Zandra Grady’s Story

Here is her story:

“My name is Zandra Grady, and I am a mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. Now, I am not ashamed to say that I have lost myself and have let a lot of people down in the past. Since I was a child, I have always felt alone and lost. But my trouble started as a young adult. At the age of 18, I started to interact and hang out with people that I knew weren’t good for me.

But my life changed forever at the age of 24. I was ending one relationship and beginning the start of a new one with my soulmate. I’m not going to lie, it was rocky. July 18, 2013 is when my husband and I got married, and I thought I was the luckiest woman in the world. Because I had never been in love before, I never knew how love felt until I met my husband.

Things got rocky once I started to rely on my husband. Don’t get me wrong, our relationship was wonderful in the beginning. We could not be apart from each other, but my husband is a jealous and controlling man. Things have to go his way or no way. That’s when we started butting heads. Since I was already emotionally depressed before we got together, the physical and mental abuse made me shut down and crawl into a dark place in my life. But because I loved him so much, I stayed with him. Now, we have three boys together.

When I got pregnant with my baby boy, that’s when I knew I had to clean my life up. The struggle, the abuse, the mental break downs, the jealousy, and drugs were too much to handle while pregnant. I prayed and asked God to give me and my husband some time apart. This way we could get ourselves together, grow up, glow up, and find ourselves because we weren’t right. I also prayed and asked God to separate us because I needed to be somewhere safe, and I needed peace for me and my children. That is what led me to Trinity Rescue Mission.

I had tried everything before I came here, but nothing worked for me, and I knew I didn’t have anyone or anywhere else to go. My mind was made up, and I wanted to come here. This was my safe place. This was and is my peace I was looking for. I thank God for this place. It has helped me grow and glow up. I don’t feel down or lost anymore. I have found myself and things feel normal. I have reconnected with God as well, and I have gained so much by being here. My family and I have myself back because I found myself again. My boys have a mother that is strong, and my husband has a strong-minded woman that can stand up for herself and speak her mind. I’m not in that dark place anymore. I’m still dealing with some things because I lost my mom and grandma, but Trinity has also helped me with that. Now, I have reconnected my life to Christ, and I know I will be with them in Heaven. My journey has not ended here, but my chapter has. I’m on to a new chapter in my life, and it’s going to be a good one! Thank you, God!”