I grew up in a Christian, but abusive home where a close family member was physically, emotionally, and sexually abusive. The abuse, along with being molested several times, led to depression, self-harm, self-medicating, and hatred for myself.
I found out about Mercy through a former resident. I decided to apply because I felt like my life was spiraling out of control. I had just had a miscarriage, and my marriage was falling apart. When I arrived at Mercy, I was an anxious mess. I didn’t want to talk to anyone, and I surely didn’t want to make any friends. I just wanted to get healed and go home.
The first time I heard God’s voice distinctly was while I was at Mercy. I was sitting in the living room journaling when I heard my name, but no one was around. Then I heard Him say that He loved me no matter what. It was at this time I began to accept the fact that God truly loved me. And I realized that I was worthy of love.
During the program I learned who I am in Christ. I have exchanged the numerous lies I believed for God’s truths. I no longer believe that I am unworthy, unloved, a failure, ugly, dirty, shameful, or defeated. I know now, for a fact, that I am a daughter of the Most High King who is valued, loved, beautiful, clean, and victorious! God has set me free from self-harm, self-medicating, death, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and depression. God has also healed me in numerous other areas, and I have been able to forgive my abusers.
After Mercy I plan to return home to work and serve in my home church. In the fall of 2016, I plan to move and attend Bible school, where I will major in Ministry to Women.
I would like to say thank you to each and every Mercy supporter! It is because of people like you who are willing to make a sacrifice that young women like me can come to intimately know our God. It is because of you that I was able to receive the healing and freedom I so desperately desired! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I appreciate each and every one of you!