Progress Observed in Men's State Prison, Chino. CA

8:55 AM Tuesday June 23

Men's Correctional Facility Chino, CA

Population: Minimum Security and soon to be released

They say that today is the best day of your life because yesterday has passed and tomorrow certainly isn't promised. It just so happens that I am a witness to a group of 36 men (fathers, sons, brothers and husbands) eager and with reason, to make THIS day their best day.

For the first time I am joining Dr. Rabb at the Chino Mens Correctional Facility. One of the inmates offers us coffee while the other plays a Christian CD before the class begins (they both want us to know more about the music group that volunteers every month to worship with them). Class is held in the prison church “home”. Inside the church, divided by a thin cracked wooden screen, Muslim prayer rugs lay on one side of the room and on the other side of the screen are pews lined up perfectly facing a Jesus statue. My first thought… one of the few churches in the world where mankind can actively practice, respect, and worship different faiths under a shared roof. I wonder what the world would be like if this simple act of tolerance was practiced worldwide. The lawn is crowded and men are patiently waiting in light blue scrubs labeled “prisoner” written in orange letters on their pants. I hear them telling their peers that the movie won't be seen today and that the time slot is being replaced with a “Relationship Class”. A few leave disappointed, but the majority stay determined to understand their behavior and the behaviors of their partners more clearly. Many want to fix their marriages, others want to simply be understood in the relationships their in.

Someone catches my attention. A gentlemen raises his hand to admit to Dr. Rabb and his peer group that he lies to women during the first few weeks of courtship "to get them where they need to be (with him)” prior to revealing his true self. Dr. Rabb acknowledges his ability to observe his dysfunctional behavior. To know, is a small step towards progress. I am a witness to several fathers who share their struggles to be present in their children’s lives. Two men prior being incarcerated fought and won full custody of their kids (their adult children are now well). One inmate, who admits that he’s never been a good father to his kids, speaks boldly as he blames “the system” for his absence. While a very few nod in agreement, Dr. Rabb responds back with an accountability lesson. The men with the exception of just two participants share their painful experience growing up in a fatherless household. Many admit to physical and sexually abuse witnessed as children themselves. Good news...ten inmates test 100% perfect score on tough identifying behavior differences in Love vs. Infatuation. Someone asks “How can I be a good father if I’ve never been shown how?” Another asks …“How can I be a good husband, when I never met one in my life?”

Initially I am pleasantly surprised by the hospitality, the warm hellos, and their interest to learn how to use the skills identified by Dr. Rabb in the class. Overall the experience was immeasurable. My first intention was to service and impact lives, but I am surprisingly humbled in a different way because the impact stands with me as well. I am shocked by the painfully honest stories, the remorse, and wisdom …shared by the inmates.

Lastly, I give Him thanks for the questions. I am a witness to growth that stands before me.
Growth starts with a thought and then a question.