Recently, my wife Hendrina and I attended a women’s support group where each participant was deeply impacted by the incarceration of a loved one. I quickly realized that it was Hendrina’s openness and honesty that explained why we were there. As she shared about the challenges she and our children faced during my incarceration and after, her memories brought tears and added deep relevance to the discussion. The conversations among the participants were raw and difficult, with stories that are still unfinished.
These women are enduring more than words can fully express. There was understandable anger, frustration, and uncertainty about how to handle the challenges they face. Yet one young woman shared her story of watching her father be handcuffed and taken away when she was just a little girl. As she grew into adulthood with her father in prison, she wrestled with emotions and anger, feeling that her father had chosen his life of crime and incarceration over caring for her. However, her story took an unexpected turn. She expressed gratitude for his incarceration, believing that if he hadn’t gone to prison, the streets would have claimed his life. Today, her father is out of prison and a pastor in the community. She’s convinced that Jesus was with him in prison, and it was there that he found Him.
Romans 8:28 says, “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.” I don’t fully understand this truth yet, but I do know it tells us that evil does not have the last word in whatever challenges we face.
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:15).
In John 10:10, Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” He offers us abundant life filled with peace and joy, lived out as we express love, honesty, and kindness (Galatians 5:22-23). Yet, even within this truth, life brings challenges. Enduring painful times can be exhausting and can cloud our joy and peace.
In those moments, we must remember that we are not alone (Matthew 28:20). God is working in all things and is with us (Isaiah 41:10), just as He was with the father of the young woman who was hurting and confused. We can find Him in the darkest places and in the quietest whispers during our loneliest times (1 Kings 19:12). He gives us the strength to endure (2 Corinthians 12:9) and the peace that can only be found in Him (John 14:27).
As we approach this Christmas season, join us in reminding people in prison that Jesus came to be with them, offering peace and joy as we lay our burdens down. God is with us, ensuring that sin and evil will not prevail (Psalm 21:11).
Goodness is prevailing in the women’s group. Though the stories are difficult, the safe space to share brings compassion, trust, and hope. They are enduring together, understanding that they are not alone. May each of you experience the love and hope of Jesus in this season of remembrance.