Babies behind bars: doing time with mom

I read and then watched the above video documented by CNN.com; I couldn't breathe. Infants to toddlers whose little fingers touched steel bars as they looked out into a world they've never known- with cars they've never seen. Little eyes that see uniforms, high-wired fences and cell blocks as "home." Even more, only having seen a world of women- as one inmate said, "they only know a nation of women." Fatherless generation? This is on a totally different level.

The issue at hand is obvious- raising babies in a prison is not healthy on so many different levels, yet separation isn't either. But as I continued to think about this article over the last few days and the spiritual Father I have, intercession became key. Naturally speaking, these babies are paying the price for what their mothers did. Spiritually, though we may not be physically incarcerated, many parents' spiritual captivity are heavily affecting their sons and daughters.

Ezekial 18 makes it clear that the one who sins will surely die. So if a son/daughter sees the evil of his father/mother and does what is right, they will not pay for their parents sins- they will not be found guilty. Though not found guilty, there are definitely emotional, spiritual and mental effects that will result. I'm reminded of an incident last week where it was reported that a father shot and killed his wife and twins in the car, dropped his three teenagers off at a family member's house and then shot himself. Although those three teenagers will not be guilty of their father's crime, do you honestly believe their lives will remain the same having witnessed their father shoot and kill their sibling and mother?

Parents, what sins... what generational curses... what strongholds remain in your life that have you bound and are being passed on to your child(ren)? What fears because of your decisions or unforgiveness or rage are preventing your child(ren) from seeing/reaching their spiritual potential in God? Like the South African babies, your child(ren) are and will not be guilty of your sins. However, are you the one preventing them from encountering their heavenly Father?

As for these babies and other children around the world, whether physically in bondage or spiritually, intercession is required. No humanitarian effort- not even the most sincerest- will ever replace the power of God. It's not just about doing good- writing letters to the government, adopting, mentoring- it's about doing God... moving in a spirit of intercession and truth that will set minds FREE from bondage while meeting their needs. I promise you- when prayer meets good works... GOD has to show up.