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innocence under fire

What is Next? - July 27, 2021

Stephanie Mays • July 27, 2021

Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

Hello All!!!


I asked Lacie to send me a letter in her own words so you could hear from her the hope that remains, the peace that surrounds her, and the love she feels from each one of you.


Here is her letter to all of you:


Hello to all who support Stephanie and myself.

Whether you are someone who has been there since the beginning, for a short time, or have just begun this journey with us, I want to thank you so very much for all you do and all you mean to us.


Wow, what a crazy year already! After being sick for the last two years with lung issues, I finally was able to have the disease in my right lung removed. They had to remove 2/3 of my right lung to do so. There were many complications, yet God had me in the palm of his hand all throughout the process.


Do know I felt extremely supported with the flood of letters, cards, and financial support. All of it helped me get through each minute, especially when I was feeling as though I didn't want to go on. Recovery was not what I thought it would be.  I was hoping to bounce right back. That was not and has not been the case. The exhaustion is all-consuming and it can last for days which is hard for me because I am active and always involved in so many things. Anything extra has literally had to take a back seat. God had literally forced me to "be still", to listen, and rest in him. It has not been easy!


Then came parole. There was so much time, effort, people, and money that went into showing support. How could I be a light to my community and prove all of my accomplishments? It was my goal and all of your letters supported that desire. I suspected that they wouldn't give me parole because of how the law is written. I am not admitting to something I didn't do just to pacify this establishment or take a class that I don't belong in.


However, I am a believing woman. God can do all things.  I gave it all to him and if he wanted parole for me I would have received it. As you know, I did not make parole. My recovery from the and was quick.  I have gotten "no" after "no" for years with my appeals. This was just another "no." Don't get me wrong, I did shed a couple of tears, however, the worst part is telling my kids! At this point they don't think my leaving here is ever going to happen. They do see that their mom continues to fight, never gives up, and perseveres. I have been away from them for 13 years. At this point, I do my best to validate how they feel. Please keep my two sons in your prayers.


Today, we are all moving forward. I still have a Federal appeal waiting for an answer. This can take as long as the judge wants/needs. My lawyer, family, and I still have a couple of options to get me the heck out of here. This will take more financial resources. My family is a bit drained from the last financial expense so we are asking for help for my lawyer expenses. If you can help or know someone who may be able to, we would be forever grateful. As you all know this is not cheap so anything can help. I know that prayer is first and foremost important, so please keep praying!


Know you are all loved, cared for, and are in our prayers and thoughts always.

Live well, laugh often, and love as Christ loves you.

Lacie



The question now is, "What next?"


I spoke with Lacie tonight and she is requesting that her attorney move forward with the clemency process. Yes, you can continue to write letters to support her in that plea. We hope to create a video in order to tell her story because frankly, there is a lot to tell. It is another expense that we will need to cover.


In the meantime, there is a Federal Habeas Case that is pending in the Colorado courts right now. Lacie referred to this in her letter above. It was filed on May 10, 2021, after taking over one year to prepare. It will hopefully provide Lacie with an opportunity to be heard again. So many details were left out in her original trials and additional details have come to the surface since then. Her attorney would love to have the opportunity to reveal these details.


On a side note, Lacie has been asked to submit an application with the hopes that she will be able to attend college-level classes that are scheduled to begin next month. DWCF will be receiving a Pell Grant to help with getting basic credits to go towards her degree. She already has over 100 credits to be applied toward a degree. This will enhance what she has already achieved.


Lacie is amazing, dedicated, and has not given up!! Please pray that this opportunity comes through for her.


Many of you have asked, “How can I help?”


First of all, your prayers are ALWAYS what we are grateful for!!! It is truly amazing to look back and see ALL of the ways God has moved in our lives this last year!! Truly miraculous at times!! Keep praying and PRAISING God with us!

We know we can trust His hand in all of this.


Second, assistance with the “Justice for Lacie” legal fund.

It amazes me how expensive it is to fund false accusations!

The lies that were told about Lacie are costly to undo.

If you would like to make a contribution, please let me know.


Let’s keep truth and justice alive, y’all!!

Big sis' Stephanie


PS I am in the second month of a six-month cancer treatment. Like Lacie, I have had increased levels of fatigue and have been learning to rest - it does not come naturally! Ken continues to be a HUGE support and encourager! Your emails, texts, and calls have truly blessed me. I am looking forward to getting past this point and seeing what "Cancer Free" will feel like!


Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.


Letters and correspondence can be sent to Lacie electronically via jpay.com - you will need her name and ID # to register the account:  Lacie Nelson #145499. There is a small fee to do so.


Please include your mailing address. She is NOT able to respond electronically.


OR 


regular mail:


Lacie Nelson

#145499

PO Box 392005

Denver, CO 80239

Do You Believe in Miracles? - December 18, 2023

By Stephanie Mays • December 19, 2023
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? - September 22, 2023

By Stephanie Mays • September 22, 2023
Who Is At Your Table? Preparing For A Celebration

Promises Kept - April 9, 2023

By Stephanie Mays • April 9, 2023
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

New Year New Hope - January 18, 2023

By Stephanie Mays • January 19, 2023
Lacie and Stephanie during a visit on December 3, 2022 at Denver Women's Correctional Facility

Our Next Step of Faith - November 28, 2022

By Stephanie Mays • November 29, 2022
Lacie via video visit - November 19, 2022

A New Beginning - August 26, 2022

By Stephanie Mays • August 26, 2022
Sisters, Stephanie and Lacie reunite on July 17, 2019 at Denver Women's Correctional Facility.

Freer Than I Have Ever Been - July 18, 2022

By Stephanie Mays • July 18, 2022
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

A 777 Word Testimony - March 30, 2022

By Stephanie Mays • March 30, 2022
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!

The Blessings Are Overflowing - March 23, 2022

By Stephanie Mays • March 23, 2022
Isaiah 55:8-9 "His ways are not our ways - His ways are higher." Picture from April 2018 - Alaska

A Sibling Reunion & Lacie's Birthday on September 15th - September 14, 2022

By Stephanie Mays • February 8, 2022
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
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