Cassidy

I was born into a loving, Christian home. However, I grew up in a conservative church environment which resulted in the development of a very legalistic view of the gospel. A sexual encounter I experienced when I was younger, along with severe bullying throughout my childhood, resulted in feelings of shame and unworthiness. I believed all of the bad things that happened in my life were my fault. I developed suicidal thoughts and began struggling with self-harm. I hated myself and my life immensely. After the ending of a sexually and emotionally abusive relationship, the depression I was going through increased. I developed an eating disorder and lost all control that I had left.

Two staff members from Mercy’s corporate office in Nashville came and spoke at the church I was attending. My boyfriend heard their message and informed me about Mercy. I decided to apply because I was running out of options and desperately needed help. When I arrived at Mercy, I was completely hopeless. I hated everything about myself. I just wanted to be fixed and sent on my way.

There was one day when I was lying on the grass outside. Father God brought to my attention the shade of the trees, the cool of the wind, the song of the birds, and the soft feel of the grass. He told me that He had given me these things. It was in these simple ways that God showed me the vastness of His love for me. In that moment, I felt fully loved and truly at peace.

Father God has given me life and life abundantly. He has breathed into me and grown His love, peace, compassion, and hope. He has grown these things out of my brokenness. I have learned that the essence of relationship with Christ is abiding in Him. In that place of abiding, I have all I need.

After I graduate from Mercy, I will be moving back home. I want to live a life of listening to Father God’s voice and following Him.

Thank you to the donors and supporters of Mercy. Thank you for giving and planting seeds. You have shown me what it is to give from a place of receiving from the Lord. Thank you for trusting Him. For giving your resources to be key factors in our growth. In our freedom. Thank you, thank you, thank you.