MY TESTIMONY

My name is Maricel Prescott, and I stand before you today not just as a survivor of domestic violence—but as someone who has been restored, redeemed, and rebuilt.

I was married for 11 years to my abuser. I have five beautiful children. And 24 years ago, I made the hardest decision of my life—I left. I packed up my courage, my faith, and my five children, and we walked into a domestic violence shelter. That moment changed my life.

Now, I didn’t leave sooner because I was afraid…. Afraid my kids would go without…. Afraid of the unknown…. And honestly, I believed the lies my abuser told me—that no one would ever want me… that I had “too much baggage….” I would not be able to support the children on my own…. And when you hear that enough, you start to believe it.

But deep down, something inside me was clawing for a better life. And then came the moment that broke me—and built me. After one of the episodes, I was squatted in a corner, crying. My 8-year-old daughter walked over, took one square of toilet paper, wrapped her arms around me, and asked, “Mommy, why won’t you leave Daddy?”

That question pierced through every fear I had. My baby girl had more clarity than I did. That was the day I decided: Enough is enough, and here I am, 24 years later, with a testimony.

God didn’t just deliver me—He made me thrive. I met a loving man who accepted not only me, but my children, with a love they had never known. Together, we raised his two sons, and my 5 children and our home became one filled with laughter, healing, and joy, support, but most importantly… LOVE, RESPECT, ENCOURAGEMENT!

I went from working three jobs just to survive, to landing a position at a company that invests in its people. I’ve been there for 19 years now, and I’m proud to say I’m a Quality Supervisor in a fortune 100 company. I’m no longer just surviving—I’m living.

But let me be honest with you—it wasn’t easy. That first step? Terrifying. Not knowing what would come next? Paralyzing. But when I stopped trying to do it all on my own, and surrendered to the One who is in control, everything changed.

I realized I wasn’t alone. I have a Father above who was ready to guide me, strengthen me, and walk with me every step of the way. And He’ll do the same for you, I guarantee it!

So to anyone listening today who feels stuck, scared, or unsure—you are not alone. You ARE worthy of love, safety, and peace. You ARE stronger than you think. And your story doesn’t end in pain—it can begin in purpose, all you need to do is take that first step.

LET YOUR HEALING BEGIN, LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, AND LIKE ME, LET YOUR LIFE BE A TESTIMONY!

PHILIPPIANS 4:13 “I CAN DO ALL THIS THROUGH HIM WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH!”