Previously, she performed with her brother Chad in the vertically focused folk-pop duo, Berteal. The group’s name (which was their grandmother’s maiden name) celebrated their long line of family faith in Jesus.
Two of Kim’s great-grandmothers were preachers and evangelists, suggesting that the seeds of her eventual ministry were sown in preceding generations.
“I was praying and told the Lord that I really felt like I needed more specific direction in terms of what I should do next, and I needed to know more specifically who I am to Him,” Kim recalls of the period that prompted her current collection of songs. “I heard Him say to my spirit so clearly, ‘You are my herald.’ It felt right to name the album Herald to honor that conversation."
On Herald, Kim pays tribute to her folk-pop roots while offering a variety of sonic approaches to meet listeners where they are.
The entire project is bound to appeal to fans of Nicole Nordeman and Judy Collins. With eight original songs, all beautifully crafted and heavily rooted in scripture, Kim's distinctive, gently transcendent vocals and folk-pop stylings are bolstered by the pristine production of Karl Anderson, who also serves as a periodic co-writer.
The first song on the project, the folk-flavored “This Isn’t Heaven,” co-written with Anderson, points to the value of planting one’s life in biblical truths, rather than merely climbing the ladder of worldly success or chasing after material possessions.
“Mind of Christ” honestly addresses mental health and depression, and seeks to overcome the darkness by finding wholeness in faith. “I think the message is one of the most important on the album,” says Kim. “We all deal with mental struggles and feelings of sadness, depression, darkness, or just feeling a little down. There isn’t one person on earth that hasn’t struggled with this, especially with the pandemic. I can relate to this song personally and want others to know they are not alone, and that Jesus can restore their peace of mind. The Christian community tends to shy away from talking about this topic, so I want to shine a light on it. The enemy does not want us to be mentally whole. The greatest battle is the battle for our minds!"
“You’ll Find Me There,” originally written as a poem that resulted in Kim being named a 2023 Woody Guthrie Poet, is a gorgeously tranquil song that was initially inspired by a sermon addressing social justice from a biblical standpoint, though it is just as suitable for a moment of corporate worship or perhaps even a communion service.
The inspirational pop of “Remain In You” taps into the Word, bolstered by the reminder, “If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” Up-tempo, breezy rhythms surround “Spirit Of God” as it explores the roles, work, and person of the Holy Spirit. The beautiful piano ballad, “Perfect Love,” was written by Kim for an Easter service as a simple way to share the Gospel with visitors and newcomers.
“We Surrender To Love” was co-written with Adam Russell, Director of Vineyard Worship USA. With its chilling, instantly memorable chord progressions, the song serves as an empowering call to repentance as it boldly asserts, Holy Spirit, come revive this generation / and restore to us the joy of our salvation.
And rounding out the album is the string-adorned “Full Circle,” which is intended as both an evangelism tool to get people thinking about where their hope lies, and a comfort and encouragement to believers who are approaching the end of this life.
The theme of restoration shines throughout Herald, which Kim ultimately hopes will lead listeners to lift their hands in praise and be encouraged no matter what season they may be walking through.
In her own life, Kim has experienced a dramatic restoration in her marriage that can only be attributed to the grace of God. “My husband and I had a tremendous amount of stress and strain on our marriage in the early years, and it culminated in us divorcing,” she says. “However, the Lord healed our relationship, reconciled our marriage and made it even stronger. We remarried many years ago, but we still give God the glory every day. God is a God of reconciliation!”
Beyond the music, Kim, a visual artist in the impressionist/expressionist tradition, personally painted not only the beautiful artwork for the Herald cover, but eight individual sunset pieces--one to accompany each track on the album. “The sunsets signify the whole idea of being a herald to proclaim the coming of the Lord,” she reveals.
“I hope this sacrifice of praise will honor and glorify the Lord, be used to reach people with the Gospel for the first time, and be a light and an encouragement to draw people back to the Lord,” she sums up.
“I was asked recently what I want to be remembered for,” says Kim. “This is how I answered: 'As an encourager. As a generous person. As someone who was committed to her faith and tried to share it in the ways she knew how. As someone who inspired people to help cats and dogs. As someone who cared very much about those who were hurting.' I feel this project touches on many of these things and is part of my legacy. Overall, I want this body of work to serve as my bearing witness to the Lord’s Word, His greatness, His promises, and His return…to be His herald.”
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