“Intelligence, goodness, humanity, excitement, serenity. Over time, these are the things that change the musculature of your face, as do laughter and animation and especially whatever peace you can broker with the person inside.
It’s furrow, pinch and judgment that make us look older — our mothers were right. They said that if you made certain faces, they would stick and they do. But our mothers forgot that faces of kindness and integrity stick as well.”— Anne Lamott
I’m either halfway done or just getting started. It’s all in how you look at it. When I turned 49 last year, I dreaded my 50th birthday. It’s here and you know what, the view is not only good, it’s lovely.
To celebrate, I bought my first pair of readers, started a new therapeutic hobby (painting flowers on my back porch) and I became the CEO of Mercy House Global.
After 8 years of hard work and sacrifice, my husband (who has served as the CEO) is stepping down to care for our family in a new way and I am stepping up. I’m excited and kind of terrified, but those feelings aren’t really new.
I am a couple short years away from a completely empty nest and I hope we are like fine wine, getting better with age. I’m ready for what’s next.. who knew I’d be leading a staff of over 30 women who also happen to be the largest group of licensed forklift drivers in our county! ”Women may be the one group that grows more radical with age,” Gloria Steinhem.
I wanted to quickly jump on this space and say thanks for being on this long road with me. Most of you have watched my children grow up and supported Mercy House Global in some way. Thanks for being a part of my life along the way.
And to all of us aging as gracefully as we can:
“Listen to your heart.. you are becoming more fully and completely who you were created to be.
It is a whisper that says you are being called to something new. It is a gentle voice that seems to say, ‘Ah, now I have your attention.’ It is a voice that has been patiently waiting to speak truth you would be able to hear.
We are no longer in that part of life when we simply respond to parents, children, husbands, jobs, the PTA, and recycling schedules. We are not spending every single minute trying to keep everyone else happy.” -Dale Bourke
Congratulations Kristin! You’ll be great!
I second this!!! Congratulations and a huge thank you for all of your sacrifice and efforts along the way!
Happy, happy birthday!!! God’s deepest blessings on you, your new role, your family, and Mercy House Global. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’m a long time supporter of your ministry. I’m a little shocked and disappointed that you’re quoting Gloria Steinhem. She is certainly radical, that we can agree on.
Let’s just agree to say that Kristen is radical about the right things: the love of Jesus to come into spaces where young mothers discover that God Himself loves them with an everlasting love that will sustain and grow them in ways they never dreamed possible.
Whatever quote she uses should not dishearten us nor diminish in any way the radical labor of love she has initiated and devoted her life to. Kristen, keep going! Keep becoming radical in your pursuit of God’s justice work!
Sounds more like feminist propaganda to me! I’m not pragmatic in ministry at all, Jesus was pretty radical like that too. Especially today. Sound doctrine and biblical representation matters to much in God’s Justice work! So many key words being used here lol. But I Will forever be a grateful for raising grateful kids though.
Happy Birthday, Kristen!
Happiest Birthday! You look lovely.
Here’s to another 50 years of loving God and loving others.
May the Lord bless you and keep you,
Jennifer
EncouragementMam.com
Happy Birthday Kristen! You will be amazing at all you do!
Happy Birthday!! And congratulations!!
Happy Birthday and Congratulations!
Happy Birthday! Such a wonderful milestone! Congratulations, and wishing you many blessings! 🙂
Congratulations and happy birthday!!
Happy Birthday!!! You are a huge light in the world!