With Myra’s warm smile and kindness toward others, you could never guess the abuse she suffered as a child—or the hard roads she traveled as an adult. But God led her to Nashville Rescue Mission during a dark time. Today, thanks to your support, she has found hope and healing in God’s love and is looking forward to the bright future that lies ahead . . .
Myra’s body bears many scars . . . cigarette burns inflicted as a child by a family member who was supposed to love her and look after her. She suffered many other abuses, too, the kind that leave scars you can’t see but never really go away.
The intervention of an observant and caring teacher led to Myra being placed in foster care, where she was able to grow up without the horrors she once faced daily. She focused on her studies and did well in school.
But adulthood held other challenges that she endured with the help of alcohol. As addiction took control of her life, Myra faced homelessness and even spent some time behind bars. She found sobriety but still wandered, living a fragile existence until the death of a dear friend devastated her.
Despair took hold of Myra’s heart and would not let go. With nowhere to go, and no one to help her, she saw no way out.
“I tried to [take my own life] and almost succeeded. The paramedics barely made it in time,” Myra says. “I was in the hospital, on my deathbed, and I heard the doctor say just as clear as day, ‘She’s gone. Couldn’t save her.’”
But then Myra saw a bright light and heard a voice say, “No, she’s not dead. She’s going to be fine.” At that moment, she didn’t know whose voice she heard, but later, she came to understand that God was with her and wanted her to live.
When she was strong enough, Myra arrived at Nashville Rescue Mission, hoping it was true that the Mission is God’s house . . . that hope lives here . . . that lives are saved and changed here each day.
The warm welcome she received made Myra feel right at home. Safe shelter, good food, much-needed rest, and time spent in fellowship with others did so much to restore her body and soul. And when she was strong enough, she became part of our Guest Volunteer Program, where she could actively be a help to others at the Mission who were in need, too.
Myra is a new woman today. She is close to God, confident, healthy, and ready to embrace God’s plan for her life. “I’m looking forward to getting my own place, but I’m not in a hurry because I like to help people, and there are some people here that I can help.”
Nashville Rescue Mission has had a huge, unforgettable impact in Myra’s life. She is truly thankful for the volunteers, staff, and professionals who have helped her on her journey . . .
But it’s for the donors and friends who choose to support the Mission with their gifts that she shares these heartfelt words:
“I would tell donors that they’re doing a great, great thing, and God bless you very much for helping these people here, including myself. I’m grateful for the Mission. I don’t know what I would have done if it hadn’t been for this place.”
On behalf of neighbors like Myra, who received the help and hope she needed during a very difficult time, thank you for your prayers and partnership now and all summer long. Together, we can help men, women, children, and entire families beat the heat, hunger, homelessness, and hurt!
