Beyond the Bars, Hope Calls Out

In our world, there's something called the law that serves as a deterrent for wrongdoing. This law captures acts and punishments for actions of people that go against the order that is supposed to be in society, the state and the nation at large. It's a good thing, because this is meant to bring about law and order and to make actions that are wrong punishable. This is why there's a thing as prison; an institution that reprimands offenders, making them pay for their actions.

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Thankfully for this prompt, I got to find out that in Ghana, prisoners were held a Christmas celebration. However this may sound, there's been a widespread mixed reaction. Of course, I would expect that. Now that everything flies in the media and everyone has the liberty to speak or air whatever views they have, you shouldn't be surprised that a situation like this carries mixed reactions.

I understand the gravity of the offences by some of these prisoners. And be it small or not, a breaking of the law, once caught, and judged guilty, prison could be the sentence. Whether life imprisonment or a period of time, prison could be the case, and the magnitude of the offence defines all that. Those who were victims of imprisoned individuals in most cases wish for nothing but that they rot in there, with nothing good to come their way. Their feelings are understandable.

Being presented with the situation that had the inmates being held a Christmas celebration and many speaking against it had me thinking. Right before that, I wish to state that for anyone who might have been a victim of these individuals and is possibly reading this, this isn't a sense of trying to trivialise the actions and effects of their offence. I understand that some victims might still be living with the pains of these experiences, and I feel that the perpetrators deserve those four walls.

However, I wish to consider the matter deeply. First, there could be people in prison who were wrongfully accused, found guilty and sentenced there. Others, it could even be that they were set up. I think that being against this kindness shown towards them is an unfair judgment and stereotype. They probably don't deserve to be there, and deserve to celebrate Christmas like us; as free people. For such persons, this act could bring them relief from the emotional turmoil of knowing they are innocent but are wrongfully imprisoned.

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I also wish to consider the message of hope and concern this would project to them. For many, who were even guilty, they found reformation and purpose and direction within those walls. Showing them this kindness, at least at a time, and season, once a year of 365 days doesn't count much, but definitely would mean a lot to them. Even to those who are yet to find their reform, it could be a step towards change and reformation. Yes, people have found purpose and meaning in prison.

Once again, I reckon with those who by the pains caused by these inmates see this act of kindness as otherwise, unnecessary and uncalled for. Nevertheless, we shouldn't be overwhelmed by judgment and anger that we forget our humanity. We should be humans before－or not－judges. Beyond the bars, there's a hope that calls out in life, and we shouldn't be the ones to quench it.

Thank you for reading through!