Angela
HERE IS HER STORY
Angela will gladly tell you she’s 50 years old because she’s survived so much.
Here is her story: “I was born after my parents’ divorce in 1972. My mother remarried five years later, and that’s when the abuse began.
“I remember being told that my mom wouldn’t love me anymore if I told her. So, I kept my mouth shut until after my 10th birthday. A family friend walked in and caught him in the act. He was arrested and spent only three days in jail, which was all the time he served! He pled guilty to indecency with a child and was sentenced to 10 years of probation (not prison). “Just barely a year later, he moved back in, and the horrific abuse continued. His threats became even more severe like ‘If you tell Momma, I’ll kill you!’ Thankfully, when a friend told my mom that my stepdad grabbed her inappropriately. Then, I told her everything and she kicked him out” Years later, Angela’s life seemed to improve for a while before taking another downward spiral. “I was married and became a mother to our twins—a boy and a girl—when I was only 18-years-old.
We were married for 18 years, but sadly, I cheated on him many times. I was always looking for what I thought I needed. I started abusing over-the-counter medicines like Benadryl and NyQuil, and after my divorce, I discovered alcohol. Then years later after my second marriage and divorce, it only got worse.”
The trauma of childhood abuse can plague victims into their adult years and can lead to all kinds of future problems including substance abuse, and unfortunately, Angela was no exception but found hope in God at DowntownRescue Mission.
“Joining the program [at Owen’s House of DRM] is the best choice I could’ve ever made. It was ALL God! I’ve been blessed to meet so many incredible women and watch God working in and through this place. I’m blown away! “My past is just that—in the past. Thank you, Jesus, I don’t live there anymore.”
Today, Angela is a new creation in Christ and gives back to DRM by serving as a van driver for the women and children at Owen’s House. She loves her family—her grown twins and four beautiful granddaughters—and is grateful for the DRM ministries and generous donors like you.
“Thank you for being obedient to God and letting Him work through YOU!”
