Beyond Prison Walls Series: Part II

Part II: God’s Presence is Constant

The line for processing was shorter than I expected – only four of us arrived bright and early. The other visitors seemed to know exactly what to do so I stood at the back of the line and observed. When it was my turn, the sweet correctional officer gently walked me through the processing procedure – complete with fingerprints, a mugshot-like photo, being scanned with a security wand, and a visual scan in and around my ears, mouth and inside the pockets of my clothing. She recognized my name and mentioned we spoke earlier that week when I called about the visitation rules. For some reason she chose to go over the restroom rules again. It was as if she knew that rule had been one of personal quandary since we chatted last. I let her in on my plan to persevere through the day. I’m not quite sure if she smiled because she thought I was crazy or because she understood. Either way, I welcomed and appreciated our light hearted interaction. God is pretty cool like that…making tough situations bearable with kindness and humor. 

For some, the whole processing procedure may seem invasive and demeaning. It truly wasn’t. I never once felt violated or uncomfortable during processing – it’s what the confined world needs to have in place to ensure rules are followed, no contraband is brought in and everyone is kept safe. The only thing I didn’t experience was the “thorough” search those incarcerated are subject to. I will hold off on the details but let’s just say, I’m not feeling slighted.

God is Always Near

The correctional officer cleared me for entrance and asked the gentleman who had been processed before me and was patiently waiting on a nearby bench, to join us. She explained to both of us that she had him wait because this was my first visit and she thought he could walk with me. Tears fill my eyes as I write this…it was just one more way God made His presence known to me that day. He is never far from any of us (Acts 17:27). 

You see, the correctional officer wasn’t aware of my previous reservations about visiting, she only knew it was my first time at that facility. I certainly wasn’t going to get lost because there was only one way in, but her actions showed she empathetically considered how I might not want to walk alone. Once again I was shown love and kindness by someone in a place that has a bad reputation. I had similar encounters while my son was in a county jail. Friends, there are good people behind prison and county jail walls. Both the people who work there and those serving a sentence. Trust me, I’ve met them. 

A Different View

A loud buzzing noise followed by a powerful locking sound notified us that the steel security door had opened. I was busy chatting with the correctional officer and putting my shoes on when my gracious guide lightheartedly encouraged me to hurry up because they (the officers behind the glass window with the power to open and close the doors) wouldn’t hold the doors open for long. With my lips zipped and shoes tied, I followed my new friend through the door into a small entryway. The same buzzing and locking sounds could be heard as the solid door shut behind us, this time confirming we were now securely locked inside the prison. 

Just a few feet away, another steel door opened in the same secure fashion, giving us access to a long hallway lined with windows and wall decorations. Each window was only about two-three inches in width and provided a view of the cement walls and barbed wire fence I had seen moments before from the other side. It’s truly amazing how one can look at something but its appearance is different depending on the lens from which it is seen through. 

Warm and Welcoming 

At the end of the hallway was a third secure door that had already been opened. This one led directly into the visiting room – a room that was nothing like I had imagined. Instead of cold walls and steel tables and chairs, it was warmly painted with murals that softened the room and several individual visiting areas were set up throughout. Toys filled one of the corners of the room giving off a home-like feel for the children visiting a resident. Each area was complete with a double chair, two single chairs and a small table between them – and every chair had cushions. Thank you Jesus, for giving someone the authority to say yes to providing cushions! 

Another correctional officer, who also offered a kind smile, sat behind a desk in the visitation room. I handed her a card that told her who I was visiting. She said she would let Mason know I was there and invited me to find a place to sit. 

Across from where I sat were two steel doors, identical to the ones I walked through. My wait was short – less than five minutes. When I saw my son’s face appear in one of the windows, I had to pray for self control to stay put and not run over to him! 

I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. ~ Psalm 143:5 (NIV)

Read Part I 

Read Part III