Hi, my name is Kristin and I have a blog called The Beautiful Deep…
It’s been so long since I have written regularly that I feel like I need to reintroduce myself. So, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Whether this is your first time reading or you’ve been around for a while, I’d love to share with you a little bit about my life. So, here goes…
My name is Kristin Lemus, and my world has been rocked over the past several months. I’ll get to more of that in a minute but let me tell you a few other things first.
I have 6 children ranging in age from 6 to 16. Five of them are girls and one is a boy (yes, he’s heard a 100 times that he is going to make a great husband one day and no, he doesn’t mind having all sisters. He rather enjoys making up for the lack of boyness in our home). My oldest is going to be a senior in high school this fall and I can hardly believe it.
I am married to the most amazing man! We have a good marriage and work hard at it (that’s the only way to have a good marriage – hard work). He loves me so well and gives so much to our family. He just quit his steady, with great benefits, job of 18 years and is stepping out to start his own business. I’m sure I’ll be sharing more of this journey in the future. I’m super excited for him, for us and this new, brave, step.
I am 37 years old, love to read, write, speak to women and a great latte. I’m a big So You Think You Can Dance fan, enjoy yoga and have a thing for black and white photography and black and white stripes on anything.
Back to the world rocking… Last November I began to feel incredibly fatigued. I could hardly function and felt very ill by Christmas time. I was light-headed and in spite of being exhausted all the time, I was having trouble sleeping. It’s been a long journey back to health from that place. There were many days I could only get out of bed for a couple hours before I was worn out and feeling awful again. I’m still not 100% but I’m getting there. I’ve learned a ton and grown so much.
The doctors never really figured out all that was wrong with me. I saw 4 different ones and had a gazillion tests with no diagnosis. But God knew. He’s been healing me little bit by little bit and most of it has taken place in my heart before it manifests in my body.
I was a crazy fearful mess and He has taught me what real rest looks like. He spoke a word to me in a dark moment when all of this began that He was making me fearless. Then I remembered how I have such a strong desire to see miracles but I don’t always want to go through hard things that are going to require a miracle to get out of.
So, here I am again, at a new beginning. Last year, right before all of these health issues began, I was gearing up to launch Brave Moms – a site, and eventually, a conference for moms. I believe that God calls moms strong, courageous, to be unafraid, never discouraged and to live with confidence that He is always with us (Joshua 1:9). He has been speaking to me about the ways that we, as moms, can leave weariness behind and walk in overwhelming victory as Brave Moms.
Some might speculate that my health issues were an attack right after God had called me to this new thing. Maybe they were, but God is also perfect in His timing and uses everything for our good. He’s done things in my heart these past several months, through trials and pain, that I will be forever grateful to have learned. Through it all I am still in awe of His goodness and grace.
What now? I’m moving forward, gaining new vision and continuing on with this dream to see moms set free and walking out of weariness. It’s exciting and I will be sharing more as it all comes together. There are so many things I am dying to share with you about my time away too. I’ll be writing about that here in the coming weeks.
So, that’s me. What’s been going on with you? I often think of you, dear readers, and pray for God to show you His great love in tangible ways.
If you want to read more of my story about becoming a brave mom start here and then read this.
I love this: “Some might speculate that my health issues were an attack right after God had called me to this new thing. Maybe they were, but God is also perfect in His timing and uses everything for our good.”
My family experienced a similar situation – Four years ago, God called us to join Pioneer Bible Translators, and as we were making plans to move to Dallas, our youngest son was diagnosed with a brain tumor, requiring surgery and chemotherapy. Happy to say, my son is almost two years post-chemo and last June we joined Pioneer Bible Translators full time – only this time, we’re doing it out of our home in Missouri! So while it looks a little different and took a little longer to get there, it’s been a most wonderful blessing. And as you said, perfect in God’s timing using it for our good! Hopefully that’s an encouragement for you!
Such an incredible story Amy! Thank you for sharing it with me. I’m so glad your son is doing well and your family is able to continue to do what you feel called to in God’s perfect timing. Many Blessings, Kristin
Thank you for your encouraging words. I just started following your posts. I actually found something on Pinterest that you wrote about freeing yourself from panic attacks. My story and health history is so very similar to yours, I look forward to hearing more about your recovery!
I just found your blog and am looking forward to hearing more from you! Your post hit really close to home for me. The last year has had me in some really low places and I still struggle but your words have given me hope.
Hi Kassie, I’m so glad you stopped by and thank you for sharing that my story has given you some hope! Sometimes I think that is what our suffering is all about – our growth and so that other people have hope for their own situations. Praying for you right now. Blessings, Kristin
Sweet friend, I’m thrilled to read this post and to find your beautiful voice echoing across this page again. You are most assuredly one of the most fearless women I know. I can’t wait to see what comes next as surely God has allowed this struggle to shore up your foundation so that you can reach more broadly and effectively to moms. We want to be brave with you! Keep writing! Love you, Jan
Thank you so much for your encouragement and the ways you pour into me Jan! You are a special friend and mentor!
This just spoke to my heart, Kristin. As someone who has suffered with chronic, auto-immune junk, I feel like I ‘get it.’ I am so FOR you. I an cheering you on with gusto! I can’t wait to read more!
Hi Anne, somehow my comment notifications were off so I missed your comment until now but this just encouraged me so very much! Thank you! Blessings, Kristin
I’m looking forward to hearing more about Brave Moms! I just found your blog and love it. I am glad your are feeling better!
Hi Casey, I am so excited to share more about Brave Moms in the coming weeks. Thanks so much for your sweet words and encouragement! Blessings, Kristin
This is beautiful! I’m looking forward to hearing more about Brave Moms! And, I’m so glad you’re feeling better.
Hi Jennifer, Thanks for your encouragement! I cannot wait to share more about Brave Moms with everyone! Blessings, Kristin
Love this! I’m so glad God is restoring your health and continuing to impart vision for your future! He is faithful.
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Hi Jen, thank you so much for your encouragement! Blessings, Kristin
Lovely photos! I appreciate the gentle way you speak through your writing. I, too, get excited about the idea of miracles, but am often dismayed by the canyon that is required first! Right now, God is deeply and widely carving the meaning of GRACE through my life, and I am listening closely to His messages.
Deb, I love that “deeply and widely carving grace…” That process is hard sometimes right? But it’s beautiful and beneficial none the less. Love you, Kristin