‘I was in prison’

I was in prison where I deserved to be,

and you didn’t forget that God created me.

I was in prison where I was afraid for my life,

and you provided security measures to protect me.

I was in prison where my body got dirty,

and you allowed regular, warm showers.

I was in prison where I was crowded in with too many others,

and you found a way to give me some space.

I was in prison where I was ill-prepared for the “outside,”

and you trained and educated me.

I was in prison where I wondered if God forgot me,

and you offered spiritual counsel and hope.

Any news-aware Alabama Christian knows of the current crisis in Alabama prisons. Threats from the U.S. Department of Justice should not have been needed to alert us to that. At least a Prison Reform Task Force has proposed needed changes. The jury is still out on whether the Legislature can arrive at a workable solution. 

In our society we entrust government with the administration of justice and the incarceration of lawbreakers. But that does not absolve the rest of us of sins against prisoners. The people must hold government accountable, especially when it fails. And the justice system in Alabama is broken. 

Statements like, “Prison isn’t supposed to be a five star hotel,” and, “They are getting what they deserve,” ignore the issue. The stark truths of 195 percent capacity in state prisons, a culture of sexual misconduct by some guards, inmate-on-inmate violence and unfair sentencing guidelines scream, “Do something about this, Alabama.”

That’s where you come in. Christians must find their place in Alabama prison reform. What can Alabama Christians do? 

1. Be aware and prayerful. Admit the problem exists. Pray for inmates, judges, prosecutors, legislators, the governor and prison officials as they face this enormous task. Pray they get it right.

2. Let your elected leaders know what you expect of them. Then stand with them when they make hard decisions that will be unpopular with many. 

3. Make this issue personal. Locate someone in your church or community who is now or has been in prison. Or find a family member of a prisoner. Sit down with them and listen with a compassionate heart. 

4. Consider how interested you would be in prison reform if you were an inmate or the parent or child of an inmate. Would rape, malnutrition, unsanitary conditions, lax security, overcrowding and other inhumane conditions be more important to you then? 

5. Don’t be surprised at the price tag. The protection of basic human rights is not cheap. True prisoner rehabilitation and post-prison supervision, however, will help Alabama socially and economically in the long run.

And Alabama Christians ask, “When did we see you … in prison and visit you?” Jesus answered, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me” (Matt. 25:40). Prisoners and their families may be the “least of these,” but they need the Christian community now. 

Darryl Wood
Vincent, Ala.