From Prisoner to Purpose: Breaking Cycles Through Faith, Recovery, and Hope with Kelsey Harris (Ep. 193)
What does it take to break the cycle of addiction, trauma, and incarceration? In this powerful episode of the Genuine Life Podcast, I’m joined by author, speaker, and prison minister Kelsey Harris for an honest conversation about recovery, redemption, and the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.
Kelsey shares her remarkable journey from a childhood marked by addiction, violence, and chaos to years of meth addiction, homelessness, and incarceration. She opens up about the deeper wounds beneath addiction, the moment she encountered God during her recovery, and how faith transformed not only her sobriety but her identity.
Together, we discuss why addiction is often a symptom of deeper pain, the importance of healing trauma, replacing lies with God’s truth, and learning to see ourselves through the lens of Scripture rather than shame. We explore practical tools for recovery, healthy relationships, boundaries, emotional healing, and the hope that comes from walking in community and trusting God’s plan.
Kelsey also shares the vision behind The Girl on Fire Life-Skills Workshop, a seven-week, faith-based program she co-created with Teresa Nickell to help women break cycles of abuse, addiction, and incarceration while discovering their God-given identity and purpose.
Whether you’re in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for hope, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that no one is beyond God’s grace and that every story can be redeemed.
In This Episode You’ll Learn:
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Why addiction is often rooted in unresolved trauma.
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The difference between sobriety and true freedom in Christ.
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How changing your thinking changes your life.
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Why healthy relationships and boundaries are essential for recovery.
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How God replaces shame with purpose and hope.
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Practical encouragement for anyone struggling with addiction or supporting someone who is.
Connect with Kelsey Harris
📖 Book: Touching Fire
🌐 Website: https://kelseyjharris.com
