Cyndi – 2017 Graduate

I grew up with hard-working, loving parents. I had a pretty active and relatively normal childhood. Like most, I yearned to be accepted and liked. I went through a few phases, trying to figure out who I was. There was a void in my life, and I attempted to fill this void with many different methods. At age 13, I developed an eating disorder and started to drink alcohol, steal, and sneak in and out of houses. By age 14, I also started to smoke marijuana. As a young woman, I was sexually assaulted by several different men and women. I believed many lies about myself, including that I wasn’t good enough, worthy enough, or pretty enough. I was in three serious relationships that involved verbal, emotional, sexual, and physical abuse. My life became full of secrets and shame. The drinking, smoking, partying, and secrets escalated, and I became so lost, confused, ashamed, and hopeless. Because I was constantly numb, I also became careless and reckless and didn’t have any desire to live. Through my multiple attempts of giving up, there was still something inside of me that knew I needed help. I knew that how I was living was not right or normal. I wanted to portray the “she has it all together” image so people thought nothing was wrong. I tried to manage everything that was happening on my own. I went to different counselors and tried medications, but I was stuck in a cycle that kept repeating itself. I was desperate, and my hope was little to nonexistent, but I wanted a new start once and for all.

I learned about Mercy Multiplied from a conference I attended. It took a long time for me to muster up enough courage to admit that I needed help and then to apply. I decided to apply because I wanted a new start. This time I was willing to try Mercy’s way of healing with Jesus. When I arrived, I was scared, but also determined to fully commit to the program.

A turning point for me at Mercy was during a teaching when it clicked to me that I am worthy. I am worthy of respect and worthy of life in general. Also, during the “Renewing the Mind” teachings, I learned the truth to many lies I was believing. The Truth really set me free.

God has healed my heart, restored my soul, and made me whole and complete. I have learned that I am a daughter of the Most High King, and I am worthy and lovable. I have the Holy Spirit in me, and therefore, possess the fruits of the Spirit.

After Mercy, I am trusting God to guide my steps. I want to share with others that they are also an overcomer, worthy and lovable—not for their looks or works, but because God loves each and every one of us uniquely.

Mercy donors, thank you so much for believing in the vision Mercy provides. Because of Mercy, I am alive today, physically and spiritually. Mercy provided a safe place for me to become stable and rooted in the Truth, without having all the factors of the outside world to distract or tempt me. I am beyond thankful and blessed to be given the opportunity to heal at a place like Mercy that is free of charge. There aren’t words that describe how grateful I am today to all the donors of Mercy.