Valentine’s Day is often reduced to chocolates, flowers, and romantic gestures, but what if love is so much more? In our latest Thrive by The Rising Muse episode, we peel back the layers of love and explore its true essence.
From the unwavering love of God to the deep connections we share with family and friends—and even the challenge of loving those who don’t love us back—this conversation will challenge your perspective on love.
Join us as we discuss how to navigate relationships through faith, what it means to love beyond conditions, and why true love is an action, not just a feeling. We will also dive into self-love and setting boundaries, ensuring that love isn’t just something we give but something we nurture within ourselves.
This episode is more than a discussion—it’s an invitation to live out love every day. Are you ready to redefine what love means in your life? Tune in now and let’s thrive together!
In this heartfelt interview, we sit down with Kim Gilson, a Christian author and certified Zig Ziglar trainer, to discuss her journey of faith, resilience, and the inspiration behind her latest book, “Made for Community: A Biblical Model to Activate Your Purpose.” Join us as Kim shares her experiences and insights on navigating grief, the power of community, and finding joy and purpose through faith.
How did you navigate the challenges of losing your husband while starting a new job and caring for your sons?
Kim Gilson: I know people say to take it one day at a time. Honestly, that was too much. Some days I just made it from one meal to the next. I adopted the word “forward” and set my face towards building a new normal. I really didn’t have an “Option B.” I had no choice but to get up each day and do the next thing. I was fortunate that I had great family and friends who carried us along the way!
What role did faith play in your journey towards finding joy again for you and your boys?
Kim Gilson: I don’t know how people survive a major loss without the Lord. I believed He would take care of us, and I saw so many ways He fulfilled His promise. I was in church one Sunday by myself thinking, “I’m alone.” I so clearly heard His voice say, “You’ll never be alone.” I held onto that. My faith gave me the hope that Paul was in a better place and we would find our Promised Land on this side of heaven.
What were some of the key moments or realizations that helped you find strength and hope during those difficult times?
Kim Gilson: The night he died, I vowed I would fight for our joy. I couldn’t let that be the last good day my boys had. I knew if they were going to have joyful whole lives, I had to show them it was OK and I had to show them how. I saw a long dark tunnel ahead of me, but I knew if I squinted hard enough, I could see a flicker of light. I held on to the belief that we would find our new normal and smile again.
How did your relationship with your sons evolve as you all worked together to rebuild your lives?
Kim Gilson: It’s one of my proudest accomplishments in life. I knew I had to be a safe place for them. I’d say we gave each other space and grace to make mistakes. If any of us messed up, we forgave quickly. I recently remarried, and at the reception, one of them made a speech about how I led them through that time to give them the lives they have today. He had everyone in tears. When the other took the mic, I braced for more! He thanked my new husband for taking my antique shopping so they didn’t have to! The entire room burst into laughter. I just thought, “Those are my boys!” I’m so proud of their resilience.
Kim Gilson: It was a very organic process. I had a “moment” in our ladies’ Bible study where I felt like I didn’t belong and started to leave. I heard the Lord say, “You sit right there. I created you in my image and it’s too vast, too perfect for any one person to represent all of me. Sit right there and contribute your piece of the puzzle.” He continued to show me things through scripture, experience, and revelation that led to a sermon and a class. I realized it all went together to make a book!
Can you explain the analogy of cups and pitchers and how it relates to your message in the book?
Kim Gilson: God designed us to live in reciprocal relationships where we pour into and receive from each other, like pitchers pouring into cups. At some point, the cups should overflow and become pitchers themselves. No one can hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” unless they help other people hear them.
What are the main themes you hope readers will take away from your book?
Kim Gilson: I hope they first of all appreciate how God designed them to contribute to the Body of Christ. Then I hope they appreciate how God designed other people for them to engage in cups and pitcher relationships.
How does your book address the current climate of division and loneliness?
Kim Gilson: I hope it gives people a new way to think about themselves and others. We are more dependent on each other than we realize. So many people are isolated at home, and I’d love to think this encourages them to branch out and take a chance on engaging with other people again.
How does your book define and describe the concept of community from a biblical perspective?
Kim Gilson: Paul describes the Body of Christ. Each of us has a valuable part to make, and though one part may look more important, all are necessary for God’s Kingdom on this earth!
Can you elaborate on how reciprocal relationships among the body of Christ can help individuals fulfill their God-given purposes?
Kim Gilson: God’s purposes for our lives seldom are limited to our benefit. We often think our hopes and dreams are for our gain, fame, fortune, or reputation. They invariably impact other people. That impact will bless others in a way that enables their contribution. Say for instance you’re a business owner. Your business provides goods or services to others, but you also serve as a provider to your employees. That provision enables families to meet their needs. One of many examples would be paying for a child’s education to pursue God’s calling on his/her life.
What practical steps do you suggest for readers who want to build and nurture these reciprocal relationships?
Kim Gilson: You’ve got to make the first step. We can’t just wait for someone else to reach out to us and then be sad if it doesn’t happen. There’s a good chance whoever you approach is also hungry for connection! When you go to church, get there early enough to talk to people, invite someone to lunch or coffee, attend an event or go to Bible study. I’m also a big believer in Meetup.com. This is an unpaid advertisement for them, but it’s where I met my new husband! I joined a Christian Singles group merely looking for new friends and found him.
How can churches and Christian communities implement the model you propose to foster a stronger sense of belonging and purpose among their members?
Kim Gilson: I led a class on this model at my church. We gave people a chance to explore their personality types, spiritual giftings, and talents. As they shared with others, people learned about themselves and each other in new ways. We even did an activity where people told in what ways they’re cups or pitchers, so they could see how they could combine forces. Anything the church can do to foster connection and conversations with people who don’t normally interact at that level will go far towards progress in this area.
Looking back on the past ten years, what are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned about faith, resilience, and community?
Kim Gilson: God is always up to something good, even when things look the worst. You can’t control what happens to you, only your response. Joy is a choice. Life is a group project. We’re meant to do it together.
How has your journey influenced your understanding of God’s goodness and purpose for your life?
Kim Gilson: As long as there is breath in us, God still has a purpose for our lives. Each day we wake up, it’s for a reason. Someday our clock will expire, but until then, we need to lean into His plans for us. I once heard Him tell me to “Honor the calling of today.”
What advice would you give to someone who is struggling with grief and loss?
Kim Gilson: Get therapy or counseling, depending on your circumstances. I went through Griefshare, and it was instrumental in my healing. You’ll know when it’s time!
How can individuals find joy and purpose after experiencing significant life challenges?
Kim Gilson: Believe that you will see God’s goodness in the land of the living, and there IS a promised land for you! The desert season won’t last forever.
What is the one message you would like to leave with our readers today?
Kim Gilson: The Body of Christ NEEDS YOU! No one is perfect. God is working to sanctify us all, and you don’t have to wait to have it all figured out before you can pour into and receive from others. Share what He’s given you and bless others by letting them bless you in return!
How can readers connect with you and learn more about your work and ministry?
Kim Gilson: I’m on Instagram and Facebook, or they can contact me via email at kimgilson@excellivate.com
Do you have any upcoming projects or plans that you would like to share with us?
Kim Gilson: My next plan is to repackage my testimony workbook with videos!
About Kim Gilson:
Kim Gilson was born to be a teacher. As far back as she can remember, she played school in her room, teaching dolls and stuffed animals from a chalkboard, and holding parent/teacher conferences with those who struggled. As she grew older, the stuffed animals became real students, to whom she taught band and then math. As her career in public education blossomed, Kim learned her passion was teaching adults, making difficult topics easier to understand and enjoying laughter in the process. The sudden loss of her husband, Paul, to a blood clot in 2014 sent her on a personal journey of grief and a battle to reclaim joy in her life for her and her sons. Wanting to share her zeal for life with others, she became a certified Zig Ziglar trainer, speaker, and coach. After retiring from public education in 2022, she felt a calling to utilize her teaching and speaking skills to revitalize the hearts, minds, and dreams of people, activating them towards fulfilling their God-given purpose. Kim lives in Midlothian, Texas with her 2 dogs, Duchess and Cosmo. Her sons, Trent and Cade, have grown into fine young men pursuing their own dreams. She and her husband, Don, enjoy traveling across Texas to take selfies in front of its many courthouses. Kim approaches everything in life with passion and humor, and her hatred of kale is legendary. She attends Harvest Hill Church, where she’s a member of the preaching team. Kim’s website is excellivate.com
As we continue on this journey together, we just wanted to remind you that our premiere episode of Thrive, will be dedicated to exploring the delicate intersection of faith and mental health. In this inaugural episode, we have a very special interview lined up that promises to challenge perceptions, ignite conversations, and offer hope to those navigating the complexities of faith and mental wellness.
Our guest for this episode brings a wealth of insight and experience to the table, offering a unique perspective on the struggles and triumphs encountered within the faith community. We delve into topics that have long been shrouded in silence and stigma, shedding light on the importance of open dialogue, understanding, and support.
Stay tuned as we prepare to lift the veil on this thought-provoking conversation. Join us as we break the silence, confront misconceptions, and pave the way for healing and acceptance. Together, let’s embark on a journey of growth, empowerment, and resilience.
Keep an eye out for the release of our premiere episode of Thrive, where faith meets mental health in a powerful and transformative dialogue. We can’t wait to share this journey with you. April 7th our first episode will be available on YouTube and Spotify. By the end of the week it will be available everywhere you usually access your favorite podcasts.
Naty Matos 