Our son’s birthday is on October 13. He’s using his faith, education, and leadership to teach and mentor fellow inmates and to encourage men to hold on to hope. We praise God for his strong testimony. If you have time to send him a card or note, Gene and I would be grateful. Mail it to:
Jason P. Kent X26713
PO Box 23608
Tampa, FL 33623
You can enclose photos, but nothing else. If you’d like to make a tax-deductible contribution to Jason’s ministry behind the razor wire, go to: https://speakupforhope.org/donate/
Here’s this week’s blog:
“When you leave this world, will it matter that you were here?”
Her words burned in my heart. Debbie was a young, vivacious 24-year-old who had asked for a mentoring appointment. As I listened to her talk about her hopes and dreams, she told me that question prompted her to learn how to be intentional about sharing her faith.
You and I are uniquely positioned to make eternal impact—not through chasing fame, but by living authentically, and then faithfully showing up for the people right in front of us. These seven strategies reveal how to live a life that truly counts for God’s glory.
1. Embrace your God-given calling.
Christine Caine reminds us, “Nothing about my birth—or yours—was random or accidental. I was born for this time—and so were you.” Ephesians 2:10 confirms: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (NIV). Your calling is not a coincidence—it’s a divine assignment.
2. Choose authenticity over perfection.
Beth Moore writes, “People don’t need Christians to act like we always have it together. People need us to be real!” Authenticity isn’t weakness—it’s strategic ministry. Colossians 3:23 grounds us: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (ESV).
3. Let God redeem your story.
Your story of struggle is your ministry credential. What you once considered disqualifying may be what God uses most powerfully. He redeems our histories, weaving them into testimonies that bring hope to others. Romans 5:3–5 confirms this pattern: suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope—hope that does not disappoint.
4. Overcome obstacles by choosing truth over feelings.
We all face moments when our emotions tell us we can’t go on. That’s when we must anchor ourselves in truth. Philippians 4:13 declares, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (NIV). Sometimes what feels like a burial is a really planting, with new life waiting to emerge.
5. Show kindness and compassion.
Sheila Walsh once shared, “My brokenness is a better bridge for people than my pretend wholeness ever was.” God often uses small acts of kindness to do big work in someone else’s life. Colossians 3:12 calls us to “put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (ESV). A willingness to be inconvenienced is often the truest test of love.
6. Build deep relationships.
Jennie Allen puts it plainly: “In terms of fulfilling our mission in this life, we can’t do anything worthwhile alone.” Relationships are the greatest gifts outside of Christ. Lysa TerKeurst reminds us that “we have an enemy, and it’s not each other.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 calls us to encourage and build one another up. Faithful friendship outlasts fleeting applause.
7. Use your gifts—even in small ways.
1 Peter 4:10–11 declares that we are to use our gifts to serve others so God is praised through Jesus Christ. Priscilla Shirer wisely notes, “Ministry is when the people who hear you don’t want more of you; they want more of Him.” Nothing is meager when it’s surrendered to God.
A Final Challenge
The question isn’t whether your life can count—it’s whether you’ll choose to make it count today. Reach out to someone who needs encouragement. Share your story, even the hard parts. Serve without recognition. Show kindness that inconveniences you. Build one relationship deeper by showing up and staying.
Your obedience today—right where you are, with what you have, for the people in front of you—has eternal weight. Make your life count.
Question: I’m watching my son live out the 7 principles in this blog from behind the walls of a maximum-security prison. What is one thing God is nudging you to do to make a difference for His glory?
Check Out Carol’s Brand-New Devotional Gift Books!
Looking for the perfect gift that inspires and encourages? Discover the NEW Moments of Grace series—beautifully designed, story-based devotionals for:
- Women
- Moms
- Grandmas
- Sisters
- Teachers
Each small, gift-sized book features a leatherette cover, satin ribbon bookmark, beautiful interior design, and powerful, heart-warming stories. At just $12.99, they’re ideal for Bible study groups, Christmas presents, small groups, teachers, and family members.
Special Offer: Get 25% off when you order directly at Carol’s website
Also available on Amazon.
Hi I would like to know more about your son’s story. I would love to send him birthday blessings. I have a nephew in prison and he is a Christian. I thought maybe your son could write to him.
Thank you
Kim
Thank you, Kim. You can go to http://www.SpeakUpforHope.org and you can read part of the story of our journey with J.P. (Jason Paul). His story is also in the books, “When I Lay My Isaac Down” and “A New Kind of Normal.” I am sorry to tell you that Florida inmates are not allowed to write to other inmates. I’m praying for your nephew as I write this note.
Good morning
Ever since you told us of your son’s story many yes ago,he has been in my prayers.
MAILING a card today.
PRAYING FOR YOU AND HUBBY.
Blessings
Barbara
Thank you for your powerful prayers, Barbara. Jason is very aware of the impact of the prayers of God’s people on his life and ministry. We appreciate you!
Oh Carol. What powerful words you have shared. My heart is with you and your son. I would be honored to send him a birthday card and support his ministry. Thank you for always showing up, being authentic, kind and real. You live out every word you share. So very thankful for the gift of you.
Martha, I’m grateful for the day I met you. You have been a blessing and encouragement in my life ever since that day. You are a natural-born encourager. Thank you for the way you lift others up in meaningful ways. Love you, friend!
Carol,
Thank you for your words of encouragement. Many days, the Lord puts someone on my mind to encourage but often, when I take action, it’s rejected. I’m struggling with the hurt and questions that come with this. I’m obeying God…right? He says to encourage one another, show yourself friendly, yet in so doing, I become so down and defeated when nothing comes of it. Deep friendships I’ve longed for all of my life, at 60, still elude me. Am I not hearing God’s voice to reach out to others? I am sad and then struggle with jealousy as I see amazing friendships on every side, most abundantly in the many books I read. I don’t want to live a self-centered life!! I long for the Lord to use me to bless others.
Sincerely,
Broken in Indiana-
Janeen
Dear Janeen…thank you for your comment. I’m so sorry about the rejection you’ve experienced in the past. Don’t let that keep you from reaching out to others. Pray that God will lead you to others who need affirming and encouraging friendships and then stay alert. I believe the Lord can and will open the doors for meaningful friendships for you. I’m praying for you as I write this note.
Wow! Amazing blog. “When you leave this world, will it matter that you were here?” This is a very powerful question. I have shared the blog with several people.
Thank you for your comment, Elaine. I, too, was very moved by that question, and I’m so encouraged that it was meaningful to you, too. Thanks for sharing this blog with others.
This is powerfully written, and I love all the quotes from other authors to further clarify each point. Our hearts and prayers continue for you and your family and for the ministry God has placed in Jason’s life. May God continue to do great and mighty things in Jason’s life!
Thank you, Marilyn. I’ve been collecting quotes that encouraged and inspired me since I was a teenager. Thanks so much for your kind words and for your prayers.
Encouraging word.
Thank you, Gina!
Love the encouragement, I will be 81 this year and I often wonder if I still matter. I found a book with that title. Enjoying it so much. What I find I am really limited with what I am able to do. I really am thankful for the many things I was able to do and my life in Christ. Have read your books Carol and want to order the latest. I will continue to pray for you all.
Your life certainly does matter, Elizabeth. I’m so happy you are enjoying the book on that topic. I’m praying for you right now.
The Lord brought you to mind today, and I believe He would say He champions you for His work in and through you. May you continue in His strength and power by the Holy Spirit in you. Praying for your family, what a witness!!
Romans 15:13
By His grace,
A sister in Ohio
Thank you for your encouraging words, Cindy!
This line hit me hard: “You and I are uniquely positioned to make eternal impact.”
What is one thing God is nudging me to do to make a difference for His glory?
I’m clinging to the promise that God is redeeming our family story. I’m feeling led to share this redemption story, even in the middle of a story I neither expected nor wanted. I’m in the waiting.
I don’t yet have permission to share, so I’m learning to be faithful in the middle! Each one of these points have become part of my prayer to sow into the next season of my ministry.
Thanks, Carol.
Lisa, what a powerful comment! Thank you so much. I am praying that God not only helps you to form and share your redemption story, but that He nudges you to do so in the perfect timing. Thank you for your faithfulness in the “waiting.”