Photo by: Maya Hill
Makeup by: Mariah Frank
What is your story?
My name is Jessica. I was born in Chicago as a C-section out of my momma's belly. I decided to take a turn and go up instead of down, almost seriously hurting my mom (I'm sorry mom). This life has been a series of up's and down's. Arguments occured a lot in my household and with two brothers it got hectic but I love them very much. My mom had been in a car accident while I was in her stomach and by The Grace of God I'm perfectly fine. Separation happened between my parents at around age 13 and lasted till I was about 17. In between all of the teenage mishaps I struggled with my sexuality, self-love and dealing with inner pain from being in an inappropriate situation. This led to me thinking what happened was my fault only and being in a blame state in my mind. I fell into lustful relationships and was disrespectful to my parents, I didn't feel loved and tried to find love in people. Moving forward; now I'm 19 and my life has taken a total turn around because of God. Jesus has been the foundation of my life all along but I couldn't find Him. I was baptized October 11th, 2020 at Soul City Church Chicago. A day I will never cease to forget. I didn't even know what baptism meant when I was in the church but I did it anyways. Before this all happened, I never read The Bible, but I had one in my drawer since I was about 14. The moment I opened it and actually tried reading, my life started to shift. My relationship started to build with Jesus. I don't see this as a religion but I call myself a Christian because Christ saved me and my eternity is secured. It is a struggle every single day to stay firm in my faith but I'm doing it. We all struggle with something and no one is perfect, I stumble every day, especially in my thoughts. I find joy because God is my story and He is my life and I know I'm not alone in my pain anymore. There is hope in His name when you lose hope everywhere else.
What do you ethnically/racially identify as?
Mexican/ Puerto Rican/Spaniard/Native American.
How can you use your story to make an impact in our community and beyond?
My story can help someone find hope in their life and to know they aren't alone ever.
What encouragement would you give to someone who shares a similar story?
Don't give up the faith that you have and remember that even if you make mistakes you are loved and can be forgiven.
Photos by: Amanda Leon & Maya Hill
Makeup by: Mariah Frank
