Claire – 2012 Graduate

At an early age, I started taking dance classes and began to believe that “skinny was pretty.” I felt pressured to look and perform perfectly, so I developed severe anxiety and depression. Because of these expectations, I felt the need to overachieve, and I hid behind masks of perfection and confidence. I turned to over-exercising and anorexia to gain control of my chaotic life.

Though my mom told me about Mercy, I thought my eating disorder was under control, and I was hesitant to apply. But deep down, I didn’t want to continue to live in bondage. In June 2012, I walked through the doors of Mercy confused about my self-worth and terrified of ending my eating disorder. My greatest fear was to surrender my life to God, but I took a huge leap of faith and gave Him control.

While I healed and learned about myself, God was faithful, making me feel loved and whole. He showed me that I am beautiful, inside and out, and that He loves me unconditionally. It’s incredible to think I don’t have to perform to gain His approval. God has good plans for my life, and I’m learning to trust in His will and timing.

After graduating from Mercy, I’m going to attend college and complete an event planning internship. In the future, I hope to minister to girls struggling with eating disorders, and I want to be a living testimony to the transformative work of Jesus Christ! Thank you, Mercy, for guiding me to freedom.