Prison Didn't Break Me, Trying To Be A "Good Christian" Did | #081 | Unlearned Wisdom
Prison Didn't Break Me, Trying To Be A "Good Christian" Did | #081 | Unlearned Wisdom  
Podcast: Unlearned Wisdom by Johnny Chang
Published On: Mon Sep 28 2026
Description: 📲 Make God a daily habit in your life: https://download.coreoftheheart.com/spotify-uw I grew up in a strict Christian home, but by my teens I was deep in gang life, and it landed me in prison with two felonies. When I became a Christian, I hid my tattoos and chased a title in the church so I could feel good enough. Trying to earn my way to God gave me panic attacks so bad, I begged doctors to scan my brain for a tumor. It got so dark I had thoughts of taking my own life. Then I heard one message about salvation, and for the first time, all that anxiety finally left. For Live Event Information and to RSVP click here: https://events.coreoftheheart.com/ 🤝 WE'RE HIRING A-players at Core of the Heart! Apply here: https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/coreoftheheart We have open roles in Content and Media, Digital Marketing, and Live Events Production. In just 1.5 years, God has grown this community to over 3 million people worldwide. We are building a global movement to help people walk closer with Him every day. We're looking for people with proven excellence, high standards, and a heart for the mission. If you're an A-player who wants your work to matter for eternity and be a part of a fast-paced team, we'd love to meet you. 0:00 Jeff's Childhood in a Christian Household 3:37 What Being a Pastor's Kid Cost Him 4:23 Moving to Tijuana as Missionary Pastors 11:14 Legalism and Religious Trauma 14:48 Growing Up Without Feeling Loved 24:22 Searching for Identity and Love 25:38 Childhood Sexual Trauma 27:28 Skater Scenes to Gang Life 39:19 Life After His Parents Moved to Texas 42:41 The Arrests That Led to Prison 45:38 Joining the Southsiders in County 52:01 First Night in County Jail 57:12 The Pastor Who Kept Visiting 1:14:00 Getting Out and Finding a Church 1:21:26 Feeling Ashamed of His Testimony 1:32:32 Meeting and Marrying His Wife 1:43:59 Panic Attacks and Suicidal Thoughts 1:55:21 Apologizing to His Family 2:01:11 Discovering Johnny Chang's Content 2:06:35 Finding Security in His Salvation 2:11:17 Old Habits That Still Creep Back 2:16:27 Reconciling With His Parents 2:23:39 Advice for At-Risk Youth 2:25:40 Closing Prayer 🎥 Watch my documentary, 'Faith On Death Row': https://youtu.be/-KgMmqN79kg?si=hpLBvqxbI-jGmLFn 🎟️ Come to my next FREE live event! After Service: Get all the details by sending 'AFTERS' to 323,613,3577 If you are a church, or know a direct representative who wants to host 500-2000 local people, please fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeP7uLdy0r8pvcwvli--9TIBWpUI5ac6wCaY1TzogbpnIC4-Q/viewform?usp=header If you are a Vendor or know someone with a shop or food truck who wants sell goods, and grow awareness in your community, please fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGXJE_VqLemnAMbo3l_zp1Zgeewex05_5CCwJcqpuKzTtpFQ/viewform?usp=header 💌 Donate to Core Of The Heart: https://donate.coreoftheheart.com 👾 Join my free Discord to submit your question for a future episode: https://discord.com/invite/coth 🐉 Follow Johnny Chang everywhere: https://linktr.ee/johnnychang