truth against the world fhionamacg fhionamacg@yahoo.com Sun Mar 9 02:32:59 2003 Greetings and Blessings to All*p*My name is Fhiona, and I am new to this community.(so I humbly ask that you forbear with me, as I am not the most puter literate person, and it may take me a bit to catch on to how things are done here.)*p*I read with interest,the posting Truth against the World, because, I am currently faced with re-defining my own truth, on a couple of different issues, and levels. Ah! When you are not looking, the Gods will force you to grow, whether you want it or not! I am hoping that the community here, can assist me with some insight, wisdom, helpful hints, suggestions and just plain old commonsense- although I realize I have no right to ask for this.*p*I have been active in a local community for some years now, which has been a very fulfilling experience...at times trying, but fulfilling nonetheless. *p*An opportunity has dropped in my lap now, a number of times (5 to be exact) and because I have an uneasy feeling about it, I have let it go...and yet, once again it appears. As I am a somewhat superstitious individual, and this keeps dropping in my lap, I take it as a sign that this is the direction I am now to go in.This new direction involves providing resources and spiritual guidance in a pagan (mostly Wiccan) ministry in a prison full of predominantly sexual offenders.*p*I understand that the letter of the law, is not the spirit of the law. We strive for excellence; we uphold the law. Traditionally, when a crime occurred, the law was not punitive in most cases, it was restorative and restitutional.*p*So, I guess what I am trying to understand, or come to grips with, is*br*what is a druid's role and right action in this type of situation? *p*For instance, is time served considered restitutional? What about personal responsibility? As sexual crimes are crimes of violence and power, and in general,though not always, crimes against women, what would draw this type of offender to a Goddess based religion? What is the motivation here? How would this type of individual begin to recover his or her personal honor? How does prison ministry fit in with druid beliefs in general. *p*What do the Brehon Laws, Crith Gabla, and Wisdom Triads have to say about this matter?*p*I have a very odd feeling that by being pulled in this direction, it is more for my own personal spiritual growth, rather than any small benefit or comfort my presence might impart to the inmates. *p*The second issue I am faced with, concerns a new member, who is a transgendered individual. (Male to female) I have made it very clear to all parties concerned that we will be welcoming and supportive to her. She seems to be having a difficult time as she only recently moved to our city. I am wondering how to be more supportive of her? Although I have not had the chance to speak to her privately, just on appearances, it looks like she is maybe undergoing hormone therapy, and doing a real life therapy stint...I have an undergrad in psych, and have been refreshing my memory regarding transgender individuals. People have been very kind toward her- I am just anxious that she feel welcome. We are in the heart of the bible belt, and redneck country. So, there is not a lot of support here for her- what gay community there is, is extremely underground.*p*I suppose, my uneasiness stems from being placed in these situations, which are unfamiliar to me...and maybe, having to identify and confront my own issues, even though I have not been able to truly identify what those issues might be...*p*Any suggestions?*br*What would a druid do in these situations?*p*I look forward to hearing from you all, and hope that I have not been too forward, or out of line in asking too much!*p*Beannachadh agus slainte*br*Fhiona*br* The Truth Against the World Searles O'Dubhain 1094 Sat - Sep 21 - 11:22am 24.65.52.189