I am thrilled to introduce you to two of our new volunteers, Kymalee and Ashley, who are pictured together in the photo. I had the pleasure of meeting both of them at our recent One Day for God Camp in Huron Valley, Ypsilanti, Michigan. It was their first camp and their passion and commitment to our mission were evident from the moment we met. In this post, we will focus on Kymalee (pictured right) and her inspiring story. Stay tuned for the next post, where we will feature Ashley (pictured left) and share her incredible journey as well. Below is Kymalee’s story…
The Forgiven Ministry’s Day with God was absolutely life changing. Spending two days in the correctional facility with these beautiful strong women changed my life in ways I never thought possible I have known Jesus for several years and have been overseas on mission trips. I have traveled around the world to 13 countries and have served for 7 years working in a Tribal Head Start with over 23 cultures represented at one time. My point is, I’ve seen some things. However, when I prayed “Send me, God” …I never imagined He would call me deeper by showing me the world He shows up in behind bars.
I specifically prayed over the chair I stood next to Friday morning upon arrival. A mother of a 7-year-old little girl sat down, and we became instantly connected. As we went throughout the day, Bridgeman opened up to me about her worry that she would be hated by her daughter. I looked into her worried eyes… I didn’t see an inmate; I saw a worried mother that feared for the consequences of her actions. I have the gift of mercy and truly felt this mother’s pain, guilt, and regret. In that moment, I knew God would pull through and give me the exact words to say in response, “Your daughter doesn’t see you as a mistake. Your mistake is made, but it doesn’t mean you ARE a mistake.”
Bridgeman gave her life to Jesus Friday morning! She walked over to me to receive a blessing with wide eyes and an open heart. I spoke truth and affirmations into her, and she stood in front of me weeping under the weight of lies upon lies Jesus was breaking away from her heart. What I didn’t expect was how God was freeing my heart more and more too as I spoke truth over her…. I heard him whisper the same truths were meant for me too. I was moved to tears and by the end of the blessing portion of the day, I remembered crying tears of joy with Bridgeman as I crowned her a daughter of the KING of KINGS and welcomed her to now being my God given sister!
I saw God when Bridgeman said, “Kymalee, I want YOU to bring me my daughter. I cannot wait for you to meet her!” Then, on a whim, I asked Mary if I could stay with Bridgeman for tomorrow? She said usually it’s a mix up, but she’ll see what she can do. Then, the next thing I knew it was confirmed on paper that I would be bringing Bridgeman’s daughter to her tomorrow!
Sally was an inmate at our table that sat next to Bridgeman. I asked her if she was enjoying her day. She looked at me with big, determined eyes. I felt her hesitation, as she mentally fought to find the right wording for her answer, “You know… yes. I am enjoying today. Its honestly the first time I did something here where I don’t feel like I’m being punished for my mistake.” She continued to explain that every single day they are living in hell reminded of their mistake which makes it really hard to find light, joy, hope, or believe they are forgiven. It was the perfect opportunity (God moment) that I (and the Spirit) was able to speak more truth to both the women at my table. Society and people may hold your mistake against you for years while you’re in here. They may be harsh, treat you like your garbage, but Jesus doesn’t. He forgives and loves you, when society/people keep your past alive and keep your mistake at the forefront of your focus. But Jesus doesn’t. Jesus says, “My grace is sufficient, and you are forgiven.” They both agreed that they couldn’t hear that enough.
On Saturday, I was filled with excitement as I met sweet 7-year-old Shamere (Bridgeman’s daughter)! I prayed she would be willing and not filled with separation anxiety as she said see you later to her Nanny. I bent down to her level and her little eyes stayed down towards the floor. She squeezed Nanny’s hand and I gently smiled and told her, “Hi Shamere. I’m Ms. Kymalee and I know your mommy!” Her eyes connected with mine. I continued, “I got to spend the whole day with her yesterday and she is so excited to see you! Mommy can’t wait to play with you today and hold you!” Shamere replied with a little more excitement and less hesitation, “And we gonna eat pickles!?!”
Once at the facility, tears rolled down my face as the mothers were introduced one by one to their babies! There was a little boy, about 11, in front of me beaming from eye to eye! He said, “I haven’t seen my mom in 2 and a half years, and I bet she still has purple hair!” I pointed to the windows and said, look for your momma right through there. He spotted her and jumped up and down clapping in excitement! He turned back towards me with an even bigger smile and shouted, “I SEE HER, and I was right! Her hair is purple!” The next thing I saw was that 11-year-old running towards his mother full force! She embraced him with a hug that spoke volumes! No matter how big your child is, they are always your baby!
Throughout the day, I saw God move hearts, change perspectives, and speak in ways only He can. The day provided opportunities for mom’s to be moms and mentors to connect too. The testimonies at the end of the day proved that God did his work through these amazing women who were beautifully and wonderfully made!
Two years ago, to the date, I prayed God would help me to love the “unlovable” and take me to places that would provide me the opportunity to love on the ones that the world says not to because they don’t “deserve it.” I am so thankful He answered my prayers with this amazing opportunity! Little did I know, it would be only an hour away behind bars.
God is so good! He saves lives, forgives sins, and answers prayers in ways we can’t imagine! His ways are higher than mine and I am SO thankful he is in control! I am so thankful I did both days and connected with mom first on Friday! God’s hand was all over the last two days and I cannot thank Forgiven Ministries enough for loving these momma’s and helping me see all people through God’s eyes! I’m absolutely exhausted but doing eternal work for the Kingdom of God is indescribably rewarding for those being served and those doing the serving! Heart work is hard work, but always glorifying to God and I cannot wait to do it again!
Wow, what an incredible testimony! Exhausted beyond words, yet rewarded beyond measure. I love it! Be sure to stay tuned for Ashley’s inspiring story next time.
You are loved!
Les
