VIEWS OF A FARM BOY

APRIL--2024

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But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (ESV) (Lamentations 3: 21-23)                           

second chance

The 2024 Annual Art Exhibition, hosted by the Des Moines Women's Club, happened  at Hoyt Sherman Place this weekend (March 09-10).

My View for the Month: Above Right and Left: A few examples of the beautiful art on display for this special event.. But the pic in the middle is my reason for being there. This painting was featured on the morning TV news today and it touched my heart. It also gives me a "story" opportunity--here goes! I certainly believe in law and order, but I also believe in restoration and second chances. This beautiful oil on cardboard, titled Lavien Rose, was painted by Mary Katherine Tyler while she was, and is, serving a life sentence in an Iowa prision. Mrs. Tyler was convicted of murder in1977. Her story didn't end there! While in prison, through correspondence, she received two bachelor degrees and one masters degree.  I think her example should be the long range objective of prison life. Of course, it has to be a punishment medium, but I think it should metaphor into an opportunity to prepare for a way to make a meaningful contribution to society. I don't know Mary Katherine's whole story--neither do I need to. I do know that at age 87 she is still in an Iowa prison and maybe that is ok with her. There is one more thing I do know--and that is the point of my story. I know she put a smile on my face when I saw her beautiful work of art. This, in turn, reminded me how a person can use a second chance (or more) to make a contribution to mankind--even under most difficult circumstances.