A New Kind of Normal

I recently finished reading 'A New Kind of Normal' by Carol Kent. In this book she talks about the new normal and different mindset she and her husband had to adjust to after their only son was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. 

I think it's easy as a prisoner to forget the new normal our family must adjust to when we come to prison. We get caught up in the drama of prison life and start worrying about how we can pay for tennis shoes or snacks to supplement the piss-poor meals they serve us. We can end up losing sight of how our actions have rippled into a tidal-wave often catching our loved ones in its destructive path. If, like me, the prisoner has an out date, some family can get caught up in a mental holding pattern, always thinking in terms of 'when he gets home'. 

What's important for prisoners (and their loved ones) to remember is that life goes on. The beauty of life isn't found in a future of maybes, but in the joys of today. Sometimes it's hard to find joy in today when you're separated from your loved ones, or when your plans have to be adjusted because your father, brother, or son is locked up. But joy can be found in each day, even in the midst of a prison environment. 

By choosing your focus you can choose to find joy in today...and be sure to share it with your loved one in prison!

For more information on author Carol Kent and her prison ministry 'Speak Up for Hope', visit  www.SpeakUpForHope.org 

Limitless Hope

When I started this blog, I named it "Hope on the Inside" because of
how important I believe hope is, both to those in prison, and those
outside. 

Regardless of the particular circumstances, whenever someone
is in the midst of a crisis or significant shift in life, sometimes
hope is what makes the difference between carrying on and giving up.
It also determines whether you thrive or just survive.

The problem with hope is that sometimes it disappoints. Sometimes it
doesn't deliver on time and sometimes not at all. The key is in what
(or on Whom) your hope lies.

In her book, "As Silver Refined", author Kay Arthur observed, "When we
lose hope, in essence it's because we believe that God's
lovingkindnesses have ceased - that there's nothing more we can expect
from God, that he's reached His limit."

To me, holding onto hope is believing not only in God's limitless
supply, but also believing in His willingness to use that supply in my
life. Sometimes I want to come to God selfishly wanting my way, in my
time, but I know that part of God's goodness is knowing what is right
for me, and when it's right for me.

Choosing hope means surrendering my will for something far better:
whatever it is God has planned for me.

I love seeing God work in ways I've never thought of before. It always
brings a smile to my face when God surprises me.
Keep hope, my friends. The Author of hope never disappoints.