My Testimony
Real talk…
I want to share my journey and how I got to where I am today with this website, Missing Peace.
Growing up, I had friends from every walk of life—church friends, friends who drank and used drugs, friends with money, and friends with very little. I experienced so many stages of life, and now at 47 years old, I’ve learned that life happens in ways we don’t always understand. Sometimes we never get the answers, and that’s simply the truth.
In elementary school, I had a best friend—my first beach trip, my first sleepover, my first true friendship. In her twenties, she became addicted to narcotics and painkillers after being prescribed medication by a doctor. I would go see her often, and her boyfriend would call me for help. I tried talking to her, but nothing could stop the craving she had for those drugs. At the time, I didn’t know how to truly help her.
I will never forget the day her boyfriend called and told me she had passed away from an overdose. He said she simply wouldn’t wake up. The pain was unbearable—hurt, emptiness, numbness, shame, and blame. I kept asking myself, What could I have done to save her? Why didn’t I do more? Even 27 years later, I still remember that day like it was yesterday.
A few years later, in my late twenties, I fell for a guy who went to NC State. He was quiet, hardworking, and incredibly smart. He cared for me more than I realized at the time, and even though we didn’t stay together, he always held a special place in my heart. We remained friends and went our separate ways.
Later, I learned he had been in a truck accident and became addicted to narcotics and painkillers. In my mind, it didn’t make sense—he was “Mr. Perfect.” He didn’t drink, he didn’t do drugs, and he was a genuinely good person. Then I received the call that he had passed away from an overdose. He was found in an alley.
Even though I had moved on with my life, in that moment it felt like life stopped. All the emotions came rushing back—the shock, the grief, the tears, and the confusion. I questioned myself again: Could I have been a better friend? Could I have helped him? What if I had answered his calls?
My heart breaks for those who struggle with suicide, overdose, alcoholism, depression, mental health challenges, and the daily struggles of life.
Growing up, I knew of God. I believed He lived in the sky, and I knew heaven and hell were real. I prayed and went to church—but I still lived life the way I wanted. I talked how I wanted, acted how I wanted, and honestly, I lived a worldly life.
But as my relationship with God grew stronger, I felt a pull to go back to school and follow the passion in my heart: helping others help themselves. Along the way, God transformed me into a person I never imagined I could become.
I know I am not to blame for the loved ones I have lost, but if I can help others, encourage healing, and make a difference in someone’s life, I want to.
God was my missing piece. And once I experienced the peace that only He can give, my life was changed forever.
Meet Melissa
A little bit about me…
Hello! A few things to know about me — I am human, I am not perfect, and judgmental people truly aggravate me. I’m a positive person who likes to see the best in others. I got married at 31, and God blessed me with two boys. I absolutely love the water because it brings me peace—whether it’s the lake, ocean, river, or even a pond. I also love music—many different kinds! When life gets hard, I turn to music to lift my mood, along with prayer and reading the Bible. I enjoy listening to sermons before bed or anytime I want to hear the Word.
My parents are a big part of my life. I have two sisters and one brother, and I’m blessed with 13 nieces and nephews. At our family Christmas dinner, we usually have around 25 people! We are a close family, but like all families, we experience ups and downs just like everyone else.
My in-laws are amazing, and I love them dearly. We’re all very close—including the doggies! I’m a huge dog lover and have two dogs named Diesel and Rosco.
I am a compassionate individual with strong listening skills and a heart for helping others. I strive to empower those I work with by building confidence and encouraging personal growth. Through both my own life experiences and my work supporting others, I feel equipped to help individuals navigate personal challenges with clarity and purpose. I am especially passionate about working with those who feel broken, lost, or beyond repair, helping them rediscover hope and their true value.
I know our God sees more!
EDUCATION | 2024-2025
- Biblical Counseling Certificate
- Mental Health Advocate Certificate
- Gate Keeper Pro (QPR)
- QPR Gatekeeper Instructor
- Spiritual and Mental Health First AID (SMHFA)
EXPERIENCES |2023-2025
- Volunteer Counselor
- Provided faith-based support and guidance to individuals facing mental health challenges and substance addictions
- Support in court custody hearings and grief
- Facilitated one-on one counseling, focused on recovery, spiritual growth and emotional healing
- Maintained confidentiality, built trust, and applied biblical principles alongside active listening and empathy.
- Collaborated with organizations and referred individuals to professional resources when necessary.
- Supported relapse prevention and personal accountability through consistent mentorship and prayer.
SKILLS
- Demonstrating empathy and understanding without judgment
- Helping individuals find a purpose and self-confidence
- Demonstrating Christ-like love and patience
- Seeing good in people through the Holy Spirit, instead of how the world may or may not see them
Focus Areas
Ways we can work together.
CHRISTIAN LIFE-COACHING
Life can be overwhelming, sometimes we need help getting thru situations and obstacles bringing peace back into our life.
Suicide Awareness & Support
Suicide is a permanent decision to temporary pain. I know what it feels like to be surrounded by people and still feel alone. If you or know someone who is or maybe suicidal, please reach out or call 988 for emergency situations.
FINDING A PURPOSE
Mental Health & Crisis
Your mental health matters, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. True confidence begins when you stop seeking approval from people and start believing what God says about you.
PEER PRESSURE & SELF-CONFIDENCE
GRIEF & DEPRESSION
Grief changes you, but with time and God’s comfort, you can learn to live again. Depression can make you feel stuck in darkness, but healing and hope are still possible.
PEER PRESSURE & SELF-CONFIDENCE
I am a licensed Trainer for QPR: question, persuade, and refer—the three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. This training will certify you to be a QPR Gatekeeper. Group sessions are available up to 30 trainees at a time.
DISCLAIMER: Melissa is licensed in QPR and Certified in other specific areas listed above. Melissa is not licensed to diagnose mental health disorders, create treatment plans, prescribe medicine, work with insurance companies or offer medical advice. However, Melissa’s expertise can obligate in situations to refer her clients to a licensed medical professional.