This is a post I can’t believe I am actually writing, and yet, I’m
surprised I haven’t written sooner. After nine years, I am leaving the Family Friendly Morning Show. God has been so good. My heart is full to overflowing
with listeners that have truly become family over the many years. Working at The Fish has been the privilege of my life. Sharing a studio with one of the greatest, dearest men I’ve ever known; my partner Len Howser.
Walking through the monumental to the mundane roads of life, side-by-side, was more than “just a show.” We have collectively shared in this family journey; building a bond with listeners who are so much more than that. You allowed me to hear your stories, pray with you and
have inspired me to grow in my faith. When considering how the Lord
would guide my life as an adult, I never imagined this.
You’ve walked with me
through the valleys. From my dad’s cancer diagnosis and death, through my son’s stroke, to the
mountaintops of our adoption and surprise baby Augustine. And even the
unexpected paths like homeschooling. But for those who have been long-time listeners (or blog visitors) -you may have already sensed that this momma has been nearing the point of no return for a long time. Early hours, a long commute, and often 6-days a week commitments have taken me far from home, physically and emotionally. With five children including one with special needs, my vocation as wife/mother is the most pressing priority. It has become necessary to lay everything else aside and focus on the supreme obligation (and joy) of my life.
through the valleys. From my dad’s cancer diagnosis and death, through my son’s stroke, to the
mountaintops of our adoption and surprise baby Augustine. And even the
unexpected paths like homeschooling. But for those who have been long-time listeners (or blog visitors) -you may have already sensed that this momma has been nearing the point of no return for a long time. Early hours, a long commute, and often 6-days a week commitments have taken me far from home, physically and emotionally. With five children including one with special needs, my vocation as wife/mother is the most pressing priority. It has become necessary to lay everything else aside and focus on the supreme obligation (and joy) of my life.
To be entrusted with five eternal souls, to mold, love, and teach is an awesome responsibility. And too many times, I’ve worried more about keeping up with the world, than the things that truly matter: faith, simplicity, patience, and TIME. I fully expect I still may struggle with those things as an at-home mom but, I’m ready. There have been many red flags over the last few years (just not paying proper attention to the little things the kids need, falling behind on basic things, etc) and I before I know it, the chance I had to raise little children into adults will be gone.
I have to grab hold of the opportunity with everything I have, while I have the chance. Financial comfort, lavish trips, nice clothes…our modern world of shiny pictures loves to spotlight those moments. I love those moments too, and I don’t begrudge anyone who can fully enjoy the fruits of a big life. But for me, I realized that I was missing the precious little things. I no longer panic when I think of our new, smaller-budget. Less money, means less stuff. Maybe that’s just what we need. More time...less stuff.
Every soul on this earth
is called to their own unique journey, and I am constantly in awe of the
incredible women I meet, especially through The Fish. Walking away from the mic, and walking into the arms of my family at this moment, is my journey. That
is my hope: that through my
feeble attempts to glorify God for 9 years at The Fish, that there will
be a small footprint of faith that remains. I know a wave will shortly come and wash away my memory, as often happens in broadcasting, but God’s work is eternal, and as long as I served Him in some way, my heart is content. I will
forever carry the stories, names and connections that were miraculously
made over nearly a decade in my heart. Thank you for blessing my life with the
imprint of yours.
is called to their own unique journey, and I am constantly in awe of the
incredible women I meet, especially through The Fish. Walking away from the mic, and walking into the arms of my family at this moment, is my journey. That
is my hope: that through my
feeble attempts to glorify God for 9 years at The Fish, that there will
be a small footprint of faith that remains. I know a wave will shortly come and wash away my memory, as often happens in broadcasting, but God’s work is eternal, and as long as I served Him in some way, my heart is content. I will
forever carry the stories, names and connections that were miraculously
made over nearly a decade in my heart. Thank you for blessing my life with the
imprint of yours.
Like the verse in Matthew 11:29-30, God equips us to carry whatever
cross or crown we are given. And through obedience, freedom comes. And, for any mother who has questioned her “ability” as a mom, and the
dignity that lies in the call..I hope you know (as I am learning) that you are enough… JUST AS YOU ARE.
cross or crown we are given. And through obedience, freedom comes. And, for any mother who has questioned her “ability” as a mom, and the
dignity that lies in the call..I hope you know (as I am learning) that you are enough… JUST AS YOU ARE.
I hope you are blessed by these words of truth:
“Through the raising of children, the woman, the mother… holds the future of the nations in her hands.”
“True, mother works in the home, but her quiet labor radiates upon the etire nation. She passes on the entire treasure of culture from generation to generation. She builds up the future and not merely the future of this earth; nay, her task reaches out into eternity, to the very heart of God. She is the unknown soldier of common everyday life. The hand that rocks the cradle hold the helm of the world. Everything that lives and dies on earth has its origin in mother.”
-Cardinal Joszef Mindszenty
What’s next?
I am so grateful to report, I will still be part of The Mom Squad ministry and events. I will also be speaking at women’s groups, churches and retreats. Please head over to my brand new website to book me for your event! If you book me, it means I’ll be able to feed my family that week…hooray! No pressure. 🙂 Ha ha.
Finally, I also hope to start blogging more regularly. I say “hope” because I honestly just need to take things one step at a time and ease myself into this new chapter. Once I have naptime down to a fine art, the laundry caught up and supper in the slow-cooker, I will gladly meet you at the screen with a skip in my step.
Thanks for reading. Thanks for all the ways you have been there…whether or not we’ve actually ever personally connected or not. I still love ya. And I mean it. It’s more than just a sentiment. It’s an affection that has saved my sanity and solidified my faith. God bless you and farewell.
Until we meet again.:)
Last year, I left a teaching position that I had been blessed to have for nine years. The call to be home with my children was just too strong to deny. The Lord has provided for our family. On paper, it appears as though it wouldn't work out financially, but it did. New opportunities will open for you that will fit the needs your family and allow you to continue to serve the Lord as you have on the radio.
Thank you for sharing your life journey and faith with us.
I, too, heard the clear call of the Lord to slowly ease out of my work responsibilities and begin to job share -training a younger woman to carry on with the sweet joy and job of tutoring and safekeeping of a young woman with many special needs. It is not a position I could walk away from without a capable replacement/seamless transition. God wants me ready to help with my aging mother, my husband's aging father, grand babies, and the "spontaneous ministry" of life moment.
Brooke, I wish you well and hope to see MORE of you now! Congrats on this act of bravery and obedience! May God continue to bless you and yours!
I have to admit, I was very sad after hearing your news this morning. I'm REALLY going to miss your voice and laugh every morning on my way to work. I know how much you love being a mom. (I follow you on Fb and I need to start following you on Instagram.) There is no doubt that God will provide for you an awesome new chapter for such an amazing woman. Best of luck to you as you continue your jouney. God bless
Brooke, congratulations on your next stage in life. For me staying home with my beautiful children is often difficult because I feel totally out of the loop and not what is the norm today. But then the Holy Spirit gently reminds me that my children are a gift. And I just do what is best for our family even when it sometimes looks different from the norm. May God continue to bless you. Thank you for your inspiration and beautiful laugh!!!
Congratulations – this is a decision you will never regret! God bless you and your family ~ He will reward your sacrifice as only He can and beyond anything you can imagine! Thank you for all you've given your listeners.
In His love,
Diane
My heart sings with joy for you and your family. Though I am the dad and the breadwinner in our family which already includes the wonderful blessing of an at-home mom, I long to take your approach to your family and to life. My sons are young. I hope and pray, in God's timing, to take the same journey with them. Thank you for sharing your story.