Today begins Passover.

Tonight I took supplies to a Jewish offender (who's housing unit is quarantined, because flu) for him to observe the Seder meal.

The officer let me in and, seeing the food, said,

"This has gotten out of hand."

"What's gotten out of hand?" I ask.

"Catering to every inmate's religion for every little thing every time they ask. It's too much. They get everything they want."

I stare at him.

I'm racking my brain. Where do I even start? Explaining that Passover is not "a little religious request", that he wouldn't think it was "out of hand" if it was a Christian celebrating Easter, that religion is one of the few solace these men are afforded...

...not to mention the outlandish idea that prisoners "get everything they want," as if they even wanted to be in prison in the first place.

I take a deep breath and count to 3.

I say, "I disagree with you. But you probably assumed that, since I'm the Chaplain."

We ended up having a meaningful conversation.

But I'm tired of hearing those bullshit comments, yall.

We can't keep other-ing people and spreading resentment.

There is enough love for all of us.

There is enough space for all of us.

We ALL Belong.