I was raised in a loving home with my parents and three brothers. Growing up, I didn’t learn how to process my emotions and what to do with them. When I was younger, I experienced inappropriate sexual interactions with someone close to me, and this left me feeling guilty and with a lot of shame. Because I didn’t know how to connect with my emotions, I began isolating and had a lot of anger.
In middle school, I began to self-harm but kept it hidden. I didn’t share what was going on because I was scared of being judged. In high school, the cycle of self-harm, shame, isolating, and hiding things continued which led to me using drugs and other unhealthy addictions. I entered into an unhealthy relationship that was very controlling and manipulative. This relationship made me believe that I wasn’t worthy of anything. I had tried different things like medications, counseling, and the whole God thing, and none of it helped. I tried to take my life twice and ended up hospitalized both times. I had a really hard time being honest with myself and others about anything that was going on. I told myself I would give the whole God thing one last try. I decided to give my life to Christ and started a relationship with Him, but life was still going downhill for me.
I found out about Mercy from one of the pastors at my church. I decided to apply because I knew that if things didn’t change, I wouldn’t live to see my next birthday. When I got to Mercy, I was angry and didn’t have any emotions. I was closed off to everyone.
At Mercy, a turning point for me was when I made truth statements. God showed me that He loves me for who I am and that I am forgiven. He is always here for me no matter what.
After Mercy, I plan on going back to school. Some future plans include graduating from college, getting a job, and going on more mission trips.
I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to be at Mercy because it has saved and transformed my life.