Babies in Prison

We arrived at the women’s prison in San Jose to host an event for ladies who await their sentencing. Some are in for murder, while others are in for other heinous crimes. However, this prison is unique because a mother can keep her baby in prison that’s up to 3 years old.

I found this to be striking and surprising. I had no idea there were prisons out there that allowed that. As the women appeared from their living quarters, about 75% of them had a stroller or a baby on their hip. Some seemed as young as 6 to 8 months old, while others were up to 2-years-old. 

Can you imagine growing up and a part of your story was that you lived in a prison until you were three years old?

One baby in particular I was drawn to. She almost looked like Dora the Explorer with black hair, bangs and two high pig tails.

They encouraged the ladies to let us watch over their babies so they could participate in the Zumba class. So the mom of “Dora” handed her off to me as she joined in.

As her mom danced and exercised, she would look over at her daughter as she bounced on my hip. Dora waved back at “mommy” with a big smile. As the activities continued, I saw how much love this mother had for her little girl. There was a station where the women could get their hair cut by a stylist. Almost all of them chose to have their little ones get hair cuts before themselves. “Dora” hated getting her bangs cut. She cried and screamed. Her mom would soothingly woo her and give her kisses to try to appease her.

My heart was so tender for these mothers in prison. We didn’t ask them what their crimes were or how long they had been behind bars.

We didn’t want them to introduce themselves by what they’ve done, because ultimately that’s not their identity.

We just wanted them to feel totally and completely loved, and treated the same as if they were someone free on the street.

As the event ended and we said goodbye to the ladies, I gave fully embracing, extended hugs. I think they were surprised to receive such a hug. One woman was in complete tears as she waved goodbye, walking toward the living quarters behind the 10-foot-high fence.

I wanted to share this story to remind you that people aren’t what they’ve done. It’s in our human nature to identify someone by their actions.

A “thief” is a name given to someone who steals.

A “murderer” is given to someone who kills.

However that doesn’t have to be who they are. They are a broken person who stole. A hurt person who killed.

But they are all made in God’s image, equal in value and love.

Let’s start treating people by who they are and not what they’ve done.

After all, God treats us by who we are and not what we’ve done.

He gives us all love and grace as we should to those around us. 

I am only $670 away from my next fundraising goal of hitting $5,000. I am so blessed that God provides for me to stay on the field and it wouldn’t happen without the love and obedience of those who have contributed to my missions journey. Thank you for prayerfully considering partnering with me! Every little bit brings me closer!