SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2007

THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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Dear Friends in Our Lord Jesus:

Her name was Elizabeth Fry. And nearly 200 years ago she was a respectable member of the upper crust of English society.

Then, one memorable morning in 1813, the Lord put a heavy burden on her heart for the women prisoners in London’s Newgate Prison, a notorious institution set aside for the worst of society’s offenders.

On the spur of the moment, Lady Fry decided to visit the prison. But when she arrived, the jailers turned her away. She returned the next day and was again refused admission. For three weeks, she rode to the prison and asked to visit the prisoners. Finally, her request was granted. What she discovered was worse than she had imagined: Women and children were crowded in dingy, filthy cells. They were dressed in rags, were fed only occasionally, and were treated like animals.

With great tenderness, Lady Fry picked up a small child, caressed him, and promised that she would come back. And so she did. Over the next several years, she brought fresh linens, fresh clothes, soap, towels, books, food, and games. She taught the women how to read, how to sew, and how to care for their children.

Over the years, she organized programs for the mothers and began to teach the youngsters. She also arranged for jobs for women who were discharged. Gradually, over the years, she interested others in her work, and an association was formed to help other prisoners. Reports of their work spread throughout Europe and eventually led to dramatic reforms in prisons throughout the West.

It is a central truth of Holy Scripture, that when the Lord calls us into His service, He also provides all the tools, all the energy, and all the resources needed to accomplish His tasks. He seeks our availability, not our ability. So it was for Lady Elizabeth Fry. And so it is for us.

-- The Very Rev. Dr. Steve Sellers +