“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:35
Over the last “many” years I have spent more time in criminal justice courtrooms than I care to remember. I’ve watched the guards bring in a line of shaking, red-eyed prisoners, shackled at the hands and feet and chained to each other. I’ve watched the families, broken and confused, sitting on the benches, completely helpless.
My Mother’s heart wants to comfort them, assure them that it’s all going to be okay, but talking is forbidden, movement discouraged – and it just might NOT be okay.
I see families trying to catch the eye of their imprisoned loved one, to give them a sign of hope. But signs are posted all over the room that “no interfacing with the prisoner is allowed.” Not verbal communication, not hand signs, nothing – under penalty of arrest. It doesn’t take long to recognize how serious things are.
All the quotes and thoughts I’ve had as a counselor remained in my mind.
“Be instant in season and out of season.”
“A word fitly spoken . . .”
“Go into all the world . . .”
“Carpe Diem.”
In a place where people most needed a word of hope, it was forbidden. Where did it all go wrong?
I’ve been given the honor of ministering to many inmates’ families. Families referred to me by churches, prison chaplains and inmates, wanting to be sure their families are doing okay. I’ve been able to bring words of truth and hope to inmates whose lives changed at a moment of indiscretion. I’ve seen God bloom in situations that seemed completely hopeless.
God, help me always remember that every inmate shackled to a guard is Your child, born for Your kingdom. Help me to remember that even though I may not be able to change a situation, I can always bring a word of encouragement and hope. Help me to remember that the gift of “free will” may forever change the direction of a person’s life, but it does not close the door to Your Kingdom, if a changed life will stand at your door and knock. And always help me to remember that I may be the only “Jesus’ others will ever see – and if I don’t tell them the words of truth, how will they ever know? Carpe Diem.
Linda J. Humes 