session, is a Commissioned Lay Pastor with the Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery and has a specialized jail minitry with women in the Tulsa County Jail. Below is a collection of monthly articles that she writes concerning her ministry.
Dressed in jail orange, nine women crowd the small class room. They have signed up for the Domestic Violence/Call Rape educational program and today they will graduate. They have learned to trust those who have come to teach them.
Almost every woman we meet in the jail has been subjected to violence. It is a quiet epidemic. Many are in jail as a result of violent episodes in their lives. But, here, today, they are anxious to share what they have learned. They have been asked to write something they can take from this class that will serve them well. Listen to ladies who say they will always remember coming to jail because, as one of them wrote, that was the day she lost everything and the day she decided to change her life.
- I am a beloved child of God!
- I am worthwhile.
- I don’t deserve abuse.
- I will never be controlled again.
- I will pick my friends wisely.
- Most abuse occurs within the home by a family member.
- Reporting domestic abuse often becomes an assault and battery charge against the victim.
They wish there were more free counseling and drug rehab programs; that this experience will bring their families closer together; to learn not to be co-dependent; to understand more about themselves so they can be more stable and more assertive.
During this time of year when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child, we remember God came to us as a small vulnerable child who was as susceptible, as we all are, to neglect and abuse.
Gracious and compassionate God, open our eyes to the violence that surrounds us in secret places of hearts and homes. Help us to be aware that in our own community, systems often ignore the violence of word and deed that so often kills the spirit of the most vulnerable among us. Give us the strength and courage to create welcoming sanctuaries for those who need healing of body and spirit.
Amen and Amen
Domestic Violence/Call Rape classes were created for the jail and started one year ago by Presbyterians Sheri Curry and Rev. Ann LaMar under the direction of Chaplain Mike Hardgrove.
- - Pat Lucy, Commissioned Lay Pastor
