Rachel – 2013 Graduate

I grew up in a loving Christian environment, yet lived in constant fear and anxiety. I never understood why, but I found myself always striving to be perfect. In my late childhood years, I developed an eating disorder and started cutting. By age 10 I had decided that I wanted to die of anorexia before I was 18, so I could die the skinniest and most perfect person. After I turned 15, my parents found out about my eating disorder. Hospitalizations followed along with many doctors, nutritionists and psychologists. I refused to get better, and I wanted to die.

God spoke to me one night and said that He needed me, so I begged my parents to find help for me. They found out about Mercy from a friend who had worked for Joyce Meyer Ministries, and they told me about the program. When I arrived, I was determined to complete the program although I was shy and timid. I didn’t struggle with being far away from home, but I was underweight and very fearful about gaining weight.

The biggest turning point for me at Mercy was when I noticed my role in the home had changed. I realized I was no longer a “new resident” and that the new girls were looking up to me. That gave me a lot of confidence and helped me understand better where my true identity lies.

While I was at Mercy, I learned that my identity is in Christ. I learned what it means to eat without fear and that I am not what I weigh. God has shared a lot with me about who He made me to be and where He wants to take me in my life. God has changed my entire perspective on the way I see myself and the way I see others. He has given me a reason to live and someone to be. I’m excited for the first time in my life to be alive and living for Christ.

After Mercy, I am excited to get involved in my church, learn how to drive, and eventually go to college. I’m looking forward to living the life God intended for me.