I grew up in a Christian home but was raised to live in a place of fear rather than of faith. The door was open for the enemy to hurt me. Before coming to Mercy, I was mentally, emotionally, spiritually and sexually abused.
I found out about Mercy through my mom when I was 18, but it wasn’t until I was 21 that she recommended that I enter the program. I had come to the end of myself, and I decided to apply as a final effort to have a normal life.
When I got to Mercy, I was more nervous than scared, but I was determined to give it all I had. I knew that I could either receive what the Lord wanted to give me or give up on the possibility of change completely.
A major turning point in my journey at Mercy came when I had been in the program for two months. One day during worship we were singing the song “Good, Good Father” and the Lord began to show me where my incorrect view of love came from. He showed me His true love for me through all of those events. This broke down the walls of doubt and distrust in my heart.
The Lord has completely transformed my mind, heart and soul! MY WHOLE LIFE, REALLY!! He has opened my eyes not only to who He is, but the foundations of His thoughts, intentions and ways. He showed me that I was fearfully and wonderfully made as His daughter. I now know that I am welcomed into the presence of God, not merely tolerated. I became able to boldly say that I am because He was, is and always will be.
After Mercy, I will be living with my aunt and working as a caretaker for my grandpa. I will also be going back to the church I grew up in. I hope that I will be able to get involved with the worship team and help out with the drama and youth departments there. Eventually I plan on pursuing a college degree in film arts.
Thank you, Mercy staff, for providing me with the tools I need to pursue lifelong healing!