Inmate

“At first, you may feel shy and alone. Especially if it’s hard for you to open op about yourself.”

This welcome card expresses a truth about a program like Resilient in a prison setting. People can be very wary in prison due to all the gossip. This writer encourages people to take a risk in order to get the rewards of the group.

INMATE

“It made me grow . . . inside and out.”

This person felt self-conscious about her short message. But, as in the story of the widow’s mite, for some people it is more taxing than others to write words on a page. She received a massive applause from the group because they knew how much she had struggled with literacy.

INMATE

“Please pay attention and respect him.”

This inmate has been in prison a long time and was on one of the most dangerous yards. She knows that inmates can struggle in a class setting and wants to encourage them to give this Bible study their best effort.

INMATE

“You’re in the right spot. . you’re gonna love this class.”

This writer emphasized “belonging” and having the courage to open up. She is now taking Bible classes through an online college program for inmates. So cool to see the changes in her life.

INMATE

“Always know God loves you and is here for you no matter what”

This writer wanted to encourage the next group of Bible study students with what she learned about God’s forgiveness and love. What a great message to the person who might be feeling isolated and unworthy.

INMATE

“Put your all into this and you will love the person you will transform into”

This student encourages the next group to put effort into the class. I have very fond memories of seeing this person process the awesome reality of the gospel. I pray she continues to grow in faith and wisdom.

INMATE

Another short and sweet card. Yet no less heartfelt. She expresses a theme throughout the cards: The benefits of this Bible study are bigger than expected. But, that’s the way things go with a God who “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”

INMATE

“It might get hard at first, but stick with it.”

This writer captures an important point for people in prison. Confronting your past can be difficult. It’s much easier not to carefully examine yourself and confess your faults to God. Yet those who do find peace and comfort, not condemnation and dread. To stick with it through the strong emotions, is great advice.

INMATE

“This class has open(ed) my eyes to be honest with myself and God.”

The implication of this welcome message is that honest confession is good for the soul. And she couldn’t be more right. "I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and you forgave the guilt of my sin" Psalm 32

INMATE

“It’s not about religion.”

Well, to be honest, it is an awful lot about religion. But she’s right that we present Biblical truths in a unique way. We present a morsel of Biblical truth and spend the lion’s share of our time together listening to what the group thinks about that truth. My pastor calls it an “in through the side door” approach.

INMATE

“Can also inspire and empower others.”

Wilson points out that sharing can require some courage. She was great example of a person who looked at her past head on and made no excuses.

INMATE

“At first I laugh(ed) at the title of this [class].”

Inside the prison we call Resilient “Taste and See” because it’s format allows people to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” Guards and inmates have made jokes about the title of the class along the lines of “what are they tasting and seeing in there, drugs?” I didn’t anticipate the title being the cause of humor, but what can ya do? At least people are talking about it and getting the word out about it.

INMATE

“Jesus already forgave me.”

This card gets at the heart of Resilient Recovery Ministries’ mission. We want every addict to know that God has already forgiven them. Repentance is important, but our repentance doesn’t trigger God’s forgiveness. If anything it’s the other way around. God’s forgiveness gives us the courage to confess.

INMATE

“The best part of this class was the interaction with other believers.”

Finding a friendly place in the prison is very difficult. Most people who want to avoid problems just withdraw. This writer is letting other believers know this is a place you can let your guard down and be yourself.

INMATE

“I learned we are all very similar in our addiction.”

Side Note: This inmate cuts staff hair and beards—a service which I make use of every week. It was great having her in the class and getting to know her on a different level. She makes an important point: We might come from different backgrounds, but addiction can be quite an equalizer.