My life was in a downward spiral when I felt prompted to reach out to an old friend who was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I had no idea what she could do for me, but she had shown such kindness to me in the past that I thought, “If anyone can help me, she can.” She put me in touch with the bishop of a local ward in the Church, but I was plagued by the thought, “Why would he want to help someone like me?”
I was surprised by his willingness and the help that he offered. I asked for help with an electric bill. What I received was so much more—a referral to participate in the Deseret Industries program. This opportunity made me nervous, yet I had hope that perhaps things would change for me.
When I went for my interview, I was asked just one question when I began sobbing! I made it through, but left the interview feeling that there was no hope. I thought to myself, “Why would she hire me, when I can’t even make it through an interview?”
I hit bottom. With my last $50, I rented a storage locker and proceeded with a plan to end my life. Then the phone call came that changed everything—I was asked to report to work on the sales floor at Deseret Industries.
While working at DI, I realized that I was actually good at something. With that realization, my self-confidence began to emerge. However, there still remained the question, “I am not a member of their Church, so why should these people care about me?” With the kind words and support of the DI staff, I began to see the hand of God working in my life. They helped me catch a glimpse of what He sees in me.
I was offered an opportunity to participate in a business partnership. This incredible experience was with a community organization that deals with social issues, including homelessness. The director was so impressed with my work and the compassion I showed with clients, that she offered me a job.
I can now answer the question of what the LDS faith could do for me and am looking at it in a different light. I will be forever thankful.
“My life was in a downward spiral when I felt prompted to reach out to an old friend who was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
For more amazing stories like Kim’s, visit the DI’s Facebook page by clicking here.