Podcast: Play in new window
What do you do when you conquer one health crisis only to be met by another one? What do you do when you realize you will never get to know your children’s children? How do you face the reality of your temporality with grace?
Kim Fredrickson is a wife, mother, seminary professor, and for 30 plus years she maintained a thriving Marriage and Family Therapy practice. But in 2013, her life completely changed when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After having a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation, Kim beat cancer and thought her life was getting back to normal. Just four short days later, she was diagnosed with a rare side-effect from her cancer treatment and was given a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years.
By God’s grace and guidance, Kim has become determined to use these final years of her life for good, and she hopes to bless others with the words she would have loved to share personally with her grandchildren – grandchildren she will not meet on this side of eternity.
In this episode Kim shares the ups and downs of her health journey. She also shares how to practically forgive, love, and show compassion for yourself. Then, at the end of our conversation, Kim shares what she wants her grandchildren to know about her.
Have some tissue nearby because, if you are like me, this conversation will touch a tender place in her heart as you consider how short our time on this earth can actually be.
Highlights from Today’s Episode:
- Embracing the Reality of a Terminal Illness
- Having Compassion for Yourself & Others
- Leaving a Legacy and Living With the End in Mind
Resources From Today’s Show
- Give Your Kids a Break and Give Yourself a Break by Kim Fredrickson
- Compassionate Self-Statements & Self-Soothing Exercises Audio Resource by Kim Fredrickson
- Find Kim Fredrickson on her website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram
==> Click to Tweet
- God wants us to love ourselves, in spite of our flaws. – Kim Fredrickson
- If we don’t love ourselves, we will not have love to give others – Kim Fredrickson
- Learn to forgive yourself – don’t tear yourself down with negative words and thoughts – Kim Fredrickson
- We don’t have to be perfect to be accepted by God – Kim Fredrickson
- Hold your plans loosely and let God determine your direction – Kim Fredrickson
- Be open to the opportunities that you did not expect – Kim Fredrickson
==> General Links
- Did you miss my last bonus episode with Kat Lee? Click here to listen!
- Want to subscribe to the blog and grab a freebie? CLICK HERE
- Kingdom Woman by Chrystal Evans Hurst and Tony Evans
Kim’s Questions to Ask to Begin to Forgive Yourself:
- Did I do what I did on purpose?
- Am I truly sorry?
- Have I apologized and asked forgiveness from the person that I hurt?
- If my friend did the same thing to somebody else, would they deserve to be forgiven and what would I say to them?
- Why am I so surprised by my own sinfulness and imperfections?
- Do I really think I can go through life without making major mistakes and hurting others – even those I love?
Let’s Talk!
After you’ve listened to the podcast, I’d love to continue the conversation. Be sure and leave a comment!
- Are you struggling to forgive yourself for some past situation or deed? If so, walk through Kim’s questions above and state one action you can take today to move forward towards forgiving yourself.
- What gift, talent, or passion will you hold loosely and let God direct your path?
- What do you want the next generation to say about your life?
Connect with me…
How to Listen to The Podcast
If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.
1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.
2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher? Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!
3. Share today’s show – Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!
You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!
Dear Chrystal and Kim,
This touched my heart so much. Kim, so much of your story is similar to what I experienced with my mother. I just wept as the memories came flooding back. Especially seeing your picture. Thank you for sharing your life with us, unashamedly and unapologetically. I have seen your books on amazon, and not knowing your story, I overlooked them thinking I know how to give myself and my children grace and compassion. But lately, I’m realizing I need more of both for myself and my family! God bless you for pressing through the hard and leaving a lasting legacy for your family that we are fortunate enough to benefit from. My prayers and heart go out to you, I wish I could just meet you and hug you. Alright, I’m gonna go, I’ve teared up some more just writing this! ❤️❤️❤️
Dear Quantrilla,
Thank you so much for your comment. I’m so sorry you lost your Mom, and all the loss you’ve gone through. Your story is a reminder of the loss everyone feels in a family when a parent passes away too soon. I’d love to meet and hug you too. I could feel your warmth, empathy and concern for me, and I am so grateful. Sending a hug back to you. I hope my books will be a blessing to you. Be kind and gentle with yourself during this tender time.
Lord there is no disease beyond your reach! You give mercy to whom you choose to show mercy and my human mind cannot comprehend how you choose some to heal and some that you do not. I’m just instructed to pray and trust that You hold these answers. Father you are the author and finisher of our faith, and this is what I know to be true, that our times are in your hands and as long as there is breath we can believe for a miracle in our bodies. God I’m crying out to you now for Kim! God there is nothing impossible for you! Lord Jesus I’m reminded in Matthew Chapter 8 how you healed the centurions servant by sending a word and they were healed. Lord cause Kim’s lungs to function like you created them to function. God you breathed life in our body when you formed us, you created us from dust of the earth and a creative miracle is nothing for You. Give Kim’s doctors wisdom to treat and prolong quality of life for her. Allow her to live to see her children’s children if you so desire and Lord I pray with every ounce of faith you have given me that You will accomplish this in her body. Lord Your word declares that we have not because we ask not so Lord I’m asking for this miracle for Kim and God we will be careful to give You all the honor and glory as you work this miracle. I pray this in the name that has been given us to pray, the name that causes demons to shutter, the name that every knee will bow to and every tongue will confess Jesus Jesus Jesus!!!!
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Thank you for sharing this prayer. Blessings.
Chrystal and Kim This Has Been The Most Touching Podcast, I’m Sitting Here Crying My Eyes Out, I Can Totaly Relate About Having One Defeat After Another And Having To Step Away From My Passion Of Teaching. I’m Scheduled For A Second Mammogram,This Has Really Prepaed Me And Touched My Heart Thank You
[…] Did you miss my last bonus episode with Kim Fredrickson? Click here to listen! […]