Spiritual Survival Guide
7: Surviving Spiritually Beyond Prison
• List debts, and create a plan for re-paying as able, or upon release. Write creditors regarding your incarceration, especially credit card companies. They sometimes reduce or suspend debt. • Create a list of five supportive and responsible people who can help you upon release. • Exercise. Keep your physical body in shape. Choose a low-fat, low-sodium diet. • Establish connections to resources and people that help you grow stronger spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically, and that bring hope and encouragement. • Journal—capture your inspired thoughts, wisdom or lessons you’ve learned, a vision for your future. When writing a goal, try applying the S.A.M. method to keep it simple. Ask yourself if the goal is
in-law. That would be more specific. But I did not say how I was going to do this or when, so the goal is not measurable, and we don’t know if I can achieve it. So let’s say I told you that I intended to be more loving to my mother-in-law by calling her every week and sending her a card or gift on her birthday and on Mother’s Day. That would certainly be more measurable, and you could hold me accountable by asking, “Did you call your mother-in-law this week?” Applying S.A.M. makes it a solid goal, not just a good idea. Working your goals requires diligence and determination along with hard work. But it pays off, and it will fill your days ahead with lots of positive activities. You may find yourself too busy to get in trouble and too busy to get caught up in prison mind games. “The lazy man craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied” (Proverbs 13:4). When you are nearing release, write Prison Fellowship for a free copy of Shortimer, Preparing for Release at 44180 Riverside Parkway, Lansdowne, VA 20176.
S = Specific
A = Achievable
Surviving Spiritually at the Speed of Life
M = Measurable
When writing your action steps to attain the goal, ask yourself who, what, where, why, how, and when! These simple questions will help solidify the goal. If I told you my goal was to be more loving, you might say, “Why, that is such a good thing!” But the truth is there is no way to know if I will ever meet this goal because it is not very specific. So let’s say I told you I intended to be more loving to my mother-
Planning and preparing are essential. Without it, your chances of a good re-entry into society are slim to none. But even with the best planning and preparing, even when filled with God-given hope and realistic expectations, the transition to surviving spiritually on the outside is a tremendous challenge. Right now you have time—time that you won’t have on the outside. Right now you aren’t having to make many deci- sions. In fact, you’re not being encouraged to make any decisions. But on the outside, decisions will come at you fast and furiously. Right now
208
209
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online