Is There Still Hope for Me? | Hope Works

Darla felt like she was normal on the outside but broken on the inside. Early traumatic experiences left her feeling battered, ashamed, and abused. In an attempt to find herself, Darla ran away and joined a generational Mexican circus. This changed her life for the better. She gained discipline, trust, confidence, and greater mental strength.

But a few years later, the holes Darla felt inside became more apparent. Past traumas began to surface. She temporarily numbed the emotional pain with alcohol and substance abuse. After a few years, Darla began to break down physically and mentally. If she didn’t change, she was going to die.

One day, while driving on the freeway, Darla prayed, “God, if you’re there—if you even care—do you still want me? Is there still hope for me?” Instantly Darla felt prompted to look out the window to the right and saw a prison. Then she looked to her left and saw the Draper Utah Temple. Darla felt the impression “You’re free to choose liberty or death.”

Darla felt a peace and calm she hadn’t felt in years. She could choose! She had power! She had worth! The moment Darla cried out for help, she was found. God left the ninety and nine and came after Darla, the one lost sheep.

Darla believes our differences don’t make us broken—they make us powerful. Our power can be used for good to seek out the lost sheep, the misfits, and the broken and show them the power that’s inside them.

#hopeworks #hope #jesuschrist #darladay

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

[ZeusAndKiller]

The way she said "you're free to choose; liberty, or death..." *amazing*. I definitely felt the truth and power of that statement.

[sthiel]

"The things that make us different dont make us broken. They make us powerful."

[crystalayers]

Darla, you turned your dark days around to be a light to others. We love your husband, Nik Day. He uses his writing & musical talents to bless so many people inside the Church and outside the Church. My husband and I listen to his songs often. Many of those songs helped me through the darkest days of my life. I was the one, too. I had put many of my dark times behind me before I joined the Church in 1997, but the over-shopping, overly serving others, collecting things, and poor financial decisions all got worse over time. I became addicted to social media, especially FB. I slowly, over time lost my way. I had that moment where I was given a choice between light and dark. My Ebeneezer Scrooge type moment. That happened last March 2021. My mighty change of heart.

[tylerparsons]

I did not expect to be so touched by this video! I need more hope right now in my life than I had realized, and this story gave me more :) thank you!!

[JOFFMAZE]

This video was suggested to me just at the right time!!! Thank you so much for your inspiring story!!! ❤^^

[leannahowell]

😭🖤 I have been lost and inactive for years. 20 years and I am so thankful that our Heavenly Father never left me, Ive felt his Spirit everyday for the past 2 weeks and I am just so thankful that I found this video.

[rebeccalarson]

Well, you must be pretty special to have found such a talented husband. I love his music! Great story and your story could be anyone's story. I have been there. That was a great talk. Thank you!

[MarleeCraig]

I just love this girl's passion and zest, I have written the points that resonated with me in my journal. I especially love 'And show them the fire that is rising inside of them' oh you go girl! mother, aerialist, wife and LDS woman - Girl you on fire. Love from Auckland, NZ :)

[missjrr]

Very EMPOWERING and INSPIRING thank you so much🙏

[grandKs]

I loved your fireside in Idaho Falls as part of the homeschool conference. When I told my missionary daughter about it, she said she knew your story. She had watched you in the Hope Works series. She remembered your story all these years later! Thank you for sharing your story. It’s powerful!

[nathanbanks]

Awesome story!
Right now in my life I feel more broken than I've ever felt, because of major depression and anxiety, but I know that my Redeemer lives, & loves us! Through his loving grace, I can have my sins taken away, and eventually I can have my depression, and anxiety permanently taken away, which I'm really looking forward to!
God bless those struggling with mental or physical difficulties!

[katelyncarter]

Amazing! Thank you for this inspiring message and for your testimony! I can’t wait to share this video with my seminary students! 🥰

[weirdTiKii]

Thank you so much for sharing this- your story, your testimony. It was lovely to hear.

[jaelleerica]

I needed- this so much- right this very minute even- and I am just amazed as always at the tender mercies that our Father gives us. He loves us with a very personal love- but only if we ask - this message was so incredibly perfect for me- even down to the parts about rising up like a Phoenix.... my personal motto mantra favorite quote whatecer you call it lol- is from Elder Uchtdorf - Rise up and be who God has called you to be. Thank you for being strong and willing to share this message!

[lordforgivemeasinner]

I believe the Lord is coming after me, please this has helped me and I need God, please life, I am alone it’s not good

[robinkat]

Darla I am so sorry you went through this. I am glad you found your way! I have always liked who you are.

[letsgoeagles]

Thank you. I needed this, specifically for what I'm struggling with

[breannaseviour]

Wow this was powerful and relatable I gotta start sharing my story as I am on the path of change myself an wanting to give back an make a difference in my community baby steps ♡

[jeshuanavypower]

After hearing that... I have no words... quiet silence... God knows...🙏

[fidelceja]

Strong testimony, muchas gracias hermana. ✌️