LOST BOY, Found

“You gonna be a man or a baby?” I was a fourteen-year-old kid when that question came my way. My response had consequences that changed my life forever.

As the middle of five children, I didn’t adjust well to my parent’s divorce. After they split, Mom moved us to a different town in Pasco County, Florida. The only thing that made the transition bearable was that I didn’t have to make new friends.

My best friend, Bobby, had the newest Nintendo system, so I practically lived at his house. That’s where I was on Super Bowl weekend 1992. After school that Friday, I jumped on my bike and rode 14 miles to Bobby’s. I would never return home.

The weekend started innocently enough, but trouble came knocking on Sunday when Alvin, the oldest in our group, showed up and started talking about robbing a house. He was nineteen, and I thought hanging out with him was pretty cool.

We glanced nervously at one another. Was he serious? Someone finally asked, “What if someone’s home?”

“You little babies need to man up!” Alvin sneered. My heart dropped.

Two of the kids wanted no part in the plan. They jumped on their bikes and took off, ignoring Alvin’s taunts and insults. That left me and Bobby alone with Alvin. By this time, we had walked down the street toward the target house.

We stopped in front of it, and Alvin turned and glared at me. “Okay. What about you?”

I was 14 miles from home, it was dark, and I had only my bike. What else could I do? Seconds later, the three of us were standing on the front steps.

The house was dark, as if no one were home. Gripping a shotgun, Alvin kicked in the door, and we went inside. A man’s voice shouted, “Who’s there?!” Awakened from their sleep, the owner of the home and his elderly mother emerged to investigate the noise.

I hid under a table as total chaos broke loose. Alvin’s shotgun blasted, and from my hiding place, I witnessed the kind of evil most people only see in horror movies. The first chance I got, I fled out the front door and ran from the scene where two innocent people lay murdered in cold blood.

When the cops caught up with us early the next day, I felt like I’d been rescued. I sat handcuffed to a chair, waiting for my mom so detectives could question me. In my head, I could hear her voice. “Tim, stay away from that boy,” she’d said the day she met Alvin. “Something isn’t right with him.”

When she arrived, she was clearly wrestling with shock. “Just tell them the truth, son. Everything will be okay.”

I talked with the detectives for hours without an attorney, telling them what I remembered, from Alvin’s robbery plan up to the murders. When the questioning was over, I thought I would finally get to go home with Mom and forget this nightmare.

To our shock and bewilderment, I didn’t go home. In fact, the nightmare was just beginning. The detectives charged me under the Florida Felony Murder Rule. This rule held liable anyone present during a robbery gone wrong, regardless of their actions or nonactions. That meant I was just as responsible for the murders as my codefendants, even though I hadn’t held a weapon.

I was booked into the juvenile detention center on two counts of first-degree murder. My first night was terrifying. I was stripped down to my underwear and left alone in a cold cell, locked behind a heavy steel door with only a blanket, thin mattress, steel toilet, and a light that never turned off. I cried myself to sleep, only to wake in panic, haunted by the sights, sounds, and smells of the terrible things I had witnessed.

During the nine days that I was in the juvenile detention center, the father of a football buddy paid me a visit. He was a pastor, and he didn’t come to scold or lecture me. He offered to pray with me, and I’ll never forget the first whisper of peace that washed over me as he spoke. His visit was significant because it was the first time someone showed me Jesus, even though at the time I didn’t see it that way.

The court decided to try me as an adult, and I was transferred to the Pasco County Jail to await trial. My attorney painted a grim, realistic picture—I could spend the rest of my life in prison.

Time stood still, and confusion mounted. How had this happened? What could I have done to change the outcome, not just for myself but for those who lost their lives?

I was climbing the walls and would’ve done anything to get out of that place, so I attended a Bible study. There, I met an old, tattooed ex-biker who came to talk to us about Jesus. He seemed relatable as he talked about how he’d done drugs,

drank, and did horrible things to other people. I wondered why guys like him wasted their time going into jails to talk to people like me.

And that’s when he said, “But then I met Jesus, and He forgave me and set me free.”

When the study was over, the man handed me a Bible. “Jesus has the answers to your questions, son. Start with Matthew and read through the New Testament. That’s where you’ll find Him.”

I took the Bible, put it in my cell, and forgot all about it. But God didn’t forget about me.

A few months later, a disciplinary write-up landed me in solitary confinement for 45 days. Reality hit hard in that lonely cell. With no distractions or anyone to talk to, I couldn’t escape the despairing thought that I might spend the rest of my life in prison. I was 15, and my life was over, completely without purpose.

Meanwhile, there was that Bible, sitting in my bin—it was all I had with me. Desperate, I finally did what the old guy said: I opened to the book of Matthew and just started reading. Jesus became so real to me as the stories of His life carried me out of my cell and circumstances. It was as if I were witnessing Him perform miracles and heal all those people, right there in front of me.

As I read through each gospel account of Jesus’s life, I would get to the crucifixion and wonder why everyone was always trying to kill Him.

When I got to John’s account of Jesus’s death on the cross, something shifted inside me. I’m the one who deserves punishment! For the first time, I realized that Jesus had come and willingly laid down His life for me, even though I had nothing to offer in return. He had overcome death and the grave so I could be forgiven and have eternal life. Suddenly, Jesus’s sacrifice was personal: He had died for me!

On September 12, 1993, while still in solitary confinement, I believed in Jesus Christ for salvation and accepted Him as my Lord. There was no earth-shaking experience, no fancy prayer, no response to an altar call. I simply realized and accepted that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, had given His life for mine (John 3:16). I had no idea what following Christ would look like, but I was committed.

One year later, at 16, I received two life sentences with no chance of parole for 25 years. I was scared to death the day I boarded a bus full of grown men and headed to an adult facility in the Florida Department of Corrections.

I had much to learn, both about prison life and God when I arrived, and the Lord sent Christian men to disciple me. They were like brothers and helped me steer clear of trouble. Through them, I witnessed what walking with the Lord looks like. I was baptized and developed spiritual disciplines like prayer and spending time in God’s Word.

Reading the Bible sowed many seeds of hope in my heart. The story of Joseph (Genesis 39–50) particularly impacted me. Joseph hadn’t asked for any of the circumstances that had altered his life, not even the accusations that landed him in prison for something he didn’t do.

I was particularly impressed with how, despite all the injustices he suffered, Joseph’s obedience and trust in the Lord never wavered. He waited patiently for the Lord’s deliverance, and God gave him favor in whatever he did.

I wasn’t innocent like Joseph, and I wasn’t always faithful like him either. I had tumbled into a pit because of my bad decision to go to that house that night. I was present when two innocent people lost their lives, and I was in prison because I deserved punishment. But still, Joseph’s story encouraged me. God was with Joseph through every hardship, and the Bible promised God would be with me too.

Understanding God’s level of mercy and love for me (Romans 5:8) changed how I did my time. I even thanked Him for my incarceration—it’s where I learned about my need for a savior. “It was good for me to be afflicted,” Psalm 119:71 says, “so that I might learn [God’s] decrees” (NIV).

I prayed for God to teach me to trust Him and be faithful like Joseph. Lord, I don’t want to be here forever, but as I wait, please use every bit of this time for Your glory. That prayer was a game-changer. Prison walls didn’t have to prevent me from experiencing the true freedom Jesus provides (2 Corinthians 3:17), nor did they disqualify me from being used by Him.

My first ministry assignment came after my story aired on national television. Letters of encouragement poured in, and God showed me an opportunity to help people. “Lord,” I said, “as long as the stamps keep coming, I’ll keep writing.”

I responded to every letter with a pen in hand and the hope of Jesus in my heart. Remember how Jesus multiplied loaves and fish to feed the multitudes in Matthew 14:15–21? Well, He did the same thing with the stamps. I never ran out.

Ten years into my sentence, my mom passed away unexpectedly. Losing her broke my heart. Satan took the opportunity to stir up old feelings of guilt and regret. “She’d still be alive if you hadn’t gotten into trouble,” he whispered. I was overwhelmed with grief.

The hardest part was not knowing if my mom was saved and then realizing she would never get to see what Jesus was doing in my life. I was allowed to attend her funeral—something almost unheard of in the prison system. God’s undeniable supernatural favor did the impossible on that one.

I cried out, “Please, Lord. Let my dad see me outside these gates with the freedom You have given me.” His only response was to strengthen me as I pressed on through my grief (2 Corinthians 12:8–10).

Seven years later, I was walking from the chapel to my dorm when God gave me a glimpse of His plan for my life. I was staring at the razor wire and fences around the compound when the Lord’s still, small voice told me, “Tell these fences to come down.”

I obeyed and commanded the fences to come down in Jesus’s name. I thought I would see the fences collapse. Instead, in my mind’s eye, I became like a giant. I could see myself stepping back and forth over those fences. Somehow, I knew in my spirit that God wasn’t going to let me die in prison. I wrote the date and vision in my Bible so I could reflect on it anytime I struggled to wait well.

In 2016, right before my 25-year mark, I was interviewed for my upcoming parole hearing. The investigator went through his scoring system and told me he wouldn’t recommend me for parole until 2027.

I would still have my hearing, but I wasn’t expecting much more than that. I thanked him for his time and started talking to God. “Father, please!” I prayed. “You know I can wait ten more years, but I don’t think my family can.”

I couldn’t attend the hearing, but during a call to my dad, a feeling rose inside of me that I couldn’t shake. “Dad, please! I don’t know why, but you’ve got to be there,” I told him. He thought I’d lost it.

“Why would I go all the way there just to be disappointed,” he responded. I didn’t know how to answer him, but he finally agreed to go.

Dad and everyone else in attendance witnessed a miracle that day. The room was stunned when Bernie McCabe got up to speak. It was the first time in the parole board’s history that a sitting district attorney spoke on behalf of an inmate. He acknowledged that the prosecution should have handled the case differently from the beginning and asked for my parole to be granted. He closed with these words, “He’s waited long enough.”

Mr. McCabe had examined my case because of a review Judge John Blue had written. Judge Blue had actually denied one of my appeals but had been troubled because he had to rule according to the law. He wrote a review before retiring which ultimately convinced Bernie McCabe to look into my case. God used Judge Blue’s review to set this history-making parole hearing in motion. By unanimous decision, I was granted parole and released from prison within six months.

On February 23, 2017, I walked out of those prison gates a free and redeemed man of God. The Lord had set me free, though, long before those gates opened (John 8:32, 36). He had made me alive even before I had been condemned, and He had been preparing me for my new assignment on the outside for all those years. Prison time was just one big preparation season.

To this day, I praise God for hearing the cries of a grieving boy who had lost his mother. With my release, He gave me the gift of almost seven years with my dad. I am grateful to God for every second I had with him. When Dad passed away in 2023, I not only attended his funeral but preached a message. And this time, praise God, I wasn’t wearing leg irons and a chain around my waist like I had to at my mom’s funeral.

Living free on the outside of the razor wire has had its challenges, but God has been with me every step of the way, just as He was when I was in prison. He’s helped me experience many milestones, like learning to drive, earning a paycheck, paying bills, completing parole, and marrying my beautiful wife, Ericka.

The Lord has also led me back to prison to share my testimony, including the one where I’d resided. There, I shared before hundreds of men how I witnessed God’s goodness on that same compound years before. I pray that each man will come to know God’s goodness for themselves.

My testimony is like the one penned by David in Psalm 40:1–3: “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.”

A day doesn’t go by that I don’t reflect on my years in prison and pray for the brothers I left behind. I pray for men and women everywhere who are bound, whether in prison or by circumstance. I long to deliver the Good News of Jesus to them, for I know that the power of the gospel can free anyone, regardless of where they are in life.

I used to wonder why people would give up their free time to go to prison and talk about Jesus. Now I know why, because the same love for Jesus and His Great Commission that commanded them compels me to walk back through those gates.

I have a burden to share the gospel—the Good News that Jesus saves and frees—with as many captives as I can in the time I have left. I can’t imagine doing anything else, for the gospel of Jesus Christ enabled me, a once thoroughly lost boy, to find his place as a son of the Living God.

Jesus strengthened and comforted me, and He transformed my life into one of purpose even while I was behind bars. He will do the same for anyone who comes to Him.

Timothy and Ericka Kane team up to bring the hope of Jesus and worship alongside their brothers and sisters behind prison walls. Tim is a business owner and serves with Generational Change, an outreach of Empowered to Change. In his role as chaplain, he helps give a voice to and restore the lives of others through various transitional programs. For more information, visit empoweredtochangeint.org.

Let Your Life Shine

Have you ever felt like you are on a journey to nowhere? Or that you’ve lost everything and everyone dear? Does your future seem bleak and hopeless? Do you feel alone with nowhere to call home? If so, don’t despair. God can redeem the most desperate situation.

The book of Ruth, found in the Old Testament, tells the story of Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. It is a powerful testimony of God’s redeeming love and people’s sacrificial love toward one another. It also shows how our actions can honor our Lord and position us for His blessings.

These women’s lives first intertwined when Naomi’s husband, Elimelech, moved his wife and their two sons from Bethlehem to Moab because of a great famine in their homeland. There was a long, not-so-good history between the tribes of Israel and the land of Moab, and the Bible gives no indication that God led Elimelech on this journey. The decision most likely came through human reasoning and desperation.

Regardless, they settled in and, in time, their sons married two Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Naomi and her two daughters-in-law developed a genuine love for one another. This became evident when Elimelech and the sons died, leaving the women alone.

Heartbroken, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem. Now, legally and traditionally, after their husbands’ deaths, Orpah and Ruth could have returned to their homes, remarried, and started over. But both insisted on staying with Naomi.

Naomi didn’t want them to leave their families, and she encouraged the girls to stay. Orpah eventually did return to her family, but Naomi could not persuade Ruth to do so. Ruth even made a permanent vow to follow Naomi wherever she went and to follow the God of Israel.

The two poverty-stricken widows traveled back to Bethlehem with seemingly little hope for their future. It had been at least ten years since Naomi had left her homeland; could anything good be waiting for her there?

Upon their arrival, many asked, “Can this be Naomi?” Maybe they were shocked to see her back in Bethlehem or maybe they didn’t recognize her. I imagine the weight of her tragic life had impacted her appearance and demeanor. Naomi no longer reflected her name, which means “pleasant.” She had lost her joy and her confidence. She even asked her old friends to call her Mara, which means “bitter.” Then, she publicly blamed God for bringing such tragedy into her life.

I am so grateful that God doesn’t turn His back on us in these not-so-glamorous moments. Instead, He actively pursues, loves, and blesses us beyond anything we could deserve or imagine (Ephesians 2:8–9; 3:20). Such was the case for Naomi and Ruth. From the moment they returned to Bethlehem, God met their every need and more.

I get so fired up when I read about the incredible God-victories of these two ladies. I think my favorite part of the story is when Ruth heads out to gather leftover grain behind the harvesters. Ruth 2:3 says, “And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech” (NLT). Boaz was a kind, protective man and a relative with the means and heart to help these women.

I don’t believe for one second that Ruth just “happened” onto Boaz’s land. No way. Psalm 37:23 says, “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives” (NLT). Ruth’s steps were ordered by the God she had committed to follow.

God delighted in the details of Naomi and Ruth’s lives by giving Ruth a husband in Boaz. Together, they had a child, Obed, who was in the lineage of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Wow! Talk about a redemption story. And He gave Naomi the joy of being a grandmother through this child.

I can’t help but wonder, though, how differently this story might have ended if Ruth had given up on Naomi, God, and the hope of a better future. What if she had taken on a victim mentality, grown bitter, and wallowed in self-pity? What if she had refused to do what she could to move forward and instead sat down and demanded that God just fix it all?

I think it is safe to say she would have missed her “Boaz moment.” Her courageous response to her situation positioned Ruth to experience God’s blessings in a profound way. God used her humble spirit, hard work, and selfless actions to draw Boaz’s attention to Ruth and Naomi’s plight.

We can learn so much from Ruth’s character, conviction, and commitment. I believe if we put these traits into action in our own lives, we would find ourselves blessed in unbelievable ways too. Proverbs 3:3–4 tells us that honoring God and His people brings about favor—both from God and others.

Let’s talk about Ruth’s honoring character. Never has there been a friend more loyal and kind than Ruth. And to think, she stayed with Naomi when her mother-in-law was at her absolute worst, even after she had just lost her own husband. John 15:13 says, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (NLT). In 1 Peter 5:6, we’re told that God honors such humility and will lift us up in His time.

Ruth was loyal, kind, and humble. She was also a hardworking lady. She rose daily, took to the fields, and did what was needed with integrity. And yet, not once did Ruth seek recognition for her kindness. She didn’t need to—God saw her good deeds, which she did in private, and rewarded her openly (Matthew 6:3–4).

Luke 16:10 is one of my favorite verses. It says, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities” (NLT). Ruth was faithful “in little things” by stewarding well her time, relationships, and the opportunities that came her way.

Notice, too, that with every blessing and opportunity, Ruth gave thanks. She never once demanded more or acted as though the world owed her for her hardships. “Be thankful in all circumstances,” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (NLT).

Finally, Ruth had a tender, teachable heart. She listened to and heeded the advice of Naomi and Boaz. She never ran ahead; she patiently waited for God and others to act. Proverbs 13:18 teaches, “If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.” Honored by whom? By God and mankind.

We often underestimate the importance of our actions. Whether in word or deed, our actions reflect to a watching world the truth of who we are at our core. And God-honoring actions naturally position us for blessings.

Here are some questions to ponder. What’s our reputation among the people around us? If someone examined our lives, who or what would they see? Hopefully, they see a person who is loyal, kind, patient, hardworking, honest, humble, full of integrity, and faithful. But more importantly, what does God see?

The way we conduct our lives is important. Titus 1:16 teaches that, even if we claim to be His, we can deny God by the way we live. May it never be so!

Instead, as Matthew 5:16 says, may our “good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise [our] heavenly Father.” Life is not about us or about our being blessed. It’s about honoring our Lord. And because He is so good, God will in turn honor us and meet our every need.

Kristi Overton Johnson encourages and equips people for victory through her writings, speaking engagements, and prison ministry. To learn more, go to kojministries.org.

On The Right Track

Do you ever feel like everything you do is wrong? And then, when it seems you’re finally headed in the right direction, some train comes barreling out of nowhere and runs you over?

I’ve been there. Lately, it’s seemed that there’s a whole line of people just waiting to send a train my direction, knocking me down and pointing out my failures.

It’s hard sometimes to believe anything other than that I am a failure. I’ve cried out to God countless times, begging Him to help me get up and back on the right track. It’s hard, and I’m struggling.

Studying biblical stories of people like Joseph (Genesis 37; 39–50) helps me find strength to keep going. He was knocked down a lot, yet he lived an incredibly fulfilling life.

Joseph was the youngest of his siblings and his father’s favorite. His brothers grew jealous of their dad’s lopsided affection. It didn’t help that Dad made Joseph a special coat of many colors or that Joseph had shared his dream that his brothers and father would someday bow down to him.

One day, his brothers decided to kill him. At the last minute, his oldest brother intervened and convinced the others to “just” throw Joseph into a nearby pit instead. But then along came a caravan of Ishmaelites, and the brothers sold Joseph into slavery. He was taken to Egypt where he ended up serving Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard.

There, in Potiphar’s house, things started looking up. Potiphar liked Joseph and put him in charge of the household. But Potiphar’s wife liked him, too, and she tried to seduce him. When Joseph, a man of God, refused her advances, the rejected woman sought revenge and falsely accused Joseph of rape. Potiphar threw him in prison.

Joseph’s life once again seemed to be heading in the wrong direction, but then he interpreted the dream of a fellow prisoner, one of Pharaoh’s servants. The servant promised to remember Joseph when he was released from prison. For a moment, there was a glimpse of hope.

Once released, however, the man forgot, and Joseph stayed in that prison two more years. Then Pharaoh needed a dream interpreted, and the servant remembered his promise. Joseph was brought up from the prison to the palace, and after a successful interpretation, was made the second most powerful man in Egypt.

Joseph went on to save not only Egypt but surrounding nations, including his entire family, from an incredible famine.

Think about Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace. He experienced verbal and physical assaults, abandonment, rejection, imprisonment, and isolation. He was sold into slavery, falsely accused of rape, and forgotten. He was a man repeatedly knocked down at no fault of his own.

It would’ve been easy for Joseph to grow angry, seek revenge, complain, or give up. But there is no account anywhere of him being spiteful or disgruntled or hopeless.

Instead, Joseph lived his life to the fullest wherever he found himself. He served God faithfully with integrity and excellence. He focused on what God said about him and his future, not what people and his circumstances said.

A closer look of the story reveals another beautiful truth: God was there. Joseph was never alone—not in the pit or the prison. Nor was he without hope. God was always at work, moving Joseph to where he needed to be and at just the right time.

In Genesis 45:7, Joseph told his brothers that God had sent him to Egypt, not them. God had taken what they had meant for harm and used it for good (Genesis 50:20).

I want to be like Joseph. I want to trust that God is with me and that He is in control and at work. And the Bible says I can!

Isaiah 41:10 promises that God is with me, strengthening, helping, and upholding me. Psalm 56:8 promises that He sees my sorrows and is keeping track of them. And Romans 8:28 says that God is working out all the pits of my life for my good and His glory.

He’s doing all these things for you too.

CARLA OWENS loves the Lord and seeks to know Him more intimately every day. She is Kristi Overton Johnson’s executive assistant and the administrative director of Victorious Living.

God’s Better Plan

In 1975, Henry and I met, fell in love, and got married, all within eight months. It was a whirlwind romance. Two years later we had a son, and five years after that, a daughter. Our family seemed complete.

Henry and I chased the American dream, working hard to provide for our family. God blessed us both with long teaching careers within the Maryland school system and other endeavors. Time passed quickly, and Henry and I began imagining our golden years. We saw much relaxing and reminiscing in our future.

In 2016, when our retirement finally came into focus, we felt God leading us to downsize and move to North Carolina. We were both excited about moving closer to family and experiencing a slower pace with the beautiful country life.

It was challenging, though, leaving our adult kids, who were both experiencing great hardships. Plus, our daughter, Nicole, was pregnant with twins. She was already raising two children as a single mom, under some very difficult circumstances.

The twins were due the same week the moving truck was to deliver all our belongings to our new home, seven hours away. Henry and I decided he should go ahead and meet the movers in North Carolina and that I should stay behind to help Nicole. I was thrilled to be in the hospital room when the girls were born.

Leaving our son, daughter, and grandchildren was among the hardest things I’ve ever done. I was guilt-ridden as a mother. Shouldn’t we always be there to help our children? Yet I sensed God urging me to trust Nicole and our grandkids to His care.

“Lord, I trust You. I’m just going to wait on You.” I prayed these words often. I was trying to walk out Psalm 27:14, which says: “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord” (NLT).

Fear attempted to settle in my heart, especially after our son was diagnosed with a long-term health crisis that required round-the-clock care.

I’m telling you—I was in a full-blown fight of faith to keep from giving way. I clung to Psalm 27:1, which says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” (NLT).

In 2017, I encountered some physical challenges of my own when I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer and told it had entered my lymph nodes. I wrestled with weakness and weariness as I underwent a lumpectomy, 33 rounds of chemo, and 16 rounds of radiation.

The treatments for my breast cancer took a heavy toll on my health. The hardest part was being isolated and unable to attend church services. I was so grateful when I finally had the strength to return. On that first Sunday back, I was overcome with gratitude and couldn’t stop praising the Lord. This challenging season taught me to appreciate the simple act of gathering with my church family. We often take our blessings for granted when we have our health and freedom.

Not long after that, Nicole’s health took a turn for the worse. I praised God that my cancer treatments were over so that I could focus more on helping my daughter through this time. The distance between us made it difficult, though, as did COVID.

I prayed a steady stream of prayers for God’s protection over Nicole and my grandchildren as I fought against a heavy spirit of despair. I repeatedly declared Psalm 42:11: “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” (NLT).

I had to remind myself daily to take my eyes off my circumstances and focus both heart and mind on the Lord. I made many “sacrifices of praise” to God during this season; in fact, I learned why Hebrews 13:15 calls them a sacrifice. It’s because praising God during those tough times was never easy. The act went against everything I felt.

Those were difficult years, but God brought us through. And then came a series of trials in 2023 that made the others pale in comparison. It started in May when my cancer returned, and I had to undergo a double mastectomy. I didn’t need chemo or radiation, but the healing process was still challenging. A few months later, Henry was in his car when it was hit from behind and totaled. We were grateful Henry only needed short-term physical therapy, but still, this was an expensive and painful inconvenience.

Then, in November, Satan delivered a terrible blow that I am sure he thought would take us down once and for all (John 10:10). We had just returned from church when the phone rang. It was our oldest granddaughter. “Grandma,” she said, “Mom died in her sleep last night.” I dropped the phone and screamed, “Oh, God!” It was every parent’s worst nightmare. God immediately came to my aid.

His presence poured into that space like a mighty flood. I had never felt Him with me so powerfully before. God was there, comforting me, a brokenhearted mother. Psalm 94:14 is true, “The Lord will not reject his people; he will not abandon his special possession” (NLT).

Our church family was at our home in what seemed like seconds. The funeral home director, a member of our church, immediately made plans for someone to drive us to Maryland so that we could get our grandkids and bring them back to North Carolina. They had no one there.

I thanked God for His provision through His people and that I was healthy enough to travel. It had only been six months since my breast surgery.

I also thanked Him for the text Nicole had sent just weeks before. In it, she’d shared how much she loved Henry and me and thanked us for always being there for her and the children. It was almost as if she knew something was going to happen. I will forever treasure the gift of her kind text.

Our granddaughters moved with us to North Carolina, while our grandson stayed behind with his mentor to finish high school. We look forward to him joining us soon, as he will attend college in North Carolina. He misses his siblings terribly.

Since Nicole’s death, God has helped our family pick up the pieces of our lives and move forward, one day at a time. He has lifted us, put us on His shoulders, and carried us like children; He’s infused us with His strength (Isaiah 40:28–31 and 2 Corinthians 12:8–10).

You know, people often believe that if they trust God for salvation, they’ll somehow be immune from life’s problems. That’s never the case. Every person, no matter their faith, will have trials and sorrows. Jesus even guarantees it in John 16:33. The difference is that those who follow Jesus Christ don’t have to walk through trials alone. They have the presence, power, and comfort of God’s Holy Spirit. And they are guaranteed victory over those trials (Romans 8:37).

I don’t know how anyone lives without the Lord. It’s only been through His loving care that Henry and I have survived these trials. Jesus and the hope we have in Him have kept our family upright when the turbulent waters of life tried to overtake us (Isaiah 43:2). That same hope continues to be “a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls” (Hebrews 6:19 NLT).

Through all our trials, God has never failed us. And that’s why I praise Him. “The Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation” (Psalm 100:5 NLT).

God continues to work everything out for our good, just as Romans 8:28 promises. For example, the insurance money we received from Henry’s car wreck helped us pay for our daughter’s funeral. In our retirement planning, we hadn’t anticipated burying our daughter or raising grandchildren. But God has consistently and faithfully made a way.

Looking back, I can see how our move to North Carolina was God-ordained. He was preparing a new home for our grandchildren. We now have a large backyard where the girls can play and a safe neighborhood where they can ride their bikes. They just got their first bicycles at Christmas, courtesy of Toys for Tots. Many people in our community joined together to ensure that our family would have a beautiful Christmas. We are so grateful.

To be sure, our golden years look nothing like Henry and I had envisioned. We’ve endured unspeakable pain. Yet, here we are, thriving despite the challenges. Through our beautiful grandchildren, God has made this season of our lives more amazing than we imagined (Ephesians 3:20). He has given us new life.

Today, our home is filled with laughter and music. It’s also busy with homework and after-school routines. I’m telling you, they don’t make enough Geritol for a couple in their 70s to raise twin seven-year-old girls. But we wouldn’t have it any other way. God has given us everything we need to do what He’s called us to do. And because of His faithfulness in the past, we can rest assured for our future.

All I can say is, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation” (1 Peter 1:3 NLT).

How about you? Do you live with great expectation? I don’t know what you’re walking through, but you’re here on earth, so I’m sure there’s something. It might be small, but it might be huge. Whatever it is, draw close to God. He promises to draw close to you (James 4:8). Ask for His help—He will provide it (Matthew 7:7–11). And then receive the help of those He sends your way.

Let my story encourage you. With God’s help, you can make it through anything. He is a God of hope, no matter what. He will walk you through it.

In the meantime, pray and praise Him for who He is. Thank Him for what He has and is doing and what He will do (Philippians 4:6–8). Your sacrifices of gratitude and praise move God’s heart and usher in His presence (Psalm 100:4). I know it may not feel like it, but there is always something to be thankful for. Find it, then speak it aloud (Colossians 2:7). Praising God will bring Him to the forefront of your mind and strengthen you.

God’s got you. Trust Him. Don’t give up on Him or your situation. It might not look like it now, but He is doing a good thing. He’s working behind the scenes, preparing you and your family for His better plan. And His plan will be better than you can imagine.

Naomi Lewis and her husband, Henry, are enjoying their golden years raising their grandchildren. It is their goal to inspire hope and serve locally at their church as a deaconess and deacon.

Who’s Your Navigator?

“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow” (Psalm 25:4 NLT).

When David and I were newly married, neither of our cars had a navigation system. Eager to embrace my new role as my husband’s helper, I seized the opportunity to assist him with directions whenever he drove somewhere unfamiliar. There was only one problem. I’m not a good navigator. In fact, my directions got us lost. A lot.

Even using a map app on my phone, we routinely missed turns and whizzed past the correct highway exits. David, who likes to be on time, finally drew the line when we arrived significantly late for an appointment. My wrong directions had us driving around in circles.

I was not only stripped of my duties as his navigation helper, but another woman soon replaced me. She wasn’t a relative or even a trusted family friend, yet I watched her influence my husband’s decisions, and it was a little annoying how much he liked her.

Who was this shameless, job-stealing intruder? She didn’t even have a name. She was the voice behind the navigation system in our new car, and to this day, she resides inside the dashboard. She has conquered my husband’s heart as his preferred resource for directions.

I must admit that “Dashboard Lady” is seldom wrong, so, really, it’s difficult to dislike her. She notifies us of dangers and detours on the road ahead, and when we listen to her directions, we get where we’re supposed to be—on time! She and I now coexist quite peacefully since she has proven to be more of a help than a hindrance in our marriage, particularly on long road trips.

In our cars and in everyday life, it’s easy to wander off the track at times. It’s easy to get lost.

As followers of Christ, the path we’re called to travel can be full of difficult circumstances, situations, and even people. If we aren’t getting our directions from a trustworthy source, we’ll wind up in places we could have avoided. When we go our way, we complicate life for ourselves and others unnecessarily. We stumble into conflict with friends, loved ones, and even strangers because we’re veering too far off God’s path (Proverbs 4:26–27).

In contrast, if we seek the Lord in all matters, He promises to direct our path and keep us from going in the wrong direction (Psalm 16:11; Proverbs 3:6). He equips His children with the best possible navigation system through His Word (Psalm 119:105), and provides unlimited access to Him through prayer and the presence of His Holy Spirit.

In Psalm 25, King David understood the benefit of seeking guidance from God. He trusted that the Lord would lead him with unfailing love and faithfulness (Psalm 25:10), and he depended on that direction to help him find his way through life.

God freely offers His direction, and we needn’t be one bit ashamed to admit that we need His help.

If today you’ve wandered a little too far from God or feel like you might be lost, don’t be discouraged. You just need some good directions or maybe some redirection. God is generous in helping you with His wisdom when you don’t know which way to turn or how to live, think, act, and speak. All you have to do is ask (James 1:5).

No matter how lost you think you are, your Creator knows your exact location. And He will never leave you stranded.

Open your Bible, listen for the Lord’s voice, and walk boldly in faith. Trust that when God is leading you, He has already gone ahead of you to prepare the way. He sees the dangers and distractions ahead and knows when you might need to make a U-turn or take a detour. He will never abandon you (Deuteronomy 31:8) and will always guide you in the best direction for your life (Psalm 32:8).

Christina Kimbrel serves as VL’s production manager. Once incarcerated, she now ministers hope to those held captive by their past and current circumstances while sharing the message of healing she found in Jesus.

A Willing Heart

As a little girl, I dreamed of being a singer, an FBI agent, or maybe a forensic investigator like you see on true-crime TV. What was not on my list was working in the prison system. In fact, I decided early in my life that working there was not something I was going to do.

Prisons surrounded our home in Raiford, Florida, and my parents and other family members worked at one of the nearby prisons. It wasn’t uncommon to see Department of Corrections (DOC) vans racing by our house, responding to escapes and other incidents. It was the only time we ever locked our doors in our tiny little town. But I had zero interest in anything that happened inside that razor wire.

My parents were young when they had me. They married and grew up faster than if they had waited to start a family. Soon after my youngest sister came along, they split up. My sisters and I lived with our mom and visited our dad on weekends and during school breaks.

Divorce brought many challenges, including a sense of uncertainty for my siblings and me. But we managed to adjust, even after both parents remarried. The upside was that we gained new brothers and sisters, whom I grew to love dearly.

My mom worked long hours, pulling double shifts to make ends meet. Dad was strict and protective of his daughters. He spoke his mind and tolerated no boys, nonsense, or disrespect in his home. I lived with him for a while in high school, and I remember complaining that I was the only senior who had to be in bed by 9:30 p.m.

The family as a whole made it a priority to keep us girls in church. We spent a lot of time there and at youth events. I learned to regard the Lord with reverence and fear (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10).

If not for the foundation of faith established early in my life, I could have easily become a negative statistic. But Jesus not only saved me for eternity, He also protected me from myself and the pitfalls of the world.

I developed a solid work ethic while in high school. My after-school job at Hardee’s helped me earn money for the things I needed. I worked hard for everything I had, including good grades. In May 1987, I graduated with a scholarship that opened the door for me to go to college.

Working full-time in fast food and attending a full schedule of classes was exhausting, but I was determined to finish what I’d started and graduate with at least an associate degree. While I hadn’t yet figured out what I wanted to do, I was sure my career wouldn’t involve corrections.

But God’s agenda for my life looked quite different from my plan (Isaiah 55:8–9), and He wasted no time putting the right people and opportunities in my path.

One day, a lady from church told me about a job opening. “We have a temporary position at the Reception and Medical Center (RMC). You would be a perfect fit!”

RMC was a nearby prison that housed newly sentenced inmates and those needing specialized medical care. Why me? I wondered. I was only 17, and the position would have me working in administration doing inmate banking. Surely I was unqualified.

But the salary increase was appealing to a starving student barely scraping by. It’s just a stepping-stone, I convinced myself. You won’t be there forever. Besides, you’ve got to pay your bills and eat somehow.

In August 1987, only three months after graduating high school, I accepted the temp job at RMC, gave Hardee’s my two-week notice, and changed my classes to nights to work full-time during the day. Not long after, God blessed me with a full-time position with benefits in the business office. He used what I thought was only a stepping-stone to build the foundation of my 30-year career with FLDOC.

The Lord surrounded me early in my career with women of faith. These spiritual mothers and sisters prayed with and for me and encouraged me in everything from finishing my homework assignments to applying for promotions. They celebrated with me when I married and became a mom. If I had a problem or a tough decision, they pointed me back to Jesus. They reminded me that He was the author of my story and the One from whom I should seek answers. I can’t tell you how important these women were in my life.

I worked in the business office until I earned my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Then I pursued a master’s in educational leadership. With my degrees in hand, I felt better qualified to tackle whatever came my way.

I quickly learned that a willing heart was the only real qualification I needed to answer God’s call on my life. He would equip me for the journey. Desiring to go where God could use me, I surrendered to His lead.

“Lord,” I prayed, “I will go where You send me to encourage whoever You put in my path.”

I meant those words, but I didn’t anticipate He’d lead me straight into that career with the Florida DOC that my younger self had been determined to avoid. I wrestled with the notion, but the Lord continually reminded me that He equips the ones He calls for any task. He just wanted me to trust Him for provision and protection.

So I agreed to follow His will and pledged to keep Him at the forefront of my decisions as He directed my steps. What followed was amazing. Over the course of 30 years, I moved from that initial clerical position all the way up to warden and regional director.

The Lord opened my eyes to life within the razor wire. He allowed me to look past the differences that separated the staff from the incarcerated, so that I could see both groups through His eyes.

They were all His children, and each side had genuine needs and concerns that I had to consider when making decisions. Living and working in a prison environment can be depressing and downright dangerous; I needed the Lord to show me how I could improve things.

It took discipline and focus to avoid being overwhelmed by the challenges. To lead effectively, I needed to balance the scales of mercy and justice. I had to find ways to show compassion and hold people accountable for their actions.

Being a woman in leadership in a predominantly male field wasn’t easy. Some didn’t like or understand my leadership style or the culture I envisioned for the prisons I oversaw. Still, God gave me the strength and determination to stay the course and make decisions that would honor Him and help other people. My faith wasn’t always warmly welcomed, but it was not an area of compromise. I couldn’t run through every compound evangelizing, but I sure wasn’t quiet about Jesus being the Lord of my life.

My department colleagues provided me with fantastic mentoring and training that helped sharpen my skills. I was eager to learn and grow, so I soaked it all in from good and even not-so-good human leaders. My best leadership advice always came straight from the Bible, though.

I found examples of strong female leaders like Esther and Deborah in the Bible. These ladies lived in a culture that placed little value on women, but that didn’t stop God from using them in positions of great authority. I admired both women because they didn’t get caught up in selfish ambition or become power hungry. Instead, they focused on God and the welfare of the people they were leading.

I related to Esther’s story because of her humble beginnings. (Read the Book of Esther and see how God used this orphaned girl to impact the lives of many.) Her story gave me the courage to walk through any door God was opening, even when I didn’t know where He was leading or when it looked like I was heading somewhere I didn’t want to be.

Deborah was a warrior whom God called to lead the people of Israel in Judges 4–5. From her life, I learned that having the authority to make decisions was important, but I also had to be able to work through other people to get things done.

Deborah empowered and encouraged others, giving them the confidence they needed to fulfill the mission. I especially loved how she valued volunteers (Judges 5:9). She taught me to trust God in everything I did, to give Him the praise and glory for every victory, and to look at the big picture when making my decisions.

Whether I was working in classification, re-entry, as a warden, or as a regional director, I remembered how these women led their people. I viewed every job assignment as a mission—souls were at stake. God impressed upon my heart to consider the lives affected by the decisions I made.

Every person is a human being with a name and a story. Learning the key details of their story helped me understand why a person might behave or respond in a particular way. That’s when real problem-solving could happen.

I retired from FLDOC in 2018 as a warden at the Florida Women’s Reception Center (FWRC), but every decision, position, and relationship I encountered during my years with the department shaped and molded me for God’s continued call on this new chapter of my life.

I’m still on a mission today, but now I serve with amazing volunteer organizations. As a volunteer, I freely share the hope of Jesus with men and women in prisons all over Florida and even other states. I’ve been privileged to baptize hundreds of women who have chosen Jesus as the Lord of their lives. How exciting it is to help them start their prison journey anew with the light and hope of Jesus.

Wherever you are in your life journey, I encourage you to grow your faith roots deep in Christ. God will empower you every step of the way with inner strength through His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). Listen to the promises of Ephesians 3:17: “Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong” (NLT).

No matter who we are or where we live, we need faith roots to keep us strong. And we need God’s love to lead and teach us how to live so we can influence the world for His glory.

All He needs is our trust and a willing heart.

Chris Southerland volunteers at her church and with The Jesus Infusion and Timothy’s Gift, two prison ministries that provide incarcerated persons with hope, healing, and the love of Jesus. Chris serves the “least of these,” from youthful offenders to lifers. Chris enjoys spending time with her three children and two grandchildren.

Live Like Others Are Dying

In our culture, we are encouraged to “live like we are dying” and to “make every moment count.” But what if we lived like other people were dying? And what if we lived with our eyes open, ready to make the most of every opportunity, not for our gain but for the gain of others?

Last spring, I was blessed with an unexpected opportunity when God miraculously raised my grandmother from the dead. (Literally!) I am so thankful I took advantage of it, too, because now I know my grandmother is in heaven.

Grandma’s story begins with an ambulance ride to the hospital due to shortness of breath and low oxygen. Though she was admitted under the diagnosis of double pneumonia, doctors quickly recognized her need for a pacemaker.

Despite several exhausting days in the hospital, Grandma didn’t improve. Finally, the doctors decided to move forward with surgery; waiting for her lungs to clear was no longer an option.

Everything went well, and Grandma was recovering as expected—until the night she coded. She stopped breathing and died.

The medical team placed a breathing tube that pumped oxygen through her body, but she remained completely unresponsive. She was pronounced brain dead.

Family members crowded the room to say goodbye. Pastors and friends prayed over her. The medical team told us it was time to let go. Grandma was gone. The family decided to unplug the machines.

Mom stayed close to the phone that night, anxiously waiting to hear that Grandma was no longer with us.

But in the morning, the most amazing thing happened. Grandma, miraculously revived, called my mom!

It reminded me of the scene in John 11 where Jesus stood outside the tomb of Lazarus and called loudly, “Lazarus, come out!” And the man did, to the amazement of everyone, including his family. God proved that day that He was in control.

He proved it to us, too, through Grandma’s miraculous return to life. The next day, she was transferred home under hospice care, and my mom had the privilege of caring for her for the next month. During that time, our entire family gathered to celebrate Grandma’s 84th birthday.

As I prepared to go to Mom’s house that day, I felt the Holy Spirit tug at my heart, urging me to make sure that Grandma had accepted Jesus as her Savior so that she could have eternal life with Him. I knew then that God had given Grandma more time on earth for this very purpose.

I had no idea how many guests might be in the room when I arrived or how many believed in Jesus. And to be completely honest, I was worried about what they might think or say. But the Lord gave me the courage to set aside my fear and do what He was calling me to do.

I arrived at Mom’s house to find Grandma more alert and understanding than she had been the previous day. At my first opportunity, I asked her if she had ever invited Jesus into her life as her Lord and Savior.

“Not really,” she replied. I explained what that meant and then asked her if she wanted to. I was elated when she exclaimed, “Let’s do it!”

Right there in the middle of that room, surrounded by dozens of loved ones, Grandma prayed with me. She declared with her mouth that Jesus is Lord and believed in her heart that God had raised Him from the dead. And she was saved (Romans 10:9). I left that day with the secure knowledge that I would see Grandma again in heaven.

I’ll always be grateful that God gave me another opportunity to share Jesus with my grandmother. But you know, we aren’t always given extra time or another chance; that’s why God says we should make the most of every opportunity when it is before us (Ephesians 5:15–17).

Don’t waste the precious opportunities God has given you today to tell others about Him. As believers, let’s live like others are dying. Let’s set aside our fears and share the greatest gift of all—Jesus.

AMBER LEASON works in special-needs education and enjoys sharing the love of Jesus with her students. Using her life experience, she serves with Thrive, a women’s ministry that facilitates a space for women to connect with God and encourage each other in their faith.

Ledge-Walkers, Beware!

“You’re the oldest. You first!”

Our cousin carefully rounded the old banister post and stepped onto the narrow ledge. One misstep would land this ledge-walker on the worn wooden stairway far below.

We held our breath as she clutched the railing and step-slid her feet along the 10-foot ledge. The end of the ledge positioned our brave cousin over the most extreme drop of her journey.

Her return trip was speedy and confident. Reaching the banister post, she swung onto the landing. Whispered cheers for the ledge-conquering hero mingled with quiet cries of “Me next!”

We weren’t supposed to play on the stairs or climb over the banister railing. But technically, we weren’t climbing.

This scene played out frequently over the years, changing only with which cousins were visiting my grandparents’ farm at the time. Miraculously, no serious accidents occurred during our ledge-walking adventures.

Why are ledges enticing? Is it the excitement of danger and the forbidden? Our desire to test limits and vulnerabilities? The need to prove that we’re in control?

King David was once a ledge-walker. In 2 Samuel 11, we find David at home in Jerusalem while all his men were away at war. One evening, as the king walked the roof of his palace, he saw a beautiful woman bathing on her roof. Instead of stepping back, David leaned in closer for a better look. He figuratively stepped from the safety of the rooftop, over the protective railing, and onto the ledge when he sent for the woman, the wife of one of his brave warriors, and slept with her.

David would soon learn that ledge-walking always has consequences. He later repented, but the consequences of his time on the ledge impacted his family for generations.

Genesis 37–49 tells the story of Joseph, yet another young man who had an opportunity to step out on the ledge. That pivotal moment in Joseph’s life greatly impacted how God used him. It happened when the wife of the man he served began pursuing Joseph, persistently inviting the handsome young servant to step over the railing and onto the ledge of adultery with her.

When Joseph refused Potiphar’s wife, her false accusations landed him in prison. But that’s exactly where God prepared Joseph for his next assignment—where he would become second in command of the mighty nation of Egypt.

There have been times when I’ve  climbed over the railing of life and walked precariously along the ledge. But every time, there were consequences. Those days  of disobedience, willfulness, and rebellion altered my story for a season.

Lives that should have been touched weren’t, and spiritual growth that should have happened didn’t. And the deepening of my relationship with God, which only a fully surrendered heart could enjoy, was long delayed.

I praise God for His long-suffering, patience, goodness, mercy, and endless love for me, His child. When I repented of my sin and returned to Him, He forgave, cleansed, and restored me (Isaiah 44:21–22; 1 John 1:9). In fact, every time I’ve failed Him, God, the eternal promise keeper, has received me back.

Have you taken to the ledge? Have the things of the world caught your eye? Has the thrill of sin enticed you? First Corinthians 10:12 (NIV) says, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”

Ledge-walking will eventually lead to your downfall (James 1:14–15). Maybe you’ve already discovered this truth. If so, it’s okay. God is in the restoration business. No depth of darkness can exceed His grace.

Turn your heart to Him. Ask for forgiveness and grab hold of His merciful hand. He will forgive, cleanse, and restore you—just like He did for King David and just like He did for me.

Sherri Mewha loves to speak and teach about God’s transforming love, grace, and mercy. After 30+ corporate years, then an art gallery owner, her focus today is writing about Jesus in devotions and Bible studies.  She’s a wife, mom, and Mimi to five gorgeous grands. Connect with Sherri Mewha at living-earswideopen.com.

Embracing Connection Before Correction

In our journey of healing, growth, transformation, and even sanctification (the process of being freed from sin), it’s easy to become fixated on the idea of correction. We often prioritize fixing what’s broken, addressing flaws, and striving for perfection, in ourselves and others. However, during our pursuit of improvement, we may overlook one essential element: connection.

Connection before correction is a principle deeply rooted in compassion, understanding, and empathy. It is restorative in nature. It’s a reminder that before we rush to correct, we must first seek to connect—to truly understand the heart and the humanity of those we wish to guide or help.

Think about a tree in need of pruning. Before the shears touch a single branch, the skilled gardener takes a moment to understand the tree’s growth patterns, its strengths, and its vulnerabilities. Similarly, in our interactions with others, we must take the time to cultivate a genuine connection before attempting any form of correction.

Jesus often prioritized building relationships with people before addressing their behavior. He dined with tax collectors and sinners, listened to their stories, and offered them love and acceptance before guiding them toward a path of righteousness.

In our daily lives, practicing connection before correction requires acceptance, patience, humility, and a willingness to set aside our preconceived judgments. It means approaching others with an open heart and a genuine desire to truly love another and understand their perspectives, experiences, and struggles.

Imagine a parent-child relationship. When a child misbehaves, the instinctual response might be to correct their behavior immediately. However, by pausing to connect with the child—to listen to their feelings, fears, and motivations—we not only deepen our bond with them but also lay a foundation for effective and compassionate guidance. This can be challenging. We must stay connected to the vine, abiding, and remaining in Jesus to produce this type of fruit. (See John 15.)

In addition, prioritizing connection before correction fosters an environment of trust and safety. When people feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more receptive to feedback and more willing to embark on journeys of accountability and self-improvement.

Jesus gives us a beautiful picture of connection before correction in the story of the adulterous woman found in John 8:3-11. Jesus, of course, knew the woman’s sin as she stood before him in public shame and humiliation. But more than seeing her sin, He saw her. And connecting with her through love was His priority.

The Pharisees only saw what was on the surface—her sinful behavior. They didn’t care to know how she found herself in that position or seek to understand. Instead, they called her out and sought her death, completely ignoring their own sin of judgment and pride. I wonder how many of them were adulterers.

We don’t know why the woman chose a sinful path, but there’s almost always a reason a person chooses darkness over light. And it is exactly what Jesus cares about; and the reason He came. John 3:17 teaches us that Jesus laid His life down, not to judge and correct the world, but to save it. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus made a way for us to connect with God, and He with us. And out of that connection, we can find healing in the love of His correction.

Remember that behind every mistake, every flaw, and every misstep, there is a person with a story. As we navigate our relationships and interactions, let us strive to prioritize empathy over judgment, understanding and acceptance over condemnation, and connection over correction. May we seek to connect before we correct, like Jesus.

This is a profound expression of love, respect, and human dignity. In John 13:34-25, Jesus says, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

By embracing this commandment, we not only lift and empower others but also nurture the seeds of compassion and kindness within ourselves. The result? We become more like Christ, and others are drawn to Him through us.

SHERIDAN CORREA is a Trauma-Informed Biblical Counselor. She’s a follower of Jesus, wife, mother of two teenage boys, singer, and avid runner who has been radically changed by Jesus. She is VL’s director of content development.

Hope That Never Disappoints

How long, O Lord, how long? 

I sighed and curled into my pillow, pulling the comforter tight around me. It had been a full day, but now in the quiet darkness with the kids asleep in their beds, a familiar prayer bubbled up to the top.

I closed my eyes to sleep, but my thoughts stayed in overdrive. I’d prayed so hard for so long for God to bring something specific about. I’d even given Him a timeline—ample time to answer my prayer. Yet here I was, tucking myself into bed years later with no evidence that I was any closer to God giving me a yes.

I’d tried not to become obsessed with this heart’s desire. I’d thrown myself into ministry and parenting. I’d formed new plans and dreams. Some days were so full I didn’t have time to think about my longing. Other days, I thought about it but felt content enough to hold it loosely, trusting God whether He chose to fulfill it or not.

But sometimes, like in the quiet of this night, the longing returned with a mocking ache. I had tried my best to surrender it to God. So many times I’d heard or read that God’s “hope does not disappoint.” Well, my hope sure seemed to have dead-ended in disappointment.

The next morning, I looked that verse up and read it in my Bible: “This hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (Romans 5:5 NLT).

Okay. Maybe if I read the whole passage, I could understand why I still felt so disappointed. So I looked back. Romans 5:3–4 says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation” (NLT).

Oh. So this isn’t a birthday-wish kind of hope that God will give us whatever we want. This hope is produced by persevering in suffering. It’s a confident expectation of all we have in Jesus. It’s hope that God’s infinite love is enough no matter what our circumstances are.

I felt this aching disappointment because I’d misplaced my hope. Any hope rooted in an outcome, a timeline, or any other person will ultimately disappoint. Only hope that is anchored in Jesus will never disappoint. I needed to realign where I was placing my hope so that I could realign my disappointed heart.

So I began praying a new prayer. “Help me want You, Lord, more than I want anything else. Even that thing You know I’m longing so much for.” It’s a prayer God always answers, and God has steadily replaced my longing with a calm contentment for life as it is right now.

Have you misplaced your hope in an outcome, a timeline, or a person? If so, start asking God to help you want Him more than whatever that other thing is.

That’s a prayer God delights in answering yes.

Dear God, help me surrender this deep longing and instead be completely satisfied in the fullness of Your love, no matter my circumstances. I put my hope in You alone, who will never disappoint. In Jesus’s name, amen.

LISA APPELO is a speaker, writer, and Bible teacher who inspires women to deepen their faith in grief and find hope in the hard. Formerly a litigating attorney, her days are now filled with parenting seven children, ministering, writing, speaking, and running enough to justify lots of dark chocolate. Find Lisa’s encouragement for faith, grief, and hope at LisaAppelo.com.