Australia’s Largest Christian News Site

Cell 22: From Party Girl to Political Prisoner, by Monica Smit (2023)

Founder of Reignite Democracy Australia, Monica Smith, became a well-known activist during the COVID era. She spoke out against the government’s handling of the pandemic. Her political stance and human rights advocacy saw her arrested and imprisoned in solitary confinement for 22 days.

But Monica wasn’t always a strong, outspoken activist. In fact, it was only through a long journey of shameful mistakes and personal suffering that she became a woman of conviction, and a person who dared stand up and fight for justice.

Monica’s tell-all expose is a real, raw, and courageous account of how a former party girl became a political prisoner during the world’s longest and harshest lockdowns. (Robert F. Kennedy Jr)

Monica’s first book, her biography, is like nothing I have ever read before. Most of it was written while in solitary, but she did start some of the early life chapters earlier, and they are now woven beautifully into the narrative. Her mother wrote the final chapter.

I won’t give too much away, as I would love to entice you to get Cell 22 and read it for yourself. Rather, I will give you a few of my own reflections, having just completed Monica’s journey.

One Girl

I have followed the story of Reignite Democracy Australia (RDA) from its start in the COVID era. Its aims and objectives strongly resonate with me. But stop and consider how something like RDA was formed. It was the initiative of one girl, her family and friends. Remarkable! It was formed in a climate where the majority of the population rejected the idea, and the authorities put the founder in prison for, as they said, incitement of others to protest against the government.

I can’t think of a more hostile birthplace for a political movement. I leave you with this question. Does Monica’s courage, passion and conviction inspire you to ensure you don’t miss out on fulfilling your calling? Perhaps there is an inverse relationship between opposition and opportunity.

Finding God

Monica’s early life was not led by the Lord. Cell 22 tells her testimony in a wonderful way. It’s a testimony like no other! The result is that Monica has courage and strength from the Holy Spirit. I am sure that RDA would never have been birthed without the spiritual journey Monica undertook.

I was so challenged by Monica’s prayers. Perhaps I would pray like Monica if I were in Cell 22! My challenges and struggles are a walk in the park in comparison, but that doesn’t mean my prayers should be any the less real.

Confidence and Purpose

Isn’t it such a lie from the devil that says, as Christians, we should strive just for humility? Yes, I agree, we should never be described as arrogant, but I believe we should be full of self-confidence because of Christ living within us. If we lack self-confidence, I believe we are denying Christ’s work in us.

Monica’s discovery of self-confidence was coupled with her self-image and her self-control when it came to her diet. If we let ourselves go, what are we saying? We are denying that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Cell 22 draws a wonderful connection between confidence and the discovery of purpose. Perhaps it is obvious to you, but Monica’s testimony connects the two wonderfully.

Progressive Vision

I am sure that the Lord never tells us our whole story ahead of time. If he did, I am sure that we would either crash with pride, or we would be too scared to start.

I think the Lord opens one door at a time. It is then up to us to have the confidence to walk through the first door with the faith that the Lord will not lead us off a cliff. No, He won’t; He will calmly prepare the next door for us.

Monica’s flexibility with RDA is brilliant. The pressures of the COVID era are behind us now, but Monica’s next adventure is yet to unfold! She does not give any hints as to what the next door might be; I guess she doesn’t know!