Paul Kurko is now a husband, and a father this is what he has to say for his self.

It’s been 21 years since I last saw the inside of a prison. I was 26 when the State of Texas released me on parole in 2004. That wasn’t my first time behind bars — but by the grace of God, it became my last.

While locked up, I lost my girlfriend in a tragic car crash. Three months from freedom, and my world shattered. Loss became a familiar companion. My mother at 12, my grandfather at 19, my dad at 22, and my grandmother at 28. Grief stacked up, and methamphetamine became my way to numb the pain.

After my release, life felt impossible. The weight of parole, addiction, and hopelessness left me sure I was bound to return to prison. Until a woman named Kiesha came into my life. I didn’t expect her to stay, but she did. Then one day, I came home to find out she was pregnant. That moment forced me to face my reality. At 29, terrified and unprepared, I made a decision. I got clean the day my son was born and never looked back. Eighteen years later, that baby is about to graduate high school, and I’m the proud father of three boys. Life wasn’t easy, and I’ve made mistakes along the way. One poor decision recently landed me back on probation — a hard reminder that the past never fully lets go.

But this time, I faced it differently. I completed my community service, kept my faith close, and refused to let depression win.

My story isn’t about perfection. It’s about persistence.

No matter how far you fall, there’s always a way back — one decision, one step, one day at a time.

I share this because someone out there might be where I was. If that’s you, stay vigilant. Keep God close. And always do the next right thing.

I’m still a work in progress. But light always overcomes the darkness. – Kurko Inspires

Learn more at kurkoinspires.org