Ordinary Celebrity: Emily Kraines

This episode features Emily Kraines, a single mother of two, who became a follower of Jesus Christ in college and soon after that met the man she would marry. You’ll learn about Emily and Peter’s dating life, the powerful example they set, and how a subsequent military training exercise took Peter’s life and what lessons Emily has learned throughout.

I first met Emily at Northstar Church. She was a new believer, and she was active in her sorority at Virginia Tech. She and her friendship circle were incredible “inviters.” Their influence led to what felt like a stampede of college students getting involved in our church. They served. They gave. They demonstrated vibrant faith. Her husband Peter was an older student, and I was privileged to also connect with him. He was joyfully intentional in his faith as well.

I have the opportunity to do weddings for a lot of young adults through Northstar, and Emily and Peter’s remains one of my favorites to this day. They were insistent that their ceremony be reflective of their faith and also be a bold, happy invitation for their guests to consider following Jesus as well.

This is Emily’s story.

For those of you new to Ordinary Celebrity, here’s a quick glimpse into its focus:

“Celebrity” simply means “someone/something worthy of celebrating.” When I realized that, this podcast was birthed. Whether someone has achieved public celebrity or they are your next-door neighbor, classmate, parent, or co-worker, everyone has something worth celebrating. Everyone has a story. And even the glitziest celebrity is wonderfully ordinary. Their celebrity often obscures more notable beauty about their personhood. And that’s what this podcast is designed to reveal and celebrate!

And as I mention in the first episode, my “celebrity crush” is Tom Cruise. Maybe, just maybe this podcast will get big enough (or “seven degrees of separation” miracle will happen) to allow me to sit down with Tom over a cup of coffee and a microphone.

You’re invited along for the journey. Spread the word, will you? You can find OC on Anchor.fm and through the link www.ordinarycelebrity.us.

Catch this episode here:

• Anchor.fm
• Spotify
• Apple Podcast
• Google Podcast