A middle-of-the-night phone call shattered my world. Our only child—Jason, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate with an impeccable record—had been arrested for the murder of his wife’s first husband. That single moment marked the beginning of a painful journey we never imagined we’d travel—one filled with sorrow, legal battles, shattered dreams, and ultimately, the faithfulness of God. After two and a half agonizing years, Jason was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
That phone call was the beginning of a journey I would never have chosen—but in the brokenness, God met me. I’ve come to understand that even in our darkest valleys, the Lord is still working. When we surrender our pain to Him, He can redeem even the most unimaginable circumstances and use them for His glory.
Though our hearts still ache for the victim’s family and all affected by this tragedy, I’ve watched the redeeming power of God’s forgiveness transform our son’s heart. Inside a maximum-security prison, Jason has become a man of deep compassion, spiritual wisdom, and leadership. He ministers daily to inmates who desperately need hope.
That’s how Speak Up for Hope was born—a nonprofit founded by my husband, Gene, and me, to bring encouragement, practical help, and God’s hope to inmates and their families.
Before Jason’s arrest, I had always been the one sending cards, offering encouragement, and reaching out to others in need. But suddenly, I was the one broken. I was the one waking up with depression. I didn’t know how to breathe through the heartbreak. And then…an unexpected surprise reminded me of God’s love.
One day, the doorbell rang. The florist stood there and asked, “Are you Carol Kent?”
“Yes,” I said softly.
“Lady, it’s your lucky day,” he replied with a smile.
He handed me a stunning bouquet—one dozen long-stemmed yellow roses. My first thought was that I didn’t feel lucky. But then I opened the card.
“Dear Carol,” it read. “You once gave us some decorating advice. You told us that yellow flowers will brighten any room. We thought you needed a little yellow in your life right now. Love, Bonnie and Joy.”
Tears flowed down my cheeks. The simple beauty of those flowers and the compassion of my sisters reached deep into my pain. I wept freely—tears of grief, yes, but also tears of grace. That bouquet reminded me I wasn’t alone. God saw me. He loved me. And He was sending His love through people who cared.
That moment was one of the first sparks that showed me how powerful small acts of kindness can be. Something as simple as a bouquet of flowers became a turning point in my healing.
Since launching Speak Up for Hope, we’ve met countless families affected by incarceration—wives of inmates, children growing up without a parent, and lonely inmates with no one on the outside. We’ve seen the practical, powerful impact of what people can do with just a little compassion and generosity.
Because of faithful donors and friends, we’ve been able to provide Bible study materials, chapel equipment, games for visitation areas, small group meals for inmates in Bible courses and special programs, care packages, and books. We’ve sent assistance to inmate families in crisis and placed funds in the prison accounts of men who had no one left to support them. And with each gift, our son Jason has found renewed purpose—serving as a liaison to help coordinate these blessings from behind bars.
One man, who had never had a visitor or money placed in his prison account, received a care package. He looked at Jason in stunned disbelief and asked, “What kind of person does this for a total stranger—especially someone behind bars?” Jason smiled and answered, “A Christian who cares.” That single act of kindness opened the door for Jason to share his faith and plant seeds of eternal hope.
You might wonder: What can I possibly do to make a difference? The truth is—small things done in love can have eternal impact.
Here are five small acts that make a gigantic difference:
- Send a handwritten card or note of encouragement.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 ESV
Whether to a struggling family member, an inmate, or a friend of someone behind bars, your words can be a lifeline of hope and healing.
- Pray intentionally for an inmate and their family.
“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16 NLT
Even if you don’t know someone personally in prison, your prayers can break chains and transform hearts.
3. Give a one-time or monthly gift to a nonprofit like Speak Up for Hope.
“God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
Every dollar helps provide resources, spiritual support, and hope to those who feel forgotten.
- Volunteer your time to support families of inmates.
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 NIV
Whether it’s babysitting, mentoring, or offering transportation, your time is a gift.
- Share Speak Up for Hope with your church or small group.
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24 NLT
You might be the spark that helps your church or community embrace a new mission of mercy.
A Final Word
Friend, you don’t need to change the whole world. You just need to be faithful in the small things. God can take your mustard seed of love and grow it into a tree of blessing for someone else. Will you join us?
Visit www.SpeakUpForHope.org and say yes to making a gigantic eternal difference. One act of compassion could change a life forever.
Carol, your message of hope and encouragement is timeless. Even the smallest act of kindness can be the turning point in someone else’s world. Be faithful in the small things. You are a true blessing to all who know you. I’m thankful to call you friend and partner with you and the King of Kings to make an eternal difference.
Martha, thank you for this good word. You regularly give all of us an example of how to do acts of kindness in Jesus’ name to encourage those around us. Have a blessed day!
Dear Carol, thank you for such encouraging and uplifting post! My life was changed when I read your book, When I Lay My Isaac Down! Your words of encouragement and teaching are very dear to me! I have found that that Little things are very important to the Lord! Thank you for the reminder! Love to you and Gene
Thank you for your encouraging words, Penelope.
Carol, thank you for all that you do and share. I read your book at my darkest hour while trying to understand what I was going through as a mother.
Thank you for taking the time to comment Sheila! I hope you’ve come through the hard times and that you’re seeing God’s hand at work at every stage of this journey.
Carol,
You have always been such a great role model for me.
Thank you!
Sharon
Sharon, you are a blessing to all of us who know you! Thanks so much for your note.
Thank you for sharing your heart and your life experiences. God bless you and your family.
Thank you, Melissa!
Dear Carol,
I am looking forward to seeing you at Camp Allegheny Women’s Retreat on August 22-24. Being a part of the committee, I hope I get to meet you in person. When my son, Jason, was arrested 14 years ago my friend gave me a copy of your book “When I Lay My Isaac Down”. It helped me get through some really tough days. He was sentenced to life without parole and our whole world changed. His daughter was only 3 years old so she has had some difficult years, but has grown into a beautiful young lady who is going into her senior year. I want to thank you for sharing your story and your faith with so many.
Hi Deb…I look forward to meeting you at the retreat later this month. Thank you for sharing part of your story. I’m keeping your graddaughter in my prayers as she enters her senior year. What a blessing it is to hear about how well she’s doing.
I think this is what I need. A circle of mothers who are finding their way
There’s something very powerful about a circle of mothers who pray together for their children. I’m praying that you’ll find just the right moms to gather with on a regular basis, Jan.
Dear Carol, I’ve written to you before about my foster son Jordan….he killed 2 people on New Year’s Eve 2021. It will be 4 years this December and we’re still waiting for a trial date. I bought your book “Waiting Together” when this happen and read it faithfully, every day for two and a half years…I stopped for awhile, I don’t know why, but started again August 1 ,2025. I just want to thank you, I know what the “waiting” is. Because phone calls & letters are monitored, I haven’t been able to as the “WHY” questions, and right now, that’s what I don’t have answers to. Reading this again has comforted me, again. My was 18 for 11 days before this happened. He took entire life away from himself, no previous record, and as his attorney told me…”he went straight to the top”. Thank you, thank you for sharing your life with “us” who experience the same feelings, questions and unanswered questions.
Melodee Gragg
Carol, I’ve read your books, When I lay my Isaac down & A new kind of normal! All because two & a half year’s ago my son committed a felony and is being sentenced to prison on Aug 26. 2025. My heart is breaking, I know God is working. My son doesn’t know Jesus as his Savior, so that is my hearts desire. Thank you for all you are doing!
I totally agree. The most rewarding ministry with which I was involved , was in a high security prison for women in Indiana. It was something new to me . Nothing was more rewarding for more me than that. I loved these women and saw them as people like me, who had made mistakes in life. One woman who was stiff with me, in time , changed. I left because we moved back to Michigan. A few months later I received a text telling me Shannon had received Jesus as her Lord and Savior. We met 3 times, Carol, here in Michigan and I attended your “Speak Up With Confidence.” I recently moved to Tennessee to be with my daughter. At 92, that has been a little tough. But, I will be praying for your ministry and your son and his ministry. I respect you greatly and have always thought of you as a strong woman of God. May God continue to bless you and your husband and your son in your ministry.