I am a 34 year old college graduate with a Bachelor's degree in nursing.  I am actively involved in my church, and I love to sing and perform drama, write and dance.  I love to uplift people whenever possible, and I just want to find my true calling in life, and do what God wants me to do.  I have a sister and mother in Chicago.  My mother is a breast cancer survivor, and I regret very much that I have not been able to help her more throughout her life.  We love each other very much.  

My father was murdered almosts 10 years ago, which was extremely traumatic for me, not only because if he know my situation now, he would be there in a heartbeat, but because I loved hims so very much.  Seven years ago I got married to a man who I thought was a kind, Christian man of faith.  With the marriage I inherited a wonderful stepson, 8 years old at the time.  

What I thought would be a happy lifetime with this person became a living hell.  I was the primary breadwinner in the home, working nights, working in the home, and needing to be the primary emotional and physical provider for my stepson.  I became the vicim of rage and physical and emotional abuse.  My husband also struggled with sexual addiction.  I believe very strongly in the institution of marriage and believed with all my heart that God wanted me to save my marriage.  

However, after several separations, and my husband's arrest for abuse, I became physically sick, and was unable to work.  I also sustained an eye injury in a car accident caused by my husband, which compounded my physical struggles.  My stepson eventually went to live with his estranged mother, which devastated me even more, since he had come to love me as a mother and called me "mom."  During my time when I couldn't work, my husband couldn't hold down a job.  

He finally just gave up and literally spent from morning until evening sitting in front of the computer, not looking for a job.  He had racked up bills, which affected my credit.  I had to sell clothes and my piano to have money to eat; there were times when all we had to eat was Ramen noodles.  We had to claim bankruptcy, with money borrowed from his sister, and I lost my car (in my name), and our house (also in my name).  On August 27, 2003, my husband tried to strangle me, and I had him arrested.  I left my home that day,and went to live with a friend, who basically supported me until I found a job as a nurse.  

God has been good, and has provided me with a car and food and shelter, but I now have to look for another job that doesn't require being on call and having changing hours.  Although I recovered from my physical problems brought on in the marriage, the hours of my former job have caused me to have some physical challenges.  I have managed to pay back my friend and roommate for all she did to support me.  However, now, I have no health insurance, and I will have to find a new place to live in August.  My friend will be living with her mom.  I am asking for help because I am trying to start my life over.  

I would love to be able to go back to school, pay for my divorce, and have money to pay for a place to live and my other bills.  I am financially responsible, I do not use credit cards, I give regularly to several charities and my church, even if it's not much.  When God puts it on my heart to give, I give.  I am desperately seeking help because I am now unemployed, and only have enough money for this month's bills, and then...I don't know.  I am a hard worker (I've worked since I was 14 years old),and it has always been extremely hard for me to ask for help.  This is really going out on a limb for me, but I really need help...as much help as people are willing to give.  I can only pray that this will touch the right people.  

Please know that I strive to always "pay it forward" in my life,and will continue to do so, no matter what my circumstances.  Thank you for your support. 

Member #LS6B9K5