Awareness

Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.

I do try to not fear evil. However it is also important that we not forget that it is there. Sometimes it is important to be reminded of it. For the last six plus years I've been a part of a ministry that goes into a Philadelphia prison six to eight times a month to lead a worship service. Although we've had incidents of disrespect and disruption we've never had a violent occurrence there. Well, I guess I should have said, we had never had a violent occurrence - before. At the end of tonight's service, as Royce was beginning the altar call, one of the men was slashed across the face with a knife or a similar sharp item.

We're not sure if it was thrown or hand wielded, but one of the guys received one or two decent size slashes across his face. It appeared that he was ok, but there was a lot of blood. Bob took over immediately making all the correct moves. He looked straight at me and told me to get the CO (Correctional Officer). As soon as the CO's began coming in the room he hustled us out the door and away from any potential action.

We then had the chance to reflect on what just happened. While multiple emotions flowed amongst us, I realized that one emotion was not present within me. I felt no fear. I was happy we were all safe, and hoped that the men and the responding CO's would all be safe - but at no time did I fear what was happening. Maybe it was because I was on the other side of the room. However, the room isn't really that big so that probably wasn't it. Maybe it was all of the CO's that began pouring in. But it actually took them a little while to secure the area, so it probably wasn't that either.

So what was it? As I write this I realize that it was the numerous comments the men made, all saying about the same thing - "We don't do that here". And what I can interpret that to mean is, "This is a house of God. We don't do that here."

The men that come down week after week are getting it. They are beginning their walk and trying to change their lives. That made me feel safe. I felt that they "had our backs" and would have done whatever they had to do to keep us safe. And I mean what I say when I said that they are beginning their walk. Because I hope eventually they begin to drop a word. "We don't do that" is infinitely better than "we don't do that here".

God was with us tonight. He doesn't promise that we will always be safe. He doesn't guarantee that our walk will be easy. What he does is let us know that the walk we take with him will be worthwhile. And that is really what's important.

Psalm 23:5-6 - You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

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