Real Life Real Faith Women Walking By Faith May/June 2016 | Page 25

A Chat With Lynn Springer

1. Are you living your purpose?
I believe that I am, my life is driven by seeking God's will.
I know that God has many different purposes for me: as a
mother, wife, advocate, minister, friend, artist...I have
felt since I was a young child that God's will for me is to
be a channel of his love and compassion. I pray that I can
do this.
2. Was it difficult to start Innocent Spouse & Children
Project as a woman? And if so, why?
Deciding to be the Founding Advocate of the Innocent
Spouse and Children Project was not difficult at all. I am
the innocent partner/wife of a man who committed a
felony and served time in prison . His crime affected me
and my daughter's lives in many ways. Initially, the
effects were profoundly difficult, for example, loss of
income, fear of poverty, trying to navigate the criminal
justice system, loneliness, shame, ostracism from former
friends and family. I lied to my daughter about Jeff's
crime and incarceration, thinking that I was protecting
her; that was a huge mistake. Loving someone who has
committed a crime brings much unasked for attention,
criticism and negative advice. I don't want other women
to walk the frightening, difficult road of having a loved
one incarcerated alone. I strive to bring compassion and
light to a complicated, painful subject as well as practical
suggestions for coping. Additionally, I can't do this alone,
I/we have our church, our friends, colleagues and other
professionals who support us and our ministry in many
different ways.
3. What is the future of Innocent Spouse & Children
Project?
I don't know, but I always want the focus to be on the
individuals and families who need our support. I feel that
the need will be great, white-collar crime and indictments
seem to be growing. I pray that we can be of service to
anyone who seeks our experience, strength and hope. I
pray that we can help bring some grace and dignity to
hurting people. I believe that Jeff and I are a strong
example of a married couple who are happy,

WOMEN WALKING BY FAITH MAGAZINE | 25

faithful and surviving the difficulties of incarcer