We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kim Keck a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kim , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose in 2018 when my oldest son passed away. I began a healing journey that only God could walk me through. I have known since I was nine years old that I was called to Africa. It wasn’t until after my son passed away that God opened that door for me. I traveled to Uganda to an orphanage that forever changed me. I learned the true meaning of “joy”. These children had absolutely nothing, yet they displayed a joy like I have never seen! It was a privilege for them to receive a meal which consisted of beans and maize. I spent ten days with these precious children and when I returned back to the states I knew there was more for me to do! God had broken my heart for what broke his. I did many fundraisers to help the orphanage and wasn’t able to go back to visit for almost 4 years. I continued to sponsor the children and was able to get other sponsors to help so that the orphanage could have education and food. When I returned in 2023 I wanted to do something in honor of my son. The founder of the orphanage asked me if I would help her build a school. My immediate response was YES! I didn’t know how I would raise the money to do this but I trusted Gods provision. Nine months later the first building for the school was complete! I went back to Uganda for the ribbon cutting ceremony in 2024 and it turned out beautifully. My sons muriel was painted on the wall in his memory and the building was dedicated to him. That trip my husband and I baptized about 40 kids who had accepted Christ in their heart. My purpose was beginning to reveal itself. I then decided to write a devotional called “Joy in the morning” which was published in March of 2024. Writing is healing, If words could turn back time we would rewrite our story according to the way we wanted things to turn out. But here is where the beauty lies: those ashes help rebuild a story of pain, loss, and tragedy. I have always encouraged others with uplifting words, I just put them on paper now. I also had my first poem published at nine years old, it just took a while to walk in those gifts. I am currently working on my second devotional which is a couples devotional. All of these experiences led me to start a Non-profit called Love is the Answer which helps those in need including the orphanage. When we use our God given gifts, it doesnt feel like a job, its a calling.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a Christian business owner with my husband. We own Amazing Grace Garden Center in Grapevine, Texas. I also run a non-profit called Love is the Answer to help those in need. I am a published Author and my mission is to reach others. The interesting thing about Amazing Grace Garden Center and all these other hats I wear, is like planting seeds. In all three platforms. I plant the seed and God waters it. I am currently working on another business called “Planted seeds” and will offer farmers market type products, books, gift shop items and flower arrangements. This will be launching in 2025. This will be part of our current business Amazing Grace Garden Center.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In my healing journey, I think the most impactful qualities I learned was growth. We are always growing. Seasons change, and with every season there is new fruit. Sometimes the dead fruit has to drop off so that we can have new fruit. Learn to do things that scare you. Step out in faith without knowing what is on the other side. Learn from your mistakes and never give up because in the end all that matters was that you became all God wanted you to be!
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Having mentors and like minded people in your corner will always help you overcome challenges and encourage you to never give up when it gets tough. Having mentors that will pray for you and be a cheerleader for you. They will remind you of your God given gifts and help you use those gifts in building and developing your dreams.
