Kim Erickson
Transparency time: this morning, I’ve been feeling unsettled about this next season in my life. At the end of the school year last spring, I gave my notice that I would not be coming back to teaching in the fall. The decision was terrifying, but I was certain – through much prayer and seeking the … Read more
There are lots of reasons a person might not feel “merry” during the holiday season. One in particular hangs over my heart: grief. As you hustle and bustle through the next week, consider that someone around you might be in a deep pit of grief, unable to climb out on her own. Grieving through Christmas … Read more
As my grieving mom group gathered, the conversation drifted to dreading certain months and days: the month our child died, his birthday, the holidays. The anticipation of those times is agony. At this time of year, everyone around us is anticipating Christmas. The advent calendars are slowly counting the days… one by one. The ramping … Read more
Every year as the holidays roll around, grief gains intensity and frequency. If you’re grieving a loved one, you’ve already noticed this uptick in your sadness. After going through 17 years without our son, I’ve learned a few things about surviving sorrow through the holidays. This holiday season, I’ll share some survival steps and some … Read more
Wars raging on and on, assassination attempts, hurricanes … all unbelievable, all out of our control. In the midst of all this, the normal things keep moving and we are expected to function as usual. Are you feeling unsettled? Unsure? Worried? Or, are you feeling brave? If I had to guess, I’d imagine more of … Read more
I had a stunning revelation this week. I’ve been hoarding. You know what it looks like from that show on TV. Stuff gathered and gathered, piled high, tipping over. An unexplainable habit of holding on to things that should be given away. My hoarding habit, however, was invisible to the outside world. My husband would … Read more
I know stupid is not a nice word. In fact, it is a “bad” word in our house. But sometimes, the shoe fits and there’s no other word that correctly characterizes my actions. Refusing to do what God asked you to do is stupid, plain and simple. After we lost Austin (in 2008 folks!), as … Read more
You know when something just hits you deep in your gut — it’s personal. That drop in your stomach. Tears pop up without warning. You can’t believe it. What was just said really hit home in your heart. Sometimes it’s a bad thing. But, sometimes it’s a good thing. Either way — it’s personal. When’s … Read more
I read something recently that said we are over-thinking things and creating problems where none exist. I paused and sipped my coffee, wondering how true this was of me and my life. My reflection was not pretty. I felt as though I was doing pretty good at work. I tend not to over-worry or over-think … Read more
