147: A Golden Teardrop Hit My Heart: born in and serving time in prison didn't stop her with Cheryl Bonds

We don't choose how we were conceived, who our parents are, or where we are born. The miracle of birth can be overshadowed if one or more of these conditions are unfavorable.A baby born to a mother who is in a prison has a 30% chance of following in his or her mother's footsteps. Today's guest, author and speaker Cheryl Bonds, experienced all three unfavorable conditions when she was born, as well as being one who fit the term 'intergenerationally incarcerated.'In her interview, Cheryl describes how her birth announcement - "It's a girl, inmate 2029" - was blasted over the prison intercom. Just as the statistics describe, Cheryl's childhood included food insecurity, behavioral challenges, poverty, little to no education, subpar housing, and the potential to be a target to predators. Pregnant at an early age. Domestic violence. Alcohol and drug abuse. All connected to a young woman who lacked social skills, was hungry for attention, couldn't read, and didn't have any coping skills.BUT GOD . . . Cheryl admits serving time in prison was exactly what she needed. God met her there and completely changed her life. He gave her a life that replaced 'unwanted' with 'chosen.' 'Unloved' with 'loved.' 'Unforgiveable' with 'forgiven.' 'Hopeless' with 'full of hope.'Notable quotes:* "I thought this is life, so at a very early age, I learned survival mode."* "I was so disgusted with myself. I pled guilty and refused to testify, so that nailed my coffin. And I didn't care. I didn't even like me."* When I saw that, God spoke to my heart. He said, 'I just give you a snapshot of your legacy.'"Bible verses:* Cheryl's fight verses: 1 Peter 5:6 and 2 Samuel 7:18-19Learn more about Cheryl:her website: https://www.cherylbonds.comher Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.bonds.520her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylbonds2025Buy her book, From Chains to Chosen: A Journey From Prison to Purpose, on Amazon! Send me a COMMENT or QUESTION!THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Want to leave a comment about this episode? Click HERE!