I recently accepted a new Chaplain’s position at a different prison facility in the Indiana Department of Corrections from the one I currently work. The offenders at the prison where I work now were very expressive, telling me that they would miss me, but wished me well, all the same.
I was actively involved with the American Legion Post at the prison, and during my last week, they took a portion of their weekly meeting to thank me, and “surprised” me with some snacks and a cake.
Each of the members were offered the opportunity to thank me personally. Not one of them stood and thanked me for being a great theologian. Not one of them stood and thanked me for writing brilliant devotionals. Not one member went on and on about the outstanding sermons of mine they heard. Not one gave me a commendation for witty repertoire.
One member, did however, stand and thank me for the service I provided to the post and its individuals. He thanked me for the research I did to increase membership. He thanked me for physically organizing and working to deliver 300 baked chickens to rest of the facility.
Another member stood and explained how I was assisting him through the process of trying to visit his dying grandmother, and how I actually remembered him, his name, and his situation. One member thanked me for helping him research and locate housing for veterans when he is released.
I don’t want you to read that I’m an awesome Chaplain. That’s not the point. The point is that I DID something. They didn’t thank me for my esoteric, philosophical thoughts on incarceration, but thanked me for actively participating in the betterment of their lives. Prayers are great; phone calls are great too. Writing messages and devotions is good; working side by side with others is even better.
James 2:20. Faith, without works, is dead.
Talk, without the walk, is just talk.
–Susann Estle-Cronau
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