When the Light Finds Us: From a Life Sentence to a Life Transformed

When the Light Finds Us is a behind-the-scenes look into the United States prison system and the brutal injustices faced by incarcerated women, told by Judy Henderson, a mother of two who tirelessly fought to improve the rights of incarcerated women, relentlessly maintained her faith, and steadfastly remained close to her children, even from behind bars.

Judy Henderson, a single mother and small-business owner, had her life upended when she was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to life in prison, separated from her three-year-old son and thirteen-year-old daughter. For three decades, she navigated the brutal prison system, facing violence, mistreatment, and even encounters with live snakes and scorpions. Yet, through it all, Judy never lost sight of her innocence or her role as a mother, fighting for justice and parenting her children through prison phone calls and visits.

A powerful example of how one can find purpose and growth in the darkest of circumstances Judy transformed her incarceration into a mission of self-improvement and advocacy, earning her GED and paralegal degree, working with nonprofit prison programs, and playing a crucial role in passing Missouri's first battered women's bill. She became a guiding light for other imprisoned women and mothers, shepherding them through the clemency process.

As the years turned into decades, Judy’s unwavering faith and some serendipitous events kept her hope alive. With the support of the prosecutor who once sought her conviction and the Missouri governor, Judy’s perseverance was rewarded when she was granted clemency and received a full pardon after nearly thirty-five years behind bars.

When the Light Finds Us is a gripping narrative exploring the depths of human resilience and the transformative power of hope. It’s a story that will inspire readers to persevere through their hardest struggles, reminding them of the strength of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond of a mother's love. In a world often filled with darkness, Judy’s journey is a beacon of light, illuminating the path to redemption and the triumph of justice.