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By design, going to jail is not a pleasurable experience at all. A person who commits a crime is arrested, locked bind iron bars and their simple liberties and freedoms are taken away for a specific time. No doubt being in jail can be a lonely experience and difficult for someone who is away from their family and friends for an extended number of days, months, or even years.
If you have never had a loved one in jail, it may be challenging to know what to say to someone locked away. But I encourage you to write or call them anyway and visit them.
You can’t go wrong if speaking from the heart. Your encouragement will remind them that they have a better situation waiting on them on the outside and not to give up.
What are Words of Encouragement?
Words of encouragement are a lifeline to a person drowning in a sea of discouragement due to their current situation. Additionally, words of encouragement let a person know that someone sees what they are going through. When we are discouraged, we often feel alone in our plight and like no one understands the struggle we are navigating through.
Encouraging words instill courage and build confidence in someone who has lost it. Many of you lose it due to fear, but encouragement says, “Keep going. Better is on the way!” We encourage people because we have a different perspective on the situation than the struggling person.
I often say, “It is hard to gauge the status of the war from the front lines.” Do you remember the battles we read about in our American History books in school? Many of the battles were fought on hills and valleys.
In some battles, the generals would stand on the hills while the soldiers fought hand to hand down below. The generals of the armies could see if their army was winning or losing the battle because of their perspective from on top of the hill. The soldiers below could only see the adversity standing right before them.
When we encourage others, we do so from a perspective that we see a better outcome for someone than they can for themselves… because they are limited by the issue they are wrestling with right in front of them.
A friend or family member in jail needs encouragement because they may only look at their future based on their current circumstances. Many incarcerated people worry about living situations beyond jail, employment opportunities, and how others will view them once they are on the outside.
Your kind words and reassurance give them hope to believe that everything will work out and that they have someone willing to help them rebuild the broken pieces of their lives.
41 Words of Encouragement for Someone in Jail
- This is your time to regroup and bounce back better.
- This setback is a setup for an amazing comeback in your life.
- “Fear makes the wolf bigger than it is.” – German Proverb
- “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” – Napoleon Hill
- I will always be here for you to support you. You are not alone.
- This is just another amazing chapter to your story. When it is told, it will be liberating to many people.
- I am here to help you put the broken pieces of your life back together.
- You are greater than what you see now in your current season of life.
- I cannot wait to see you again. We will barbecue, have a bonfire, and invite the whole family over.
- Experience is a great teacher, so you have learned a lot.
- We are all here to welcome you with open arms.
- We are not going to dwell on the past; it's over. Instead, let's focus on what happens next; that is the fun part.
- I want you to know you are thought of with love.
- I can't wait to see you. I have missed being with you, and I love you.
- You are one of the strongest and most resilient people I know. You can overcome anything.
- I know you feel bad now, but remember, all hard times come to an end.
- I don’t know what is on your mind but remember this too shall pass.
- There is no judgment from me. I want to see you happy and doing well. That time will come sooner than you may think.
- “When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.” – Helen Keller
- “Remember no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Remember no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
- The best revenge you can get on anyone is to live well and succeed despite the obstacles.
- You are not just meant to survive life and jail but to thrive in life and change the world.
- The best way to prove them wrong is to do better.
- “Change your thoughts, and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale
- I know things are not good right now, but I want you to know I am always here for you.
- You don't think anyone believes you are innocent, but I do and will help you prove it.
- “More people are watching you than clapping for you. But more people are inspired by you than they will ever let you know. Be encouraged.” – Jay Patrick
- “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” – Stephen Covey
- All is not wasted; this is a time for you to heal, grow, and thrive.
- You are under a lot of pressure, but things will work out. Diamonds are coal that has been under tremendous pressure.
- “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” – William Shakespeare
- “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8
- “It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always.” –Oprah Winfrey
- “Fall seven times, stand up eight.”– Japanese Proverb
- “There is no better feeling in the world than to go from feeling bad to feeling better.” – Stephen A. Pegues
- Don’t focus on the bad that has happened but focus on the good things that you can do for others from now on.
- Things may be dark now, but this is how you discover the light within to show you the way.
- The best version of yourself has yet to be on display.
- Adversity is the soil for the seed of your full potential to grow and blossom.
- “I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.” – Luke 22:32
- “Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.” – Coco Chanel
Final Thoughts on 41 Words of Encouragement for Someone in Jail
Time in jail can be challenging. Many prisoners spend time reliving the details of their crimes in their minds. As a result, they feel great remorse and guilt. This can lead them to experience depression.
Combine that with being in a confined space for an extended period of time. Then being away from loved ones and surrounded by others in jail who may be violent. Any of these scenarios can cause someone to become insecure and spend most of their time in prison, living in fear and considering giving up.
Furthermore, being in jail can cause someone to lose self-confidence and their mind. They may also lack sleep or an appetite due to the environment of being in this type of confinement.
So, your encouragement and life-giving words might help take a person's mind off the dark and depressing situation, enabling them to see the light at the end of the tunnel where a new opportunity begins.
