“Strongholds are being broken, chains are coming off and I am being set free!”

“Nothing distinguishes me from the countless thousands of other women who have offered years of trauma, abuse, addiction, and mental illness, except that God has chosen to preserve me for such a time as this!

Since coming to the House of Cherith, for the first time in my life, I can honestly say that I love myself. The lies Satan whispered in my ear as a young child, "You are worthless", "You should just die". "nobody loves you" NO longer hold power over me. Strongholds are being broken, chains are coming off and I am being set free!

My mind is being renewed and I can see that truth...I am a child of God and He loves me unconditionally. I no longer see, God as a cruel taskmaster, but as a loving father who rejoices over me! I've put on the righteousness of God, and no longer struggle to be "good enough". God says I'm worthy, not because of anything I could ever do, but because of what Jesus has already done. I am learning to "be still and know that He is God". There is so much freedom in surrender. 

I would've never realized who I am had I not come to the House of Cherith and allowed the staff to love me until I could begin to love myself. The love I have received here has changed my life forever. I know whose I am, and that has empowered me to believe His Word. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

I can face the future because I believe that I am who God says I am. Abba, Father has a plan for my life and He doesn't want to hurt me. He gives me a future and hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

I still have a long way to go, but I've come so, so far from the broken suicidal woman I was when I walked in the doors of the House of Cherith. I know that "All things work together for good for those who love God, the called, according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) The enemy meant for evil will now be used for the glory of God.

I can think of no better way to pay back what I have been so freely given than to be a light in this increasingly darkening world. It is an honor to be chosen to be the hands and feet of Jesus and to simply love. 

Thank you, Lord - and thank you House of Cherith!”

-P