In today’s episode, I am chatting with my friend, Kate Battistelli, author of The After Party of the Empty Nest. Kate shares her inspiring journey of faith, obedience, and the unexpected joys that come in the later seasons of life. With a background in Broadway and a career in the arts, Kate’s life was turned upside down when God called her to lay down her dreams and step into a new season of family and ministry.

After navigating personal challenges, including having an abortion at 18 and an unexpected season of infertility, Kate found a renewed sense of purpose. Now, in her book, The After Party of the Empty Nest, Kate helps guide women through the emotional journey of the empty nest and what it means to rediscover purpose in this next season.

Key Takeaways:

1. Obedience Over Comfort – Kate shares her journey of surrendering her career in the arts to pursue a calling from God. When you listen for His voice and obey, God honors that obedience, leading you into new seasons of blessing and purpose.

2. Embrace the Empty Nest – The empty nest doesn’t have to feel like the end of your purpose. Instead, it can be the beginning of a new chapter, filled with opportunities for growth, travel, hobbies, and connection.

3. The Power of Gratitude – Whether you’re facing infertility, anxiety, or relationship struggles, learning to be grateful in the midst of hardship allows you to see God’s purpose and blessings, even in the toughest moments.

Kate’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the most unexpected seasons of life, God’s plan for us is full of purpose and promise. She demonstrates how God can take our most difficult moments and turn them into a foundation for new beginnings. Her story encourages us to listen for God’s voice, trust in His timing, and step into the fullness of what He has for us in every season. If you’re in a transition or looking for guidance in your next chapter, Kate’s message is a beacon of hope and inspiration. Remember, the best is yet to come.

Bio:

Kate Battistelli is the author of The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom is Not Your Only Name, the bestseller, The God Dare: Will You Choose to Believe the Impossible, and Growing Great Kids: Partner with God to Cultivate His Purpose in Your Child’s Life. She is a contributing writer to the (in)courage Bible for Women and The Spirit-Led Woman’s Bible, and her writing has appeared in Guideposts, The Joyful Life magazine, The Better Mom, Mici magazine, and more. She is one-third of the popular Mom to Mom Podcast. In addition, she is an honoree with She Leads Tennessee. As a young actress in New York City, Kate had a life-changing experience, going from understudy to starring as Anna in the Broadway National Tour of The King and I opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances. Kate and her husband laid down their careers in the Broadway theatre in answer to their first “God Dare,” moving out of New York City and into a life of homeschooling and home business.

She lives in Franklin, TN near her daughter, contemporary Christian recording artist Francesca Battistelli, and seven precious grandchildren. Kate serves women by encouraging them to step out of their safe space and into His irresistible future.

Anchor Verses:

Psalm 16:5-8

Connect with Kate:

Website: https://katebattistelli.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/katebattistelli/

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/katebattistelli

Get the introduction and first chapter of her book by texting “AFTERPARTY” to 44144!

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