Monique's Story of Hope
I was raised in the church, but I never listened. What I did catch was fire, hell, and damnation and my heart was not there. I was raised by a single mom, who enabled me in my rebellious ways. Despite all of this, I had a lot of promise and in 9th grade already had a scholarship for basketball in college. My life changed drastically that same year though when I was raped. I ended up quitting school, entered into selling drugs and began to affiliate with a gang. My life became very dark. Things progressed from bad to worse when I began to do things that I said that I would never do. I began to drink, began using the drugs that I was selling, and became suicidal. I made a lot of money as a stripper, but all of the money went to feed my addictions. I came to realize finally that I needed help and I began to seek treatment centers in the Kansas City area. I became sober for short periods of time, but never understood God. It was not until I came to the Healing House and Bridge of Hope that God finally opened my eyes to who He is. God has radically transformed my life. I no longer live in hopelessness and darkness. My name used to be “Mia“ on the streets, but now I go by my full name “Monique”. I understand that I am valuable to God and am not worthless as I used to think that I was. Today I live to glorify the God who gave me joy and hope for a new life in Him. I love to serve God and others today and to share God’s hope with others on the bus, in our transitional houses, and wherever I go.