Imagine growing up in a world where survival overshadows dreams. For Chad Gain’s, this was his reality—a harrowing story of abuse, resilience, and redemption being brought to life from Angel Studios in Pocket of Hope: The Chad Gain’s Story, set to debut on major platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix this year. Chad’s life, detailed on the Genuine Life Recovery podcast, serves as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to heal and transform even the darkest pasts into sources of hope and strength.
A Childhood Defined by Trauma
Born in the Midwest during the 1970s, Chad’s life took a drastic turn when his father left the family. At just five years old, he became the target of his mother’s escalating anger, enduring daily physical, emotional, and mental abuse. Public humiliation and threats became routine. “Every single day, she would tell me she was going to kill me,” Chad recalls.
Neglect was another constant. By fourth grade, he wore the same clothes for weeks, missed school frequently, and failed multiple grades. A pivotal moment came during a writing assignment when Chad wrote, “I just want to grow up.” His teacher alerted authorities, uncovering bruises, cuts, and even a stab wound. Despite this, small-town connections and a culture of silence allowed Chad’s mother to escape full accountability.
The trauma left Chad with deep emotional scars. He described the confusion of a young mind trying to normalize violence: “I thought all kids grew up like this.” A glimpse of normalcy came from a friend’s family, showing him what love and nurturing could look like—a stark contrast to his own life.
The Double Life of Trauma Survivors
Chad’s story reflects a common survival mechanism among trauma survivors: performing for the world while battling inner turmoil. By his teens, Chad had endured countless injuries, including being kicked down basement stairs and beaten. He became numb, turning to gangs and drugs as coping mechanisms. “I didn’t know what I wanted to be. I just wanted to live,” he shared.
Even as an adult, he found it easier to engage with strangers than to connect deeply with loved ones. “I could speak to a crowd of 4,000, but I couldn’t handle a small gathering of friends at home,” he admitted. This “performance mode” allowed him to function outwardly while masking deep struggles with intimacy and vulnerability.
A Spiral and a Turning Point
Chad’s life spiraled further after leaving his abusive home. He became entrenched in gang activity and drug use, culminating in a near-fatal drug deal where he was shot in the face. Rescued by his uncle, he relocated to Indiana, where he managed a decade of sobriety. However, a painful breakup triggered a relapse, plunging him into heavier drug use, including heroin and cocaine. This eventually landed him in maximum-security prison.
Prison, however, became an unexpected place of transformation. A visiting pastor saw potential in Chad and encouraged him to share his story. This planted the seed of a new purpose, one that would later lead him to redemption.
Experiencing Heaven and Discovering Purpose
Chad’s journey took a profound turn after surviving a devastating car accident. His vehicle rolled multiple times before sinking into water, and miraculously, he walked away unscathed. As he found himself outside the wreckage, he experienced a vivid, spiritual encounter where he was transported to what he described as heaven. He found himself in a place of indescribable beauty and peace. “It was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” Chad recalled, remembering vibrant tulip fields and a profound sense of trust as God led him forward. This encounter left an indelible mark, revealing God’s immense love and setting the stage for Chad’s eventual surrender.
The only thing intact in the wreckage was an angel ornament from his rearview mirror. “I didn’t need to take it with me. I had other things ahead,” he said. The accident, and the heavenly experience that followed, became a turning point, forcing Chad to confront his mortality and reevaluate his life’s direction.
Surrendering to God’s Plan
The car accident and heavenly encounter pushed Chad to surrender his life to God. “I didn’t know if I was ready for what God had planned, but I couldn’t ignore the signs,” he admitted. This surrender brought profound changes. Within months, Chad was recognized for his resilience and contributions, receiving honors like the “10 Outstanding Young Americans” award and the Daily Points of Light Award, presented by President George W. Bush.
Chad’s newfound faith gave him clarity. “Our brains are trained to expect chaos,” he explained. “Learning to let go and trust God was counterintuitive but necessary.” By embracing what he couldn’t change—his past—and focusing on what he could, Chad found the courage to move forward with purpose.
Living Out a New Purpose
Upon his release from prison, Chad took his first steps toward redemption by speaking at a local church. Facing 247 people—many of whom he had wronged—he chose honesty, sharing his story of abuse, trauma, and poor choices. While some remained skeptical, others extended grace and forgiveness, demonstrating the transformative power of vulnerability.
An invitation to speak at the University of Notre Dame marked a pivotal moment. Nervous but committed to honoring his promise to God, Chad addressed 4,000 students. The event opened unexpected doors, leading to speaking engagements nationwide and a broader platform to inspire others.
Lessons in Healing and Hope
Chad’s journey underscores the profound impact of trauma but also the resilience of the human spirit. Healing requires more than time; it demands intentional effort, therapy, and community support. For Chad, therapy remains a cornerstone of his recovery, alongside his commitment to sharing his experiences to help others.
“The scars of trauma never fully fade, but they don’t have to define us,” Chad said. His story is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible through courage, faith, and the willingness to face the past.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Today, Chad continues to share his story through podcasts, counseling sessions, and speaking engagements. “I wanted to be a regular guy with a normal job,” he joked. “But God had other plans.” These plans include meeting world leaders, inspiring others with his testimony, and helping trauma survivors find hope and healing.
Chad’s life exemplifies the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” By embracing his past and trusting God’s plan, Chad has turned his most painful chapters into a source of strength and inspiration.
Finding Redemption and Inspiring Others
Chad’s story is one of redemption—proving that even the most broken lives can be restored. His journey from trauma to triumph offers hope to anyone struggling with their past. “It’s about knowing what’s in God’s hands and what’s in mine,” he said. “And then having the courage to act on what I can change.”
Whether you’ve experienced trauma or know someone who has, Chad’s journey reminds us that healing is possible. Support systems, therapy, and faith provide the strength needed to overcome even the darkest moments. No matter how far someone has fallen, transformation is always within reach through courage, faith, and grace.
