When one hears the title “warden” certain images come to mind. The classic thought is derived from movies like The Shawshank Redemption or The Last Castle. These men and women who lord over their little kingdoms must be tough and fearless – cold and controlling. To be a “warden” is to be the one who keeps the “bad guys and gals” locked up so we can be safe – controlling the violence and chaos inside the walls so we can live happily ever after on the outside.
Recently, I was with a warden who contradicts such stereotypes. The warden sought to create an atmosphere where inmates could choose to spend their incarceration changing their hearts and lives. This warden is a solid leader who can be tough when needed but was in tears at the thought of inmates missing their Christmas event because they chose violence over “peace on Earth.”
We were scheduled to take Christmas gifts – a new t-shirt, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, rice crispy treats, and fresh fruit provided by a local church and vendors – into a facility that houses over 400 13-18 year olds convicted as adults.
Until a year ago, this prison was a violent and inhumane place where the weak were preyed on by the bullies and where gangs ruled the yard. An entirely new staff was hired, and in the past year violence has been reduced to nearly zero. Gang activity has been virtually eliminated. The young inmates have decided to create a safe place to exist – trading violence for behavior fitting the outside world.
Two days before the “party” there was a violent incident that sent some inmates to the hospital and caused others to be placed on administrative isolation. Another violent incident on the morning of the event resulted in the “lock down” of the prison. Consequently, we were not allowed in and the Christmas party was cancelled.
Despite the lockdown, we went to the prison to encourage the staff and to pray with them. We left the gifts and the fruit and treats in hopes the staff could use them as a reward for future good behavior. We asked God to bring “peace on earth and good will” to the youth facility.
As I said “amen,” I looked at the warden, and saw tears streaming down the cheeks of this supposed “tough person.” “These kids have been so well-behaved for so many months,” I was told, “and I wanted to see them enjoy a reward, but now because of the violence of a few and the threats of retaliation they will all miss the joy of this event. It just makes me very, very sad.” I told her we would be back and that the local church was standing ready to serve her and her inmates – her “kids.”
As I left I prayed silently, “Lord, cause me to love those whose errors have placed them behind bars as much as this Warden loves those You have given her to lead and care for.”
Pray with me for the wardens, officers, counselors, and administrators who spend their days attempting to restore those incarcerated to a free society. Pray for the over 400 youths in this facility – I’m sure you understand that I need to remain vague and not identify the warden, facility, or state for privacy reasons – that they might better understand Christmas and peace. Pray for the local church near that prison and ask God to richly bless them for their diligent and faithful care of the staff and residence of this prison!
You know – Wardens aren’t that tough…