Author: Kimberly Blakes

I started paid training at the spa the Monday after graduation. My last unemployment check came that Friday, and my first check from the spa arrived the following Friday. I didn’t miss a payment and never went hungry. I took the three-hour drive down to Springfield on a Sunday to take the state board exam…

So that was it. I was to be a nail tech, even though I had never had a manicure and had no idea if I would be able to get a job or make any money. This was uncharted territory. I didn’t know any nail techs except for the trainer at the spa I had…

Last night, I decided to bring in the New Year with a hot bubble bath with Epsom salt for age. While in the bath, I began to thank God for everything He has done in my life, then I found myself asking Him to give me authentic connections and a relationship. I have never felt…

This was unreal. Everything seemed to be falling into place. I went back in and waited for the test to start. The test was a piece of cake; I finished before anyone else and went home to wait for something that wasn’t supposed to happen. Deep down, I knew I would be starting school Monday.…

Well, that was it—another distraction removed from my life. That early in my walk with Christ, I had no idea that God had a plan for me, nor did I realize I couldn’t just do anything or marry anyone. I finally know this for certain: my life is not my own. While I was at…

I started at the title company shortly after getting my braces. Ahmad quickly stopped sniffing around when he saw I wasn’t budging, and the title company moved to a new location within a few months. During this time, some of the girls in the office signed up for a dating app. I signed up as…

After I was fired from the dealership but before working at the title company, there was a brief period when I didn’t have a job. I spent most of that time trying to find my way back to the Lord. I can only describe this season as being like Adam when he was cast out…

Sigh. There I was—divorced from my husband and separated from God. Before I knew the Lord, I didn’t feel a void in my heart. I had always been without Him, so I didn’t know any different. I understand why people who don’t know Him don’t miss Him. How does one miss what they’ve never experienced?…

I sat stunned. Here he was, as bold as flesh—and now great friends with the two owners of the title company I was working for. His smile widened. “KIM BLAKES! Girl, get up and give me a hug!” I sat still, staring in disbelief mixed with thin horror. He came around the desk, ignoring the…

Work was a very different place. I was now hurt and paranoid. I avoided him during the workday completely. I didn’t know how this woman looked and expected her to pop up anywhere. I didn’t know a man was capable of getting married and carrying on like he never did. That week, I got roses…