(RCR) A string of bad decisions that started in my teens was finally catching up with me. A tumultuous relationship coupled with the death of a close friend led me down a dangerous path, where I often sought comfort from drugs and affection from men. In the weeks leading up to my 20th birthday, I overdosed several times and found myself in hotel rooms or apartments. Soon after, I discovered I was pregnant. I was flooded with emotions and uncertainty about what to do next.
My aunt told me about a program at her local church for expecting mothers called Embrace Grace. I was hesitant, unsure if a church would accept a young, single, and pregnant mom.
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When I finally stepped through those doors, I was met with an unexpected wave of warmth. Everyone welcomed me with love and hope, constantly assuring me I would be a great mom. For the first time, I felt a flicker of confidence. As a terrified young adult, their encouragement lit a spark within me.
The peaceful atmosphere of the program contrasted sharply with my chaotic life. I often felt lost, but the program helped me uncover the trauma I’d been carrying for so long — trauma that had shaped my life in ways I never fully understood.
With support and guidance, I finally addressed the root causes of my spiraling life. It felt like peeling back layers of trauma I hadn’t known existed, and with each revelation, I experienced a sense of freedom. I was on a healing journey, but I still grappled with old patterns and unhealed wounds even after that.
Four years later, after having my second child, I joined another church-based support program called Embrace Life, which focused on helping young single moms. It reminded me of how the church had rallied around me during my pregnancy, even coming to my rescue when I got a flat tire and sitting with me until the tow truck arrived. Later, my group leaders bought me four new tires. Their grace and support were unwavering.
A couple of years later, I had my fourth child with my now-husband and faced a battle with severe postpartum depression. It was a terrifyingly dark time. Then, one morning, I felt an awakening. I sensed God was calling me to something, but I had no idea what. He walked me through every trauma, revealing that He had been there all along — every overdose, every wrong choice, every tear I cried.
All the lessons from Embrace Grace and Embrace Life flooded back to me. The seeds that had been planted began to bloom rapidly. I was constantly reminded that God was calling me somewhere, and I knew I had to keep serving in the season I was in.
I began serving on the prison team with my local church. As I child, I had often visited my brother who was in prison and knew that my experiences could be used to help others. Initially, I volunteered at the men’s prison, but once a month, I visited the women’s prison, which left me in awe. I looked around and saw women just like me.
Shortly thereafter, I had an opportunity to translate my personal experiences into my vocation by working at Embrace Grace. Now, I get to share my story with other moms as part of my job, showing them they can and will find victory in their lives. They often don’t recognize the trauma of the lifestyles they’ve left behind, but having support helps make returning to that life unimaginable and shows them their value and the love Jesus has for them.
As part of our community, I love seeing how our organization supports pregnant women and moms. This fall, our network of churches will host over 830 baby showers for expecting single moms and provide a total of about 75,000 gifts. It's incredible to be part of something that makes such a tangible difference in people's lives, and it reminds me of how far I’ve come.
Tweet This: This fall, Embrace Grace churches will host over 830 baby showers for expecting single moms and provide a total of about 75,000 gifts.
