A Walk In Their Shoes:
Understanding the Humanity Within Prison Walls

By: Rebecca G.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of someone in prison? For most, opinions are shaped by headlines and television dramatics—evoking words like evil, dangerous, felon, fraud, mastermind, or soulless criminal. Rarely do we hear about anything positive or redeeming. The truth is, few people realize how much those behind bars have in common with every member of society.

Incarcerated people (“IPs”) are mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, neighbors, and friends. They represent every walk of life and all faiths and backgrounds. Contrary to the images often portrayed, the vast majority are not monsters or villains. They feel the same deep grief, regret, happiness, hope, and love as anyone else. They struggle and suffer, lead and follow, give and take, laugh and cry—just like everyone on the outside.

Within these walls are chefs, teachers, firemen, ministers, doctors, nurses, waiters, musicians, artists, technicians, truck drivers, veterinarians, lawyers, and even judges. Many were active, contributing members of their communities before incarceration. Not all are “criminals” in the way society imagines. Some made a poor decision in a moment. Others were caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Some have endured immense abuse, trauma, addiction, or mental health challenges—issues society often ignores until people end up here.

Still others are victims of a flawed system: innocent yet convicted, overcharged, or given harsh sentences for one instant that changed everything. Some grew up fighting, others were lost in the foster system, some never received the help they needed for mental illness or addiction. Here are elders in their eighties and nineties—so-called “cash cows” for the system—and young people who desperately needed intervention, not incarceration.

There are those who continue to struggle and may always need support. But there are also model inmates—fully rehabilitated, deeply compassionate, and longing to contribute to society if only given the chance. Many would, without hesitation, give their life to save another. Too often, these stories go untold.

This blog exists to share those stories, and to ask others to take “A Walk In Their Shoes.” It invites you to listen, to stretch your understanding, to see that true healing and progress come not from hate or fear but from forgiveness, empathy, and love. The words “There go I, by the grace of God” are a reminder that all of us—inside or outside—are far more alike than different.

Before judging those who are incarcerated, remember: every person’s story is more than a headline. Understanding, compassion, and second chances hold the power to heal individuals, families, and the very soul of our society. If we can learn to walk in each other’s shoes, we might finally find the common ground to build a better world—one step, and one story, at a time.