I love this quote:

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”

–Dr. Brene Brown (of course)

I included this quote into a letter I sent to one of our “sons” who is serving year 15 of a 30-year sentence. He is still serving time in a supermax prison (google everything scary about prisons and you’ll see what a supermax is). The reasons why he is still there have a lot to do with how badly we need prison reform but that is another blog topic I doubt I will get into.

I gave him this quote in response to a question he asked me. He has been given a job (rare, again we need prison reform) in the kitchen but asked me this question: “I just got hired to work in the kitchen. Here is some hope for you. I hope no old beef come to haunt me and someone tries to throw hot oatmeal or grease on me. I don’t care about knives but I do care about that hot stuff. How do you defend yourself from hot grease or oatmeal or grits. You can’t. I told you my mind is in a negative place.” Continue reading →