Closet Gems: 52 & Surrendered - Built for This

November 12, 2025

Whew, Sis…52 tomorrow?!

Can you believe it? I woke up this morning and just whispered, “Thank You, Lord… I made it.” Because if you know me, you know my story — I shouldn’t even be here. But by God’s grace, I’m still standing, still learning, and still shining.

This birthday hits different. It’s not just candles and cake. It’s surrender. It’s gratitude. It’s revelation. Somewhere between 49 and 52, I stopped asking, “Lord, why me?” and started saying, “Lord, use me.”

I’m not who I used to be — and praise God, I’m not supposed to be.

Closet Gem: Who Am I, Lord?

You ever sit and think, “How am I even me?”

When I look at where I came from — born to teenage parents, no college degree, raised by a mama who was doing her best, father caught up in the 90's drug epidemic — it doesn’t make sense that I’m still standing. But God. His ways are higher, His plans are bigger, and His grace?

Unlimited!

Sis, I come from fighters. My ancestors endured ships, shackles, and sorrow — yet survived. My grandfather could barely read but was able to own a home. My people were not supposed to make it, yet here I am. And if you’re reading this, here you are too.

You were built for this.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” — Jeremiah 1:5

Closet Gem: Midlife… or Mid-Miracle?

They call it a midlife crisis — I call it a midlife calling.

At 49, I was questioning everything. Now, at 52, I’m clear: this season isn’t about what job title I have, it’s about how much love for God I bring into everything I do.

It’s not a crisis — it’s a holy awakening.

This is the season of embracing the woman God designed, not the one the world defined. Every wrinkle is wisdom. Every scar is a survival story. Every day is a divine do-over.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2

Closet Gem: Reading My Way to Renewal

This year, I started reading the Bible cover to cover — for the first time — and whew, it’s changing me. Every chapter feels like a personal letter from God. He’s revealing things about Himself, and about me.

Faith isn’t a feeling; it’s a focus. And reading His Word daily is like turning on the light switch in a room I didn’t even realize was dark.

Try it, sis — even if it’s one chapter at a time. Pair it with a journal and a cup of coffee and just talk to God like a friend.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105

Closet Gem: Fashioned by Faith

When I think about Kiya’s Closet, I see it now — it’s not about changing who I am, it’s about accentuating who God made me to be.

When I get dressed now, I’m not just covering my body — I’m clothing myself in grace.

It’s not about being a fashionista. It’s about being intentional. About showing up as a reflection of God’s creativity.

About wearing joy, confidence, and boldness like my favorite blazer.

Because when we know Whose we are, we can show up as who we truly are.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity.” — Proverbs 31:25

Closet Gem: Surrendered & Set Free

This year, I’m done pretending I can do it on my own. I’ve tried that road — it’s exhausting.

So this birthday, I’m laying it all down.

My fears. My plans. My pride. My need to control the outcome.

Lord, I surrender — again. Do what You want to do through me, through this platform, and through every woman who walks into Kiya’s Closet.

Let this be a space where we all find You, together.

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” — Exodus 14:14

Final Gem: Built for This

So, to my 40+, 50+, and fabulous Warrior Princesses: don’t let age make you feel behind.

You’re not too late — you’re right on time.

If you’re still here, God still has purpose for you. Every setback, every scar, every season has prepared you for this moment.

Sis, you were built for this.

Now walk in it — boldly, beautifully, and surrendered.

Let’s talk, sis:

What has God been teaching you in this season of change?

Drop a comment below — your story might just be the “closet gem” another sister needs today. 💖