Kimmie – 2014 Graduate

As a child, I was very shy – I felt unseen and unheard. I was the youngest of four, so I was always competing for my parents’ attention. I wanted people to like me and because of this, I fell into people pleasing. By middle school, I started finding my identity in relationships because they made me feel important and wanted. I lost my virginity at 16, and when I was 17, I was raped. Later that year, I experienced what is known as a “psychotic break” and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I was hospitalized several times over the next seven years. This is what led me to Mercy and straight into my Father’s arms.

I found Mercy through my mom who had been searching for somewhere I could find healing. I decided to apply because nothing I tried was working and I needed a divine intervention.

Learning to forgive people who hurt me, and learning to forgive myself was a crucial turning point for me. I never knew how to fully and completely forgive before. Now, I can receive the forgiveness God has for me as well. Walking through how to heal life hurts with my counselor was so good too, because I could acknowledge the pain but then move on.

God has done so much for me at Mercy, including completely healing my mind. He has really shown me His love for me. He has drawn me to Himself and shown me that my heart needs to focus on eternal things, not on this world. I’ve also learned how to renew my mind and use God’s Word as a weapon against the enemy.

After I graduate from Mercy, I plan to go home and finish college to study Earth or marine science. I’m excited to get involved at church and start building relationships with Christians my age. I also have a heart for the lost, so I would like to travel and reach people with Christ’s love.

To those who make Mercy possible… thank you, thank you, thank you! You have given me the chance to experience true freedom and healing. The opportunity to come to Mercy and experience God’s love has transformed my life. I wouldn’t have done the last seven months any differently. God is so good.