Which One is Faith & Humanity? Words or Action?
- Karen Brown M.Ed.
- Mar 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 10
Today I want to tell you that I am joyous and celebrating. It might seem strange coming from someone given death by incarceration from a parole board. A young woman in her 20’s with stage IV pancreatic cancer received a compassionate release. As a member of the prison hospice team, I rejoice with her as others did also.
Our Governor Andy Beshear recently announced his September 22nd release of a book titled “Go and Do Likewise”. I was told it is filled with his advice, thoughts, and heart on how to heal our nation. He also speaks again on his faith leading his decisions and that means compassion and kindness are the key to healing us.
Well I'm here today to ask Governor Beshear, to look at people like myself and others who have lived the last 40+ years, incarcerated yes, but living in that faith walk. Walking in that same faith space and the kindness and advice that he's given other people. I obtained a B.A. in Theology to learn the Word and a master’s in counseling so I could use that to help many over the years. I have put my life and my faith into action and also my humanity.
I have sat with women who were terminal as part of our founding hospice team. If you get a chance, everyone should watch the movie, “Serving Life” a documentary produced by the Angola Prison in Louisiana. That will show you what faith and humanity really are. I'm sure there are others who have lived in the compassion and kindness, and not just words.
I made a grave mistake when I was 21 years old, but I spent the last 40+ years repaying that every way possible. At 62, I pray daily for forgiveness, and that compassion and kindness come my way as I show it to others. I pray our Kentucky Governor will look at my commutation packet, where pastors, politicians, advocates, former parole board members, teachers, lawyers, and more give testimony to my profession, my repentance, and my rehabilitation. I have worth and as I've said before, I've concentrated on helping people over the years, not only inside but educating those on the outside or volunteers that come in here. I feel like I could help our youth and our parents out there to help change our nation and our state. As Senator Corey Booker often says in his speeches “don’t tell me about your faith, show me” and he's in charge of second look legislation up in Washington D.C.
I'm asking the Governor of Kentucky, and other governors, please rectify sentencing laws. Please let those of us who have earned a second chance have one! This would show real compassion and kindness! This is Karen from a women's prison in Kentucky, and this is Karen celebrating a compassionate release for a young woman.
Karen Brown via Securus 3/5/2026. Karen can also be heard providing commentaries on PrisonRadio.org as their Kentucky Correspondent reporting from the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women in Pewee Valley, Ky.
The work you do and have done is so needed in that space. Unfortunately, it all too often goes unrecognized and supported. I know you don't do it to be recognized but because it's the right thing to do...and you do it. I certainly applaud all you have accomplished and the work you've done to share the lessons you yourself learned the hard way. You don't just talk the talk, you walk the walk...faith without works is dead. I know you've been instrumental in many of the worthwhile programs that have been made available. Such a broken system in desperate need of reform. The fact that you've just continued on to do what you've always done speaks volumes to your…