A Call for Compassion: Reflections on 'Hear My Voice'
In this blog, Barbara Dickson, a celebrated Scottish singer and the patron of Prisoners Week Scotland, shares her reflections on this year’s theme, “Hear My Voice.” Barbara’s powerful voice and deep empathy shine through as she addresses the importance of listening to those often marginalised within the criminal justice system.
As a prominent advocate for social justice, Barbara brings a unique perspective to the conversation, urging us to recognise and understand the human stories behind the labels and stigmas. Her insights challenge us to approach justice with greater compassion and to truly hear the voices of those who are too often overlooked.
Barbara’s contribution to Prisoners’ Week Scotland underscores her commitment to amplifying the voices of the vulnerable and advocating for a more humane and empathetic approach to criminal justice.
Voices and sounds are everywhere these days. Folk walk along the road, sit on the bus or stroll through the beauty of nature, with voices in their ears, from head-sets to ear buds, unable to separate themselves from communication, noise and continuous sound. It’s the way of the world in the 21st century. We don’t even talk to other people in those circumstances much either.
For our friends and fellow citizens in prison today, isolation from families and friends is a punishment in itself, but not being heard is worse. Everyone needs to feel contact and the certainty of being listened to especially in the hour of need. In that hour there is also the possibility of support for our loved ones and strength for that journey always uppermost in our thoughts, I’m sure.
So just listening is a gift and a process of healing for those in need of a friendly ear. For us, who are more fortunate in our lives currently, the ear needs to be ready to listen and not be full of distraction.
But surely listening to God is of most importance, opening ourselves to His plan which is only possible through not listening to distractions of any kind but taking time for Him in our lives to listen. It seems to me that it is only in silence that we can hear God’s voice, only in the quiet of our minds, can we really listen to Him and what He needs us to be and to do. And in that quiet place of listening the possibilities are endless.
I always wonder how cyclists in the street are confident of hearing an approaching danger from traffic, while engrossed in a podcast!