An Update from Jordan…

Coming up on two years ago, Jordan graduated from Mercy. We just received this update from her, and I wanted to share it with you as well. I hope this encourages you that there is no such thing as a hopeless case. God is a God of the impossible, and He is in the business of changing hearts and changing lives for His glory. I hope you enjoy this update and have a great weekend!

Hey Nancy and Mercy Ministries Staff, as well as my wonderful Mercy sisters!

I just wanted to share an update about life after Mercy. I entered the Monroe home nearly two years ago (Feb 6, 2008), lost, angry, and living selfishly in the chains of a twelve-year battle with an eating disorder, a five year addiction to alcohol and pills, as well as dabbling in cutting with thoughts of suicide - all of which stemmed from a life time of heartache and abuse. I was lost and hopeless living in the pit of utter despair.

When I arrived at Mercy I was scared and went into the program desperate for change but telling myself that if this didn't work, that was the end. I was going to end my life. The first few months of the program I questioned absolutely everything that I was told. My head and my heart were filled with so many lies, and I wasn't sure what was real anymore. Finally, one night in my prayer time, I truly surrendered to the Lord, crying while repeating "no more games! No more games!" I felt the presence of the Lord at that moment, and it was like from that moment on, my chains were breaking off one at a time. I was being freed from the pain and hurt I had endured for so many years. Everything I was holding on to, I was suddenly letting go of.

Even though I still struggle at times with old thoughts, I know I don't have to strive for perfection because I would be striving to obtain the impossible. I can make mistakes and be forgiven just like I can now forgive those who have also made mistakes. Thanks to the unconditional love I learned to accept and receive as well as the patience of the staff at Mercy, I have learned how to press through , forgive, and show the same grace and mercy that was shown to me. The trials I have faced have shown me that I really am free. I really can handle life's problems without harming myself in order to cope. I can't believe I am FINALLY the woman God has created me to be!!

I now look at the hard times as a time to put on my armor and accept the calling on my life - to be a warrior in the army of Christ! I cannot thank you enough for the time, love and all the effort you have put in to taking this broken girl and making her whole again. I love you all so much and my gratitude is truly endless.

In Christ,

Jordan