God Gave Me a Vision; Now He’s Fulfilling It | A Hope Is Alive Impact Story

God Gave Me a Vision; Now He’s Fulfilling It | A Hope Is Alive Impact Story

This story is from Mandy Maloney, who currently works as a Program Manager Intern for Hope is Alive and recently celebrated over two and a half years of continuous sobriety.

A Vision in Jail

I remember sitting in county jail and God giving me a vision. In it, I stood on a stage speaking to people, telling them about his message. I never knew that, almost 15 years later, that vision would be a reality.

I have suffered many years of heartache and abuse due to my addiction and dragged my family through the mud with me. I always knew Jesus was the answer because, while I was in jail, I would hear about him and feel his presence. But as soon as I got out, I would hit the ground running again.

Prison Life

I chose a life of prostitution and lived under pimps who controlled my every move until I turned 19. That life led me into a dangerous situation and landed me in prison, where I spent much of my adult life.

Prison hardened me. I forgot how to love. I had kids and didn’t even miss them. My whole life became engulfed in prison life, and I forgot there was anything beyond the prison walls.

Addiction and Abuse

After prison, I got married and started a family, but I fell back into addiction. My husband was ready to settle down and I wasn’t, which ruined our marriage. When we separated, he got custody of the kids, and I ended up in an abusive relationship.

I suffered spiritual and physical abuse until he finally went to prison with a 20-year sentence. I spiraled into psychosis, shaved my head, and walked the streets barefoot, talking to myself. I believed I was moving between the realms of heaven and hell.

My mom wanted desperately to help me, so she brought me home. But in my broken state, I tried to steal her car and ran her over, breaking her ribs. Once again, I landed myself in prison.

Rock Bottom and Healing

My mental health had deteriorated so badly that I spent a year in a suicide cell to keep from harming myself or others. Then, one day, I received a letter of apology from my abuser. Something within me clicked, and I was normal again—just like that.

God healed me of the trauma that had bound me in psychosis for the past year. I was finally able to begin the journey of healing.

A New Purpose

Inside prison, I completed a bootcamp in a leadership position. Afterward, I came to Hope is Alive and became a house manager. Since then, I’ve been able to use my story to help other women dealing with the same kind of trauma.

I eventually joined the staff at Hope is Alive, and now I get to pour life and Jesus into women every day.

Vision Fulfilled

The vision God showed me 15 years ago has been made true in my life—thanks to God and Hope is Alive.