“My mom got physical with me and hurt me. I couldn’t feel the pain because I’m so used to it.”
Now 14 years old, “Madi” has experienced sporadic and unpredictable abuse from her mother for five years. “It started in fourth grade,” she said. “I wanted to harm myself when I got bullied by a bunch of kids. And she beat me. It just feels so normal that I don’t care anymore … I got raised with it being called ‘discipline.’”
With Mom struggling to raise five children, the stress kept intensifying.
But then you stepped into the story. Madi heard about TheHopeLine. When her mother lashed out yet again, Madi reached out for help.
Our Hope Coach, Val, confirmed that Madi’s mother’s behavior was not normal discipline and encouraged her to speak to her guidance counselor. But even more important, she affirmed Madi’s value in the eyes of the Lord.
“God really loves you so much,” Val said — then added: “Even though your mom hurts you sometimes, it might help to have a relationship with God, who you can talk to any time and cry to and ask for His strength, wisdom, and courage.”
After Madi shared how she had been willing to take the blame and the punishment if her siblings were ever in trouble, Val offered a shocking comparison: Jesus did the same for us! As Val lifted up a prayer of salvation, Madi prayed it out loud alongside her and joined the family of God.
“God heard that prayer,” Val told her.
“He’s with us right now, and He will never forget it. He keeps His Word. You are now right with Him forever! I want you to remember this day. It’s a huge one in your life.
” “I won’t forget,” said Madi. “I’m going to try and build that relationship with God, because now I know there is really someone who cares.”
Val sent resources for Madi’s spiritual growth and extended the invitation for her to reach out to TheHopeLine at any time.
Thank you for providing a safe place for Madi to begin her new life in Jesus! We will be forever grateful.