“Hi!”
A familiar voice echoed in the hallway. Coming from the very back of that unit near the Infirmary.
“How you doin’, Ma’am?”
“Oh, Hi Sir! I’m fine. Thanks. Busy as usual though I just got here…And you?”
He cracked a soft laughter. Managing the volume of his voice. Careful the sound would not go beyond from the space where we both were standing. I was getting a particular stock from our Supply Room. Him…Sitting in that corner where there was a table meant for Inmate Workers like him. On top of the table, there was a tier of papers or forms used to open charts for sick inmates. That was his duty and those who were there before him. To make charts from cleaned up, old ones. And then, wait for orders. If either Custody or Medical staff needs something to be cleaned up and other errands reserved for his role.
He must be sentenced for many months. Perhaps, years…As I saw him every weekend I tried to schedule myself. He was becoming familiar with every face that walked into that Clinic. Including mine. I could see and feel his reservation. Of whom to greet and not greet. But I usually tried not to wait. I always acknowledged him. And told him how grateful I was that he was keeping the areas in the Infirmary clean.
I didn’t have to know his crime. I just knew with the way he cleaned the areas around the Clinic patiently. Hours after hours. Only to clean again at the end of the day as other staff might not be conscious of keeping our own areas neat. I always saw him with a friendly grin. A smile most of the time even when being told to do a particular duty. I could sense he wanted to change. I could sense the hunger inside him. Wanting to do good. Holding a mop or a broom with bare, callous hands that once held guns in the street. The respectful words he tried to utter every time someone walked into his domain. Instead of cursing.
He was looking down. Staring at the open chart he initiated as he tried to gather the needed forms.
“Excuse me, Sir!”
“Can you do me a favor?”
“Sure, Ma’am.”
“Can you help me with this inmate in the wheelchair that needed a dressing change? It’s not possible for him to get into the exam table.”
“Oh yeah! I know him. I always help him out and I know he doesn’t mind me helping him. He told me he appreciates my help.”
“I do, too.”
“Ready? One. Two. Three.” The paralyzed inmate used his strong, muscular arms to keep him stable from that transfer as the other inmate worker helped him with his lower legs.
The inmate worker turned his back. He understood his part was done and he didn’t have any business during the dressing change. Not like outside the streets. When he wanted to hear anything going on so he could preserve his life from those wanting him killed. Better yet...To make the hit even before his surrounding enemies get him...
“Thank you, Sir.” I added as he made that quick u-turn. The paralyzed inmate thanking him, too, at the same time.
“You’re a big help!”
He replied with just a smile. But I saw the reflection from his weary face. He was proud of being able to help out others. He was proud of the change that started in his heart. He saw the goodness of being able to love instead of hate. He saw the reality of being useful instead of living without a purpose.
My dressing change had long been done. As I saw the familiar figure then with a few charts already made on his table. I silently prayed for him. I knew he needed God’s strength in order for him to move on. And pursue the change he wanted. I knew he would overcome. But not by his own power.
But of God’s…
I invite you to listen to this song "Overcome" by Jeremy Camp. I pray this will encourage you in your life's journey and that of my own. We all face trials. But despite the tribulations in this world, it is true that we can have peace because of what Jesus had already done... Jesus "overcame" the world!!! And as we follow our Master, how true that we should be encouraged instead of feeling despair and hopeless. But we also know it is only by drawing near our Savior that makes our walks strong. So...let us "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NIV)
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
- John 16:33 (NLT)
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