His Gift My Story

by Kim Collingsworth

Since winning the Ovation Award’s MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR in 2006, Kim Collingsworth has gone on to hold the title twelve times in various award shows. Kim has earned each award with her attention to cutting-edge arranging and superb technical execution on the piano. This, combined with her unique, God-given gift to communicate the lyrics of the songs she plays, in a deep and powerful way has impacted her audiences across the globe. Now, in her warm and deeply personal memoir, Kim gives you an unprecedented insiders’ glimpse behind the scenes. You’ll travel with Kim back in time to a little country church where it all began. You’ll experience with her a God-moment which would forever mark a little girl who would grow up to have a significant and powerful impact on the Kingdom of God. Kim is honest and transparent as she shares the challenges and triumphs of growing up in a very large family with their breathtaking pace of ministry. You’ll see life through the eyes of a very young Kim as she embarked on an extraordinary journey of traveling the country to share her music. She will invite you into a moment when as a thirteen-year-old, God used both her gift and her youth to make his purpose for her life exquisitely clear. In this account you will see a rare glimpse of her husband’s early life and the events and relationships that shaped his diligent pursuit of music ministry. You’ll have a front row seat to a fun but unconventional courtship, as God converged two lives into one. And you will witness God’s plan unfold for Phil and Kim as they pursued a lifetime of music ministry together. Read this book and become acquainted with Kim, the homeschool mom and wife who has navigated the responsibilities of raising her family and keeping a home while also preparing musical presentations with excellence. Experience her challenges, her moments of releasing things she could not control, her watching God take over and do what only he can do. As you read, you’ll walk with Kim and Phil through the early days of ministry. Your faith will increase as you read of their struggles and lessons in reliance upon the Lord. You’ll feel the excitement as you watch God open doors he alone could have opened. We invite you to join Kim on her 50 plus year journey, as she opens up more than twenty-five years of journals, and shares wisdom she’s gained amidst both the gritty and glorious moments of life. You’ll read how God used his ever-present Word to guide her, strengthen her, and give her life-changing insights. HIS GIFT…MY Powerful, impactful, riveting….a story you won’t want to lay down. KIM COLLINGSWORTH is an American gospel concert pianist and currently serves as music director for international concert artists, The Collingsworth Family. She is co-owner of two P&KC Music LLC and PnK Properties LLC. She is mother to four children and grandmother to five. The Collingsworth Family performs more than 100 concert events annually, and is represented by Christian music’s largest agency, Jeff Roberts and Associates, Nashville, Tennessee. She resides at The Collingsworth Family homeplace in Mt Orab, Ohio, with her husband of thirty-four years, Phil Collingsworth, Sr. BECKY KEEP is a freelance author, public speaker, former missionary to the Philippines, and sister to Kim. She and her husband, Tim, are blessed with five children and three grandchildren. For more inspirational books by Becky, please visit www.beckykeep.com.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2021

Reviews

[Rhoda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read into the life of the mother of the Collingsworth family. She details how her life and ministry went from an introverted child with a great musical gift used in church and school settings to the matriarch of a successful family singing group that travels the US and Canada in three buses. Along the way she shares how her faith keeps her grounded navigating the challenges of a growing musical career.
I really appreciated how she tells of going from an ultra-conservative upbringing that her family seems to still practice while working with others who share her faith but not practices. She is open about the challenges and criticisms of others as the Collingsworth family grew from music as ministry to music ministry as a livelihood.
I'm willing to admit my bias on the book as I recently saw the family perform and think they have balanced the ministry and business aspects very nicely. I saw them as ministering with music rather than simply performing.

[Alicia Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous book! I loved reading how God has worked in and through the CFAM. It was also so neat to see the things Kim wrote in her journal about things her and Phil had talked about that could one day possibly happen and then years latter having seen those things happen in their ministry! It was so incredible to look back at the ministry of the CFAM from where it started to where it is today. I also loved and was encouraged by all the wisdom that Kim shared in her book! This entire book was such an encouragement to me! I highly recommend this book!

[Deb Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiration!

This book is loaded with words of comfort and inspiration straight from God’s Word. Kim has opened up her life to the reader leading us on a path she has followed obeying God thru life’s circumstances. Straightforward and open she tells how she learned to use scriptures to navigate the daily occurrences in her life and family.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book at its core is a testimony. As a 3 year old child, Kim Collingsworth prayed that God would give her a gift like He gave young Solomon. That gift was the gift of music, specifically piano. The story seems unlikely. A shy, unassuming young woman, married at 17 to a visionary young man, they parented 4 children and moved from ministry position to position before hearing God’s call to go all in as a family group. Kim loved music and played with extraordinary ability, though she was largely untrained. This follows the family’s rise from performing in small churches and denominational camps to filling packed houses all across the country, traveling with the Gaither Homecoming Tour. She is real about her struggles with faith, about the impact of COVID on their family, and about how God can take something like a COVID lockdown and bring joy and fulfillment out of it. This was a worthwhile read.

[Es · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this inspiring book written by Kimberly Collingsworth and her sister Becky Keep.

I gave this book 5 stars because it was a very well written, easy to read, encouraging book.

I just finished this book and loved reading about Kim as a very small child asking God for a gift after hearing her daddy preach a sermon on God-given gifts.
It was interesting to read about the many things that happened in her life and the lives of her family, the Collingsworth Family, that were definitely not coincidental.
I love the path that God led her on and her willingness to follow.
I'm amazed at the journals she has kept from her younger years, which, no doubt, has made writing this book much easier.
Her consistent dedicated life has inspired countless people including me.
I would recommend the book, "His Gifts, My Story" to anyone, whether they need encouragement in their own walk with the Lord or direction because they are standing at a crossroads in their life.
Read her book, you will not regret it.
I've attended three of the Collingsworth Family concerts and loved every minute of each concert.
If given the opportunity to attend their concert, don't miss it. Again, you will not regret it.

[Heidi Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of the Collingsworth Family for over a decade and attended at least 10 of their concerts in that time. Miss Kim is a lovely gracious woman and you really can sense her heart for Jesus when she is on stage. I had heard about a lot of her journey during the shows and from social media posts but having it laid out in a chronological, detailed manner, really helped bring it all together. And I learned a LOT, especially about her teenage years. This is a must read for any fan of the Family but also for any Christian looking for an example of how a flawed human consciously walks with Jesus and turns to him for the good and the bad.

[Kimberly Fourman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an incredible story about the lives of our friends! I grew up knowing Phil - my mom has lots of ‘camp- meeting Phil’ stories - went to Bible College with him, even caught a ride home with him a few weekends! What a great guy - except for that time (spoiler alert) he cut the hair off his sister’s brand new Chrissy doll! He even played the organ at our June wedding (and threw in “Walking In a Winter Wonderland” during the Postlude!)

It’s so refreshing to hear how God led them every step of the way - and, also, to hear that their lives are just as crazy as ours!

You’ll love this easy-to-read book, and it will, again, show you just “How Big Our God Is!”

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Book I've Read In A Very Long Time

From beginning to the end, this book captivated my attention. One moment I was laughing and the next I was weeping. There is so much practical, spiritual wisdom written here. I heard from Heaven in several places and was inspired and challenged. It was like a spiritual I.V. that infused this weary
pilgrim with strength and hope. I've read it twice and I plan to read it again soon with a journal and highlighter at hand. God bless you Kim Collingsworth for sharing the gift and the story with us.

[Stella C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Story

It is a true story.When a gift is used for God's glory it will bless and help people as well as provide for the one that is the giver. Spending time in His Word and prayer is necessary. Continued blessings and provision for this family and ministry. This story has reminded me to continue to read His Word and continue to pray and be a blessing to others. Thank you.

[Kathy P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book as 'Gifted' as the CFAM's singing

This is a picture of the life of a singing family who has devoted their gifts and lives to glorifying God. What a revelation and beautiful picture of the struggles, joy, commitment, honor, disappointments, trials, and blessings experienced when lives are given for His glory. Truly, this book is the one GOOD thing which came out of the pandemic.

[Jennifer Dreier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an encouragement! I have loved the Collingsworth Family’s music for years but in this book Kim gives a peek behind the scenes to what life has really been like for them as a family following God’s call to minister through music and life on the road raising 4 kids! She is real about the struggles but also consistently points to God’s faithfulness to carry them through. This book is authentic, funny, touching, encouraging and ultimately gives God all the glory.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love the Collingsworth family, have enjoyed many of their concerts. It was very interesting to read about their family, how they got started in their singing ministry. The book is also about Kim's childhood and teen years and meeting Phil.
Kim's story and wisdom was very encouraging to me.
I'd encourage the reader to read this book even if you aren't familiar with the Collingsworth Family.

[Anthony Morey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent. Detailing pivotal moments in Kim Collingsworth’s life as an accompanist, wife, mother, and her many adventures on the road as a member of the Collingsworth Family, this book fills you with encouragement, especially in a year such as 2020. Now, I’m anxiously hopeful of a book two with even more stories of The Collingsworth Family travels!

[Stephen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

I could not put the book down once I started reading. It brought back many memories of people The Collingsworth family and I both know. A fantastic read. Some much good admonition for the Christian. Thank you Kim for sharing.

[Liza Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an honest look at the lives of a family God is using in a great way. I love the transparency Kim employs to show the struggles her family has overcome. Their story has given me much helpful truth to apply in my own life and ministry.

[Glynieta Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Gift

Thank you for your submission in telling your story. That we all can find joy in using God's word as will take down roads of love, sadness, Faith over fear. And use us daily in our walk with him.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have always loved the Collingsworth family and enjoyed this story of their beginnings and ministry

[Darcy Schock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a faith builder in faithfully following God and using the gifts he gives for his glory. Well written inspiring read!

[Steve Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend

[Crystal Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat getting this behind-the-scenes look at one of my favorite gospel groups! A great encouraging and inspiring read.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So inspiring and real. Loved it!

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful testimony.

[Jeremy Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biography filled with fun stories and many spiritual lessons.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story of this gracious lady's life.
Needs a better editor - there were errors. However, even though they were there and needed fixing, her story overrode them.

[Carla Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly inspirational

[Jodi Uplinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book. I enjoyed learning more about their lives and ministry and what they do to bring glory to God as they minister.

[Jayne Bartrand]

sweet encouraging story of God's faithfulness - may it continue
July 2025 was my introduction and 1st concert loved it!

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of God’s faithfulness

This life story was an encouraging read. I love how Kim asked God for a gift. What a gift He gave her.