Abuse Survivor Called to Life Coach
What is your earliest memory? I was raised in a home with abuse that serves as my earliest memories. My mother attended church with my sisters and I in tow until I was about 13 years old. I remember disliking church. The preacher aggressively lectured about sin and how anyone that sinned would go to hell. He taught that sinners angered God. Because of the abuse, I thought I was a sinner. Church was the place where I was reminded of my powerlessness, unworthiness, and shame. Or so I felt.
My name is Melissa Patterson but I go by Lissa. I live in small town in Missouri (USA). I am the second of three girls raised together and one we later met and immediately loved.
During my childhood, I felt that God couldn’t and didn’t love me. I prayed and wept and cried out to him. All I heard was silence. I didn’t understand why he could let horrible things happen to children and I became angry. I was so angry that I turned my back to him-completely.
Difficult Journey of Abuse
Fast forward through many abusive relationships and to the day that I heard His voice. I had become an alcoholic. For a few years, I had again found myself praying and weeping, calling out to him for help. I begged Him to love me enough to give me the strength to stop drinking and to live a better life.
One night, I allowed myself to quiet enough to hear, “I have given you the tools because I love you, child. You just need to use them.” Soon after that night, I drove by the store where I usually stopped for a bottle, smiled while I said a prayer of thanks, and kept driving towards home. I’ve never looked back. And today, I’ve never felt stronger or more empowered.
A few years ago, I started attending the church where I now serve on the welcoming team. I also facilitate a “Stepping Into Freedom” program weekly at the same church. But until recently, I didn’t realize that there was more for me to do.
For awhile now, I’ve had an overwhelming feeling that I am supposed to help others get through some of the same things I experienced. I have had trainings for life coaching placed in front of me along with a voice that tells me that is my purpose. I will help others get through the aftermath of abuse and addictions and lead lives walking closer to God.
Achieving My Spiritual Dream
I am certified as a Professional Life Coach, Cognitive Behavioral Life Coach, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Coach, Confidence Coach, Public Speaking Coach, Emotional Intelligence Life Coach, Goal Success Life Coach, Happiness Life Coach, Life Purpose Coach and Master Mindset Life Coach. Even with all of these certifications, I have argued with God about this purpose. I say that I am not qualified. I’m not competent.
I want to incorporate Spiritual Wellness and life coaching and teach from a biblical aspect. While I was researching how to do this, Christian Leaders Institute was presented to me. That is another tool handed to me by my Father and the last piece of the puzzle. It will allow me to fulfill my life purpose.
“What is your spiritual dream?” asked one of the courses. My answer is to live a life that pleases God. Thank you Christian Leaders Institute, for helping me along my journey.
