Being away from my 16 year old son, my family, and losing my daughter at four years old due to domestic violence, in the hands of a man I thought I could trust, is still a hard pill to swallow. It feels like I’m living in a nightmare, where I just cannot wake up. There are times when I feel like I can’t make it.
Jessica, 35
Incarcerated 4 years
Housed: Anson Correctional Institution, Phoenix, Maryland
Being wrongfully incarcerated for a crime I knew nothing about, a crime I would never commit is very hard. Being away from my 16 year old son, my family, and losing my daughter at four years old due to domestic violence, in the hands of a man I thought I could trust, is still a hard pill to swallow. It feels like I’m living in a nightmare, where I just cannot wake up. There are times when I feel like I can’t make it. Moments when I feel the devil plaguing me with harmful thoughts, guilt, shame, negative words and depression, anything that tries to keep me in bondage and oppressed. I instantly turn to God for help. I trust that Jesus is always the truth, the way and the light. I allow the Holy Spirit to recall things that God has shown me, to help me get out of those dark moments. In those dark moments I tell myself I was and am a great mom, who loves my children with all of my being. I’m a child of the most high king, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am loved by many and have a lot of support. My son is waiting for my return. I know my children knew who their mom was and is, they love me. I have to cast Satan and his antagonizing thoughts aside and look up to God’s words. We must be overcomers of everything the devil throws our way. He wants us to stay stuck, he loves pain, he loves to see us down and worn out. But see one thing that has always been in my heart since forming a close knit relationship with God: I’m forgiven for my poor decision, I know who I am, my truth, and most importantly, that my friend is God!