Jesus Met Me In Prison

What happens when the world you’ve built crumbles beneath you? How do you find strength in the darkest moments of your life? Portia Louder’s journey—from addiction, prison, and the pain of broken choices to a renewed life filled with hope and purpose—offers powerful insights that will leave you reflecting on your own path.

In this episode of Seekers of Christ, we explore how failure can be the catalyst for a profound spiritual awakening. But can redemption truly erase the past? How does one rebuild trust, not just with others, but within oneself?

About the Guest

Portia Louder is an inspiring speaker, photographer, and author who has dedicated her life to sharing a message of hope, redemption, and spiritual strength. Her story of being a single mother, navigating addiction, and serving a federal prison sentence has transformed into one of profound personal and spiritual growth. Through her books, Living Louder and Born to Be Brave, Portia has touched countless lives by sharing her journey back to faith and self-worth.

What We Discuss in This Episode:

Life Before Christ: Raised in a non-traditional home, Portia shares how a chaotic upbringing and absence of structure led her down a path of destructive decisions from a very young age. "By the time I was 13, church was out for me. I was done going to church," she recalls.

Finding Strength in Failure: Despite experiencing addiction, prison, and personal loss, Portia reveals that her time in federal prison was the refining process she never expected but desperately needed. She reflects on the sacred experiences that brought her closer to the Savior, stating, “When you know who you are, you can do really hard things.”

The Journey to Redemption: Portia opens up about the pivotal moments that began her return to the Lord. Through the counsel of her father and the simple act of reading the Book of Mormon, she rediscovered her worth and purpose. "I prayed, I read my scriptures, and I felt my life change."

Adoption as a Turning Point: One of the most selfless decisions she ever made was placing her son for adoption, an act that brought both pain and healing. “It was the first very responsible decision that I made that was not about me.” This decision marked the beginning of Portia’s journey toward spiritual renewal.

Rebuilding After Prison: Emerging from prison, Portia’s life was radically transformed. She rebuilt relationships with her children, rekindled her faith, and began to serve others. Her book Living Louder was born out of her prison journals and serves as a beacon of hope for those who believe they are beyond redemption. "I became the best version of myself in prison."

Key Lessons from Portia Louder’s Journey:

• Owning Your Mistakes Leads to Growth
  One of the most profound lessons from Portia’s story is the importance of taking accountability. She shares that admitting her mistakes and seeking to make them right was the turning point in her journey toward healing and redemption.

• There is No Darkness Beyond God’s Reach
  Portia’s experience in prison teaches us that no matter how far we fall, we are never too lost for God’s grace. Her story reminds us that the Savior is always there to lift us out of even the darkest situations.

• Self-Worth is Key to Personal Transformation
  Portia learned that true transformation begins with understanding and accepting her own worth. Once she recognized her divine potential and value, she was able to change her life and overcome her past struggles.

• Adversity Can Be a Catalyst for Spiritual Growth
  Her time in prison, though incredibly challenging, became the crucible in which Portia developed a stronger faith and connection to God. This episode underscores that difficult experiences can lead to profound spiritual breakthroughs.

• True Success Comes from Inner Transformation, Not External Achievements
  Portia shares how chasing money, relationships, or material success led her down a destructive path. It wasn’t until she focused on internal growth, character, and integrity that she found true happiness and fulfillment.

Portia’s testimony is one of ultimate transformation—proving that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope, redemption, and a purpose greater than ourselves. Her vulnerability and resilience inspire us to seek out the Lord, no matter where we are in life, and to trust in the process of becoming whole again.

Through the testimony of Portia Louder, this episode of Seekers of Christ invites us all to reflect on our personal journeys, reminding us that we are never too far from the reach of God’s love and mercy.