Melissa’s Newfound Peace
I came to Western Carolina Rescue Ministries to escape domestic violence. I had not planned it, but I felt led that day by the Holy Spirit to not return home. Unprepared, I had nowhere to go. Then, amazingly, I met a lady at the pharmacy who listened to my story and offered to bring me straight here for help.
The first thing I noticed here was the quietness and peace. I’d experienced chronic pain for over a decade, always aching for relief. On top of that, a years-old traumatic brain injury made it almost impossible to focus. I struggled with basic planning and decision-making, and sadly, my abuser had used my problems to his advantage. Keeping me afraid, confused, and under his thumb, he would cash and spend my disability checks, keeping me powerless. That’s why the quietness here was so surprising. Although I still struggled with short-term memory, the quietness here made it possible for me to think clearly and for myself. In the peace of the ministry, my mind was flooded with things I had blocked or forgotten altogether. And as the staff here embraced me, learned more about my struggles, they brought me the care I needed to heal from the inside out.
The second amazing thing about being here was how secure I felt. The check-in process is protected. The entryways are staffed. And there are the most amazing leaders here. I had prayed that God would surround me with Christians, and although I thought he would do it with a church, he did it through the women here like Mrs. Angie, Mrs. Anita, and Pastor Kim.
I serve as a core volunteer, which helps me give back, and keeps me safe during the day. My condition makes it hard to keep a traditional job. And being around town during the day all alone can be overwhelming. Here, the staff team are my protection and spiritual support, keeping me structured and on schedule.
It is easy to become depressed and anxious, but Pastor Kim helps me by finding Bible verses that relate to my struggles with memory or confusion. She also helps me create prayers to remind me to take my troubles to God. Focusing on His word and prayer, my faith grows every day.
Having to depend on others can be difficult, because I remember what it was like to be self-sufficient. I don’t enjoy having to ask for help, but God is using it to work on me right now. He’s telling me, “You cannot do everything like before, and that’s okay. I’ve placed people in your life to help you who are good at this or that. Let them help you. Ask them.” I know He is right, but admitting I need help is the hardest thing of all.
Although God has his reasons for not taking my pain away, I trust Him and His plan. I have never blamed Him. He is my friend, my protection, my comforter, and my peacemaker. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with something on my mind. It’s encouraging to know that the ministry leaders here might just be awake at the same time praying for me. I know they love me like that, and I know they connect with the Lord like that for me. I feel protected here. Safe and able to rehabilitate.
The love here is real. It’s not forced or fake. I feel truly cared for. It’s important to feel like somebody cares what you’re going through. Most of all, it’s important to feel loved.
