I actually spoke to Linda Gibbons on the phone this past week. It was a call that left me both inspired and somewhat shaken.
Inspired because she was such a passionate, eloquent spokesperson for freedom, for children not yet born and for those who have already died and for women. All at the same time. In fact, some of the most touching moments in our short conversation were when she spoke of the women she speaks to in prison who are largely there on drug and prostitution-related charges. Linda tells them not to label themselves: You are not a prostitute. Or a drug dealer. In short, she is instilling value and worth into these women’s lives, who then look for her when they come back to jail. I’m simply not doing the conversation justice in this post. And to be perfectly honest, I had not mentioned the conversation on this blog because I want to see if I can publish something about her in the mainstream press before I publish the whole conversation here.
But I was also shaken because encountering someone who is both in and out of jail with regularity but wholeheartedly embracing the passionate call on her life is something I cannot describe. In that conversation I felt far too comfortable in the manner that I fight for women, the unborn and freedom in Canada. What am I giving up? What should I give up? What am I called to do? As I spoke to her it was as if a prophet had stepped out of the pages of the Bible. I don’t mean to place her on a pedestal; there were things she said I disagreed with as well. But these were minor points in the context of a bigger conversation that was absolutely awe-inspiring.
Remember Linda Gibbons in your prayers if you pray, because when I asked her what would help her most in her struggle she said it would help “if I had greater faith.”
by 
Simple person. Just doesn’t get out of the way. Ever see ‘Sophie Scholl, The Final Days’? Not saying one should do what someone else does.
The angle of Gibbons’ relations with other prisoners does sound especially interesting. Look forward to reading your article.
Andrea
Faith is a gift from God. Ask for more, if you want; He might grant it.
Examples of the granting of faith are in The Third Man Factor by John Geiger. Others are in the Bible. The sun shines. God grants faith, not us mortals.
“Nul novi sub sole” says the Bible. Abortion was done long ago, then ended. World War II ended in due course but not by the actions of any ten men, or women; everything has a season. Abortion will end again, according to God’s plan, not our’s.
By hanging out with people of faith, faith can be strengthened. Your discussion with Linda for example. Same goes for eloquence. But while faith and eloquence are virtues worth strengthening, so too are modesty, patience, gratitude, clarity, respect, composure and strength.
Has Linda Gibbons contributed to PWPL in a very major way? Has she the clarity and insight conferred by a Masters in History? Would a second woman behind bars contribute in a recognizable way to the melting of judges’ hearts? Be true to yourself, honest, authentic. I’m looking forward to your article.
Peter