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innocence under fire
innocence under fire
An Update From My Sister, Lacie! I want you to hear this! - July 7, 2020
Stephanie Mays • July 7, 2020
Lacie and Stephanie - November 1992 - Lacie came to Houston from Denver so we could celebrate our first Thanksgiving together!
Today, 7/7/20, I received a call from my sister, Lacie! For the last week, she has been taking antibiotics and steroids (just like she did in April) because she has been coughing up blood. I have shared the news with you all, the faithful and believing men and women, trusting in God that He would heal her body! It has been a journey of faith! It has been challenging for those of us that love her and miss her and want to see her. To know she is suffering from an illness and does not have access to doctors that can treat her when she needs it is challenging.
But, oh she does have access to The Great Physician! The Mighty Hand of God that delivers – saves – heals – restores – and can be trusted! That is the mighty God we serve! Jehovah Rapha – The Lord God Our Healer!!!
We continue to trust in the Lord! We continue to praise Him even in the midst of our own despair. Why? Because He loves us and there are many moments in life where He made his healing evident. Personally, I have received numerous documented healings – today- there is another one in the making!
Lacie was able to be seen at the hospital where she had a CAT Scan of her lungs. Last year, there was a mass in her lungs the size of a grapefruit! Her well-being has been compromised and there have been some challenges she has dealt with in this last year. This year alone, she has had the flu, along with many other complications with symptoms that were quite scary to hear about, especially because I am not able to do anything about it.
In fact, we both have! It is amazing to me that the two of us have shared some parallel challenges with our health this year!
As I walk through each day trusting God for wisdom and healing, I also trust him to work in my sister AND I called on all of you to pray for us as well. THANK YOU!!! Your prayers and support have been welcomed and necessary!
So, when Lacie called today she shared how amazed she was by the entire “outing” to the hospital to have a CAT Scan. She was also concerned that she would have to be quarantined with other inmates that were not well and that was a big concern! Secondly, it usually takes all day to go and have tests done. She felt she needed to go yet she wasn’t looking forward to the “sit and wait”, especially if it meant she was going to be exposed to potential other unhealthy individuals and unsanitary conditions along the way.
Yet, she was willing!
Here is the good news! Here are the answers to our prayers. Ready?
She was taken to the hospital and had a CAT Scan and was back by 9:30 in the morning – that alone is a miracle!
The most hopeful news is the anticipation of the CAT Scan results! During the procedure, Lacie asked the technician if she saw anything. We know that the technicians conducting the scans are not allowed to talk about what they see, however, the technician responded in a way Lacie wasn’t expecting.
“I can see a hole where something was and there is nothing there.” The technician stated that she had never seen anything like it before!
Miraculous healing? All things are possible for those who believe. Nothing is impossible with God.
Additional praise – In April, the last time she took the prescribed antibiotics and steroids she had significant challenges. This time the side effects of the medications are not as bad and she is not having the same reactions! She said she can feel them doing their job!
Hallelujah!
Now for the test results and to hear what the radiologist has to say about it all!
Praising God for ALL His faithfulness and goodness!!!
Stephanie, a proud big sister!
PS If you would like to write Lacie a letter or send her a card, here is her address:
Lacie Nelson
PO Box 392005
Denver, CO 80239
Here is a little more of the story!!!
Had an amazing Bible study on Monday night, 7/6/2020. I was prayed for and then another amazing thing happened!!!
A member of the group, Mike, sounds the shofar before each meeting! It is to usher in the Glory of God and it is impressive!!!
That night, the Lord put it on his heart to sound the shofar directly at me while others laid hands on me and prayed.
It was such a powerful experience.
When we finished, I said, “I claim that for my sister too!”
That was Monday night.
Tuesday morning she had an appointment for the CAT Scan!!! We do not know when her appointments are or when she is going “out” for them, so it is even more amazing that God provided the right timing to be prayed over and sounded over with the shofar the night before.
Such an amazing testimony and so quickly after the gathering on Monday night!!
The Season of Miracles A New Birth Everywhere we look during this time of year, we are reminded. . . THIS . . . is the Season of the Greatest Miracle! Jesus. What miracles are you encountering? What miracles are you anticipating? Do you believe in miracles? Today, as I write this, I am in the middle of experiencing many MIRACLES!!! Earlier this year, Ken and I took the steps to begin adopting a daughter, Jana. You may have heard me talk about her in recent years. She is the reason, I believe, that Lacie never gave up when she was dealing with numerous medical challenges over the last five years. Jana is actually Lacie's roommate at Denver Women's Correctional Facility. On May 31, 2023, she legally became our daughter through an adult adoption process!! The entire story of how it all came about is a miracle in itself! In the future, I will write more about how my sister made me a mother in upcoming blogs! Today, I want to talk about this SEASON OF MIRACLES!!! After the adoption was finalized, we were able to receive the permission necessary to visit Jana in person. A MIRACLE!!! Ken and I made arrangements to see her over the weekend of Lacie’s birthday in September. . It was a true “birth”day celebration!!!!
Who Is At Your Table? Preparing For A Celebration
Listen to Stephanie's request for laws to be changed at the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee on February 8, 2023: https://video.wixstatic.com/video/fb8b05_ea4712be5cd04be6b61c35abecdbff19/720p/mp4/file.mp4 Watch Lacie's Clemency Video here: https://vimeo.com/788844831 Sign and share Lacie's petition for Executive Clemency here: www.justiceforlacie.com
Lacie and Stephanie during a visit on December 3, 2022 at Denver Women's Correctional Facility
Lacie via video visit - November 19, 2022
Sisters, Stephanie and Lacie reunite on July 17, 2019 at Denver Women's Correctional Facility.
July 18, 2022 A Tale of Two Sisters Freer Than I Have Ever Been One of the things Lacie often tells me is, “I am freer than I have ever been.” This declaration causes me to stop and think. How is it possible that she can “be free” when she has been accused of crimes she never committed, sentenced to three separate “12 Years to Life” sentences, and due to state laws, must confess guilt to the crime she never committed in order to be eligible for parole? How is that possible? In many ways, Lacie is “freer” than many of us living “on the outside” . I have taken note of her expression of freedom and determined that I too will live a life untangled by my own self-imposed restrictions and limitations. In these last few years, Lacie has been teaching me to live my fullest life, even in the shadow of breast cancer. A shadow that is diminishing more and more each day. Last month, on June 1st , Ken and I were able to participate in a new chapter of Lacie’s life. She became a graduate of Trinidad State College , receiving her first Associate's Degree - Associate of Applied Science and graduating with the highest honors - Summa Cum Laude (4.0) . She will hopefully have her second degree completed by the end of this year. Now, that is certainly applaudable, however, it gets better! Since Lacie’s incarceration, she has not seen her two sons together. When she entered the secured gates of Denver Women’s Correctional Facility on April 1, 2009, her sons were 5 and 9 years old. Her oldest son, Damyn, was taken out of state and has not seen his mom since then. On June 1st, the day Lacie received her first degree, she also was greeted by her two sons - together - for the first time in over 13 years . It was remarkable and is a miracle in how it all came about. Pictures were taken, however, due to significant staffing shortages in the prison, they have not been printed yet. As soon as we get a copy, I will include them in an email! For now, I have attached a picture of a comparison from 2007 and a collage I created with current photos . In addition to all of this exciting news, Lacie’s “Vision of Hope” - where glasses are provided for girls “on the inside” continues to flourish! As of right now, the program she began with help “on the outside” is almost up to 40 women that have been provided the gift of sight! It was something God put on Lacie’s heart in March 2021 while she was recovering from her lung surgery . She was in the infirmary, isolated, and hurting. It was during this time that she began to pray and ask the Lord, “What do I do with my tithe money?” The Lord began to unveil the plan of getting glasses for girls in prison . It was a process she had just completed months earlier when rules changed allowing eyeglasses to be sent into the facility from outside providers. It was significant for many reasons. One of the reasons was the eyeglasses offered for purchase through the DOC were not good quality, did not fit well (only one size), and broke easily. It has been over a year since “Vision of Hope” began and it is being perfected . Girls have been able to contribute to either help purchase their own or to help another girl get glasses. A DBA has been created and a website is in the works. Details to follow. It is truly a dream come true for Lacie to “begin having a business” and it is changing lives “on the inside”. It is a process I have learned is obviously not easy to achieve while incarcerated, without help, and without a vision! God certainly provided the vision and it is becoming more clear each day. Here are a couple of testimonials I received sharing the “Vision of Hope” experiences : I am very grateful and thankful to have been blessed with the glasses I received. To some, it may be something simple, but for me, I was able to see so much better. Not only has having my glasses made me feel better about my appearance, but I also perform better at my job. This ministry is truly amazing. So many can benefit from this opportunity. Knowing I can pay it forward means so much. I appreciate this gift so much. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! Many blessings to all involved! Sincerely, Netty I am SO SUPER grateful to this ministry because it has helped me to see better & to feel better about myself. My self-esteem has risen as well as my self-confidence. I am able to make a statement without saying a word. This ministry is a TRUE blessing & a God send. Just wearing these glasses has allowed me to heal & see myself in a positive light. Growing up I was made fun of since I had to wear glasses. I had stopped wearing them because of how I felt about myself by listening to what others had said. I am SO thankful for everyone in this ministry, All that all of you have done and continue to do is amazing! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Chrystie All of this could not have been possible if we had not had your prayers, encouragement, and support ! This email/letter of celebration and all the accomplishments have been made possible because you stood by us and believed! Thank you!! There is more to come!!! 2022 is a year of many “firsts” and we continue to stand with Lacie. She in many ways continues to stand with you too. She is eager to meet everyone and begin a life “outside” of the locked gates and doors. That date has yet to be determined, however, we are hopeful it is coming. Please stand with us in agreement as God MOVES some hearts of people in higher office. God has promised Lacie that, “He will do the unthinkable. He will do the unthinkable to set Lacie in a place of freedom. To set Lacie in a place of freedom.” Freer than she has ever been! Romans 5:5 - and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (ESV) Thank you for reading, keeping Lacie in your prayers, and for thanking Him for the “Vision of Hope” that has begun spreading through Denver Women’s Correctional Facility. Big Sis’ Stephanie A Little Bit of the Backstory Three years ago, on July 17, 2019, for the first time, I was taken through the doors and gates of the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility. They are the gates and doors that separate me from my sister Lacie Nelson. On that morning, I unknowingly would begin a new chapter in my life. I had not seen Lacie in almost 17 years (July of 2002) and this would be the first day to move forward. I had only found out details of her case, trials, and the false accusations that put her here on nine months earlier in October 2018. Ironically, she had been sentenced to the three “12 Years to Life” terms on April fool’s Day in 2009. All of this happened, without my knowledge or understanding. To say it was a life-changing moment is, to put it mildly - most certainly for Lacie and for me too. In the three years since our reunion, I have come to learn a tremendous amount about life and how to pursue it from my little sister, Lacie. Her resolve to do well, move forward and make herself a better person while “on the inside” has motivated me in many ways. I began documenting some of those details in emails I call “Tale of Two Sisters” and every month or so I attempt to keep everyone updated and aware of what is going on in Lacie’s life and mine. It has been a journey I would have never expected. It has been a journey that has revived my faith, patience, and understanding of things I don’t always agree with or may not want to accept. In the process, Lacie and I have developed a relationship that has brought us closer than we would have ever expected. We have stood by one another with life-changing/altering illnesses that in many ways have defied the odds from one moment to the next. As you may recall from previous updates, our medical experiences began on April 15, 2020 - mine became a battle with breast cancer, and Lacie’s became a battle with an overlooked lung infection that developed into masses and were removed in March 2021. It required that two lobes of her right lung be removed. All of these challenges were being faced with the threat of a pandemic with an illness that could/would cause injury to our breathing and lungs. It has been intense and it has been worth every effort required to get to where we are today, the beginning of a new chapter. You can write to Lacie personally via USPS - snail mail: Lacie Nelson #145499 PO BOX 392005 Denver, Co 80239 You can send contributions (these are NOT tax-deductible) to Vision of Hope via USPS - snail mail: Vision of Hope PO Box 541171 Houston, TX 77254-1171
WORDS…. I don’t know how many it will take to express the relief, gratitude, amazement, joy, awe, and wonder of ALL that the Lord has brought Ken and me through in the last two years during my unexpected breast cancer journey!
Isaiah 55:8-9 "His ways are not our ways - His ways are higher." Picture from April 2018 - Alaska
This year, there have been several "firsts" for Lacie and me. Some of the “firsts” were unexpected and unwelcome, others were serious and challenging. I think it is common for many around the globe right now, especially for those who are incarcerated. There have been many changes “on the inside” of prisons since the pandemic began. As well, there has been a significant reduction in staff and guards which has greatly impacted the daily routines of those who are incarcerated, including the women at DWCF - Denver Women's Correctional Facility. It has made a difficult situation even more challenging for all. Fortunately, visitation has been able to stay open most of the weekends with only a few changes. A few months ago, in July, I sent you an update, Tale of Two Sisters - “Freer Than I Have Ever Been” - a copy is included at the bottom of this post. It included details about Lacie’s graduation and the miraculous reunion that took place with both of her sons. Multiple miracles occurred in that first week of June 2022. Lacie’s biggest desire was to have both of her sons there to visit her , for the first time, since she entered the gates of Denver Women’s Correctional Facility on April 1, 2009 . It had been over thirteen years since she had seen her two boys together! (Pictures attached in this email.) Lacie earned her first Associate’s Degree . She has achieved NUMEROUS milestones in her education, however, this was the first that we were all able to witness her accomplishments and be able to attend. (We are still waiting on these pictures.) Having a graduation "on the inside" where family and guests were allowed to mingle with Lacie and the fellow residents of DWCF. It was a great experience. It was also another first! There were lots of firsts. It was a BIG DEAL!!! Little did we know that two months later, on August 12, 2022 , there would be another first. A sibling reunion and another BIG DEAL!!!! I will do my best to explain how this came about and once you hear for yourself, you will probably agree, that it is pretty amazing! On July 17, 2019, I saw Lacie for the first time in 17 years . (For more details, please read the blog "A New Beginning" dated August 26, 2022 - or see below at the end of this post). It was most certainly "A New Beginning” for Lacie and me and it was a long time coming. Four months later, in November 2019 , another unplanned “New Beginning” would occur. Our oldest brother and the firstborn of our father found us. He didn’t even know we existed. Here is how it happened! On November 5, 2019, I received an email that had been received and forwarded to me from a cousin that is active on Ancestry.com. The email would explain how this individual had been adopted and was searching for his father’s birth family. That email was from our brother. He had found us! Long story short, I had tried finding our oldest brother in the early 90s and after a few roadblocks , I had given up. I often wondered how I could/would eventually find him. Now, years later and months after seeing Lacie for the first time in a long time, God was doing another miracle in continuing to restore our family . It is a promise and dream I have been searching for since 1990. So, later that day, on November 5, 2019, I connected with our big brother Wayne and his wife, Margaret! On 11/19/19 , all of us met halfway from our homes at my friend’s house in El Campo, TX. On that day, Lacie called and was able to talk to Wayne and hear his voice for the first time . It was the best we could do in having all of us be "together" at the same time. (Pictures attached in this email.) Fast forward a couple of years and some delays that included multiple challenges including but not limited to: the pandemic visitation being closed down constant lockdowns in the prison for 23 hours a day the overlooked lung infection that Lacie endured numerous lab samples being done improperly - within the prison health system two lobes of Lacie's right lung being removed her recovery from lung surgery during a covid outbreak isolation in the prison’s infirmary - a BIG DEAL!!! me (Stephanie) being diagnosed with breast cancer - twice having three surgeries myself and preparing for a fourth The MOST AMAZING thing happened . . . . ! ! ! ! WE HAD A SIBLING REUNION!!! (Insert applause and cheering!!!) The three of us , along with Ken and Margaret , our spouses, were able to be together for the first time! Yes, that’s right!! We had a sibling reunion on August 12, 2022! The miracles just keep coming and we are beyond blessed to have each other in our lives. (Pictures attached below.) There was something very specia l that we experienced during our sibling reunion. The love and support for one another permeated the DWCF Visitation room . Laughter erupted from our table, even while being overseen by the guards at DWCF. During our sibling reunion, we discussed the real possibility of there being additional siblings! We know of at least two others - the second born (no contact since 1995) and the youngest who was located in March 2020. Please keep them in your prayers. No one else could have understood what it was like to be together for the first time. The value and strength we drew from one another were remarkable. Our common mannerisms and facial features were only some of the topics we discussed. Mostly, we sat with Lacie and admired her passion, zest for life, and the pursuit of her faith, even in the most challenging of circumstances that she has had to endure for the last 13 + years. To be honest, I shed a few tears. Some moments were just too much for words . That emotion and intensity increased when Wayne, our oldest brother , suggested we play a game called “I Wish” . The tears showed up in all of us as we took our turns expressing our greatest desires for Lacie to be exonerated of the horrible accusations that ambushed her and her family so many years ago. It was remarkable to hear each one of us express our deepest “I wish” desires for Lacie: Wayne - “I wish we could all get up, walk out of this room, through those gates, past the razor wire, and leave this place behind, forever, right now, and no one would stop us.” Lacie - “I am spiritually free. Now, I want to be physically free. I am ready to get out, leave this place, move to Texas, and have a steak dinner with A-1 Sauce.” Margaret - “I wish a judge would stop and take the time to hear and see the truth in this case.” Stephanie - “Let’s start making a list of the people you want to have at your steak dinner. I am preparing for you to be with us.” Ken - “I am ready for your mission here at DWCF to be completed and for your next mission to begin in Texas.” My mom, Carole, via text - Earlier that morning, my mom sent a scripture. I was able to get a Bible from the guards and we were able to read it together. Psalm 128:1-2 “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands, you shall be blessed and it shall be well with you.” There were many pauses and moments of silence, as we wiped the tears from our eyes. Soon, very soon, we believe that each one of these wishes will become answers to our prayers. We are expecting it. We know it will be a BIG DEAL!!! As this first sibling reunion came to a close, we all held hands and prayed together for the first time . Ever. Then, as the clock approached 3:00 PM MST - we all said our goodbyes and hugged Lacie. It was difficult for the four of us to leave, to walk away and leave Lacie behind . “Lord, hear our prayers,” was a cry from the depths of our souls. “Lord, hear our prayers.” Wayne and Margaret spent the next day, Saturday, with Lacie. Ken and I were able to be with her for a few hours on Sunday before returning home. It was a weekend for the record books! A BIG DEAL!!! Something inside of me is convinced that God’s fingerprints were all over us during all these years when we were apart ! His hand brought us together . We will continue to hold on to His hand. To trust Him. To see how He brings us closer together. Closer in our walk with Him. I am convinced that if you have never trusted God to walk with you, YOU CAN!!! How can I pray for you or encourage you to trust Him? Please let me know. ALSO. . . . It is Lacie’s birthday on September 15th!!! The best gift would be to send her a card and support Vision of Hope DOC! This is a miracle-making opportunity that began when Lacie was recovering from surgery. See her story here: https://www.visionofhopedoc.com/about Almost 50 girls have received the gift of vision since late last year and more are requesting Lacie’s assistance every day. Quality prescription eyeglasses are not easy to come by “on the inside” and Vision of Hope DOC provides a solution . Please visit https://www.visionofhopedoc.com/ for more details. Learn how it began, and how you can be part of “Restoring sight to God’s daughters by bringing light and love into dark places." It is a little-known fact that our big brother Wayne came up with the saying "Seeing is Freeing" for Lacie’s Vision of Hope DOC website. We - her siblings - are proud of Lacie. Very proud. As always, thank you for reading. Feel free to share this email or any of the previous ones. I am beyond thankful that you took the time to read this entire update ! More than anything, I hope it was a blessing and we thank you for the prayers. God is doing some big things! We can see it! Middle Sis’ Stephanie Send Lacie a birthday (even belated) card and or letter to: Lacie Nelson #145499 PO Box 392005 Denver, CO 80239