Written by: Mike Laxton (July 8, 2025)
In Herald Reflections, singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist Kim Gentry Meyer invites readers into a richly layered devotional experience that intertwines music, art, scripture, and the heart of a messenger. As someone who regularly writes devotionals inspired by music, I approached this book with a sense of kinship and anticipation—and I wasn’t disappointed. The book is a perfect hybrid of album and devotional review, anchored in Kim’s Herald album and accompanied by her original paintings, which visually interpret each track’s message.
The title Herald refers to proclaiming important news, and Kim takes that calling seriously—not just through the lyrics of her songs, but in the way she approaches each devotional thought and each brushstroke of her artwork. As she shared in our conversation, this book is “a labor of love” and a way to “be his herald” by proclaiming the Lord’s greatness and goodness through multiple art forms. Sunsets are a recurring theme in both her music and visuals, symbolizing not just beauty or endings, but Christ’s return and the promise of restoration. In using upcycled materials for the original paintings, Kim draws a parallel between art and grace—how God renews us and gives us purpose, even from what may seem discarded.
The journey begins with “This Isn’t Heaven,” a sobering yet hopeful reminder that this world isn’t our forever home. The painting paired with this entry captures rays of the sun stretching toward heaven—almost as if the “Son” Himself is reaching down, calling us to fix our eyes on eternity rather than the temporary. It set the tone for the reflections to come: grounded in biblical truth and ripe for deep thought.
Track two, “Mind of Christ,” resonates profoundly with today’s mental health struggles. Kim was very transparent in our talk about her own battles with depression, reminding us that “the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). As someone whose family has faced these challenges, this devotional hit home. The accompanying artwork seems to be from God’s vantage point—watching the sunset over us as we wrestle with our thoughts, yet seeing us through the lens of Christ, who sets us free. It’s a powerful reminder that while our minds may be under siege, God’s peace is available and victorious.
“You’ll Find Me There,” originally a poem that won Kim a Woody Guthrie poetry award, reads like a reflective walk with Jesus through the rhythms of life—prayer, communion, service, and rest. The sunrise in the painting covers the entire horizon, evoking the sense that when we truly seek Jesus, we find Him everywhere. Kim described her decision to keep the poem’s structure intact in the album as a way to preserve its contemplative rhythm, which translates beautifully into a devotional.
In “Remain In You,” the message of abiding in Christ comes alive. The artwork gave me the impression of the sun settling into the earth—as if resting in God’s presence. It brought John 15:5b to mind: “If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” The idea of casting our cares and finding renewal in Him is a timely balm for weary hearts.
The upbeat “Spirit of God” ushers in joy. The rays of the sun stretch like outstretched arms of the Holy Spirit, embracing us with His presence. It’s a moment of celebration—recognizing that God is with us, and His Spirit is actively at work in every moment.
With “Perfect Love,” Kim gently shifts the tone again, reminding us of God’s relentless pursuit. The piano and lyrics reflect the comfort of John 3:16 and other foundational verses. The image of sun rays reaching across the sky reminds us of how far God’s love extends—through hills, valleys, and everything in between.
“We Surrender To Love” stands out as one of the most poignant and theologically weighty tracks. The painting here is the darkest of the series—reminiscent of Good Friday. Yet the song is a declaration of hope, a call to repentance, and an invitation to receive God’s grace. It led me to examine my own heart, to acknowledge areas of struggle, and to step back into the light of God’s enduring love.
The final track, “Full Circle,” closes the journey with poetic finality. A song with no chorus but three sweeping verses, it speaks to the literal, figurative, and spiritual circles of life. The painting here shows the sun fully above the horizon—a visual statement that hope rises. Having experienced personal loss in recent years, this devotional met me in my grief and reminded me that all things truly do come full circle in Christ.
Throughout our conversation, Kim emphasized the importance of perseverance and faithfulness to one’s calling, sharing a personal motto taken from Erma Bombeck that has shaped her creative journey: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I hope I have not a single bit of talent left and can say, I used everything you gave me.” This ethos breathes life into Herald Reflections, making it more than a devotional—it’s an artistic offering, a sacred space to process, praise, and reflect.
Kim Gentry Meyer has crafted something rare: a devotional that doesn’t just inform but invites, one that doesn’t just reflect but restores. I applaud her for stepping out as a true herald, and I hope this inspires other artists to do the same with their own music and message.
Released: May 1, 2025
Publisher: Fitting Words
Genre: Devotional
Pages: 48
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