While my family poured themselves into being parents and loving me, I grew up in a household that emphasized manners and behavior. Coupled with my innate, intense fear of life, I believed the lie that my performance was what caused others to love and value me. This led me to strive for perfection in school and church. I began to over-exercise in high school to cope with stress, and I did not eat enough to compensate. My weight plummeted and my intensity multiplied. I was healthy enough to go to college, but the stress of college led me to the cycle of binging, restricting, and over-exercising. After three semesters trapped in frustration, inability to function, and bingeing, I applied to Mercy. 

I heard about Mercy from friends who had attended a conference and heard Nancy Alcorn speak.

There have been so many little turning point moments along my journey at Mercy, but they all led to the acknowledgment that pride was overrunning my life. I spent my entire life trying to do good, but without God. Humility scared me because I thought I would really disappear and be forgotten if I was humble. I see now that God designed humility to remove much frustration and pressure that came from trying to prove myself and do life on my own. I can breathe now because the greatness of God is fueling my life, not me.

At Mercy, God revealed to me who He is and how His nature impacts my life. He has restored my sense of identity and broken my pride so that I can live in surrender and reliance on Him.

I will be returning to finish my degree in Business Management while living with family friends. I will be attending James River Church and hope to one day be married with a family while pursuing my career.

 Mercy has given me the ability to live life abundantly. I now know that doing good and avoiding evil cannot produce life, but rather it is who God is: my source. Thank you to all those who support Mercy. You’ve given me the opportunity to encounter God and His transforming, healing power.