Introduction: Get to know From Surviving to Living!

Introduction: Get to know From Surviving to Living!

A brief note or two for first time visitors. First, welcome! I’m so glad to see you! Are you in need of rescue? Here is my rescue story. I share it because I know it can be your story too! It is my prayer that every post lead you one step closer in your walk...
Chapter 29: FREEDOM

Chapter 29: FREEDOM

I began counting down the days to my release date, which is also referred to as an SRD (Supervised Release Date) or simply ‘out date.’ Inmates have their own counting systems. The most popular one is ‘___ days and a wake-up’, such as ‘6...
Chapter 28: THE IMPOSSIBLE

Chapter 28: THE IMPOSSIBLE

My release from prison was growing close, but God still had some important lessons for me. In 2013 I had been granted in person visiting privileges with my children, however I had not been removed from the list of Predatory Offenders. Removal from the list was the...
Chapter 27: PREPARING FOR RELEASE

Chapter 27: PREPARING FOR RELEASE

When God first began His good work in me, not everyone was pleased. My parents, in particular, were offended. After several weeks spent reading the Bible, I called my parents. “Mom! I read the entire New Testament!” I told her. She didn’t...
Chapter 26: PPCG

Chapter 26: PPCG

One day in February Marsha approached me in the dayroom. “Holly, I am wondering if you’d be willing to help with something. We are planning the discipline free banquet and don’t yet have a theme for this year. Even though you are not a member of the Positive Peer...
Chapter 25: SYLVIA

Chapter 25: SYLVIA

I never connected the dots between emotional and spiritual health. In fact, I’d rejected the idea of a connection years earlier. Sitting in the medical waiting room in prison I overheard, “Have you read this Christian book about depression? It claims there’s a...
Chapter 24: BACK IN SEG

Chapter 24: BACK IN SEG

July 2017, and the prison was on another lockdown. Everyone living in Tubman (including me) knew the reason – two women living in a cell across the hall from mine had been caught selling meth. Administration spent days tearing apart their room trying to find the drugs...
Chapter 23: STOLEN CANTEEN

Chapter 23: STOLEN CANTEEN

Trials “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.” I Corinthians 10:13 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” I Peter 4:12 Pen Pals are still a thing in...
Chapter 22: THE PSYCH REPORT

Chapter 22: THE PSYCH REPORT

“I was kicked out of Anthony.” I turned in my chair to see who was speaking. It was a Monday afternoon in August 2016 and the school day was nearly over. I’d been reading a kite from the psych department. In the trial for my parental rights, I thought my psych...
Chapter 21: APOLOGIES

Chapter 21: APOLOGIES

Humility “in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” I Peter 5:5 Sitting at the desk in my cell, I finished another letter to my children. Suddenly, movement was called over the...
Chapter 20: BIRTHDAY CARDS

Chapter 20: BIRTHDAY CARDS

Holidays and other special days are harder than usual for an incarcerated person. They are a reminder of family and love, which hurts when you are separated from them. It makes misery more acute. Birthdays without birthday cards make one wonder, “Am I loved?” As I...

From Surviving to Living

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