Paul Pommells, Author ...and inmate
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Not just "making do"

12/15/2013

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The chapel services at the California Men's Colony are announced at 8:45am. I was sitting outside today when it was announced-- talking to a friend, a new co-worker I recently loaned a book to. He is new to prison and had not been inside a prison chapel yet. I invited him to tag along and he did.

The chapel here is something to be commented on. It can boast of having actual pews and a real altar. Most prison chapels have to make do with folding chairs and tables. When we walked in I noticed a few new Christmas decorations. The chapel was decorated with a humble Christmas tree, wreaths, and a small Nativity scene. Seeing them stirred up warm memories and thoughts of what this season means.

Before Mass I prayed for a long list of people who came to mind. I tried not to be selfish, but a few of my own needs came to mind. Then I sat back in the pew and quietly collected my thoughts.

I imagined going to church services in the future with my family. I envision myself taking an active role in my local church after my release. Envisioning myself taking an active role has become easy since I enrolled in TUMI. Now I not only feel comfortable with the idea of taking an active role, I feel it is required of me. I must live out my faith.

When I signed up for TUMI late last year, I knew it would have an impact on my walk, but it has far surpassed my expectations. Sharing what I learn from them has become second nature-- see, I'm doing it again.  :-)
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    Love you, Mom!

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    Paul Pommells has been an inmate of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for more than twenty years, and has learned much about himself, his fellow inmates, and where one can find the hope and power to change.

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