Freedom Behind Bars

I received a letter from an inmate this week. It totally touched my heart.

Actually, the publisher of my Too Blessed to be Stressed books received the letter then forwarded it to me.

The female, 40-something inmate, whom I’ll call Shelly for privacy purposes, had a spiritual heart transplant nine months ago while in jail on drug charges as a result of her decade-long search for a reason for being alive.

Ironically, Shelly found what she was searching for behind bars. She had an encounter with a living, loving, powerful Savior who broke open the chains of addiction that had held her prisoner for most of her adult life.

Shelly writes, “I am very grateful for my time here at the jail. I found a new way of life. I have a peace and love like I have never had my whole life. I am grateful for being here to have had a chance to get to know the Lord Jesus Christ.”

She is still in jail, but now rejoices in the freedom she feels. And she wants to help others behind bars experience the same liberation of spirit.

Shelly is active in an inmate group called “Women’s Bible Daily Devotions” and a friend brought her a copy of my book, Too Blessed to be Stressed, to share with the others.

In Shelly’s words to my publisher, “It is an awesome read; Debora has a way of making you feel what she is talking about. I thank the Lord for putting on people’s hearts – like Debora’s – what He wants her to say to draw people closer to Him in different ways and walks of life. GOD IS SO GOOD!”

Shelly closed her letter by asking my publisher if they would be kind enough to donate enough books for all the ladies in her group to have one of their own. And maybe even a few extra to share with those whose hearts and spirits are still imprisoned and searching for more.

Wow. Just wow.

My eyes started leaking as I read Shelly’s letter.

My own heart is filled with gratitude that Papa God used my written words to burst through barriers I never anticipated and bring the light of His Word into a dark place I had no way of going myself. To change lives. To break chains. To free spirits.

Yep, there surely is power in the name of Jesus.

Shelly is at the top of my prayer list this week and I humbly ask you, dearest BBFFs (Blessed Blog Friends Forever), to put her on yours too.

Shelly is in a unique position to really shine for Jesus from the inside of that jail all the way to the outside. Would you join me in praying for Papa God to strengthen Shelly’s personal walk of faith day by day so that it eventually goes out into the world with her, supporting her resolve to live for Jesus in compromising situations she may encounter?

And that Shelly’s message is truly heard today as she spreads the unfettered joy of her salvation to those behind bars with her who NEED the eternal hope that Jesus offers?

Thank you, my friend, for supporting Shelly. Prayer is the most and the least we can do for someone.

 

P.S. Be sure to enter your name in my Sizzling Summer Giveaway – win great FREE stuff!  The drawing will be on July 31 so don’t wait – enter today! (At my website DeboraCoty.com, just click on “Freebies” then the Giveaway.)