Miranda – 2014 Graduate

When I was eight, my sister’s friend molested me. I also had a verbally and physically abusive parent. At a very young age, I developed a performance-based mentality, which led to cycles of eating disorder behavior such as restricting, binging and purging. I also began harming myself. These habits continued for nine years. Later, I became extremely promiscuous and entrapped by sexual sin. I eventually ended up pregnant but had a miscarriage.I became suicidal that year, and I also fell into alcoholism as soon as I turned 21.

A dear friend of mine found out about Mercy through a graduate of the program, and she strongly suggested I get help. I decided to apply because I was out of options. I couldn’t run any longer from my issues; I needed somewhere to go to work on them.

A big turning point for me was when I finally started praying for myself. I became a prayer warrior and for the first time, I truly fought for my life. I broke the power of pride and the stronghold of anger. I saw clearly the choice I had been given of life or death, and for the first time, I chose life. When I realized God had made me capable of choosing life, I was finally able to have hope.

At Mercy, God set me free from comparison and condemnation. I’ve learned to submit to God and trust Him fully with my life. He set me free from all cravings and addictions and has removed my shame. I learned to tear down walls,and most importantly, I learned to fight for my life.

After graduation, I plan to go home to live with my parents get my degree in sports administration and psychology. I am excited to get back into the work force and eventually hope to earn a master’s degree in sports psychology.

I would like to thank Mercy for showing me the pathway of life, the love of God, and how to have the best life through Christ. Thank you for showing me grace and giving me the tools to fight for my life.