Published: May 29, 2009 10:53 pm      

Jail Journal

By Virginia Dawkins

special to The Star



My first impression is that they are like children in grown-up striped suits. When I look closely I see a resemblance of my next-door neighbor, my friend’s teen-aged daughter, or the new middle-aged lady I met in church last week. They are from various walks of life and ethnic backgrounds, women who took a wrong turn, who chose a path that led to incarceration in the Lauderdale County Jail.

When not in lockdown, the women are allowed to spend a prescribed amount of time at tables in the outer room — a reprieve from their small cramped cells. Today a card game is in progress, someone is getting a hair-weave, and a few faces are staring at the small television set attached to the wall in the dimly lit room. These activities seem more important than paying attention to the “lady preacher” who has just entered their space. But finally I gather a small group around me and they are listening.

I read from John 8:36: “He whom the Son sets free is free indeed.” I tell them that they have been prisoners of their own sins and habits, but that God wants to set them free. I explain that they may never be free, even in the outside world, until they give their lives to Jesus and allow Him to direct their daily steps. I’m not sure they comprehend, but they are listening.

One woman eases closer to me and confides, “I can’t do that. Something terrible might happen to me!”

I ask, “Who told you that? Seems to me something bad already happened to you — you’re here in jail.”

Her smile turns to friendly laughter, and I explain, “Yes, it’s a serious decision to walk with Jesus, but the worst thing that can happen to God’s born-again child is easy compared to what can happen if you continue to walk with Satan.”

The discussion continues as I read from my Bible and share my faith. Toward the end of the session, most all of the women in the room are gathered around me giving prayer requests: Pray about my court date … I want to be back with my children … I want that judge to know I’m not a bad person … Pray that my family will still love me … I need help for my addiction …. Please pray for my two little boys … Pray for my baby girl…

We hold hands, making a prayer circle. I voice their prayers; they shout “Amen!” and return to their cells.