Stacy – 2011 Graduate

Before coming to Mercy, I struggled with several life-controlling issues. Throughout my life, I struggled with eating disorders, drug and alcohol addiction, self-harm and sexual abuse. I was constantly trying to earn the approval of others, but at the same time, I hated myself for the choices I made. I was carrying around hurts from my past, was discouraged with my present and unable to see any hope for the future. I heard about Mercy from one of my pastors, Lindsay Willis, who is a Mercy International Board Member. I knew it was the absolute right next step for me to take, and I decided to apply. God’s hand was evident in every step of the process, and it was very clear that this was where He was leading me.

My time at Mercy was primarily a lesson in learning to rest. God showed me how wonderful and necessary it is to stop and rest in His presence. I’ve learned to rest from trying to earn approval and have been able to see that I have worth and value apart from what I do. The staff members here at the St. Louis home are such incredible living examples of Jesus and model the things they teach on a daily basis. I can now fully trust the promise of God’s faithfulness, both to get me through the present and giving me a genuine hope for my future.

After graduation, I’ll be going back to work, and I look forward to getting plugged in at my church again. I can now embrace the future with hope, knowing that God is walking with me and that He knows the way. I want to thank Nancy, all the staff and the donors for their hearts toward all of us and for their faith and sacrifice which has made my transformed life possible.