How to Find Purpose, Meaning, and Joy Right Where You Are
Having a son in prison has been one of the most heart-wrenching experiences of our lives—yet, because of faith in Christ, this season of difficulty has been transformed into a time of profound purpose and spiritual growth. Gene and I know many of you have also walked through your own challenging circumstances this year. God invites us to walk a path of deeper faith, love, and service. Here are six ways we’ve discovered that have helped us to find meaning and purpose in a challenging season.
1. Trust God’s sovereignty and timing.
Many of you know we crossed the 25-year mark of Jason’s incarceration this year. That means he has now been in prison longer than he lived in freedom. We have prayed much and advocated for an eventual end-of-sentence date for our son—but at this point God has answered in a different way than we hoped. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the “why” and “when,” but we’re trusting that God’s plans are greater than our understanding and that His timing is perfect. When life is hard, remember that our situations are not outside of His knowledge or purpose.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
2. Embrace a ministry of prayer.
When it sometimes seems that God hasn’t answered our big request, we’re experiencing powerful answers to prayer regarding Jason’s ministry to inmates.
We pray daily that God will give our son “Divine appointments” as he interacts with fellow prisoners, corrections officers, and volunteers. One of our sweetest Christmas cards was from an inmate who wrote, “Your son led me to Jesus.”
Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can support each other. Lift people up to the Lord daily, asking Him to strengthen their faith, lift their spirits, and give them peace and hope.
Pray for yourself, too, that God will grant you wisdom, patience, and the ability to be a source of encouragement. When we feel powerless, prayer reminds us that God is working in ways we cannot see.
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
3. Be an encourager.
Jason frequently reminds fellow inmates with long sentences that if they know Jesus, something more is coming—and it’s good. This life is just a chapter in our lives, but one day we will live with Him in heaven for eternity. While Gene and I “wait with hope,” we take joy in encouraging the wives and moms of inmates by sending “Boxes of Hope” that are filled with comfort items, good books, and meaningful reminders of God’s love.
Corrie ten Boom, who suffered imprisonment during World War II, once said, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” Through our encouragement, we can remind others to find strength in Christ.
4. Serve others in similar situations
God often uses our struggles to prepare us to serve others. At prison visitation last weekend, a mom of another inmate hugged me and said, “Thank you for demonstrating how to survive and thrive with a child who is incarcerated. Your family helps me to know that if we hold on to our faith, we can make it, too. Sharing your journey can bring hope to others walking a similar path.
Serving others not only shifts our focus from our own pain but also deepens our faith. Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40. In loving and serving others, we reflect God’s heart.
5. Deepen your own faith journey.
During a recent visit with Jason, Gene and I talked about the faith lessons we’ve learned during the past few years. We discovered that joy, purpose, and meaning can be found in the most unexpected and unlikely places. God specializes in redemption, and He is faithful to restore what seems broken. Hold onto the hope in the middle of your own journey and realize that He is working things out for your good and His glory.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
In the meantime, remember that this season is a chapter, not the whole book. God’s story for your family is still unfolding.
6. Be a missionary in an unexpected place.
If your journey has taken you on an unwanted detour, look for an opportunity to be a light in a surprising place. This year Jason continues to teach biblical principles to inmates, along with leading men through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. Because of the faithful people who give to Speak Up for Hope, we’ve been able to provide resources and equipment for the prison chapel, sports equipment for the prisoners, and games for the visitation areas in several prisons. It’s a mission field.
Pastor and author Rick Warren writes, “God never wastes a hurt. He uses your pain for His purpose.
Remember, God is with you, and He will equip you with the strength and wisdom to walk your path with courage and faith. Lean on Him, and let His light guide the way.
Question: What is one way you found purpose and joy when you went through a challenging experience this year? I look forward to reading your responses.
You and your family continue to inspire me. I am thankful for the witness and encouragement you consistently bring to others . Your son Jason, brings me hope and comfort, for my son Steven. It’s a long and lonely road to walk, I pray God show me how to navigate and when/what to share, to bring hope and encouragement as well. We are nearing Steven’s 9 year mark. It feels much longer and like it was just yesterday at the same time. I pray for Jason, and those God has reached thru him. I pray for you and Gene also. Sending love and hugs from one mom to another. Thank you for sharing your journey. It’s much appreciated.
Mary
Carol, thanks for the heartfelt and inspiring words of love and support for those who are incarcerated and the families and loved ones that embrace them. Our world does not move easily in this ministry, and forgiveness is often a lost and unforgotten word to embrace. Assisting families that come forward in their grief and despair has deepened my faith and trust in God because of how a support group can and does assist families in healing and living a new normal of life. Blessings to you in your ministry, and looking forward to your visit to Milwaukee in March 2025 to be a beacon of light for all. Deacon Tom
My 69 year old husband has been incarcerated for almost 40 years. This past year he has experienced major decline in physical and mental health. Medicines are a “trial and error” which causes more issues. He remains a faithful Christian and encourages me with prayer and Scripture. He witnesses one on one with other inmates. God is good all the time.
Our son is an inmate serving life without parole for murdering his wife and our three month old grandson.
Your book “When I Lay My Issac Down” has helped. First time a book knew exactly our feelings.
Currently struggling big time. He is in another state. Trial was so fake only his parents were used to testify.in his defense. I still cannot imagine he was capable.
We have not seen him in three years. My husband does not want to visit him. Prayers ….
Carol, you have been a great encourager during this most difficult time in my life. Since my son has been incarcerated I have gone through many stages of grief. At first, I was ashamed to admit to his situation. Your book was the first thing given to me by my prayer partner. It was such a huge blessing. Over these almost 4 years, the Lord has caused Danny to be transformed by His Spirit and to be salt and light where he is. It has also changed my heart for ministering to those who are forgotten. It is not an easy path, many tears, many prayers. I have found that God uses “broken things…people “ for His Glory. Thank you for allowing your “challenges “ to minister to and encourage so many. Thank you with love from my heart.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
Carol Kent, thank you for your chaplaincy ministry. From reading your newsletter and your books, I see that you raised your son to minister to those with whom he spends time. Jason is choosing to spend his time as a Prison Chaplain. He did not have to minister to others like he was raised to do, but he honors God and his parents by serving those who are in prison. As we read in the Scripture above, God used Paul and Silas as instruments of hope and healing inside the prison. May your “mother’s heart” find peace in knowing that you birthed and raised a servant of the Most High God.
Your book, “When I Lay My Isaac Down” ministered to us at the very time our son was being sent to prison. He has since been released, rehabilitated and restored. He is currently active in our church, leads a men’s group and is engaged to be married. God can and does bring healing and restoration. It has been a long road, but God has been faithful through each step of the journey. Thank you so much for being honest, open and transparent in sharing your story.
Keep telling your story. It’s helping countless others persevere in missions and ministry. To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Oh Dear Carol and Gene. You have no idea how your ministry has helped me
in the last 2.5 years. My son was found guilty of murdering my mom. His sentencing is in Feb. I was able to finally see him for the first time with his 18 year old daughter in jail. As I walked the halls to get to him I realized that I probably will never see him outside prison again. We were allowed a 20 min visit behind glass walls with one telephone for the two of us. It is sobering. As I read our local newspaper my son and mother where the top news story of the year for a third year in a row. I pray next year they are not. Coming from a very large family business we loved to live under the radar. This has shone a spotlight on us that it is hard to live in the shadows. My heart breaks for family that has been torn apart and pray for reconciliation. The legacy my parents left me in character, faith has taught me that we are only passing through this world. This coming year will be one of learning how to move forward and of healing from trauma and drama. I have arrived at my Florida home for a 3 month spiritual retreat anticipating that God will walk through with me many decisions I need to make
Dear Carol, I have known of your ministry for years. l am 85! l do not have any of my family in prison. However at the ages of 62 and 55 they are “in prison to this world and no room for God”.
Your writings resonate with my story. My husband was in full time ministry for years. He is a very proud man (a prison of sorts). My whole heart is for my kinds and grands (3) know Jesus.
Thank you for your encouragement. May God continue to keep His hand on you and your family.
Thank you Carol. This article is so encouraging and your book “When I lay my Issac down” was a life saver when my son was first charged 3 years ago. I also read your devotional “He walks with me” every morning – yours and other famous Christian’s words are so encouraging. December was a tough month, my son’s appeal went before the Michigan appellate court and was denied. I know we will make it thru my son’s sentence with God by our side. I have found joy by focusing on the blessings God has given us: Weekly visits have made our family much closer, grateful my parents (age 83 and 85) are healthy and able to visit my son plus my son has grown and matured since he has been incarcerated. I also teach a teen Bible study which brings me so much joy. Thank you for all you, your husband Gene and son Jason are doing, – what an amazing ministry, you must be so proud of Jason.. I will continue to pray for your family and Jason’s release.
Carol, Thankyou for the reminder of all these truths. As we walk thru our son’s incarceration and support his 4 Littles, we cling to these promises. It is so so helpful to walk with people who know the pain, walk the road, and TRUST JESUS!!! ……….. BUT GOD……..!!!!!!
Thank you so much for your speaking into lives. I pray for your family very often….
years ago I heard you speak at a conference at Mackinac Island.. not knowing that someday we would experience prison for our son also… it has now been 2 years since our son was incarcerated for something he was accused of as a teenager by our friends.. He is in his mid-forties and we are still trying to wrap our heads around this whole situation.. please pray for our family.. I know God is in the middle of everything and our hearts are being held in his hands but there are days I have a hard time lifting my head up in our small community and believing for the best in this difficult situation..