It began when I got down on my knees and cried out to God from a place of utter despair. Little did I know that a few weeks later, I’d receive the call that changed my life forever.  My loved one had been incarcerated. The absolute heartbreak and devastation I felt at the news can’t properly be explained. I experienced so many emotions and had unanswered questions. I felt guilt, shame, embarrassment, and fear of an unknown future for my loved one and family. I questioned everything I had ever done and said, every choice, and every decision. 

I didn’t understand, at first, that my loved one’s incarceration was the answer to my prayer. Thus, began a journey I certainly didn’t ask for and didn’t know I absolutely needed. See, this could easily be a story about another person sent to prison, but God saw fit to allow this to be MY STORY. Allow me to explain. My loved one being sent to prison knocked the wind out of me for months and nearly took me out. Yes, I struggled with not wanting to live through the pain. How was I going to make it through the court process and sentencing? How was I going to show up to prison for visitation and swallow the lump in my throat from the fear of seeing officers, hearing dangling keys on their belt loops and the buzzing of doors opening and slamming shut? How was I going to keep a smile on my face without crying? How was I going to offer encouragement when I need encouraging?