A Long Slow Walk

Kim’s Story

It was at a meeting for young leaders in our community that I first met Kim. On that night, I enjoyed watching her dynamic personality capture the room. Kim can float effortlessly between conversations with rich or poor, black or white, in professional settings or casual. I think this is the result of her journey, and oh what a journey it has been…

I thought I knew Kim’s story before we sat down to talk a couple of weeks ago. I had heard that she dropped out of high school when she found out she was pregnant. I knew that she was dating a drug dealer when she decided to go to college, and I knew that she was now a successful business owner who held the respect of the leaders of our community. I invited her to tell me the rest of the story because I wanted to know what it takes to see such a dramatic turn.
As I began to listen to Kim, I realized I had it all wrong. “That moment never… it wasn’t like (I was headed) one way and then turned in another direction.” Kim’s story was more intricate and intriguing with many twist and turns.

The Story

Kim fell in love with Jesus early in life and has never let go. “Christianity is all I have ever known.” Her childhood seemed to be picture-perfect. Her entire family was in church together for years. However, there were issues that Kim did not…