Gaile Owens, my mother, will continue to live her life for Christ

Around 10:15 Wednesday morning I received a phone call relaying a message that Governor Bredesen had reached a decision and would be releasing a statement at
10:30. Approximately 10-15 minutes later I received a second phone call that opened my eyes to a future that only seconds before seemed so far out of reach. Governor Bredesen commuted my mother's sentence. Governor Bredesen gave my mother a second chance at life. Governor Bredesen was part of a much bigger plan Wednesday morning. A plan that I have admittedly struggled to follow for so long. I struggled but I continued to turn to my Father in heaven. I continued to cry out for help. I continued to trust in His unfailing love.

Exactly one year ago I started writing of my journey to visit mom. I wrote about mailing the letter, setting a day to visit, seeing and speaking to her for the first time in over 20 years. I took those steps and thought it was over. Then God put more steps in front of me. He continued to speak to my heart and carry me through. Our relationship slowly began to heal and God kept showing up. And now? Now my mother will continue to live her life for Him! She will continue to serve Him!

I rejoice with all of you who have prayed and offered your unwavering support for my mother. Thank you to all of the volunteers and friends who have walked with her for so many years and continue to be there for her daily as she makes this transition. Thank you to the thousands of supporters who signed the petition in the fight for her life. Thank you to the handful of people, and you know who you are, that answered my questions day and night. You answered every phone call. You showed up for every meeting. You gave so freely of your time to visit mom and sacrificed so much. You made the choice to get involved. You made the choice to become a part of our lives.

So what's next? Considering what God has done in the past 12 months, I'm not about to try and guess what His plan is for the next 12 months. I know that I trust Him to guide and direct my path. I know He will not ever leave me or forsake me. I know there will be times of struggle and times of joy. I know the road ahead will be difficult. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

"Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

I will take this next step. I trust and believe in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.