Your Life CAN Be Changed!!

Melissa's Testimony

Hi, my name is Melissa.  While growing up, I learned very early how to manipulate situations in order to stay hidden so I would receive fewer beatings and be able to eat. I had two addicted parents who were incapable. When I was six years old I was left in a hotel with my two younger sisters; consequently I was taken to my grandmother's home to live.

My grandmother had mental illnesses and she took her frustrations out on me because I was the oldest. For six years of my life, I was beaten, neglected, and made fun of. With that lifestyle I assumed certain responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, and raising my sisters that were not meant for a six year-old to have to bear. When I was nine years old, I was put into my first foster home for a short period of time due to the abuse.  Because I wanted my grandmother's love and thought things would be better, I lied and said she was good to me and was then put back into my grandmother's care. Nothing changed.

When I was 11 years old, my mother came and got me but she was still incapable.  At 12 years of age, I developed an eating disorder and was moved into another foster home. When I turned 14 I moved back in with my mom, hating the world.  I started using drugs and drinking everyday.  A year later I was put back into foster homes and up until I turned 18 I was moved around and placed in detention centers more than 15 times in two years. When I turned 18 I was released from children services and the court system and was left to my own devices.  I was very good with my words and it was very easy to use people for my addiction and shelter. I met a guy shortly after being released who had money and was broken. I took advantage of him and was very mean to him, but he kept giving to me and made everything so easy. I hated men during that time so it didn't bother me to be so wrong. I drank everyday and was very alone because I hated people and I didn't have much hope.

At age 20 I walked into the doors of Teen Challenge full of anger, hate and rebellion. I had to have control over everything. Thirty-eight days later I left the program. A few months later I returned, only to be dismissed two weeks after returning due to my attitude and unwillingness to keep my mouth shut.  In that short time, though, I had a taste of life and felt the Lord's love and I knew that's what I wanted---I was just full of fear.

I entered Teen Challenge for the third time December 26, 2008 and graduated January 10, 2010. The Lord has done a great work in me. I am not the same person I was when I walked in the doors. He has made all things new.  In my past I never knew of anything stable; only 17 different schools, multiple homes and people who walked away.

I now have a Father who remains the same, who never changes. His love remains, as does His power, His righteousness, and His glory. He remains the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. He lives in me! He is Alive! He is my Rock and my foundation is in my Father. When circumstances fall away, He who lives in me remains, so I stand!

   

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