Happy Birthday Ms. Bethany Joy Lenz

CELEBRATING 31 YEARS 

APRIL 2, 2012

Today thespian, singer, author, producer, director, artist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, mother and my idol, Bethany Joy Lenz turns 31. Fresh out of elementary school and well into my college career, I have been blessed with realizing and appreciating the heck out of such a talented and inspiring individual.

As a long-time fan, I have come to describe Joy as a 'conscious' role model because she possesses this incredible ability to teach her fans in profound yet subtle ways – be it through the characters she portrays, lyrically, or through her writing. Not a day goes by that I am not learning – learning about a new yummy recipe or classic film, learning about new ways to interpret fashion, learning new perspectives on politics and the environment or learning about a great cause among many other things. But most rare and admirably is Joy's ability to teach her fans the importance of seeking self-discovery, self-expression, self-preservation, self-respect, and self-love.

In today’s Hollywood culture celebrities must be strident and image obsessed and their efforts must be swift and pronounced in order to be ballyhooed – for they are in essence hot fads – nothing more than a tabloid’s best friend. And while Hollywood has become a cesspool of monotony where many 'stars' have no more aesthetic quality than a brick on the street, you do occasionally discover rare gems. Consider Bethany Joy Lenz one of those precious gems.

Joy you are a fearless pioneer, a wildly creative and adventurous spirit, you are a public intellectual, and you exude such great tenacity and confidence yet you are suprisingly down-to-earth and relatable. Your words are uplifting, your voice soaring, your beauty staggering and your potential unending.

May you continue to bless the world with your raw talent and passion for everything that is good.

Wishing you the absolute best. And once again:

Happy Birthday Joy!

xoxo