I said, "yes" first and then waited to see if God would make a miracle. I had the honor of singing for Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass... twice today... once at Queen of Peace Church and the second time at the Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility. I didn't know I would be singing for 3:30 Mass at Hillcrest... until 3:00 today. I don't have time for this, I thought, but if the red tape falls and they let me in on such short notice, I will go and do my best for you, Lord. Well, a miracle happened. Left my house at 3:05pm and was on the inside by 3:30. Mass was lovely. Said by three Carmelites... there was incense and lot's of Spanish. I did my best with all that and was able to share the Mass of Simplicity. After Mass I spoke with an inmate named Brian. He said something that touched my heart. "Ma'am, he said, you have a beautiful voice. Thank you for being here." "You're welcome, Brian. I'm just doin' my job, you know." Softly and politely he replied, "That's not a job, ma'am... that's passion." I was surprised. Brian noticed. It mattered to him that I was there. He saw my heart and my passion for service through music. I thank God for Brian and the even younger man who sat beside him today, Jacob. I know where they will be this Christmas... serving time at Hillcrest. They will also be in my heart. I don't know what those boys did to deserve to be there... but I was invited into their world today and the circumstances moved me. I pray they can get their stuff worked out and live long and happy lives beyond incarceration. The good news is... God knows where all of us are at... and how we got here. He knows where each of needs to be and how we need to be healed. He knows who we are and what our full potential is. He knows all of the good we are capable of doing. Dear Lord, I pray I will always say yes to you first... no matter how much time I think I don't have to give. Good stuff happens every time I answer your call. Scripturally Speaking: Galatians 2:20 20 My old self has been crucified with Christ.[a] It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. New Living Translation
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Julie'' Thank you for sharing your time spent with with boys who are in prison for whatever reason. You opened my eyes to the sadness they must be suffering especially during this joyful time of year. I will add them to my "St. Jude" list. I'll pray that each of them has heard the message in your music and will step left of the path that led them to this place of punishment, and put that energy toward recovery and thankfulness.
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12/13/2012 05:59:18 am
I recognized that passion the first time I heard you sing at OCW. Passion and joy--that's a winning combo. Love you, Julie.
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Julie Hoy
12/13/2012 12:03:23 pm
Judy and Jan, Thank you for sharing. Love and Blessings to you both.
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