Lauren – 2012 Graduate

During childhood, I placed huge expectations on myself and struggled with perfectionism. I was a people-pleaser, so I strove to succeed in everything I did. This perfectionism was unattainable, though, and I soon became stressed, unhappy, and discontent. To hide my struggles, I presented my family and friends with a calm image.

By age 17, I was exhausted from people-pleasing and rebelled against my family and my personal standards. I started hanging out with the wrong crowd and entered an unhealthy relationship with a guy who was both physically and verbally abusive. During college, I started partying and drinking to the point of black-outs. I became wasted every weekend and was raped at one of those parties. The abuse was traumatizing, and I was left with so much shame and guilt. I became very depressed and was put on medication.

As my life wasted away, I stopped attending classes and isolated myself. My parents realized I was in a crisis and thought it was best that I move home, but I continued to drink regularly and act promiscuously. I looked for anything to fill the void in my heart, but nothing worked.

Soon after moving home, my mom told me about Mercy. I applied because I had no other options and the program was free of charge. At the time, I couldn’t go back to school, so my only hope for a future was to pursue help.

When I arrived at Mercy, I was full of pride, bitterness, and resentment. I hated the person I had become but saw no way of changing my path.

At Mercy, I was not only changed, I was made new. I recommitted my life to Christ and learned what it means to have a relationship with Him. Mercy also taught me that it’s okay to make mistakes. God doesn’t expect perfection. Instead, He cleanses me of sin and makes me perfect by the blood of Jesus. I also learned the importance of renewing my mind. Now I can reject the lies in my head and replace them with God’s truth. Because I trust in His timing and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I no longer have a void in my heart. God has filled me and healed me from all past hurts.

After graduating from Mercy, I plan to finish my degree in elementary education. I’m no longer paralyzed by fears of failure, for I know that God is leading me every day. My life was forever changed at Mercy, and I’m so grateful for this amazing, life-changing program.