Kirsten and Scott--a husband and wife that are separated by jailhouse walls, as he is incarcerated despite his innocence. He is facing life in prison without the possibility of parole. As a family of 4, and then 5, as the story unfolds, Scott and Kirsten knew the "good life." But God had a better one in store. They first had to be broken. They plumb new depths of their faith and in their knowledge of the Word in these days that some would consider dark, but that God infused with great joy. Throughout a total of 16 months of separation they wrote letters to each other that are filled with the stories that capture the depth of their love, family life, fear, questioning, and details of what God is doing in, around and through them. Many of the letters are laced with snaphots of jailhouse interactions in the maximum security unit where God still dwells. It is inspiring to see how the Holy Spirit moves throughout the whole situation when you see Scott’s letter next to Kirsten’s as the days go by. Prayers are being prayed and answered and it is all recorded in the daily wrap-up. It is a God story. It is a love story. And the letters are delivered daily. Make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed to receive daily updates of our story. To learn more about this blog and the background behind it, check out the About Section.

november 17th – inside/out

by Kirst on October 27, 2009

Good Afternoon Sweetheart,

We just finished lunch and back in our cells.  We were locked in all morning and will probably be locked down for the whole day.  The residual effect of the fight in the other tank.  I like the time of isolation in the cell, but crave the fellowship with the other guys in the tank.  Being totally locked down throws off my routine.  But I don’t let it get me because I know that it is just the way this place operates.  Nothing I can do to change it.  I will try to focus my efforts on areas that I can affect change.

When I finished writing last night and laid down to try to sleep, my mind was busy with thoughts of you.  Busy with the thoughts of a life that I am no longer living.  I was fighting feelings of self-pity as I looked around and was hit with the stark reality of where I am.  But as I thought about you, Kayti and Ryan, my outlook changed.  I prayed for strength and courage to keep doing His work.  I will not let the devil’s messengers of despair, self-pity, doubt or loneliness cloud my judgment or hamper my mission.  The Lord is doing great works here, around me and in me, and I can’t allow the tremendous pain of our temporary separation paralyze me. 

I work hard at controlling the environment in which I reflect on the memories of you and our children. I make sure that my mood is one that will foster smiles and happiness, not loneliness and despair.  The crying that I want to do is of joy and deliverance, which will be coming soon.  I can picture the day when they call through the intercom, “Scott, roll it up for release!”  Yea!!  That is the phrase that everyone in here wants to hear.  I am coming home to you my love, in God’s perfect timing.  We will continue to trust in Him fully, and for everything, praising Him always.

Okay sweetgirl, I’m going to try and get this in the mail.  I’ll try to get one of the guys doing lunch cleanup to put my letter on the outside ledge for pickup.  Talk with you soon.  My heart is ablaze with desire to be next to you.

I love you now and forever, Scott

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Hi name is Kirsten, and I am the author of Inside/Outside. If you are new to the site, please read About The Letters and make sure you Subscribe To My Feed. To learn more about me and my interests, check out the About Me Page.

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