It Is Time

"What is happening out there dad?" is a line from a favorite movie of mine "Day After Tomorrow". What is...political chaos deceit being spread, slander over truth...we see it on the news, TV shows, and we're in prison! After 40+ years of rehabilitation, I try to stand for what is right, while it seems others spread hate. Yes, it is tough in here at times yet, I am trying to heal death by incarceration with advocacy, hope and humanity. Our Kentucky governor said recently," we win by lifting others up and by showing love and acceptance every day." Does he mean for those of us incarcerated also? Again after 40+ years of doing the right work I am still waiting to be lifted up and lifted out.

It is time, June is declared pride month. It caused me to think about being called a lesbian approximately 250 times in trial. Was it to influence the jury or media? Was I on trial for that? Why wasn't the truth questioned or told that often? It was still a crime in Kentucky in 1986! My character has spoken for itself for over four decades now!

A friend sent me a quote "Nobody talks about the emotional mileage prison puts on the people waiting outside." Our families’ friends, and communities have been waiting decades!

I have honored them and Loss of life by

choosing character over convenience honesty over deceit...these are not always the popular choices in prison settings. I, and others, have chosen to let our trials and troubles be dumbbells and treadmills for our soul. I know I have been tested and proven trustworthy. Not all but many of us have.

Nobody escapes being wounded...physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. The main question is not "how can we hide our wounds" so we do not get embarrassed, ashamed or guilty. The question is "how can we put our wounds in service to others?" My wounds have gone from a source of shame to a source of healing. For over four decades, climbing a ladder to wisdom, integrity, to bring ease from plain and consequences.

Department of Corrections (DOC) in any state should not be just a business. If there is no purpose in rehabilitation, restoration, education, repentance maybe rename to Department of Punishment.

It is time for governors to recognize a purpose in faith, humanity, and their own rhetoric. It ius time for commutations, second look laws, and movements to educate communities and restore families. I am Karen pleading for it to be time!

Karen Brown M.Ed. has been incarcerated since February 1986. She is currently a correspondent for PrisonRadio.org. Her commentary "It Is Time" was posted to their podcast on 6/5/2026.