I feel enraged, helpless, and deeply sad about the relentless harm our government propagates. There’s nothing I can say to make things better.
Instead, I’ll post hopeful stories from Oshkosh Correctional.
I volunteer in prison in two capacities: leading a secular mindfulness group and holding 1:1 visits.
The sharing within group is powerful: courage, wisdom, and vulnerability. Yet the sharing in pastoral visits goes deeper. In a safe, confidential space, incarcerated folks open their hearts and share their stories.
I bear witness to cycles of violence, neglect, and abuse. Men imprisoned for violence were beaten up as kids. Men incarcerated for drug use were surrounded by drugs and neglect as children. It’s a harsh, heartbreaking reality, yet these are the cycles of humanity.
Still, some people transform the cycles and it’s inspiring to witness.
Research shows that kids who experience trauma(s) are more resilient if at least one solid, caring adult is in their life. I ask prisoners, “Growing up, was there anyone in your life who was dependable, supportive, and kind?”
Often, the answer is a hesitant “no”: “Well, I guess my mom is that, but she’s still pretty mean,” “Maybe my grandma, but she never writes,” “Not my dad, I never knew him.”
Another harsh reality: We volunteers may be the first caring people an incarcerated person interacts with. This is what keeps us going inside, through metal detectors and big steel doors. We hope to be a dependable, kind presence in these men’s lives.
Yet this isn’t a story about us specifically. It could be anyone going into prison, supporting the inmates. It could be anyone serving people in need. It could be anyone showing up for friends in grief, transition, or difficulty.
This is a reminder of how we impact each other—not just our loved ones but people we don’t know very well.
We have daily opportunities to be kind. They may seem small and unimportant, but that’s where we create change.
In a fearful world, kindness matters. Listening matters. Curiosity, love, and understanding matter.
You never know the exact moment when you’re the person who positively and significantly impacts another person's life.
