Bree – 2017 Graduate

I was raised in a Christian home, but I never had a personal relationship with God or a desire to know Him. I struggled internally with self-hate, anxiety, depression, and body image issues. I often felt overlooked. I continually tried to find my worth in my jobs, hobbies, and appearance. After graduate school, a simple diet plan escalated into dramatic weight loss, and eventually an eating disorder. The sicker that I got, the more time and attention I felt like I received. At my lowest point, I attempted to take my own life. Two months later, I applied to Mercy after I realized I had literally run out of options. I knew that I needed God, and I had to find Him for myself.

I first discovered Mercy through a fellow bridesmaid at a wedding I was in eight years ago. She is a Mercy graduate herself, and when she saw me struggling on Facebook, she sent me a private message encouraging me to apply. She gave me hope that a better life was possible. When I arrived, I had put up some major walls. I was angry, manipulative, and cynical. I wore many masks and was trying to be anything other than myself.

During my time at Mercy, one of my major turning points was after Priscilla Shirer’s “Hearing from God” teaching. I began expecting God to show up, and as a result, started hearing from Him more often. I accepted Christ and found freedom in surrendering to Him. When I came to the end of myself, He was the one who carried me down the road to freedom. 

God has showed me that His Son is truly the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The closer that I am to Him, the freer I am to be who God created me to be. He chose me, He knows my name, He sees me, and He understands me. He created me for a purpose and loves me with a burning passion without limitations.

After graduating Mercy, I am going to live with my family while I pursue financial independence for the first time. I also would like to volunteer at a local Christian pregnancy center for moms in crisis, encouraging them to choose life for their babies. After my experience at Mercy, I aspire to be an international public speaker who campaigns for struggling women.

I have come a long way, and I am so thankful for Mercy, Founder and President, Nancy Alcorn, and for the donors who make it all possible. I have had a heart change that I can’t begin to describe. God moves mountains in this ministry.