From Cycles to Second Chances: Davonda’s Story of Faith, Resilience, and New Beginnings
- Oliver Gospel Staff Member
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
When Davonda first stepped through the doors of Oliver Gospel, she didn’t understand why she was there. Confused and resistant, she carried the weight of trauma, cycles of domestic violence, and the burden of trying to break free, not just for herself, but for her children.
But today, she knows exactly why God brought her here.
“The only thing I know is Christ. Faith. My faith — that’s all I got.”
A Childhood Fractured by Violence
Davonda’s early life was filled with warmth and safety at her grandparents’ house. It was a place of good food, family, and church. But that peace was disrupted when her mother entered an abusive relationship. Although Davonda and her siblings didn’t see the violence, they heard it night after night — a haunting soundtrack that made sleep nearly impossible.
She prayed constantly, asking God to deliver her mother. And eventually, her mother did leave.
Repeating the Cycle She Swore to Break
Determined not to repeat her mother’s past, Davonda set out to build something better. But after marriage, abuse reentered her life — this time, at her own expense.
In one terrifying moment, her 13-year-old son grabbed a gun to protect her.
“That could have gone so bad, but God was on our side.”
That experience shattered her. Not only had she endured abuse, but now her children were caught in the very cycle she thought she’d escaped.
A Turning Point: Trusting the Path She Didn’t Choose
Her church family urged her to seek refuge and healing at Oliver Gospel. At first, she resisted.
“‘I’m not going to no shelter,’ I said.”
But after prayer, reflection, and obedience, she surrendered to the process — and everything began to change.
At Oliver Gospel’s Rebuild program, daily structure and accountability helped rewire her thinking. From early wake-ups to room checks, every routine became a training ground for life.
“It kept my mind going. It prepared me for the real world.”
Healing in Community
At Oliver Gospel, Davonda wasn’t alone. She met other women with untold stories — women who, from the outside, didn’t “look homeless” or fit any stereotype.
In that community, she found purpose. She became a source of encouragement, a leader among peers, and someone rediscovering her calling.
“Everybody has a purpose of being here. We all have gifts that He gives us.”
To Every Woman Who Feels Alone
Davonda closes her story with a message of hope:
“You are not alone. You are not by yourself. There is always someone. Always a source. Trust in God. Trust the people He puts in your life. And don’t give up.”
Davonda’s story is more than a testimony — it’s a transformation.
From cycles of trauma to the freedom of purpose, she’s a living reminder that even the hardest stories can be rewritten through faith, community, and courage.
Update: A New Home for Davonda
Earlier this year, we filmed Davonda’s story of faith and resilience. Today, we’re thrilled to share that she has moved into her very own home! Staff, fellow guests, and members of her church family gathered to celebrate this milestone with hugs, cheers, and prayers. Her family is reunited, her faith is stronger than ever, and she’s stepping forward with confidence into the life God has prepared for her.