December 2006 ~ Last December I started volunteering at the Columbia River Correctional Institute preparing prisoners to transition back into the community. By September, I felt chartering a Toastmaster club would be useful. Since then, Thursdays have become “Norm Thompson Night” (an "escape from the ordinary”).
For the prisoners, it is a time where they are no longer “in there” (jerk your head in the rest of the prison). The meetings have been a lot of fun and I will say for me, it’s the most inspiring work I have ever done.
The men are learning leadership skills and to present themselves well. They will need these experiences when they meet potential employers. The men run the meetings themselves.
Our meetings require that all language and jokes be clean. The men have been terrific in their efforts to use civilized language. Once in a while, accidentally, a little something will casually slip in. It’s funny as everyone notices and tries not to sniggle (smirk+giggle) while the speaker blushes and tries to cover up the error. They try so hard that it makes my heart feel tender.
In some ways, I find it more rewarding than teaching teens (my previous, precious favorites). The men are motivated. They work hard to prepare their assignments, attend the meetings, and exercise their duties. They are anxious to try. They are volunteering to come and to learn.
As can be supposed, most of them have backgrounds of broken homes or have non-existent fathers. Most have regrets that they have, in turn, failed their own children. Many desire to do better when they are released. The problem lies in how that will be accomplished.
I will relate one story for this letter. A few months ago, a newly admitted prisoner joined our group immediately. He’s not quite like the others. He’s not a big guy – just average – I’m not sure what the difference is. I’d say he's more academic. He has belonged to Rotary and other service clubs. On his first day with us, he volunteered to lead the club’s fund raising committee. He has also recruited his bunk mates and yard pals into attending our meetings. He is very attentive to who is there, who is missing, and who should be involved in meeting decisions.
Last week, he led the “Table Topic” discussion (the impromptu speaking part of the meeting). His theme question was, “What present would you give yourself for Christmas?”
After everyone had a chance to speak, our new man leading the discussion said that he would answer his own question. He hesitated a moment as he carefully looked over his audience. He then said, “I would like the gift of love.” Then, looking away, towards a wall, and with emotion in his voice, he said, “I want to be loved.”
Within the prison culture, it is dangerous to expose vulnerability. Others will use it to their advantage. This admission was also a statement of trust. It was a touching moment of sincere expression of a heart’s desire. I pray that the men, who heard it, will respect and hold his wish in confidence as well as offer a more open friendship to him.
We talk about the gift of love a lot at Christmas time. I have a fresh understanding of truly what a powerful gift it is to give. It is a dynamic gift that affects the direction of lives. These men are actively and courageously working to change their lives in a world devoid of warmth and emotional security. I’m grateful for my opportunity to meet these inspiring individuals. I resolve to work as hard as they do at becoming a better person.
We know too well that lifelong habits, tendencies, and mindsets, whatever they might be, are difficult to change. I recognize it in the men I work with and in turn, I recognize the faults in me. I’m grateful that we have a loving Savior who is willing to help us overcome our weaknesses and forgive us of our trespasses. I’m grateful for His birth, life example, suffering sacrifice, resurrection and eternal, patient love. I hope to become more like him and more closely follow his example in loving others.
I’m excited about the coming year. I’m anxious to get it started. I heard an expression the other day that we should practice “human being” rather than “human doing”. Yes, I want to pause and “Be”. I also want to combine it with a lot of effective doing. I’m grateful for my health and ability to get around. I appreciate life as it is now for me. I wish my friends good health, solid employment, and safe, warm homes with plentiful food. Most of all, I pray that we will be both givers and recipients of the powerful gift of Love.
For the prisoners, it is a time where they are no longer “in there” (jerk your head in the rest of the prison). The meetings have been a lot of fun and I will say for me, it’s the most inspiring work I have ever done.
The men are learning leadership skills and to present themselves well. They will need these experiences when they meet potential employers. The men run the meetings themselves.
Our meetings require that all language and jokes be clean. The men have been terrific in their efforts to use civilized language. Once in a while, accidentally, a little something will casually slip in. It’s funny as everyone notices and tries not to sniggle (smirk+giggle) while the speaker blushes and tries to cover up the error. They try so hard that it makes my heart feel tender.
In some ways, I find it more rewarding than teaching teens (my previous, precious favorites). The men are motivated. They work hard to prepare their assignments, attend the meetings, and exercise their duties. They are anxious to try. They are volunteering to come and to learn.
As can be supposed, most of them have backgrounds of broken homes or have non-existent fathers. Most have regrets that they have, in turn, failed their own children. Many desire to do better when they are released. The problem lies in how that will be accomplished.
I will relate one story for this letter. A few months ago, a newly admitted prisoner joined our group immediately. He’s not quite like the others. He’s not a big guy – just average – I’m not sure what the difference is. I’d say he's more academic. He has belonged to Rotary and other service clubs. On his first day with us, he volunteered to lead the club’s fund raising committee. He has also recruited his bunk mates and yard pals into attending our meetings. He is very attentive to who is there, who is missing, and who should be involved in meeting decisions.
Last week, he led the “Table Topic” discussion (the impromptu speaking part of the meeting). His theme question was, “What present would you give yourself for Christmas?”
After everyone had a chance to speak, our new man leading the discussion said that he would answer his own question. He hesitated a moment as he carefully looked over his audience. He then said, “I would like the gift of love.” Then, looking away, towards a wall, and with emotion in his voice, he said, “I want to be loved.”
Within the prison culture, it is dangerous to expose vulnerability. Others will use it to their advantage. This admission was also a statement of trust. It was a touching moment of sincere expression of a heart’s desire. I pray that the men, who heard it, will respect and hold his wish in confidence as well as offer a more open friendship to him.
We talk about the gift of love a lot at Christmas time. I have a fresh understanding of truly what a powerful gift it is to give. It is a dynamic gift that affects the direction of lives. These men are actively and courageously working to change their lives in a world devoid of warmth and emotional security. I’m grateful for my opportunity to meet these inspiring individuals. I resolve to work as hard as they do at becoming a better person.
We know too well that lifelong habits, tendencies, and mindsets, whatever they might be, are difficult to change. I recognize it in the men I work with and in turn, I recognize the faults in me. I’m grateful that we have a loving Savior who is willing to help us overcome our weaknesses and forgive us of our trespasses. I’m grateful for His birth, life example, suffering sacrifice, resurrection and eternal, patient love. I hope to become more like him and more closely follow his example in loving others.
I’m excited about the coming year. I’m anxious to get it started. I heard an expression the other day that we should practice “human being” rather than “human doing”. Yes, I want to pause and “Be”. I also want to combine it with a lot of effective doing. I’m grateful for my health and ability to get around. I appreciate life as it is now for me. I wish my friends good health, solid employment, and safe, warm homes with plentiful food. Most of all, I pray that we will be both givers and recipients of the powerful gift of Love.
