Steve Harmon's mother comes to visit him in prison. It's a difficult experience for her, which causes her no small amount of emotional pain. She tries to explain to Steve why she hasn't visited him sooner, but the tears that flow in torrents down her face are more eloquent than any words. The whole business of visiting her beloved son in jail is just too traumatic for her.

During their meeting, Mrs. Harmon gives Steve a Bible with some verses highlighted. One of these verses, which is of particular relevance to someone in Steve's situation, is Psalm 28:7:

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. (KJV).

Despite Mrs. Harmon's best efforts, however, Steve receives no comfort from her thoughtful gift. Instead, the Bible, far from giving him strength, serves to illustrate just how far he's fallen. The message of Psalm 28:7 is more relevant to someone who's been charged with a serious crime, yet who is wholly innocent and needs the strength that the words of Holy Scripture can provide to get them through their ordeal.

But later that night, as he lies on his cot, Steve questions his innocence, indicating that perhaps he's guilty after all, despite what his mother might think. That being the case, the Bible represents for Steve his mother's firm belief in his innocence and the inner strength she hopes it will give him.