I was emotionally neglected throughout my childhood. I grew up thinking I was unwanted and a mistake. In middle school I started self-harming and isolating. I had a real hate for the world. I was in high school when the sexual abuse started. It continued for several years and escalated to verbal and physical abuse. During this time I had two abortions, and all my hate towards the world turned inward. I attempted suicide and God didn’t let me die. After I got away from the abusive environment I suffered from panic attacks and debilitating depression. I had no motivation to live.
I found out about Mercy while at a conference with my mentor. She later talked with me about going, and I chose to apply. When I entered the program, I was so numb to everything except for my self-hate. I just didn’t care about life anymore.
A major turning point for me was learning how to forgive myself. Something happened in my counseling session that planted a seed. That was the point where true self-compassion started, and I was freed from the cage of self-hate.
Through Mercy, God freed my mind from its dark torment. He showed me how to choose life and revealed to me its beauty. I have restored hope, and I can feel again. That has made such a huge difference in my life!
After graduating from Mercy, I plan on finishing my degree in Communications and Photography. I want to become a public speaker and write books because I want to help others find the freedom that I have found.
To all the supporters – Thank you, thank you, thank you! Words cannot describe my gratitude or the change in me. Thank you so much for the chance to learn what true freedom is.