Yesterday morning one of the guys I have been connecting with for quite sometime asked me if how it felt if he was to give my information to a female prisoner in Ohio, who is diving into A Course in Miracles and wanting deeper relationships and conversations. I have had very few requests to work with females inside up to this point and not much has ever come from those requests. I took some time. Something felt like it was time to expand my horizons. I told him yes.
That same afternoon I was scheduled to go into a local prison here in Nevada for the first time for “Freedom of the Mind – A Course in Miracles.” I was watching my mind as I was open to a new experience, but admittedly I saw the thoughts that no one would show up as this has happened with other groups in the past. When I checked the given schedule on the wall I was meant to call Unit 2. This was my first experience with Unit 2. The process is that once I arrive at the inmate programs room, I call down to the unit to let them know I am there and what is being offered and then they ask for ten volunteers from the scheduled unit as I can only take a maximum of ten as a single facilitator. I then set up the chairs and put out the books. After about ten minutes I call back to see if anyone is interested in attending, if there are no volunteers then time permitting, I try the next unit on the list. So without praying and using my past learning I set up four chairs and then meditated as I awaited my call back.
With just five minutes before the start time I call back and the Corrections Officer tells me, “I have to pick which ones I am going to send. Oh you will be getting ten.” This is the first time I ever got ten. I was already amazed. Then when they arrived, and you guessed it, they were women. Not only were they women they were all lit up. They told me there were over twenty ready to come down. The ten of them came in with a sincere curiosity and openness that is not typically the norm. One woman said, “I love this book,” which she had gotten from my contact Chaplain Johnson. Another woman walks up to me and says, “This isn’t religious is it? Cause I already have a religion.” To which I replied, “It is not and I will share with you all what it is (straight from the What It Is section) once you are all signed in.” The others were justing looking at me with this genuine interest, it was actually kinda overwhelming and I was smiling so big that I asked to take a minute and just got quiet with them to start.
From the moment I began speaking I was fulfilled, fueled by their eager eyes and open hearts, I just basked in the nodding heads and the safety of the circle. After a half hour the woman that asked if it was religious raised her hand. I motioned to her and she said, “Will you come to Smiley Road?” I laughed a bit and said, “Where is Smiley Road?” She tells me that is is in Vegas and that she is being transferred there, then says, “I want you and this book there.” As you can imagine, I was extremely touched.
When our time was up no one wanted to leave, including me. It appeared as though we were all just beaming. The gratitude I received was unexpected and most welcome. I don’t pretend to know what it is all for, although my prayer is to remain in the yes, whether it be Vegas, anywhere else, or with anyone else. I am Yours.
I am here only to be truly helpful.
I am here to represent Him Who sent me.
I do not have to worry about what to say or what to do, because He Who sent me will direct me.
I am content to be wherever He wishes, knowing He goes there with me.
I will be healed as I let Him teach me to heal. (ACIM, T-2.V-A.18:2-6)
Recent Comments