by Adam Hofer
October 2024
Recently, I had the honor of speaking at a re-entry conference within the walls of the South Dakota Penitentiary. As someone who cares deeply for those in prison and helping them transition back into society when they are released, I could not pass up the opportunity to speak to a chapel full of my imprisoned brothers and to spend a day with them behind the walls. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with them and eating lunch with them, what encouraged me the most was hearing the healing journeys of the inmates. Where trauma used to rule, there stood hope. Even within the walls of prison, God was breaking down the walls of their hearts.
And guess what? God can break down the walls of our hearts as well! The reality is we don’t need to be in prison to be imprisoned inside. Unfortunately, trauma is a common experience. We used to think that trauma only affected soldiers of war. We know now that trauma is widespread in society, a tool of the devil to negatively influence one's behavior and personality. Trauma can manifest itself in distrust of people and God thinking that people will only hurt us in the end, a sudden outburst when our children startle us entering a state of fight or flight, self-sabotage of relationships that may result in lasting connections to protect ourselves from future loss, not handling well the sadness or anger of another person because of our unresolved sadness and anger, striving to always do more, borderlining becoming a workaholic, because of the belief that we will never be enough, being hyper independent caused by being continually let down by others in the past, and so on. These are all trauma responses that directly affect how we interact with the world. Trauma imprisons you within yourself.
“How are we to learn if no one is there to guide us out of the darkness?” asked an inmate at the re-entry conference. This is an important question because it says two things: I am in darkness and I need help. Often, the darkness of trauma is so great that one does not see out of their current circumstances, a learned helplessness that keeps people from moving forward in life. If not careful, trauma can pass from generation to generation. As followers of Christ, we need to humble ourselves, recognize the trauma responses in our lives that leave our mind in darkness, seek help from God and others, and cling to the hope only found in Jesus Christ. We have a God that sets free the captives! That includes those imprisoned in their minds.
Trauma says, “I am unlovable.”
God says, “You are loved by the one who made the stars.”
Trauma says, “I’ll never be enough.”
God says, “You are worth dying for.”
Trauma says, “No one can be trusted.”
God says, “You can trust me.”
Trauma says, “Everyone will hurt me in the end.”
God says, “I will never forsake you.”
Trauma says, “I have no purpose.”
God says, “You were made with a purpose in mind.”
Trauma says, “I don’t belong.”
God says, “You belong to me. You are my child.”
Don’t live as people who have no hope. The center of Hope is Jesus Christ! Live life with boldness with this hope at the forefront of your mind. Your trauma does not define you. He defines you as His child if you surrender to His healing and power. Surrender to Him and allow Him to break your chains!
How does the Center of Hope help those transitioning back into society from prison?
• Free Pastoral Counseling
• Prison Transition Aid Backpacks (contains a Bible, devotionals, encouragement letters/cards, and more!)
• Up-To-Date Comprehensive Landlord and Employment Lists (updated frequently by Center of Hope staff and volunteers)
• Hygiene Kits
• Free Clothing and Winter Gear through our Mercy Ministry program
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