Yes, I have been to prison. Surprised? Maybe not, but it was one of the most life changing experiences I have ever had. Okay, I admit that I went out of my own desire and did not break any laws to get there. I went as part of a Catholic Ministry program that my parents have volunteered with for over 30 years. With the influence of their ministry, I had decided it was something I wanted to do at least once, but now I am certain that it is something I was made to do. I learned hundreds of things about myself and the 19 men I served and shared in fellowship with in the few short hours I was there. Here are just a few things I learned that you ought to know:
1. Ramen Noodles are popular beyond college campuses.
Remember graduating high school with the excitement of being able to eat Ramen for every meal? Me neither, but for some people it was a real thing. Keyword was. After week two or three of Ramen, just one bite makes your stomach turn. Do you know where you went wrong? You didn't get creative. The inmates I worked with knew more ways to eat Ramen than I though even possible! They used the flavoring to season our rice. Bet you didn't ever think of that! Ever heard of fried Ramen soup? Didn't think so. Guess we've got some catching up to do.
2. Your past does not define you.
To be clear, I am not condoning anything these men have done in their past or trying to make excuses for their actions. They know what they did was wrong, and they are paying the consequences for it. To be honest, out of the 19 inmates I met, I only knew one of their crimes, and that did not change anything. We all make mistakes; we all sin. Yes some do more or in greater ways than others, but that does not define who we are. We are people with family and friends and dreams and passions. These men are some of the most authentic people I have ever meant and have been completely transformed since their crimes were committed. Don't judge a book by its cover. Don't accept a label for a story.
3. We all have a soft gooey center.
Don't let the tattoos phase you; they all just want to be loved. On the outside they may look tough and mean, but start singing praise and worship music or watch them receive the Eucharist and all you can see are their hearts. Many of these men have been abandoned by their friends and family and are simply looking for acceptance. They same goes for you and me. Don't let what you see on the outside of someone stop you from getting to know the inside. You will be surprised to see what is really there.
4. We all need a reason to hope.
Like I said before, many of these men have been abandoned. They have reached rock bottom, and have lost their way time and time again. I was able to witness their complete joy in praising the One whom they found their hope. I was brought to tears as I watched them humble themselves and receive the Eucharist. We all need a savior, and that savior is Jesus Christ. These men let Him into their lives, and so can you. We all fall. We all find ourselves in places we do not want to be. Let Christ rescue you.
5. There is always a reason to smile.
These men have seen more evil and experienced more darkness than a lot of us probably have, but not one of them stopped smiling in the few hours I spent with them. We need to remember to find joy in the little things. For the men it was a bowl, or three, of ice cream and the game of charades we played. It was the songs we sang and the community we built. What is it for you? We must find these things and hold onto them, for they are what will get us through the dark times. These men sure proved that to me.
