Sarah – 2015 Graduate

I was born into a very dysfunctional family. My biological mother was an alcoholic and drug-addict, and my biological father was not in my life. Before I was adopted at five years old, I was sexually and physically abused by people I should have been able to trust, including relatives, friends and foster families. The day I was adopted was the best day of my life! Finally I had a home and people who loved me, even before they set eyes on me. When I was six, I accepted Jesus into my heart. When I was 11, my family and I moved across the country to plant a church. This didn’t work out and a year later, we moved again. The kids in my neighborhood began negatively influencing me. I soon started to secretly date online. When I was sent to public school, I became surrounded by further unhealthy friendships. I continued to date secretly, and I was introduced to self-harming. In eighth grade my depression, anxiety, lying, self-harming and secrets all got worse. Eventually my parents and family found out everything, and I was pulled out of school. I spiraled out of control and was so angry. I was taken to the hospital after self-harming in front of my parents.

When I returned home from the hospital, my parents introduced me to Mercy through a video on the website. As I was watching all I could do was cry because I knew that it was the place I needed and wanted to go. So I started the application with the help of my amazing parents. I walked through the doors of Mercy SUPER broken. I felt unloved, forgotten, not cared for, unimportant, and worthless. I really didn’t think God loved me, despite what people told me. I hated myself, and I sort of hated everything. I just wanted to die. If Mercy didn’t work, I had a plan to kill myself.

While at Mercy a lot of my turning points were in worship times, events we went to, guest speakers, and in my private moments with God. However one in particular stands out. One day I was in my room, and I just felt a nudge. I heard God tell me that He loved me. I didn’t hear an audible voice, but I knew it was Him. From that day I began to really and truly believe He loved me.

While in the program I learned so much.  I know that I am loved, precious, worthy, important, beautiful, treasured, and just awesome! God transformed me literally inside and out. I’m so thankful that even though I didn’t deserve it, He helped me through every part of my past. He continues to help me everyday when the going gets tough.

After graduating from Mercy, I plan to go to high school for the second semester of my freshman year. I also plan to work on my relationships with my family and friends. I’m excited to say goodbye to bad relationships.

Thank you so much to all the Mercy supporters for everything you pour into Mercy. It means so much. We couldn’t do it without you!