Shannon – 2017 Graduate

When I was younger, I dealt with a lot of bullying. I was teased by my peers as well as my teachers. When I was 11 years old, I was molested. I continued to be bullied until high school. I was diagnosed with ADHD, ADD, depression, and anxiety disorder. The years to follow were horrible for me because my parents started fighting. I was pulled into their fights, which was a struggle for me. The situation hurt my relationship with my father. My parents divorced, and my father married again.

I learned about Mercy through my mother’s therapist. I was going through a lot and decided to apply. I knew that if I didn’t go somewhere and get help, I would be stuck or worse off.

When I came to Mercy, I was angry at everything and everyone, except my mother. I also came into Mercy with anxiety. I would be so anxious that I would have to walk away from what I was doing or the people I was with. Walking into Mercy I was depressed, but that has changed remarkably since being at Mercy.

During my time at Mercy, my Abba Father has shown me so much. He has shown me His love and patience toward me. The biggest thing I learned is to trust Him. Because I didn’t trust my own earthly father, I really didn’t trust my Heavenly Father. Now, I can proudly say that I trust my Heavenly Father. He’s also been showing me the gifts that He has entrusted me with. It is amazing having these gifts and believing in them, because I did not trust that I had them at first, but now I do. He’s shown me so much goodness, faithfulness, and love.

After Mercy, I am going back home to live with my family. I plan to work and eventually go to school. I trust God in wherever He guides me. I’m also going to get plugged into a new church, have an accountability partner, and join a life group.

To all the Mercy supporters, honestly, saying “thank you” wouldn’t be enough. You have continually done so much, not just for me, but for all the women here at Mercy, and I pray that God will bless you in every single way forever.