Faith @ Work with Kim Stinson

RRC: How did your spiritual development and personal faith in Christ come to fruition?

KS: For most of my life, my mom took me to church. But sadly enough, the church was not in me. In August 1995 my life changed forever. I remember asking my mom about a young lady from our church because I hadn’t seen her. The next day, my mom called me and inquired why I had asked about her. I didn’t know why, but she was on my mind. She had called to tell me the young lady, a mother and wife, had been murdered. From that day forward, I saw life differently. On September 12, 1995, I decided to follow Christ. It is a decision that I have never regretted. I have been on this journey since that time.

RRC: Being a believer of Christ, there are values that you live by in your personal life. What are the values that you carry in your professional life?

KS: Some Christian values I carry in my professional life include honesty, trustworthiness, fairness, and humility. I know that we must have respect for others. I try each day to work with a spirit of humility with the understanding that I don’t always get it right. When I am wrong, I have learned to go back and admit my mistakes. I know that being a Christian is not just a talk. It must be a walk, one that exemplifies Christ. The saying is true, “People will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

RRC: Within your career, how do you establish and maintain healthy boundaries when dealing with the public?

KS: One way I maintain healthy boundaries is by avoiding situations that could potentially compromise my integrity. It is what makes me who I am as a Christian. I have learned to tell the truth no matter what and avoid making a promise unless I know I can keep it.

RRC: With seven children who are all adults now, how did you model the importance of having a servant’s heart?

KS: As a mom, I love giving. And not only monetary things, but of my time and talent. I have always tried to help others who were in need. I have spent time fulfilling the basic needs of others in difficult situations. Now I have two children who are teachers. I notice that they are reaching out to students who have needs, and they take pride in their efforts. I have taught them to send kind words and inspiration to the brokenhearted and to encourage those who want to give up. They have all learned to value people and do whatever they can to help. I believe that the little we do can change one life at a time.

RRC: How did you know and trust that God was placing you in a line of work that you would find fulfilling?

KS: I knew God would provide me with a fulfilling career. I made the choice to follow His lead as a mom. For many years, I tried working while my kids were younger. But God spoke to me and encouraged me to stay home until the walls were built around my children. I did not like this idea and kept trying to get around it. In 2007, I surrendered and obeyed His plan. In 2013, God allowed me to enter back into the workforce. I have been in the same field of work since then, and it has been nothing but an overflow of blessings and favor.

RRC: For Christians who struggle to live their faith beyond the church walls, what encouragement would you give them?

KS: I would admonish any Christian who struggles with their faith beyond the church walls to remember the words of Jesus. He said if you are ashamed of me before men, then I will be ashamed of you before my heavenly Father. I would encourage them to remember how much we need our relationship with Christ. Once that relationship becomes the lifeline, it will remove the struggle of living out their faith before others who desperately need a Christian example.

RRC: What advice would you give to others who find it difficult to trust God during times of uncertainty in a career they don’t enjoy?

KS: Trusting God in difficult times is not an easy task for any of us. Life has its ups and downs. Scripture asks: What shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall our troubles and worries? No! In all things, we are more than conquerors. During difficult times, it’s a time of testing our faith. Are we in this just when things are good? Or are we in this relationship until the end? God promises that He will always be there.

RRC: How do you keep your professional and personal life separate?

KS: Balancing professional and personal life can be challenging at times. I work with my spouse. I am learning that no matter what happens at work, it should stay at work. If it doesn’t, this will cause a conflict in my marriage. Even though I am my husband’s supervisor, I understand that he is still the head of our home, as Christ requires. It’s not always easy, but only through Christ does it work.

Kim Stinson lives in Montgomery, AL. She has been married to Mike Stinson for 28 years. The couple worships at the New Testament Christian Center.