Family Graduation
I had the privilege this week to attend a special graduation; I went to a TUMI graduation. It was held at our local prison, and the gentlemen graduating were all incarcerated. I was invited to go by my friend who has been teaching the course the men were graduating from for the past four years. TUMI stands for The Urban Ministry Institute, and it is a seminary level theological study. The graduation program was powerful. Fifteen men received a certificate of completion in this course which is funded and administered by Prison Fellowship. Fifteen men studied for four years about God, His Word, His plan and purpose, discipleship and leadership. Fifteen men who many would perceive as “less than,” proved themselves to be committed to Jesus Christ and knowledgeable about His Word.
A few of them briefly told their stories. I was struck by the idea that their stories were my stories. Some of the details are obviously different, but the basic facts are the same. We are sinners. We have committed acts that make God Almighty weep. God, in His great mercy, sent his one and only son, Jesus Christ, to be born on earth, to experience life as we experience it, and to eventually be killed in a horrific and traumatic way, paying the consequence for the sins that I committed as well as the sins of the TUMI graduates. The TUMI graduates and myself are now children of God — together. We are family. We are one. I was overwhelmed by that truth. Even now, it is something a bit out of my grasp as I work to wrap my mind around it.
I was also struck by their commitment to minister to those in their corner of the world. They weren’t whining and complaining about how God probably couldn’t use them. Though a few mentioned the idea of someday, when they could be released, they weren’t focused on a life circumstance that they weren’t currently living. They spoke of ways to interact with other inmates, creating relationships with men who come in, and how often the relationships don’t last long because the men are moved on. It didn’t sound much different from my world. I have a set group of people I tend to interact with, encounter on a regular basis. I live in just one neighborhood and see the same people drive up and down my street, the same children walk by my house to school, the same people working in their yards during the summer, and shoveling snow in the winter. I came face to face with the reality that I had a distinct group of people to minister to and to reach with the gospel of Jesus Christ, just like the TUMI graduates. I don’t need to wait for “someday,” when my circumstance might be more appealing, or easier, or holding more free time, or more financially secure. The TUMI graduates had a willingness to study, read, stretch themselves, be tested and evaluated on their knowledge of Jesus and His Word. And they were excited and ready to apply their knowledge, their passion and their faith with whomever God sent to their “neighborhood.” I could hear God’s spirit challenging my heart and asking if I was as prepared and excited to reach those I encounter with the truth and love of Jesus’ gospel as those amazing TUMI graduates.
I had the privilege this week of attending a special graduation. I went without expectation of receiving and left overwhelmed by the example exemplified by those I have at times perceived that I am better than. They humbled me, challenged me, and excited me about the opportunities God has given to me in my small corner of the world. My heart is full as I think about my extended family that I was newly introduced to; have 15 brothers, and I’m proud to say they all recently graduated! God is good, and I am grateful that He allows even me to be part of His glorious family.
