Valorie – 2014 Graduate

My childhood was a good one. I grew up in a loving home with parents who took me to church, but I began to struggle in life because I stopped depending on Jesus. My life became surrounded by confusion, and darkness started to drown my mind, so I drank to escape.

I found out about Mercy through a BarlowGirl music video. I decided to apply because I knew I needed help, and without Jesus, that was impossible. Before Mercy, I was emotionally dead. I was disconnected from everyone and communicated poorly, hiding behind rude sarcasm. I was hardened by my rebellious impulses and didn’t care about rules or the reasons behind them.

About three months into the program, I faced consequences from my own choice to not follow the rules. In that moment, I realized I had to get down to business if I wanted to succeed in the program and graduate from Mercy.

Through Mercy, God healed me from pain that had led to suicide attempts in my past. He made me realize He’s got something bigger out there for me. He showed me there’s hope for my future and that I can live better if I trust Him. I learned how easy it is to have a relationship with God and pray, because He’s always there—all I have to do is talk to Him.

I am excited and hopeful about my plans after Mercy. Although struggles will still come, I now know that I don’t have to allow them to keep me down. I plan to return to work with a new perspective and a hard-working attitude. Getting involved at church is a big deal for me. I want to be a positive influence and hopefully make some lasting connections as part of a Christian community.
To Nancy Alcorn, thank you a million times for taking a step of faith to create this ministry, and to the donors who are committed to helping girls like me, thank you!