Prison changed me—but not in the way you might think.
When I self-surrendered to federal prison in 2012, I thought my life was over. Instead, I discovered that our darkest seasons can become catalysts for transformation. Over 47 months, I moved from despair to hope, learning not just to survive—but to thrive.
From the Inside Out chronicles that journey through three distinct surrender, survive, and thrive. But this isn’t just another prison memoir. It’s a story of finding purpose in crisis, strengthening family bonds through separation, and discovering how serving others can heal our own wounds. Through candid storytelling and reflection, I share how my time behind bars reshaped my understanding of faith, family, and purpose.
This isn’t just my story. It’s about the countless families impacted by incarceration—and the church’s opportunity to serve them. Drawing from my experience both as an inmate and as someone who previously supported prison ministries, I offer a fresh perspective on how we can better support families navigating this journey.
Whether you’re facing a crisis, walking alongside someone in hardship, or simply seeking to understand the prison experience, this book offers hope and practical insights for transforming adversity into opportunity.
Because sometimes, our greatest growth happens in the most unlikely places—even from the inside out.
Delton de Armas loves telling stories. He’s the author of Thrive: From the Inside Out, a book about finding hope and growth in the middle of life’s hardest seasons, and Mo-Mentum Principles, where he somehow made accounting interesting (or at least tried).
His newest book (coming soon!), The Thing That Matters: A Story About Being Different Together, is a middle grade novel that uses story to help readers (young and not-so-young) discover the beauty in different personalities working toward a shared goal.
When he’s not writing stories, Delton enjoys cycling Florida’s trails, writing songs, and sharing coffee and meaningful conversations with anyone willing to skip the small talk. He lives in Ocala, Florida, with his wife, Pam, and hopes his books spark connection, curiosity, and a little courage in every reader.
If you’ve read one of his books, he’d love for you to leave a review here on Goodreads—it helps more readers discover stories that matter.