Cultivating Hope Through Surrender to God

Melissa Ryan has a lot of hopes for her life these days, including her desire to graduate from the Women’s Life Change addiction relapse prevention program.

Melissa’s journey to the Mission contained many twists and turns. After entering the Rescue Shelter, she moved forward into the R3 (Rescue + Revitalize + Restore) program, but left and relapsed and lived on the streets in Eugene. It was by “the grace of God” that she came back and was admitted to the Life Change program, according to her Navigator Natalie Eberth.

Now, Melissa is focused on surrendering her will to the care of God, healing, and completing her program requirements. “It’s really important to me to graduate,” she said. “It sets an example; if I relapse and go back to that old life, how does that give people hope?”

Melissa said she wants to set an example of leadership someday to the people in her former life and help “show the way.” She’s making tremendous progress toward her goal – she recently moved forward into Phase 3 of the program, or the “transformation” phase, which lasts a minimum of three months.

During this time, guests start to show true change, or resolve to become new in their character and nature. Natalie said Melissa has been transforming in the area of her will, and she no longer asks “why?” of everything, which indicates surrender. She has also started experiencing peace, and her anger is dissolving.

“She’s recognizing that the chaos and confusion are not of God,” Natalie said.

Congratulations on your progress Melissa! We’re rooting for you every step of the way.