“In Remembrance of Michael”
The loss of a loved one cannot be underestimated. Michael will always be loved and cherished in my memory. I miss him so much!
“I will exalt You, LORD, for You rescue me, O Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You restored my health. You brought me up from the grave, O LORD. You kept me from falling into the pit…weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to You…I will give You thanks forever!” (1)
Hi, my name is Kim
After earning an A/S degree in education, I began teaching under-privileged children at a school associated with “Heat Start” until my son’s death. Years later I honed in on my passion for writing by revealing my broken heart over the loss of my son, Michael.
In addition, God has given me the privilege to serve Him through various Biblical Studies, Counseling, Discipleship, and Teaching. I am grateful to be given opportunities to utilize the gifts God’s has given me to reach others with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
I am redeemed!
At age fourteen, while attending a Christian youth camp in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, God opened my heart through preaching of the Gospel. Convicted, I repented of my sins, then received Christ. That following Sunday at Church, a testimony was given with a full desire to follow Christ whole heartily, and I was baptized. God’s presence over me was so strong from that day forward it caused me to think much about Him. I felt God had a special call for my life, and even at that young age, He made me intentionally aware of His great love.
I am a wife, a mother and a grandmother.
God has graciously given me a wonderful husband, and three children. One of our children, Michael was called home to be with the Lord. Michael’s was a man of integrity, confident and energetic, and we miss him so much. We are loved and blessed with seven grandchildren. We’ve witnessed God’s blessings pour fourth as three grandchildren are adopted into our family. Two girls and one boy, whose name is Michael. In addition, our youngest son name his son after our Michael. Two Michael’s three months apart in age. Isn’t God good? Abundant blessings! Abundant joy! To God be the glory! My children and grandchildren bring me great pleasure, and fill my heart that once was so empty.
It is my greatest reward to raise wholesome children and see my grandchildren happy and healthy. I loved watching them grow and develop into the beautiful children God created them to be. As with all my children they are my delight. What more could I have wanted in life than to see the fulfillment of being a mom, grandmother, and having a happy marriage? Yet in the near future the course of my life would changed forever.
I am a victim, a survivor and a conqueror in Christ Jesus.
When we received the news that Michael was murdered it shook the very foundation of our faith. Life became dull and lifeless with little hope of survival. The crippling effects of murder crushed our hearts beyond any expression of words. As a mom it was heartrending to see my family become broken and fractured. In pain, I literally clung to God…seeking His grace and help. He held me close and kept me and my family without failing, by the power of His might.
After twelve long years, I can say, I am so proud of my family! We are all survivors! God’s worked mightily in us, and through us. All for His glory to bring healing and restoration. We haven’t fully arrived, but I’ve witness God grow us individually, and together as a family… stronger than ever before. God’s glory is our glory! I thank Him in His keeping of our hearts. They have stayed tender to Him and to His work in each of us. May it be pleasing unto His glorious name.
I never in a million years would have thought murder would have crossed my doorstep, but it did. The unexpected happened! Could life’s unexpected circumstances be for greater purposes than what I could have realized? Did God want to show me more of Himself? Was my greatest sorrow used so that I could follow the same foot steps as Jesus took?
Now I understand the pain deeper of the heavy cross Jesus carried for me. It caused me to see the love of a Father to His Son, and the excruciating pain of unfair justice here on earth. I’ve come to understand in a deeper way the anguish of the ultimate cost of sin and the ultimate purchase of salvation. Our redemption was at high cost, God’s Son. Was all that happened used to demonstrate God’s greater love towards me? Perhaps how He would care for me through such tragic circumstances? Was I to experience His mercies in greater depth? Or, for me to know Jesus has triumphant over sin, and death? Could it have been for you, who reads my story, to encourage you, and tell you God is for you?
For certain, God has given me opportunity to tell of His goodness. I can tell you in an amazing way God soothed my broken heart and comforted me with the greatness of His love, a love not understood by many. He kept me moving forward, and completely healed and transformed my heart.
Jesus is Lord and Savior! What an awesome God we serve! I learned through Jesus Christ I am more than a conqueror. To God be the praise, the glory and the majesty forevermore.
Kim Armstrong
1. Psalm 30:1a, 3, 5b, 11, 12 nlt
May God use your incredible testimony to bring thousands of people to Him. To God be the glory!!
Thanks for your excellent sharing, Kim. I will pass along your blog to others that they may be blessed and encouraged. So thankful for good memories…Alva L. Conner.