Class Dismissed

This evening was our last class for this session.  I’m still amazed at the amount of guys that show up for the class, even on the last night.

It was bittersweet.  Some of these guys I may never run into again.  I love to hear about their “story”.  Most of the guys in this group/program all have an interesting story.  In many cases, a very inspirational story.

Since being “inside the walls” for several weeks .. it’s difficult to view these guys as “felons”.  Which in my opinion is God changing my heart.  These guys are people.  That have made poor choices.

I feel like without this experience, or rather opportunity … I wouldn’t have had a chance to see these guys in “God’s Eyes”.  I’m so so very thankful for the fact that this was laid on my heart.  I feel so blessed to be able to see the world (even if just this little piece of the world) through God’s eyes. 

No longer does it matter what they did to be sitting where they are sitting.

No longer do I care that they are wearing Khakis and a white t-shirt.

No longer do I judge them for where they reside.

 

Here is what I see when I sit at a table with 20 “offenders”:

I see Grace.  I see hurt in their faces.  I see regret and remorse. 

I see perfection, as I know these men were created perfectly by God. 

I see myself at times, knowing I’ve made some really dumb decisions in my life.  Just not the same ones that these guys have.

I see hope.

I see Faith.

…but most importantly I see God.  In each and every one of them.  I see myself serving God.  Sacrificing a couple hours of my time once a week to hang out with God.  To use his eyes to look at these men with sheer perfection.

I see these men, all dressed alike, losing almost all of their dignity and rights – humiliated before us … seeking help and guidance.  Trying to be better people and accepting that their past was not the right one, but one that was watched over by God .. to bring them to the place they are now.

 

Would you believe that when asked this question in my class – the MAJORITY of the men raised their hand:

“How many of you know you’d be dead if it weren’t for getting locked up?”

Almost all of the hands raised in the air.

These men are thankful for the fact that they got “caught”.  THAT is the first step, in my opinion.

I know, this is only 20 guys in a facility that houses nearly 2000 men.

But it’s a step.

And I’m so thankful for the chance to be there.