Ruth McKeaney
🎙️ Episode Overview: Hungry for Home with Ruth McKeaney
Guest: Ruth McKeaney
Host: Kim Moeller
Main Theme: The spiritual, emotional, and practical journey of creating a home that nourishes the soul and honors God, especially through seasons of change.
🏡 The Heartbeat of Hospitality and Home
Ruth McKeaney’s message centers around a profound yet often overlooked truth: we are all hungry for home. In a culture that values efficiency and appearance, Ruth calls us back to the soul of homemaking—a practice rooted in intentionality, beauty, and sacred space.
“Restoration is always possible. Great things can grow out of ruins.”
She describes home not just as a physical place, but as a foundation for belonging, vulnerability, and legacy.
👩⚖️ From Courtrooms to Kitchens: Ruth’s Personal Journey
Ruth began her career as a successful trial lawyer and assistant attorney general. Her pivot to homemaker and hospitality expert wasn’t a fallback—it was a calling. After marrying and moving to Philadelphia, Ruth and her husband Bob started flipping houses, living in nine places their first year of marriage and eventually transforming dozens of homes over 16 years—all while raising five kids.
Balancing Marriage and Renovation
To keep their marriage strong during their home-flipping years:
They listed non-negotiables to avoid conflict.
They made hundreds of decisions with mutual respect.
They prioritized their relationship over the renovation work.
“We came out of all this stronger than we did going into it.”
🧭 Finding Purpose After Parenting
As her children grew up and left home, Ruth experienced an identity crisis. Her Uncle Hubert challenged her with a pivotal question:
“What are you trusting God for right now—beyond your own abilities and resources?”
This prompted a new spiritual practice: praying daily for a God-sized vision. That vision unexpectedly began to take shape at a Women Doing Well event in Connecticut.
📚 The Birth of Hungry for Home
At that event, surrounded by highly accomplished women, Ruth initially felt out of place. However, divine encounters and affirmations made it clear she was meant to share her story. With encouragement from friends and a powerful moment in the Cotswolds, the phrase “Everyone is hungry for home” became the seed for her book.
Building the Book
Despite doubts and a lack of publishing experience, Ruth surrendered to the process:
She collaborated with a co-writer.
She spoke stories into a transcription app every week.
She gathered over 33,000 photos for the visual content.
Eventually, the book came together—deeply personal, practical, and soul-rich.
📺 From Page to Screen: Ruth’s Unexpected TV Show
After the book launched, Ruth was contacted by Homeworthy, a design platform. Despite her hesitations, her episode went viral. That led to a TV offer from producers connected to Disney and ABC.
“God kept giving me platforms I wasn’t qualified for so that He would be glorified.”
The show became a way to further her message—not about flawless design, but about homes with soul.
💬 Takeaways and Legacy Lessons
Key Lessons:
Redefine Homemaking
Prioritize heart over perfection.
Focus on making others feel safe and loved.
Create a Family Culture
Be proactive about values.
Revisit your family mission annually.
Trust God for Bigger Things
Pray for vision beyond your means.
Let Him guide what you don’t feel equipped for.
Encourage Younger Generations
Mentor those still building the foundation.
Share the beauty of slow, intentional living.
📝 Closing Reflections
“We are all hungry for home in a world where homemaking is quickly becoming a lost art. But it is not lost yet… Families can thrive in places once unfit for life.”
Ruth’s journey is a reminder that faithfulness in the little things often leads to God-sized opportunities.
📖 Bonus Favorites from Ruth
Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you…”
Current Read: Let Them (Leadership book)
Bargain Tip: High-end consignment home stores for timeless pieces
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Similar Episodes:
Jenni Lord – The Circle Of Connection
The Secret to Maintaining Joy When Life Gets TOUGH
Supplemental Content:
Watch this episode on YouTube
