Thankful for the “No”

Closing Day – January 24, 2022

Six years ago, my husband and I tried to purchase a small cottage in Hoschton, GA, for my first hair salon. We poured everything I had into that little space to bring a dream to life. It started as a blank slate with just a concrete slab. We knew God was calling us to this area, and I was so grateful for the opportunity.

The lease began with me as a tenant, and per the contract, I would eventually be able to purchase the property. After the first couple of months, I knew I wanted to move forward with buying it. But when I inquired, I learned that wouldn’t be an option. I was devastated and felt so defeated. I was angry—at God, at myself—for being naive enough to think it would all play out the way I imagined.

We called lawyers, realtors, and family members, trying to figure out a path forward. But we were advised that going to court wasn’t a wise financial decision, and that walking away would be best.

I began praying again, asking for God’s guidance on where He wanted my business to go. I was frustrated, but still hopeful. I clung to one of my favorite verses:

Proverbs 31:25 — “She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”

That verse became my anchor. Just because God is in something doesn’t mean the road will be easy.

A couple of months later, I was talking with one of my clients—a realtor. She suggested hiring a commercial agent to help me find another property to relocate to. I took her advice and called him the next day.

If you know me, you know that when I say I’m going to do something—or when there’s a challenge in front of me—I will do everything in my power to achieve it. Some call it stubbornness, others call it hard work. Honestly, I still don’t know which it is.

My new realtor told me about a house for sale on Highway 53. We scheduled an appointment to go see it. I was excited to begin a new chapter. At the time, we had just had our first child—she was only two months old. I prayed, “Lord, if this is too much for me, or not Your timing, take it away. Shut the door in my face if You’re not in it—because I know I won’t give up on my own.” I didn’t want to pray that—but I did.

Sometimes we pray for what we want instead of what He wants. But I’ve learned that when I try to force things into place, it never compares to what happens in His perfect timing.

We showed up the next morning to tour the house, and the owners were still home—they wouldn’t come out. My agent told me that if they wouldn’t leave, we couldn’t go inside. I was stunned. But deep down, I knew I had asked God to shut the door if it wasn’t right. So, I listened.

My agent then suggested a retail space down the street that had just become available. I wasn’t thrilled about renting again, but I decided to check it out.

Ironically, it was already built out for a salon—and it was on the same road as my current location. It was 1,200 square feet instead of 600, which meant more room to grow. I was hesitant to start over and go through another buildout, but something inside me kept telling me to jump. So, I kept praying.

I had so much going on: a new baby, a growing business, and the possibility of relocating. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being called to this new space.

A few days later, I called my agent and told him I’d take it. I signed a four-year lease not knowing what lay ahead. Since then, I’ve had many ups and downs and learned more hard lessons than I care to admit. I’ve felt challenged, frustrated, and burned out. There have been times I didn’t feel qualified to run a business and thought about giving up.

But my mom always told me to believe in myself and my dreams. Through the tears, setbacks, and smiles, God kept telling me not to give up. He called me to this, and He would bring me through it.

Last year, God gave me a new word: Renewed.

He told me to renew my spirit, my business, and my hope—that He would fulfill His promises.

The verse Romans 12:2 became deeply meaningful to me:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

In seasons of defeat, that verse reminds me not to focus on the world around me, or what people think of me, or whether I’m “achieving enough”—but instead to renew my spirit and trust His plan over mine.

And here we are—seven years later—finally owning a little old house to pursue the vision He gave me. I prayed for years that if He wanted me to continue chasing this dream, He would make a way.

I wanted to share this story last January when we closed, but I didn’t feel led to. It was personal. But lately, God has been pressing on my heart that it’s time.

I found this on my laptop today and wanted to add to it:

Our God is special. He’s our friend. And most of all—He always has a better plan in the end, even if we can’t see it in the moment.

Alexa clarke