I was born into a great Christian family with two loving parents and two big brothers. My childhood was truly everything that a child deserves, full of tea parties with my dad, playing power rangers with my big brothers, and strutting around the house in momma’s heels.

During middle school, I was constantly being made fun of, picked apart, and belittled by girls who I thought were my friends. My friendship with these girls left me feeling unlovable, unworthy, and insignificant. I so desperately wanted to be accepted and loved by others that I was willing to become anything or anyone I needed if it meant that I could just belong and be loved.

In high school, my family experienced a series of pretty significant losses. After that, one of my brothers got caught up in the wrong crowd and started making poor decisions. Because of the lifestyle my brother chose to live, I started to become surrounded by a lot of unsafe people and things, a few of those being alcohol, drugs, and pornography.
I started experiencing panic attacks and anxiety, but because it manifested in my physical body, oftentimes, I just felt really sick, unable to sleep or eat, and had such a lack of energy. After seeing many doctors and having countless tests run, we found out that I was battling depression.

I graduated high school, and I eventually chose to go to ministry school, but it was very difficult for me. After seeing many psychiatrists and counselors, I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and OCD. After a year of counseling, medication, and prayer, I was able to graduate college by the grace of God.

I was working full time doing what I love when life came and knocked me off my feet again. The insomnia, panic attacks, and depression were back. My counselor told me about Mercy, and after a lot of prayer and seeking wise counsel, I decided that I couldn’t live my life like this anymore, so I chose Mercy.

When I walked through the doors of Mercy, I came in trying to help, solve, and fix everyone’s problems in an attempt to avoid facing my own. I don’t know that I will ever have the words to adequately express my time here at Mercy, but I do know that God met me here. He met me right where I was in any given moment, and He showed me just how much he loved me. He showed me who He is and who I am in Him, fully known and loved. Jesus truly met me in my darkness and brought so much peace, joy, and light. He healed my heart, healed my body, and restored my joy. My heart and life have been forever changed.

I will never have sufficient words to express my heart and gratitude for the donors, but I would say thank you so much for truly being the hands and feet of Jesus. Because of your heart and care for us, I have seen Jesus in such a tangible way.