Maria
Pasadena, CA
2019
Maria’s past is difficult enough to write. One can only imagine living it.
Maria’s parents were teenager when she was born. But they also suffered from episodes of domestic violence.
Maria entered foster care where trauma continued through molestation. Maria’s grandparents fought for custody and won, but so much damage had been done. Her memories of violence in the home went everywhere with her. It was difficult to get out of her mind.
“As a little girl, I didn’t feel like I belonged. I always felt empty and overlooked,” Maria expresses. “I grew up envying girls with their mother. During my teen years, I looked for attention from guys.”
Unhealthy friendships led to smoking and drug use. And when Maria was 16, she became a mom.
Maria got married and had more children. For a time, she lived a stable life. But since she never healed from her past, it resurfaced in various ways—and everything she had was taken away.
Like water running through her hands, Maria lost everything.
Maria was homeless for two years. Her despair turned to anger which turned to violence and time in prison. But in her lowest moment, she gained clarity.
“I surrendered my life to the Lord and begged God to give me a chance to be a mom again. I didn’t want to die an addict. I didn’t want my kids to know me this way!”
God faithfully and abundantly answered Maria’s prayers.
Upon parole, Maria went to Hoving Home, eager to grab hold of the only thing that could fill her nagging void—Jesus.
“I was so hard to love, but the staff was so patient with me,” Maria adds. “Little by little, my walls lowered, and I felt safe enough to open up.”
Maria opened her heart in parenting and anger management classes and welcomed God’s Spirit leading her forward!
Through time, prayer, and healing, Maria graduated from Hoving Home, became an intern, then a facilities director, then an education director!
After so much heartache in their past, Maria also made amends with all her children!
“I am thankful to Hoving Home for loving me and showing me what the love of Christ truly is,” Maria shares. “They taught me structure. They taught me values. It’s truly been a miracle.”
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