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Erma Judd’s Testimony
A Kindred Spirit...
Because of my own childhood experiences, it is not difficult for me to relate to many of the children who come to us at the Mansion. I understand what they are going through. I too, know all about neglect, abuse, and an uncaring parent.
As a young girl I can recall numerous times when my father would have to place my mother into rehabilitation because of various forms of drug abuse.
Then my father died of a heart attack when I was seven years old. After his death, our life progressed from bad to awful.
My brothers and I would come home from school day after day to the same scene—our drugged- out mother with a cigarette in her hand or dangling from her mouth, that is, when she was lucid enough to light one! I recall on one occasion when she literally chased after me with a gun through the yard to the house next door, threatening to kill me because she thought I had thrown away her drugs.
Yes, I do know! I know the shame, the utter humiliation, the unkempt clothes, and the shyness of not talking about your home life. How horribly painful it was, when as a young girl of twelve years old, my mother would force me to drive her to a man’s house, where she would trade sex for drugs. And yes, the day also came when an overdose of drugs took my mother’s life. I found my mother dead on the kitchen floor. I was only 13 years old.
You see, it’s rather ironic—with us now being in Tupelo after all these years—my brothers, and I as well, would probably have become Mansion residents, had our older sister not been willing to take us in and raise us. At that time, I had a younger brother who was 10 and an older brother who was 16. We are indebted to her for caring for our needs—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She took us to church and was a spiritual example to us.
Now, I share my own testimony of God’s grace and mercy, in order to help others to know why it is so easy to love and care for the Mansion children. We really do share a kindred spirit. As we offer to them help and hope by ministering the love of Jesus to them, we are making a difference in their lives for all of eternity.
We simply believe that every child should have a chance! As President Bush has stated, “No child should be left behind.” Despite the abuse, the neglect, the hurt, and all the painful memories, I know that God can mend their broken lives and also use them in an incredible way for His kingdom.
We appreciate all of the support and the many ways you have been a blessing to the children. Thank you for partnering with us in this ministry. We really do rely upon your help, your prayers, and your financial support—every single day!
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