Not One, but Two Pairs of Socks

There was a tiny little woman, pixie-ish almost,  thin from crack and malnutrition who came to our jail to await her sentencing on drug-related charges.  She sat in on Bible studies and AA meetings, always proclaiming her Christianity and her love for her children...but never being able to act on either declaration.  Her professions of love sounded shallow and frustrating to everyone who heard her.   Finally, one day, while Susan was teaching the Ten Commandments,  Annette spoke up.  "You know, I'd have to say that I love my drugs more than God...more than anything!"

There was a collective gasp of dismay among the other addicts at the table.  The unwritten code of ethics at Bible study in jail is that you read your Bible, pray hard, attend faithfully, and never say anything that would make Susan (or whoever happens to be leading the class) think that you are not repentant, spiritual, and one step away from success!   The code had just been blatantly violated.  The dismaying truth had been told.

Annette was a woman who had grown up in church--the church where her father was a deacon even though he abused her (physically and verbally)--the church where her brothers grew up and felt no remorse over sexually abusing her--the two different churches where pastors had had affairs with her.   Church to Annette was mostly where the men were....and where promises of help and healing were never quite kept.   

Her life had had its ups and downs and she was now part of the worst of her down cycle to date.  Married to a hard-drinking, hard-working man, she had had three daughters by him.  She loved them all, but drugs came into her life about seven years ago and life was never the same.  Her family tried to stick by her and all would shake their heads as rehab after rehab did no good. Her young daughters had given up on their mom ever being sober again and only spoke to her by phone.  Her relatives were weary with picking up the pieces of Annette's shattered life.  So, when she ended up at the jail they all agreed on two things:  they wouldn't give her any money to spend on "extras" and they would help her husband pay for a divorce.

Christmas was approaching and Annette could always be seen at classes and meetings holding herself with her arms...trying to get warm in her basic prison outfit.  With only sandals, her blue short-sleeve uniform and a  ripped & yellowed castoff  thermal shirt from someone who left the facility, Annette just couldn't get warm. 

Annette couldn't get warm physically, emotionally, or spiritually for that matter.  There was always a new crisis to cry over.  She collected "counselors" at the jail with professional ease--there were Sue and Jeanne and Cam from Christian programming.  There were Denise and Christy and Tom from Alternative Paths.  All visited her one-on-one with regularity, all grieved with her over her divorce notice and her daughters' angry refusals to visit and finally, her prison sentence.

A bright spot in Annette's life occurred over Christmas.  On December 23rd we held our annual Christmas party for inmates.  This is a time when everyone from each section of the jail is invited out for Christmas caroles and presents.  Just about everyone comes out--with the exceptions of the most hardened Muslims, Jehovah Witnesses or Atheists.   (This year 5 out of 220 inmates refused the event.)

The women had all come to the large classroom.  Susan welcomed them and then invited the Spanish women to come up and start the program.  She and the three ladies sang "Feliz Navidad" for the rest of the group.  It was a bubbly, laughing affair.  Then they all watched a special Christmas video produced by the men's South pod which produced more laughter and good cheer.  Then the Christmas carolers from Young's Corners Fellowship began their part in the program.  Strains of  "O Little Town of Bethlehem" filled the room.

Annette's eyes filled with tears.  Her shoulders began shaking.  The women around her hugged her and she shook her head indicating that she was alright.  You see, she wasn't crying because she was missing Christmas at home.  She wasn't crying because she was being divorced.  She wasn't crying because of her girls.  She wasn't even crying because she was cold. 

Annette was crying because the Christmas caroles filled her with the shockingly precious revelation that Jesus had come to earth to die for her....Christmas was a spiritual occasion, intensely personal and poignant.   As we sang through "Joy to the World" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" she continued to weep.  He had died for her so that she could live for Him---but had she? 

After the service, the women filed out to give Susan a hug and receive a Christmas bag whose contents had been lovingly given by area churches.   Annette got in line.   Her hug was strong and her tearstained face happy as she whispered, "I love you," into Susan's ear and assured her that she was alright. 

Annette accepted her gift from Larry and excitedly peeked into the bag.  Poking out the top was the one physical thing she needed most--a pair of socks!  Upon further inspection, she found that there was not one, but two pairs!  Two pairs! And more presents besides!  Envelopes and candy, little packages of Oreos or Nutter Butters or Archways,  Christian books and tracts, pencils and writing paper, and fresh homemade cookies.  Annette was truly blessed.

OH WARMTH!

OH JOY!

OH!

THANK YOU JESUS!