Shawn Casselberry's Blog
Best Vacation Ever / 12.06.09, 03:18 PM
In an attempt to get the kids talking, Mrs. Cray, a retired public school teacher who volunteers as a tutor with Celestial Ministries, went around the room asking students random questions. Every Saturday morning, youth from the West side of Chicago are provided a safe place to reflect, create, and express themselves through music and dance. Started as a ministry of support for children and families with incarcerated loved ones, Celestial Ministries has become a secondary family for many in the North Lawndale community.
Terrell, a seven year old student in our junior drumline, was asked, “What was your best vacation and what made it so good?” As he paused to speak, I became very curious as to what he might say. I thought back to family vacations I had experienced growing up. We would take family trips during the summer to places like the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina or to see the monuments in Washington D.C. I wondered if Terrell had ever been outside of the State of Illinois or Chicago for that matter.
My quandary was interrupted when Terrell shouted out, “When I visited my dad in prison, because I have fun with my dad.” After Terrell spoke, there was a brief moment of sacred silence in the room. For me, it was a reminder of why we do what we do. Amidst the sometimes frantic drum practices and tough teen facades, there is pain and loneliness. And regardless of the guilt or innocence of those incarcerated, it is the innocent children and families that are forced to pay the heaviest price. The truth is, the prison system is a destructive and violent force in the lives of children and families in our community. It is not right or just that Terrell’s best vacation is visiting a prison.
What do we do as Christians when confronted with these harsh realities? The Bible urges us to “remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself” (Hebrews 13:3). Jesus knew what it was like to have a loved one incarcerated. His cousin, John the Baptist, was falsely accused and arrested. Perhaps, this is why Jesus, in Matthew 25, tells his disciples “when I was in prison, you visited me.” Jesus understands how it feels when those we love are locked up. As a victim of injustice, Jesus must have also understood how prisons are used in Empires to serve the interests of the powerful. Just survey prisons in the Bible and you will see they are used over and over as means of exploitation and injustice. I have hope though, because Jesus came “to set prisoners free.” That is how I know that Jesus is on Terrell’s side.
As many of us will enjoy a Christmas vacation with family this year, let us remember those in prison AND the children and families that are serving time without them. I hope you will not only give presents through amazing programs like Angel Tree (www.angeltree.org), I hope you will think about volunteering and supporting organizations like Celestial Ministries that provide year-round support for families (www.celestialmin.org). And as you get to know those children and families, I also hope you will be compelled to advocate for just policies that will set prisoners like Terrell’s dad free (http://criminaljustice.change.org).
In Christ’s name.
Amen.
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Thank you, Shawn! Your story was very moving! I have prayed for Terrell & for you. May the love & hope of Jesus bless you & Terrell this Christmas.
By kristine / Dec 7, 10:27 PM / #
melissa was here
By melissa mclamb / Jan 5, 02:49 PM / #
Thanks for sharing that story Shawn and speaking the truth! Hope you had a Merry Christmas and that 2010 brings you lots of love, peace from God, and good things!
By Zeny Martin / Jan 6, 11:08 AM / #
Thanks for the reminder Shawn, it helped me examine whether or not our prison system creates justice or more injustice, pain and anger. I will pray for Terrell and the millions of others in this country who’s loved one’s are in prison.
Peace and Love
By Mike / Jan 11, 01:30 PM / #