In Memory of Susan Denise Atkins-Whitehouse
Susan's Easter Message
Within one of the letters of Susan's works
The Dove's Nest Newsletters A Collection of Christian Newsletters,
Susan was in distress over a recent rule change
in her facility at the time.
Her distress was not just for herself personally,
but also for how the rule change
negatively affected so many of the inmates.
It can also be distressing for the reader.
As of April 1, 1998,
the California Department of Corrections
had imposed new "grooming standards" upon all prisoners.
For female prisoners,
this meant their hair could no longer hang freely.
They didn't have to cut their hair,
but it had to be worn up and must not hang any longer
than the bottom of the shirt collar.
They could no longer wear their fingernails
beyond a quarter inch from their fingertips.
They were no longer allowed to wear colored nail polish.
And their makeup had to be minimal and "natural looking."
Within one of the letters of Susan's works
The Dove's Nest Newsletters A Collection of Christian Newsletters,
Susan was in distress over a recent rule change
in her facility at the time.
Her distress was not just for herself personally,
but also for how the rule change
negatively affected so many of the inmates.
It can also be distressing for the reader.
As of April 1, 1998,
the California Department of Corrections
had imposed new "grooming standards" upon all prisoners.
For female prisoners,
this meant their hair could no longer hang freely.
They didn't have to cut their hair,
but it had to be worn up and must not hang any longer
than the bottom of the shirt collar.
They could no longer wear their fingernails
beyond a quarter inch from their fingertips.
They were no longer allowed to wear colored nail polish.
And their makeup had to be minimal and "natural looking."
The distress in Susan's words is obvious.
How Susan deals with it,
and how she helps others
to deal with it,
is inspiring.
This was during the month of the holiest of
Christian holidays,
Easter Sunday.
The new grooming standard may not seem
like a big deal to some.
But when liberties are taken away,
through no fault of the individual,
it is a big deal to those who are affected by it,
considering all liberties are precious.
Susan goes on to say that the average prisoner
was not happy about the new rules.
There was an increasing sense of resentment and bitterness
in the prisoners as they tried to understand how the new restrictions
will make free citizens safer in their homes.
Or make prison guards and administration personnel
keep a safer and more secure prison.
"But those are the reasons for the imposition of these new rules."
How Susan deals with it,
and how she helps others
to deal with it,
is inspiring.
This was during the month of the holiest of
Christian holidays,
Easter Sunday.
The new grooming standard may not seem
like a big deal to some.
But when liberties are taken away,
through no fault of the individual,
it is a big deal to those who are affected by it,
considering all liberties are precious.
Susan goes on to say that the average prisoner
was not happy about the new rules.
There was an increasing sense of resentment and bitterness
in the prisoners as they tried to understand how the new restrictions
will make free citizens safer in their homes.
Or make prison guards and administration personnel
keep a safer and more secure prison.
"But those are the reasons for the imposition of these new rules."
Susan had begun this letter with a quote of a Bible verse,
Philippians 3:8-15.
Susan's first paragraph, following that quote, reads as follows:
"These verses of scripture have been a source of strength,
hope, and encouragement to me for many years.
As the political climate moves toward more and more restrictions,
and as more new punishments are being levied against
those already convicted through new rules and regulations,
I've turned more to these verses of scripture,
to remind me that no matter what is taken from me,
the power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
is available to me daily"
The Bible verse,
and Susan's first paragraph,
set the tone for the rest of the letter.
Susan is hurting,
and we hurt with her.
But Susan's love and faith
will simply make you smile.
This letter is Susan's Easter message to us.
Susan's letter should be read in it's entirety to be appreciated.
It can be found in
The Dove's Nest Newsletters A Collection of Christian Newsletters
by Susan Atkins-Whitehouse
home
Philippians 3:8-15.
Susan's first paragraph, following that quote, reads as follows:
"These verses of scripture have been a source of strength,
hope, and encouragement to me for many years.
As the political climate moves toward more and more restrictions,
and as more new punishments are being levied against
those already convicted through new rules and regulations,
I've turned more to these verses of scripture,
to remind me that no matter what is taken from me,
the power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
is available to me daily"
The Bible verse,
and Susan's first paragraph,
set the tone for the rest of the letter.
Susan is hurting,
and we hurt with her.
But Susan's love and faith
will simply make you smile.
This letter is Susan's Easter message to us.
Susan's letter should be read in it's entirety to be appreciated.
It can be found in
The Dove's Nest Newsletters A Collection of Christian Newsletters
by Susan Atkins-Whitehouse
home
