EPISODE SUMMARY:

I met Jahmal Allen unexpectedly. He delivered the large waste container that I needed to begin to remove the excess that our family accumulated over the years. It was mostly necessary because of my husband’s death. So, just thinking about the task made me emotionally and physically weary.

Perhaps that added to the impact Jahmal’s kindness had on me. It was a small thing. Most may not have given it much thought. After all, he simply offered to move my garbage cans from the street to the house. It had rained the night before, so the cans were filled with water. Without being asked, he also dumped the water and readjusted the liner. He didn’t have to. It wasn’t his job.

I thanked him and told him that he was my “angel” for the day. I meant it.

As Jahmal set up my container, we chatted easily. Our conversation very naturally led to him sharing about his teen conviction for a violent and senseless crime, his miraculous prison release, and the challenges of his transition back into society.

I was taken by this stranger’s balance of humility and strength. And he possessed a quiet confidence cloaked in an aura of peace. It was clear that the man that stood before me had not only been transformed, he also had a message to share.

I immediately felt that we needed to have him for some “virtual tea” and invited him to join us on our Real Talk with Deb & Nia podcast. He graciously accepted the invitation.

As a mother, it is difficult to imagine what it would be like to be forced to visit my teen child in jail or prison. What could have led to such a devastating predicament? What did I do wrong? What could I have done that might have prevented such life-altering circumstances? And what must I do to help him/her navigate such unimaginable consequences? These questions and more came to mind as we prepared to welcome Jahmal.

In many ways this is unlike our podcasts to date. Yet, we felt his story of transformation embodies so much of what we believe to be fundamental for living a vibrant, integrous life.

It was a blessing and a privilege to have Jahmal join us. He shared his story with candor and integrity. No question was off-limits. The news press and commercial television have no shortage of sensationalized and exploitative representations of crime stories. It was refreshing and informative to hear the story behind his “story”.  Even more, as always, it was inspiring to bear witness to the journey of the expansion of a fellow sojourner from confusion to clarity.

We believe that Jahmal’s story is a reminder to us all that we truly are the architects of our lives. The details and our challenges may vary, yet they are also (sometimes painfully) very similar.

No spoilers for this episode. We invite you to tune in and experience this transitional journey from “Ignorance to Education” without editorial.

Enjoy the “Tea”,

Deb (& Nia)