My story begins like this:

The route I took at age 11 was not a little girls dream. Having no mother or father, I ended up in a Children's Shelter. I was neglected of love and this led me to a path of 'looking for love in all the wrong places'; consequently, I was pregnant by 13 years old.

I wanted to make the best of this unexpected responsibility that I faced at such a young age, I was set on providing my child a better life than what I experienced. Feeling the need to prove statistics wrong, I was determined to be released from the system and raise my son in our own home. Despite being 16 with a 2 year old, I was able to accomplish that. He and I attended an adult school while I worked two jobs to pay rent and bills.

Just as I started to dream of a great future my life took another turn, as I was introduced to the life of a highly paid escort. The big houses and the nice cars made my studio apartment and bus pass look really unappealing. The opportunity seemed too big to give up, so I spent the next 15 years on a merry-go-round.  I've always been attracted to merry-go-rounds; the whimsy of the horses bounding over imaginary hedges, manes unfurling without a care in the world and shiny bejeweled saddles all take my mind into a fairytale adventure.  As an escort I gained the illusion of my fairytale.  Bounding to new heights of joy with every luxurious gift a "Jon" would buy me.  Sparkling and elegant as I traveled about town in designer clothes, hand bags and expensive cars. The thing about merry-go-rounds, while they are beautiful and fun to ride for a short while, you begin to realize your just traveling in an endless circle.  You begin to wonder is this ride ever going to stop?  If the ride never comes to a halt, can I jump and not get hurt too badly?  Needless to say the reality of my disillusioned life was far less frightening then an unknown reality.  I was convinced this occupation was the only way to support my family.

Everything in my life was about taking care of my family's needs.  My daily focus was aimed towards others; whether it was putting my son through the best Christian private schools, making sure my little sister graduated high school, ensuring finances were available for med school, or sending my Mom to rehab.  At the time I did not see anything wrong with what I was doing to myself.  I could leave on a weekend getaway and come home with thousands of dollars.  To me this made more sense than any job.

It wasn't until God placed the right people in my life, that I started to see different.  I started to learn who God was and how much He loved me.  But I often found myself entertaining the doubting thought of, how could He love me? I knew I was tired of living a secret life.  Letting go and letting God didn't make sense to me but I was willing to give it a try.  By faith I threw away anything that had to do with that business.  I Sold my belongings, gave up my house and car back to the bank.  Going through nine months of financial struggle, I reminded myself daily to do what I had to and to not block my blessings.  I sat in my empty five bedroom home and smiled because I had peace. That's when I realized that the peace I felt was what I needed to lead me to see my destiny.  God guided me to a new home, a new car, and a new Beef Jerky business.  My son Eddie is two weeks from being 18 years old. His dream is to become an audio engineer and I'm very focused on putting him through college to prepare him for his mission in life.

Today I'm thankful for the people God has placed in my life who believed in me when I didn't believe in myself.  Now that I know Gifts and dreams were heaven sent I'm listening close.  I have big plans to serve Him.  I'm now saying use me how ever you want, you're in control now.  I'm writing a book that will be titled, "Turn Your Mess into a Message".  I believe we all have a story and it should be shared to help others.  If I'm able to inspire one woman my dream has become a reality.

To learn more about Mia's story or to write her a message, visit her website: http://www.mamamiasbeefjerky.com/