A Parent of a Murdered Child Asks...

Still a Serious Problem

Question:  Why would anyone want to write an inmate?  If you are going to cater to inmates, what about the person and/or persons they commit the crime against?  Why don't you cater to them?  Don't they have feelings too?  Or is that too much to ask?  I would love to hear your answer.  I am the parent of a murdered child.

Answer:  I just read your heart's cry, and I'm deeply moved over the loss of your child. It's no wonder you feel such pain! This pain and hurt you're experiencing, and perhaps even anger at God, is normal and may never go away completely.

   It is okay to be angry with God for a season and ask the whys. He is not mad at you for having such feelings.

   You ask very legitimate questions: "Why would anyone want to write an inmate? If you're going to cater to inmates, what about the person and/or persons they committed the crime against? Why don't you cater to them? Don't they have feelings too? Or is that too much to ask?"

   To answer your first question, there are hundreds and thousands of people who write to inmates around the world. We simply have given some guidelines on what to do and

what not to do when they write, so they will not be conned or manipulated by the inmates.

   Most people write because they want to reach out in love - unconditional love. Some people feel it is the safest way to fulfill Christ's command as stated in Matthew 25:35-46.

   In verse 39, it says, "When saw we thee sick, or in prison and came unto thee?" Verse 40: "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily, I say unto you, inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, you have done it unto me."   

  Marsha, you've got to realize that every one of these inmates is someone's son or daughter. Yes, some committed horrible crimes, and others are in there on drug charges, drunken driving, wife beating, husband abuse, sexual abuse, etc.

   I could go on and on. The number one crime they've all committed was their sin(s) against God. The question we need to ask ourselves is, are these men and women, boys and girls, beyond the grace of God? The answer is no. 

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