Born in Prison, Bride at 13, Returned to Jail, And Then God Transformed Her Life

Cheryl, you were born in prison; most people can’t even imagine that. What does that beginning mean to you today?

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I sit down with Cheryl Bond, a woman whose life journey spans unimaginable trauma, incarceration, and ultimately, radical transformation.

Born in prison to a young prostitute, Cheryl’s early life was marked by abuse, instability, and survival. At just 13 years old, she became a bride, beginning a cycle of hardship that would eventually lead her back to prison - this time as a convict.

But Cheryl’s story doesn’t end in brokenness.

After decades of silence, keeping her story hidden for 53 years to protect her family, Cheryl finally stepped into her calling. Through faith, healing, and courage, she now shares her testimony to help women break free from shame and step into the life they were meant to live.

This episode is a powerful reminder: it’s never too late to tell your story, heal your past, and walk in purpose.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

3:36 - The BraveHeart Story of Cheryl Bonds being born in prison and growing up without love

9:11 - The life of a migrant child

13:43 - Questions no one dares to ask

16:56 - Identity crisis and family secrets

22:14 - A new chapter begins

Quotations:

“I kept my secrets for 53 years, but when I stepped out, the shame disappeared.” - Cheryl Bonds

“It’s never too late to become who God called you to be.” - Cheryl Bonds

“My life didn’t just change, it was transformed from behind bars.” - Cheryl Bonds

“God didn’t waste a single part of my story.” - Cheryl Bonds

Resources:

🌐 Connect with Cheryl at cherylbonds.com

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💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call

Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:

💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com

💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/

💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman

💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman

💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen

Download the full transcript here .