Many who arrive at our doors come to Star of Hope feeling alone and forgotten. The pain of their past has caused them to feel abandoned by the world, but God is there to lift them up! James had a difficult childhood, leading him to believe he was invisible to those who should have cared for him. This is his story:
My childhood was filled with verbal and physical abuse. After my parents’ divorce, my brother and I were forced to endure it from my stepmother daily. Once I was old enough, I tried unsuccessfully to defend us from her abuse. Eventually, my grandparents took my brother and I in so we could escape the violence. Living with my grandparents is some of my fondest memories. Because of them, my teenage years were happy, spent living on a ranch and in sports. I even earned an athletic scholarship to play college football.
After graduating, I started drinking, trying to hide from the painful memories of my childhood. At one point, I worked as an artist manager in the music and entertainment business. This is where I was introduced to the life of heavy drinking and partying. I became addicted and spiraled out of control, this landed me in jail. After I was released, the heavy partying caught up to me, and I suffered a massive stroke which led me to become homeless and live on the streets until my cousin saved me by bringing me to Star of Hope.
I learned at Star of Hope that I am not invisible in God’s eyes. On the streets, I would pray for death, having felt abandoned by my family and thrown away. But here, I learned that I am a child of God, and even at my worst, I was forgiven and accepted by God, just as I am.
Through Star of Hope, James discovered that his identity lies in Christ. Because of your continued support, he no longer feels abandoned but has found a home filled with love and acceptance here. Thank you for continuing to provide individuals like James with a new beginning.
