Redeemed

By Kimberly Palmer

From early childhood, Kimberly felt unworthy and unloved, having suffered through much trauma and abuse. As a teenager, her loneliness and anger grew stronger, and her desire to run from the cards life had dealt her became more than she could handle. Determined to fill the deep void and pain in her heart, she found herself in a mentally and physically abusive marriage.

Eventually turning to drugs, Kimberly found herself deep inside the drug world, which led to a federal indictment facing up to twenty years in prison. Evicted from her home and separated from her children, Kimberly made the ultimate run in her life, fleeing from her prison sentence to a life of further demise. After years of being lost in her own will, searching for love and meaning for her life at the bottom of every bottle, she found redemption through the love of Jesus Christ.

This is a story of redemption, forgiveness, and finding hope in the deepest, darkest depths of the soul.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 3, 2025
• ISBN: 9798896375470

Kimberly Palmer

Kimberly Palmer es editora financiera en US News & World Report y escribe su popular blog Alpha Consumer. Ha participado en Today Show, CNBC, CNN y otros programas de televisión y radio locales en todo el país para hablar sobre decisiones financieras inteligentes.

Book preview

Redeemed

Kimberly Palmer

ISBN 979-8-89637-546-3 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89637-547-0 (digital)

Copyright © 2025 by Kimberly Palmer

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

This book is dedicated to everyone striving to break free from the bondage of Satan. It was written to encourage you to never give up.

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1

Day of Redemption

Chapter 2

Growing Up

Chapter 3

Run

Chapter 4

16 and Married

Chapter 5

Starting a Family

Chapter 6

Money-Making Mommy

Chapter 7

Baby Number 2

Chapter 8

New Home, New Desires

Chapter 9

The Tale of Two Loves

Chapter 10

The Beginning and the End of Happiness

Chapter 11

A House of Many Men

Chapter 12

A House That Stumbles

Chapter 13

A House That Falls

Chapter 14

Running to Mexico

Chapter 15

Settling in Mexico

Chapter 16

Surviving Mexico

Chapter 17

God's Conviction

Chapter 18

Redeemed

About the Author

This book is dedicated to everyone striving to break free from the bondage of Satan. It was written to encourage you to never give up.

In Loving Remembrance

Acknowledgments

I am incredibly grateful to Father God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit for guidance in writing Redeemed. The idea for the project first came to me while I was incarcerated in Texas in 2017. At that time, I was dealing with many unresolved issues in my past, and I didn't fully understand how to express what I was feeling, so I put my unfinished manuscript away in a locker. Fast-forward to 2023—I found myself in a different place, Alderson Federal Prison Camp in West Virginia. It was then that I felt a strong urge to revisit my manuscript and start writing again. By this time, I had experienced a lot of personal growth and healing, which opened my heart and mind, allowing me to write with a fresh spiritual perspective.

I want to extend my gratitude to my bunkie, Tammy Hawk, who was placed in my life at a pivotal moment as I embarked on the journey of writing Redeemed. Her unwavering support and encouragement kept me focused and motivated, always nudging me to put pen to paper and finish the book. She was a coach and cheerleader, constantly pushing me to write! Her presence was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition, and for that, I am profoundly thankful. I am also beyond excited to give a shout-out to my amazing side bunkies! A huge thank-you to Britney Stevens and Keisha Pope for being my incredible editors. I honestly couldn't have pulled off Redeemed without their support. Not only did they elevate my writing, but they also inspired me to write. I would like to thank Tanya Grant.

After receiving the news of my immediate release from prison, I felt a mix of emotions that made it difficult for me to stay focused on finishing Redeemed. Once I returned home and found my way back to church, I was fortunate to meet an incredible woman named Michelle Byrd. I am profoundly grateful for her spiritual guidance, support, and encouragement she provided me during this challenging time.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my dear niece, Taylor Lane. I am incredibly proud of her and so thankful for her unwavering support in completing Redeemed. She has truly been my guiding light—almost like a ghostwriter by my side—especially as we worked through the final chapters together. Her brilliance and dedication were invaluable, assisting me with the computer transactions to the editors and publishers. I couldn't have done it without her.

I want to take a moment to express my appreciation to Lyle Powell. When I came home from prison, Lyle was a steadfast presence in my life, providing unwavering support during a critical time of transition. His encouragement has been invaluable as I worked to rebuild and reorganize my life. Throughout this challenging journey, Lyle has continually motivated me to persevere with my writing. I truly appreciate his commitment to my success, not only in my writing but also in transitioning into society. I would like to thank Keith at Krazzy's Tattoo's for the design of the title, Redeemed.

Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude and in remembrance of my brother, Tommy Lane. We faced many challenges together and endured years of separation due to our struggles with addiction and criminal behavior. I am truly thankful that God granted me thirty days after my release, allowing me to reunite with him before he returned home to be with Jesus Christ.

Introduction

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

—John 8:36

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who came in the flesh, born of a virgin, and died on the cross—Christ Jesus—still exists today. I have survived. Christ Jesus redeemed me from my bad decisions and the brokenness of others so that I may tell the world that He is always working and will never abandon you.

We are all susceptible to Satan's power, but through Christ, we can overcome. The names in this book have been changed to protect the identity of those mentioned. I have forgiven them, just as God has forgiven me. This book was not written to expose these individuals but to expose the schemes of Satan and glorify our Creator, who loves us even when we are walking in the darkness of our sins.

For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. (Jeremiah 31:34)

Chapter 1

Day of Redemption

God declared, And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.

—Jeremiah 15:21

May 2014

It was a rainy, dreary morning. Ulises and I woke up early to set up merchandise at the Mercado for his mom, Ms. Garcia. I had been staying with this amazing Christian family for about a month, ever since Beto, with whom I had been in a three-year relationship, told me to leave our home again. This time, it would be for good.

Beto would get up early for work and not return until late evening. He had stopped taking me places and even bringing me food. I didn't work, nor could I without documents proving I was a Mexican citizen. I had been living illegally in Mexico for almost eight years. Beto no longer bought groceries for the house, so I was left without food. He'd come home with food for himself and our little chihuahua but nothing for me. The shame and humiliation over how my life had unraveled weighed heavily on me. Just like the prodigal son, I "…longed to fill [my] stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating (Luke 15:16). I asked Beto, How can you bring the dog food and leave me with nothing?" He replied coldly, telling me he liked the dog and wanted me to leave. I understood then—he wanted me gone, just as I had left him so many times before. But I was exhausted, physically and mentally. I didn't want to go barhopping or have meaningless sex with men whose faces blurred after one encounter. In truth, I didn't even want to drink anymore, but I couldn't stop.

My father had been an alcoholic, though I hadn't been raised with him. I never recognized the signs of alcoholism, but now I was addicted to the bottle. Anger consumed me—anger at Beto for rejecting me and at myself for driving him away. Beto had given me stability, a home, a semblance of a life. I hadn't felt grounded since I'd left my own family and country. Beto had tried to tame the wild horse in me, but he was the one who ended up broken.

Ulises and I had stayed up late drinking the night before, a habit we'd developed after I moved in with his family. We drank every day. I was so depressed I couldn't bear waking up sober and facing the wreckage of my life. But this morning was different. We couldn't drink. I was ashamed for Ms. Garcia to find out I was an alcoholic, and I feared I'd be a burden to the family, worried they might ask me to leave. Ms. Garcia had taken me in as her own daughter. She provided me with a place to stay rent-free, made sure I had food, and even gave me clothes. To show my gratitude, I offered to help her sell merchandise she had purchased in Texas at the Mercado. She was overjoyed, especially since Ulises agreed to go with me.

Ulises was the middle of Ms. Garcia's four children. She loved all her kids equally, but for some reason, Ulises harbored resentment toward his mom. He refused to work, didn't help with chores, and avoided working in her store. He preferred playing soccer, hanging out with friends, and drinking. He had a job once, but he was let go just before I moved in. Afterward, we were inseparable, drinking together every day. I knew he had a crush on me, but I'd remind him that I had once dated his cousin Ricky and that Ricky was the reason I'd met their family. Ulises also knew I loved Beto and missed him. Still, there were times when Ulises and I would drink for days, and in my drunken, numb state, I let him have sex with me. Afterward, I'd be disgusted with myself, but by then, sex had lost its meaning.

That rainy morning at the Mercado, we were both hungover and tired. My heart was heavy with sadness. It had been so long since I'd seen my children or had a place to call home. Even though I was surrounded by Ms. Garcia's loving family, I felt alone. As wonderful as they were, they couldn't fill the emptiness inside me. I missed Beto, though he refused to take my calls. More than anything, I wanted to return to the home we had been trying to build together. At that moment, only beer could soothe the ache in my chest, but we hadn't sold any merchandise and had no money to buy it.

Typically, Ms. Garcia and her friend Juan would help us set up at the Mercado, putting up tents and arranging the tables. Once we were settled, Ms. Garcia would leave some money in the cash register. Ulises would take it as soon as she left and buy us beer. But this morning, she didn't leave us any money.

People always stared when they saw me—a blond-haired, blue-green-eyed American woman in their town. They were even more surprised when they spoke to me and realized how friendly I was. I never met a stranger; I'd talk to anyone. For many, I was the first American they had ever met. Some had family in the States or had been deported themselves, which made them eager to chat. But others were openly prejudiced, hostile because of where I was from.

That afternoon, Ms. Garcia and Juan came back early to pick us up. The rain had kept most of the customers away. After unloading everything at the house, Ulises had to head to soccer practice. The neighborhood had a men's league, and Ulises was obsessed with playing. I wasn't a soccer fan and had no desire to watch him practice. He told me to wait for him, promising we'd meet up with his friends and drink afterward.

I tried to wait, but the house was empty, and I was getting anxious. Ulises had given me a beer, but it only made me want more. I couldn't stand being alone any longer, so I took off walking. I decided to head to a bar where I'd worked years earlier. The owner, Alberto, had always been attracted to me. He had offered to take me to a hotel several times, but he never forced anything. He helped me when I needed money, food, or beer, and he never expected anything in return, unlike other men who sought sexual favors. Alberto spoke a little English and would always try to help me contact my daughter through Facebook.

The bar was only a couple of miles from Ms. Garcia's house, a straight shot down the highway. I made it there, and sure enough, Alberto was behind the bar. He handed me a beer and was happy to see me. Customers bought me drinks, and we danced. In Mexico, I couldn't get a legal job, but I could work in bars under the table. I got paid to drink, socialize, and dance. Back then, I thought I was lucky, but years later, when God redeemed me, He showed me the truth:

Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. (James 3:15)

There was no such thing as luck—only Satan keeping me in bondage.

By the time the bar was closing,