Growing up, I had a lot of inconsistencies, and the seed of abandonment was planted in my mind without me realizing it. I was an active and happy child for most of my childhood, but at a young age I was accidentally exposed to inappropriate content that led me into a ten-year battle with pornography. As I entered my teen years, my addiction became worse as I started getting into romantic relationships. In my senior year of high school, I compromised all of my beliefs and morals, and I felt taken advantage of during one of those relationships. After I graduated high school, I felt free because I broke off that toxic relationship, but I still fell into the same trap. After intervention with my parents, I decided that I needed help.
When I walked through the doors of Mercy, I was welcomed with open arms, love, and grace. I was overwhelmed at first, but as I renewed my relationship with God and started doing the work, I wasn’t overwhelmed anymore. During my journey at Mercy, God was showing me all kinds of things, including how beautiful I am through Him. As He was showing me that, I started to see myself that way too! God set up things in my life that I didn’t think were possible but, through Him, all things are possible. I plan on taking the tools that I have learned at Mercy, including prayer, journaling, and worship, and implementing these practices in my day-to-day.
Before Mercy, I had no hope for my future. After Mercy, my desires and dreams have been restored. I plan to continue pursuing the relationship that I have with a Godly man and dream of getting married and having a family. I plan on trusting in God even more as I get older and get even closer to Him as life goes on!
Thank you to all of Mercy’s donors because, without your support, Mercy residents wouldn’t have these experiences for their own journeys.