The Collage Podcast Episode 53 - Meg: A Journey of Resilience and Redemption
Released on November 20, 2024, "The Collage Podcast" by Feed My Sheep delves into the compelling story of Meg, a woman whose life journey embodies profound resilience, spiritual awakening, and the transformative power of community support.
Introduction
In Episode 53 of The Collage Podcast, hosted by Feed My Sheep, listeners are introduced to Meg—a beloved member of the Temple, Texas community—who shares her harrowing yet inspiring life story. This episode sheds light on the challenges Meg faced growing up in the foster system, surviving life on the streets, battling addiction, and ultimately finding solace and purpose through faith and community support.
Early Life and Adoption
Meg begins by recounting her early years, stating, "I'm from Grand Rapids, Michigan" ([00:47]). Adopted at the tender age of three by her aunt and uncle, Meg moved to Texas at seven, where she grew up amidst a dynamic foster care environment. Her adoptive family was part of a bustling foster home that accommodated over 300 children during her upbringing ([00:44]).
She shares, "I've lived in Waco, Clean built in Temple. Moved all over the place," highlighting the instability and constant movement that often accompanies foster care. Meg's adoptive family consisted of nine siblings—five adopted and four biological—illustrating the extensive reach and complexity of their household ([02:05]).
Childhood Experiences
Meg's childhood was marred by abuse, a common yet seldom-discussed reality within the foster system. Reflecting on her experiences, she reveals, "The only thing I remember for mine, I was 2 years old, is them breaking a 2x4 over my sister's butt" ([04:40]). This traumatic incident underscores the severe physical abuse prevalent in some foster homes.
Her host, B, echoes the severity of such experiences, sharing a similar story of witnessing a sibling's fingers being broken as punishment. Meg confirms her own suffering, stating, "I got hit with it... Yeah, she was the last one and it broke over hers" ([06:15]).
Despite the abuse, Meg cherishes the bond with her older brother, recalling, "It was just always me and him. Like, always me and him against the world" ([07:43]). This relationship provided a semblance of normalcy and companionship amidst the chaos of her early life.
Teen Years and Abuse
Meg's teenage years brought new horrors as her adoptive father began sexually abusing her at age thirteen ([09:27]). When she mustered the courage to speak out at sixteen, the repercussions were immediate and devastating. Upon revealing the abuse, Meg was expelled from her adoptive home, thrust into the unforgiving streets ([10:44]).
Her sister's brief refuge did little to alter her dire circumstances. As Meg recounts, "She threw me out to the streets. So I've known street life since I was 16" ([11:32]). This period of her life was characterized by survival struggles, fear, and the constant threat of violence, especially as a young woman navigating the streets alone.
Life on the Streets
Life on the streets was a daily battle for Meg. She describes the omnipresent fear and uncertainty: "If you went to sleep, you wake up and you don't know where you're gonna eat... You just don't know what your day is gonna hold" ([16:03]). The constant vigilance required to stay safe, coupled with the unpredictability of each day, took a significant toll on her mental and emotional well-being.
Meg emphasizes the specific dangers faced by women on the streets, noting, "I know what happens to women being drugged and raped and you get afraid to fall asleep" ([12:47]). The vulnerability and lack of trust in others made survival a solitary and perilous endeavor.
Path to Recovery
Amidst the darkness, a turning point emerged when Meg made the courageous decision to seek help. Tragedy struck when she and her husband, Denny, buried their dog, an event that deeply affected Meg and became a catalyst for her desire to change: "The day I made the decision to get better was the best day of my life" ([25:47]).
With the support of her community, Meg entered the Adult and Teen Challenge program in San Antonio—a rigorous treatment center focused on addiction recovery and spiritual growth. She describes her experience as "a year at the feet of God, learning about God, learning his truth to battle the lies I had in my head for years" ([23:08]).
Despite numerous obstacles, including difficulties in securing a physical and the emotional challenge of leaving her familiar yet hostile environment, Meg persevered. Her host expresses immense pride in her accomplishment: "Meg is an extremely good artist... I'm so proud to hear that" ([36:14]).
Personal Growth and Faith
Meg's time at Adult and Teen Challenge was transformative. Immersed in spiritual teachings and surrounded by supportive peers, she internalized profound truths about self-worth and divine purpose. Reflecting on her spiritual awakening, she states, "That I am wanted. I am seen, and that there's so much more for me in life than I kept saying" ([25:28]).
Her journey from desperation to gratitude is encapsulated in her acknowledgment of God’s unwavering support: "He sees everybody... you are a magnificent work that he has created" ([25:38], [29:06]).
Art and Self-Expression
Art became a vital outlet for Meg's self-expression and healing. She shares her artwork featuring empowering messages such as, "Self love isn't selfish. It's necessary," and "Fake love is worse than real hate" ([33:19], [33:35]). These creations reflect her inner strength and commitment to genuine self-worth over superficial relationships.
Meg explains, "Fake love is worse than real hate," emphasizing her preference for honesty over deceitful affection. This philosophy underscores her journey towards authentic self-love and the rejection of toxic relationships ([34:18]).
Message to Listeners
Throughout the episode, Meg delivers a powerful message of hope and affirmation. She urges those struggling with similar adversities to recognize their inherent worth and the possibility of a better life: "Because they are worth it. And we have a strong, mighty God who is waiting for them with his arms open to show them all the blessings he has for them" ([42:07]).
Her testimony serves as an encouragement to listeners facing homelessness, addiction, or despair, reinforcing the belief that "there is no mistake too big that, oh, God's going to turn his back on me now no matter what somebody thinks" ([39:11]).
Notable Quotes
- Meg ([00:47]): "I'm from Grand Rapids, Michigan."
- Meg ([04:40]): "The only thing I remember for mine, I was 2 years old, is them breaking a 2x4 over my sister's butt."
- Meg ([07:43]): "It was just always me and him. Like, always me and him against the world."
- Meg ([09:27]): "My saddest memory... the day that my dad, my adoptive father, started the beginning of sexual abuse."
- Meg ([25:28]): "That I am wanted. I am seen, and that there's so much more for me in life than I kept saying."
- Meg ([33:35]): "Fake love is worse than real hate."
- Meg ([42:07]): "Because they are worth it. And we have a strong, mighty God who is waiting for them with his arms open to show them all the blessings he has for them."
Conclusion
Episode 53 of The Collage Podcast offers an unflinching look into Meg's life—a narrative marked by suffering, survival, and ultimate triumph through faith and community support. Her story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome even the most daunting adversities, inspiring listeners to find hope and purpose amidst their struggles.