My dad has been a missionary and pastor my whole life. I grew up in church and had a very strong foundation of Jesus and was taught right from wrong. But when I reached my pre-teen and teenage years, I begin battling with depression, anxiety, and very low self-worth.
Years of addiction to unhealthy relationships led to years of substance addiction and more unhealthy and abusive relationships. This brought me to a place of hurt, shame, guilt, and isolation.
About a year ago I found myself in the darkest place of my life and began thinking there must be a better way. I ended up spending about five months in jail. I honestly was not arrested, I was rescued. I re-dedicated my life to Jesus while in jail and was really ready for healing and freedom. I remember praying and very clearly hearing God’s voice say, “You have tried it every other way but my way.”
My mom had been interceding for me to come to Mercy for years and years, and I was finally at a place where I was willing and ready for change and complete and total healing. I prayed and applied to Mercy and made a promise to God to stay faithful during my season of waiting. I was accepted, but due to COVID-19, I began outpatient treatment at the Mercy Center for Wellness and Counseling in West Monroe, Louisiana. I received outpatient care for about 4 months and then I was transferred to one of Mercy’s residential homes. I came to the residential home in January because I felt that God was really calling me to set aside more time to really dig deeper and dedicate myself totally to my healing.
I now have a closer relationship with Jesus than I ever have and am 14 months free from addiction. I am confident in who God has made me to be. I have learned how to have boundaries. I have learned to listen to hear and not just respond. I have learned to pause before I speak, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my every move and conversation. I renew my mind daily in Christ and believe His word over anyone else’s. I am so excited to be going home to my family, serve at my church, and just rebuild a healthy and joyful life! I am so excited to continue learning to love myself and allow God to send healthy relationships my way and to use my spirit of discernment and the Holy Spirit as my guide. I will no longer settle! For me it’s clear. Freedom is a choice and I choose freedom daily! My God is a love like no other. I choose Jesus!