Blessed And Highly Favored

All of her life, Leann believed she was unloved and stupid. How could she not be, when her mom and dad constantly said things like, “How much stupider can you get?” And “No one will ever love you.” To be loved was what she yearned for. What she got was abuse, both verbal and physical, from two alcoholic parents.

One night when Leann was about 10, she and her mom were at a friend’s house when a violent storm came up. When it was time to go home, Leann was frightened. Her mother got angry and locked Leann out of the house and the car. As the storm raged, little Leann hid under the porch until an older brother came to her rescue. This is how Leann was treated.

From bad to worse

In her teens, life got even worse. At 16 Leann dropped out of school, pregnant with her first child. After giving birth, she began a relationship that lasted 25 years, 9 of them married. Like her dad, Leann’s husband was an abusive alcoholic. “He beat me,” she says. “I stayed because I wanted to be loved and wanted,” she explains. “I didn’t know what else to do.” Then one day Leann’s husband left her, taking every penny they had and leaving their kids. “I remember little Gerardo hanging on my leg crying...” she recalls.

A blessing in disguise

How does a single mother without work take care of her children? Leann found a temporary job, but couldn’t pay her bills. One day in desperation, she stole money from her employer. She knew it was wrong, and turned herself in. As a result, she spent three months in jail, while her mom and sister looked after her kids. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Locked away in jail, Leann met the Savior, who set her free. When she received Jesus into her heart, she finally found the love she yearned for.

When Leann got out, she was determined to make a fresh start. Last January 1 she came through our doors, beginning a new year and a new life. Now she’s a graduate of our Journey to Work Program, and has a full-time job. Still at ODM, she has applied for housing and things are looking good. Now Leann can be the parent she never had herself. “At ODM they don’t just open doors for you,” she says. “They walk through them with you...I am blessed beyond belief. My favorite description of myself is ‘blessed and highly favored’!”

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