Tear-stained Shoes
Read James 5:13-20
Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll--are they not in your record?
-Psalm 56:8 (NIV)
I'M in a group that volunteers to work with inmates in a maximum-security prison for women. One of the rules we're constantly reminded of is this: Don't take anything into the prison; don't take anything out of the prison. We are not allowed to give the women a piece of gum, a pen, or even a note. They are not permitted to send anything outside the prison with us.
Every time we visit the prison, we spend a few minutes with the women who desire our prayers. We hold their hands and pray for them individually. Many of the women cry. A couple of months ago, during the prayer time, I happened to open my eyes and looked down at my shoes. The toes of my shoes were dotted with the tears of the women for whom I had prayed. When I left that evening I did take something with me: tearstains.
God has made a record of our tears and is touched by them. In the same way, every time I wear my tearstained shoes I am reminded to pray for the women who are incarcerated, asking for healing that comes from God.
Beverly Varnado (Georgia, U.S.A.)
God, help us to be sensitive to the pain and tears of other people. Thank you for reminding us to pray for them. Amen.
God remembers our tears and shares our pain.
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Women in prison
