I visited Cook County Jail for the very first time in my life with my Prison Ministry course. I always road pass the building to get to work, but never been inside to see how the buildings were structured. I have never been jailed, but always knew someone affected by the criminal justice system. For me, I grew up in a home where, I was taught to be respectful to others, Christian beliefs, morals, and values instilled into me at a young age. I know these same core principles were also taught to the many of the young men who were presented at the jail during my visit. Yet, they made choices that ended them in jail. I am a firm believer that there should be consequence in place when a person has disobeyed the law. But, I am concerned about our
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I wrestled with question bell hook asked as she quoted “How do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed?” I think, “being there” for an individual is very important to the re-integration into society. I know that many young men coming out of the prison system are without resources. Therefore, it is the responsible of the church to “be there” for people. I have learned that you always don’t have the answers, but to be a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a person who is passionate about people, and a true friend is all someone might be in need. Indeed, it is important for ministries and churches become the point of contact to live out the call as examples of Christ, so that others might see the good work the church’s efforts to respond.
Overall, I enjoyed the visit and hope to be able to visit again as a reminder of the work that needs to be done within the community to end mass incarnation. So many of our young people are victims that fall prey to negative influences. It is my prayer that God will allow the church and in particular the black church to see both the need for accountability, forgiveness, and compassion on behalf of God’s
I wrestled with question bell hook asked as she quoted “How do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed?” I think, “being there” for an individual is very important to the re-integration into society. I know that many young men coming out of the prison system are without resources. Therefore, it is the responsible of the church to “be there” for people. I have learned that you always don’t have the answers, but to be a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a person who is passionate about people, and a true friend is all someone might be in need. Indeed, it is important for ministries and churches become the point of contact to live out the call as examples of Christ, so that others might see the good work the church’s efforts to respond.
Overall, I enjoyed the visit and hope to be able to visit again as a reminder of the work that needs to be done within the community to end mass incarnation. So many of our young people are victims that fall prey to negative influences. It is my prayer that God will allow the church and in particular the black church to see both the need for accountability, forgiveness, and compassion on behalf of God’s