“Words from Behind Bars: Lessons in Accountability, Sobriety, and Personal Growth”
Sometimes the most powerful lessons in life come from the most unexpected voices—like those behind bars. I used to work with trustee inmates at the county jail—women who were allowed to work under supervision. One of my crews picked up litter along the highways, and while supervising them, I often talked with them about what led them to jail and how they could avoid returning. I also tried to teach them skills to help them succeed after incarceration.
I kept a hardbound notebook filled with inspirational quotes, and while flipping through it recently, I came across a page dated 2-8-2012. On it was a heartfelt entry from one of the women, who was serving time for a DUI. She wanted to add her own words to my book of inspirations, and I wrote them down as she spoke. Here is what she shared about her journey with addiction:
” I don’t expect to be sober and hang out in a bar all day because I do not want to tempt my disease (alcoholism) or waste any more time doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. If I remember one is too many, and 1000 is never enough, the only defense I need to stay clean and sober one day at a time is to not pick up the first one (drink, drug, etc.). As soon as I have to justify my actions, my actions are already questionable. If I feel I have to hide what I am doing, then something must be wrong with what I am doing. I need to remain accountable for all of my actions and always realize there are consequences for my actions. Positive action brings positive consequences; negative actions bring negative consequences! Whenever I point my finger at someone else, I have 3 fingers pointing back at me!!! Before I can remove the speck out of my brother’s eye, I must remove the plank out of my own eye first. In other words, my own faults and short comings should be my priority, not someone else’s. Any relationship can only be as healthy as the sickest person in the relationship. Love conquers all!! “
As I read that entry, I was struck by the profound ways we can touch another person’s life—often without realizing it. I hope that this woman was able to take her lessons to heart, find strength in her journey, and build a life filled with hope and purpose. Her words serve as a powerful reminder that even the smallest act of understanding, guidance, or encouragement can leave a lasting mark—one that may ripple far beyond what we can see.
May we all remember that every kind word, every moment of guidance, has the power to change a life—sometimes in ways we may never fully see.