I arrived 30 minutes early so that I could be processed through the TSA scanner and metal detector (complete with taking off my shoes, belt and coat). I then received a stamp on the back of my hand. The guard told me that this was more important than my picture badge I was wearing. Without this stamp, I would be considered a prisoner and would not be allowed to leave. (There is a joke in here someplace that would probably be best coming from my wife on those days I am a less than ideal husband!).
The service was led by two Biker Chaplains. According to the stories they told, they have been just about everywhere and seen it all as well! We were always in the presence of prison staff Chaplain, but he has his own services he leads, so he didn't participate in this service.
We waited for the next "movement" of inmates before we could begin. As you can imagine, everything is very tightly controlled and inmates only move in groups when they are told too. It became clear after we waited 30 minutes, that I was on their time, not mine...which is fine. I am doing this because I believe these inmates are worth my time and effort.
The inmates I visited with before and the after the service seemed to genuinely appreciate us being there. There was a wide range of ages. One younger gentlemen was proud to show me a picture of his wife and 3 teenage children.
It is a sacred thing to ruminate about the freedom we have in Christ while being inside a prison. I found myself thinking about all the times I "imprison" myself, such as:
- Negative thinking
- Worrying about the future
- Losing sight of my identity in Christ
- Thinking that my life is really about me
- Not eating right
- Not getting enough exercise
What about you? Where are your prisons?
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