Over the past 18 years, I tried to find happiness through drugs, alcohol, food, cutting, and the approval of others. I saw myself as a failure and believed the enemy’s lies that everyone would be better off if I wasn’t “in the way.” I tried to commit suicide but was unsuccessful. For a year and a half I was in and out of treatment programs and was unable to complete a single one of them. This confirmed my idea that I was a hopeless case and nobody could help me. I heard Nancy speak at the Designed for Life 2009 “So Loved” Conference at James River Assembly in Ozark, MO, and I felt hope for the first time. I thought that maybe, just maybe Mercy could do the same thing for me that he had done in the lives of the girls Nancy spoke about.

While at Mercy, I learned how to have a relationship with God. I learned that I don’t have to know every answer to every question—I just have to trust Him. He is faithful and as long as I continue to seek Him, He will direct my paths. I know that when I do go through trying times, God will use it to stretch me and prepare me for the amazing future He has planned!

After graduation, I am excited to get plugged back into my church. I look forward to being the mom, sister, daughter, and friend that God created me to be. I also plan on looking for a job in the nursing field. I’m not sure all God has for me but I look forward to living the life God created me to have!