Cindy’s past was riddled with troubles. She had suffered brain injuries in utero. She had been involved in episodes of violence and trauma. 

Have you ever thought about how hard it is to be an incarcerated Christian? Yes, Christians commit crimes, too. 

Over seven hundred years before the Savior’s birth, Isaiah foretold: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders” (NIV, Isaiah 9:6).

Here is a simple, non-clinical answer:

When something traumatic happens in our lives, we react strongly in our body, mind and spirit. This is normal. The reaction is strong because it is a normal reaction to an abnormal event.

After 34 years as a chaplain with Institutional Ministries, it can be tempting to think I’ve seen it all and done it all. But no. God has an endless bag of surprises, and he loves to pull new stuff out.

Clarice had been in jail for more than a year. She had pretty much resigned herself to the possibility that she would soon be sent to prison. Her situation seemed dire.