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Andrea – 2015 Graduate

AndreaAs a kid I grew up in a lot of fear due to emotional and physical abuse. My dad traveled a lot and was unaware of what was going on in my home. I became very aware of my weight and body as a young child. This became more apparent in my life as I got older. I’ve always had struggles of my identity and self worth. I sought to have control in my life because my childhood seemed so out of control.

I found out about Mercy through a friend who graduated from the Nashville home 10 years ago. I began the Mercy application once in 2012 and once in 2013, but I never finished the process. A dear friend and mentor of mine finally helped me realize how badly I needed to take this step. My life was falling apart, and I realized I was not actually in control at all. When I first came to Mercy, I hated myself and most everyone else, even God. I was most angry with myself because I was not where I thought I would be at age 27.

A major turning point in my Mercy journey came when we attended a concert. That night my eyes were opened to how dirty my heart was, and I knew Jesus was the only One who could fix it. I was done fighting for control and asked Jesus to be the one to join me on my journey and guide me the rest of my time in the program.

While at Mercy I learned that the Word of God is so incredibly powerful! I began to be able to distinguish between my voice, God’s, and the enemy’s. The catalyst to my freedom was realizing that freedom was a choice that only I could choose. No one else could make that decision for me.

After graduating from Mercy I plan to truly LIVE life. I want to take it one step at a time and actually be present in the places that I am. My life before was so consumed around my issues that I could never fully be present. Now that freedom is where my identity lies, I will be able to do that!  Long-term, I’d love to become a life coach and a motivational speaker for kids.

Thank you, Nancy, for being obedient to the call on your life. I am forever grateful that I am on the other side of the sacrifices you made. To all the donors, my freedom would not be possible without each and every single one of you- past and present. I will always be thankful for this safe place, where I was able to land for a season to fight for my freedom.