I received a life sentence for at an early age for conspiracy to commit bank robbery, bank robbery during the commission of which a death occurred. Everybody has a story to tell. My story started when I was five years old. It was not what a five- year-old should experience at such an early age. I grew up in an abusive household fueled by alcohol. I knew about hatred, rejection, alcohol, sex, drugs, verbal-physical- and mental abuse before I knew about love and the ways of being a child. The abuse I endured from my mom & stepfather caused me to become an introvert. My childhood experience would not let me live in the present, I was withdrawn and had no self-worth as an adult. I did not know how to socialize with anyone other than my family. I did not apply myself at school because I did not see the point. My mom was not a supportive parent. As I grew older the abuse became worse, forcing me to look for love and acceptance in other people. My grandmother and my mother's sisters provided an outlet for me to have a normal existence. That was short-lived because I had to return to the abuse, I tried so hard to escape. I became angry, selfish and I lashed out at people for no reason, I carried this rage on my shoulders well into adulthood. It took me coming to prison to realize that I used my past as an excuse for my unquestionable wrong actions and behavior. I know using the phrase "prison helped me or prison changed me" or "I found God in prison" is cliche, but I am living proof that prison has changed and helped me. I have surrendered whole-heartedly my life to the works of Christ. I went from shy and non-expressive to thinking about suicide at the age of 10 years old and making excuses for the wrong I have done, to being an assertive, confident, and positive person with a will to live, also to help and encourage people. I forgave my mom and stepfather and everyone who have hurt me. I also forgave myself and started to heal and grow. I make time for any one of the ladies that are here, while encouraging them by telling them my story and how God has delivered me from my past. I assert myself when I pray for people while allowing them to vent their worries and frustrations. I did not know that I could connect to people. With the love God has shown me, I now biblically teach women to love God first, then themselves. I tell them that their past does not define their future. They do not have to let their pain, hurts/scars and unforgiveness weigh them down. They can use it to help others that are going through similar situations. I am asking for mercy and a second chance to give back what I have taken from the ones I have hurt and for myself. Respectfully, Felicia Jackson

Hi, my name is Felicia Jackson