Who you are

Written by Rev. Tom McEnroe, Facility Chaplain Main Jail 

“S” came into the tiny interview room with sagging shoulders and a vacant look on his face. Instantly, I knew the news was not good. After the officer chained him to the floor and left, he said in a barely audible voice, “guilty on all charges”. I knew this meant life in prison and maybe life without parole.

At a moment like this, every chaplain wonders what I could possibly say that would be of any help. We must simply choose to be present with the men and women placed before us and trust that Christ’s incarnational presence works in and through us to bring hope where there is no hope.

After a long time of silence “S” began to sob. He blurted out, “Chaplain I was so hoping to be able to go home to my people, but now I am looking at spending the rest of my life in prison. I just don’t think I can bear it!” I stayed still but present with him, and eventually he opened up and began to share. He talked about his disappointment, his grief over his shattered dreams and his bewilderment at how God fits into everything. He was exhausted, so I asked if we could pray together and meet again in a couple of days. Our follow up meeting went well, as “S” shared his hope for a path through this next phase of his life. I will continue to spend time with him, listening, praying and being present. 

Scores of inmates face decades to life in prison like “S,” and much of our ministry with maximum security inmates revolves around helping these individuals find meaning for their lives. 

Recently, I had the blessing of visiting another man, a “lifer,” at Corcoran State Prison. I spent time with this man for over a year at the main jail before he was sent to prison. I asked him how he was coping with his life sentence. 

He said, “Tom, it is not where you are; it is who you are. God has me in this place at this time, and this is where I will serve Him”. 

God uses us to share hope. I know that there can be purpose for “S” and every man and woman who will receive life sentences. We must simply chose to be present.