Meet Kimberly Powers

We recently connected with Kimberly Powers and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I grew up in a family where a diligent work ethic was modeled. Every morning before I would leave for school, my dad Scott Muka, would tell me “Bye Kimberly, I love you, excel today.” This instruction helped me realize how much I could accomplish if I set my mind to it. I learned to see results that when I put in the hard work towards my goals, I will reach my accomplishments. In large part, I owe this work ethic to my parents, especially my dad. Thanks dad, for teaching me what it means to work hard and push through difficult experiences to earn the rewards of discipline and persistence.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have the privilege of walking with clients through difficult mental health challenges. My purpose and calling as a therapist has grown from my own experience and the help I have received over the years from learning to manage bipolar type 1 disorder. I am excited to announce that I am in the process of publishing a book: “A Mind Restored: Finding freedom from the Shame and Stigma of mental illness.” My hope in sharing this memoir and self-help guide is to encourage individuals with mental illness to rise above the setbacks of their illness, and effectively learn to manage their symptoms so that they can pursue the abundant life God has called them to. It is easy to get discouraged, and many may contemplate giving up. When we learn we are not alone in our struggle, that may provide strength and motivation to reach for our goals.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As I reflect on where I have been, where I am now, and where I want to see myself in the future, I am thankful for the most impactful aspect in my journey. The most important thing that has kept me going in hard times is to hold on to hope. Hope creates a light that guides us in the darkest times. My personal relationship with God has provided that hope and light I can rely on, whether things are going very well, or when things are distressing. I believe God loves me no matter what. That he is always with me. While inviting his Spirit into my life, I receive his comfort, and a peace that passes all understanding. Even during active episodes of my mental illness, I did not abandon my faith. For my faith has proved time and time again that a supernatural sense of purpose and meaning accompanies a relationship with God. No matter what you are going through, I encourage you to explore existential and spiritual topics to find that source of hope and peace in your own life. This has carried me through, and I pray it will help you as well.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
Since I was a young child, I learned about the miracles in the Bible, salvation, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. As I got older, I began reading this divinely inspired book, and readily decided to put my faith in Christianity. This aspect of my life has played a significant role in my development. Some of the most valuable teachings I want to display in my life, however flawed, is to work towards loving others. I receive the love of God, and I want to give that love to others. I want to treat others how I want to be treated. I want to be generous and forgiving, even as I have received forgiveness, from God and others. I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and I want to share the power of that abundance from Him with those around me, because I know how richly my life has been helped in this faith. I have studied the Bible at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and dove deep into the ins and outs of how this book was written, what is the meaning, and how it can apply to my life today. I also find great peace when I study God’s word personally in my own time. I believe the Scripture that says “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

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Image Credits
Ashley Huffman, Two Clicks Photography

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