I woke up like this…
SIKE.
Tbh, I woke up LIKE THIS!
This is called real life, people. I am going to be awkwardly honest in this blog, because the “I woke up like this” lie is an uncomfortable one for me to discuss. I wrote about this on an Instagram post once, and I get asked about it pretty much everywhere I go. Recently, I was at a photo-shoot for a clothing company. I was told this was going to be an all-natural shoot to represent my message of living original. (Note to self – if you name your whole career anything similar to the concept of Live Original, you are expected to have some kind of super-natural inner confidence and be asked to do many all-natural photoshoots…but it’s all good, fam.)
At this particular shoot, they were planning on using a life-size image, placed behind a window in 2,000 malls in America. I was super excited about it, because I thought this could be a great message for girls to see how a realistic, untouched woman wakes up in the morning. This was a major “girllll you betta humble yourself” moment.
When I got to the shoot things took a bit of a turn. As my crazy-self danced my way inside for the shoot with my vanilla latte in hand I was a little shook by the change of plans the director decided to make by taking one look at me and stating his infamous comment, “Oh, no. This girl does not have the face for a no-makeup shoot.” Ouch. Then, they sent me off for two hours to get my hair and makeup done. Yes, two hours to get that “all natural” look so it could appear that I just happened to wake up like this… FLAWLESS. #nofilter #nomakeup #notruth
Once they were finally content with the look they had created, it was time for the shoot – but I knew it wasn’t over there. They would undoubtedly go in later to Photoshop and edit any and everything that didn’t fit their standard of beauty, such as all those mysterious red dots on my face some of us refer to as pimples. After all of this work, girls everywhere would only see the perfect, life-sized cutout of an “all-natural” me, wondering how they too could “wake up like that.” There are many problems with that… number one it is not really “me” It is just simply a lie giving everyone something to compare themselves to that they can never compete with. Shoot, I can’t even compete with it.
The reason I share these things with y’alI is because I don’t want to be the photo-shopped girl behind the window or the screen – giving you another impossible image to compare yourself to. Do you want to know why I so strongly oppose being that girl? Because I’ve been damaged by “that girl.” It was images like that with false advertisement that sent me down a spiral of trying to obtain an image I did not realize I was never going to be able to reach, because it was not real. I could have never imagined how much it would cost me to attempt to reach the standard of today’s beauty.
Many of you know I am an open book. I share most everything I walk through, but what I’m about to share with you is a particular topic I have always hidden. To be completely honest, it is because I did not know how to speak confidently about something that stole my confidence. I’m sure the media is going to love to run wild with this, but it’s part of my story and I feel led to share after recently finding out that 97 % of women have struggled with negative body image issues. It broke my heart, and I truly want to help change that statistic. Warning to all and as you are about to see me speaking from experience, it is not easy to jump to that 3%, but it is possible.
I struggled with an eating problem connected to a negative body image for about a year. It was dark. It was ugly. It was insanely difficult. It was done in secret. It was hidden. I did not even tell my own mother until recently. I thought I had everything under control. Maybe you have been saying that same thing? I didn’t even realize this small problem that I thought I had under control was creating a ripple effect, creating more and more problems, ones I certainly couldn’t control. I became angry with the person I was becoming. My self-worth was demolished, and I began to lose sight of my true identity.
Many of you have heard me talk on the topic of fear and anxiety, and often I’d get the question, “What were you afraid of?” or “What caused your anxiety?” Here was the problem – I couldn’t answer those questions, because doing so would uncover this problem I had control over protecting. My fear didn’t just stem from one particular thing; it was more of a bi-product of the battle happening in my heart and mind. I was trapped in a battle that took place 24/7, and it was one that day by day began to defeat me. My mirror, my pictures, my clothes, and my view were my worst enemies.
It was like I was looking in a magic mirror, you know, those ones that distort the image? Except it was my mind changing what I saw. My thoughts instantly went to the imperfections. The blemishes. The flaws. At least five times a day, I would wrap my hands around my thighs, making sure they hadn’t grown beyond what I could reach. I knew each little calorie that was in every bite of food I took. I talked about food all of the time. I hid behind the talk, and I actually hid behind encouraging others.
During this time I helped lead others into victory over their battles – but little did they know, I was staying behind on the battlefield. I have heard it said that people develop eating disorders because it is something they can control in their life. That makes so much sense in my case, because during this particular time, so much in my life felt out of my control. Are y’all ready for the biggest plot twist? It was the year after Dancing with the Stars. Shocker, I know. The girl who “did it.” I went to Hollywood and didn’t go crazy for the world to see. I hear it said all of the time, “How do all of these young people go to Hollywood and just lose their minds?” To be honest, I get it. I feel their pain. My struggles and confusion from it all just happened on the inside, rather than the outside for everyone to see – and that can at times make it even worse, because I was able to hide my ugliness on the inside, and that meant no one could call it out. There was no accountability.
Without help or advice from others, we can find ourselves in an uncomfortable pit of shame, feeling extreme confusion in our identity – and often times, it begins to produce a heavy sense of the fear of man. Sure, it’s embarrassing to go crazy on the outside for the world to see, but to go crazy on the inside hiding from everyone is just plain draining. It is where the enemy does his best work. It distorts your view of beauty on the outside and the world around you. It distorts everything. Don’t hear me wrong, here – this isn’t really just another message of how your beauty on the inside is more important then the outside. This is a message highlighting how the extent of your ugliness on the inside is the very thing keeping you from experiencing the beauty on the outside.
I could not see myself as beautiful, because my mind continually told me things like this, “Wow, I definitely do not look like that when I go all-natural. I cannot go out without makeup. Oh my gosh, I need to work out more. I am getting so much cellulite. Guys are not going to think I am as pretty as all these other girls on Instagram, because I don’t post the kind of pictures they do. What if that person has been staring at my pimple the whole time? I bet they are talking about me. I hate my arms; I will just wear long sleeves in this 100-degree weather. I shouldn’t eat this meal… it really is not that necessary.” That was the enemy speaking, and when I came into agreement with those thoughts, it stole my perspective. I couldn’t see beauty in my creation, in exercise, in my sisters, in relationships, conversations, the weather, or in the GIFT OF FOOD for crying out loud.
I allowed all of my ugly thoughts and insecurities to manifest a spirit of fear, jealousy and deception, and it stopped me from seeing the world around me clearly. My mom always says, “Sadie, if you are thinking everyone is looking at you, then you are thinking about yourself too much.” This is why I can now gladly accept an all-natural photoshoot, because I know everyone is not looking at me or spending their time thinking about all of my imperfections. You guys don’t follow me on Instagram, read my books or listen to what I have to say because of the way I look! You each so graciously allow me to be a part of your lives because we are real with each other, and you can trust I’m pure-hearted with what I share.
I personally think our culture has created a perspective that is so far off from what we were created for. We search a screen for someone’s heart, but all we find is comments, memes, sub-tweets, twitter-wars, articles and edited photos. We’ve completely swapped out people for profiles, and my fear is we don’t even realize it or consider how a profile does not always display the things that make a human, human. Not only does this set us up for unnecessary comparison, it also opens up the ability to hide behind a computer to throw out anonymous judgement. In a split second, we’re given the freedom to decide if we want to like or comment on a picture, without even thinking twice about the person behind the post. Here’s my challenge for you – if you can’t seem to encourage someone or find encouragement for your own heart, delete that app. Your value is worth so much more than comparing yourself to others, someone’s opinion of you, and even the opinions you’ve created for yourself.
Now, to the people who are on the other side of the screen, where do you find your identity? Are you basing it off these comments? From the mirror? From the filters? From the apps? That number on the scale? Here’s a warning from someone who has been there and done that – you will not find what you’re looking for. If who you are now is not enough for you, then it will never be enough until your perspective changes and your heart takes a shift. If you base your confidence on your outward beauty, on inconsistent things like compliments, filters, lighting and that coveted perfect angle, it will never sustain, because guess what…those are all additions to your life. They don’t make up who you are.
Stop trying to find the perfect lighting, and focus instead on finding the beauty in your heart. Sadly, as I said before, we have a lot of ugliness in our hearts. It’s our sin nature, and it’s not pretty – but I have good news. When we spend time intentionally covering our hearts in beauty, it will flow out of us naturally if we allow it to and if we keep it in the dark. Check your heart before you check the mirror – that is where your true beauty lies.
Here’s the funny thing – now I am happy to do an all natural photo-shoot, and the reality is, I am 15 pounds heavier then I was right after dancing with the stars. I literally cannot even wrap my head around how I was once able to get my hands to wrap around my thigh. Girls, hear me when I say this – you could search my heart and put me on a lie detector test, and I’d still tell you that I am happier, and have more joy than ever before. I drank a large mint mocha cooler this morning, while I worshipped and rooted myself in truth, and girls…I am feeling good. If it means being “less beautiful” in the world’s eyes, that’s okay with me. As long as I still get to seek out real beauty – the kind that is found in God’s word, and is painted out in the world before me. I will gladly lay myself down at the feet of the Creator, not only to encounter more of the beauty He created in me but to experience the creation He surrounds me with.
The day I prayed for the Lord to enlighten my eyes to see His standard of beauty, is the day my whole life changed. But like I have said many times, in order to experience Gods beauty, you have to exhale your ugly. My heart beats behind that quote. Do these old thoughts come back from time to time? Absolutely, but it is my job to take authority over them. Here are some verses you to get flowing in your blood and established in your heart. Do not just read them once. Cover yourself in them daily, before you cover your face.
“Brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14
I love this. Thank you for being such an example for girls! We need more people to speak honestly about body image and what is actually "real life." Good for you!
Love this Sadie, thank you so much for sharing! It is incredibly helpful for other girls to see such a great girl as yourself being real about problems that so so many girls struggle with. It gives up hope that we are not alone, and when there is someone that we look up to, like you, laying down your heart and your trouble to share with us your struggles, it gives us amazing encouragement. Keep being amazing.
This blog honestly put me into tears…it touched me right at the heart because it is exactly what I’ve been going through-all of those thoughts and feelings. I struggle with depression and anxiety and have had issues with eating as well. Just reading this today though has given me the hope and courage that I can get through to the other side with the Lords help! It’s going to be a long journey I know I can’t get better right away but I wanted to say a huge thank you to you and God for putting this on your heart to share! It’s been a true blessing and you will be forever in my prayers♥️
Love,
Ashley
Wow! Sadie thank you so much for choosing to be so open and vulnerable on such a public platform. Like you said, the majority of girls struggle with this and as someone who has struggled with negative body image herself I think it is amazing to read someone take a stand on it biblically and point to Jesus as the solution! Really loved this post<3
Sadie, thank you for this! You’re a huge encouragement to me and I always look forward to reading your stuff! I’ve almost finished your devo book and can’t wait for you new one to come out! I needed this today so thank you so so much❤️❤️
It’s posts like these that make me proud to call you my cousin
I love your heart you are such a amazing wonderful person. I love the way that you love everyone. And someday you will make somebody a very lucky guy!!
Sadie you are my friend even if we never met. You inspire me. You make me remember the values I defend. I follow you on social media because you encourage/bless me. ?? thank you sister! If you never me here on earth, hope will have a chat in Heaven ?
Tear jerker! I’ve been a worship leader for years and went through a phase a couple years ago that spoke the lie: "you need to look better before you can lead others into the presence of our God." How stupid! I need to lose weight in order to worship effectively? If others are judging my appearance as I get lost in worshiping my Savior, that is their heart issue and really has nothing to do with me. But that lie resulted in bulimia and a constant obsession with weighing myself and taking "supplements" I knew would make me throw up. I wasn’t drinking water because I thought my 8 glasses a day would show in my figure. It went way too far. The Lord opened my eyes to this sin and lie the enemy was convincing me was true. I have to lean on Him every day, as we all do, and see my worth through His eyes. Thank you for being vulnerable with your story. You touch lives every where.
thank you for this, Sadie! this is so relatable for me and others. thank you for sharing your heart with us and being real and true. i will plant myself in this truth that we are wonderfully made and God just wants our hearts.
I appreciate you, your heart, and your vulnerability and willingness to share… so much! ❤️ You are truly a rare treasure and a blessing. Praying for you!
Okay so usually I would never comment on a blog post but today I had to. I’m a seventeen year old girl living in South America with her family. We are missionaries here and because so many people back home in the US see my parents blog posts and pictures and things I became extremely self conscious. I’ve been struggling with being ashamed of my body or the way my thighs look or the fat on my arms. I feel guilty when I eat and it’s tearing me down mentally. I’ve been praying for God to help me see see myself the way he wants me to. To give me some encouragement and help me get past this. Today has been kind of rough, but when I read this post it felt like it was written to me. I so needed to hear this today you have no idea how encouraging this story is. Thank you so so much for being honest. I’ll be praying for you. Don’t ever lose your heart for God and others!!
What an immensely encouraging and beautiful message to read this afternoon. Thank you, Sadie, for pointing me back to my knees at the feet of our Lord.
Thank you for this, Sadie! I don’t know you personally but I love reading your encouraging posts. You are a gem and a light. ♡
This is something that I have been struggling with for the past couple years, and your beautifully honest post helped me to see that my worth is found in "outward adornments" but in my heart where the King of the world resides. Thank you so much for this, I felt like it was brought into my life at just the perfect moment. 🙂
thank you.
Thanks for being brave enough to call things into the light, where God heals them. ?? Love you sister ❤️
As a girl now in college who forced herself to loose 20 pounds in middle school for different reasons, I can understand the negative thoughts. Its true though that the thoughts try to come back, but you have to remind yourself where your beauty and worth comes from. Thank you for this real and honest post Sadie.
Sadie Rob, don’t listen to the World, you are beautiful! God created a wonderful and beautiful woman in you! Listen to Him! Love you sister
Hey Sadie, you don’t know me but you know my son Gabe.
Thank you for sharing these truths! Though I’m now an "old lady", I was once a "prom queen", and can relate to what you’ve shared both then and now.
Superficial beauty fleets with then wind, though true inner beauty shines bright through all figures, faces and ages. Our "beauty"/entertainment industry knows nothing of it.
Because of the life God has given you, you are on F-FWD discovering these truths at a very young age! (and geez, nothing but beauty in the 1st pic as well as the 2nd)
Thank you for sharing about these deceptive and hurtful lies with many, and for allowing Christ IN you to shine brightly. In my Italian tongue, "Brava!" <3 Susan Lytle
As a girl in college, this is something that I need to read because life can be so stressful and Hollywood distorts the image that we have to be perfect. Thank you for showing us girls that its okay to go natural with no makeup.
Wow. The messages and stories you share could not be more impactful or meaninful to me in where I am in life now. So many people bully me. They post pictures of me saying my "ass is flat" or saying "fat asses over flat asses". That is one of my biggest insecurities believe it or not & the fact that someone thinks its okay to pick on you for something like that or pick on you at all is just wrong. I spend so much time trying to forget it, but the real truth is it sticks with you for LIFE. Insecurities are something that you can either let run your life or you can just be who you are & good people will love you just that way. You inspire me to love myself & be happy with who i am through your Youtube videos, through Duck Dynasty, through your social media, & through LiveOrginal. Thank you Sadie!! You truly are ~fearless~…
This is such an amazing and inspirational message ! This is beautiful.
This is honestly something I struggle with and it’s easy for me to assume that I alone carry the burden. Thank Sadie for sharing your story and for open my eyes and heart to a love and purpose God can only provide. You’re videos and blogs have helped me become stronger in my relationship with God and for that I could never thank you enough.
I have always comprared myself to people on instagram such a good message can’t wait to your message at live original on the 19th
This is so beautifully written, Sadie! I’m almost twenty, and have always looked at you as "perfection" for someone around my age. For reasons far more than physical, I have looked up to you in countless ways of life, however screenshotting a picture from your birthday and zooming up on your "perfect" legs is also something I have honestly done. I’m 5"1 and I will never have those legs, and hearing even you are not always happy with them that in my eyes are perfect is so eye-opening. Deep down I know my beauty is found in The Lord, the media has just really corrupted this generation’s view of their body, myself included. I so appreciate your honesty, and adding another thing to the list of qualities about you I can relate to. You are truly doing God’s work to the fullest and not wasting your fame. Thank you for being such a servant for the Lord, and such a bright light in a dark time. And genuinely, you are so stunning inside and out, first picture and second.
This is well-expressed and so relevant. Even being on the outside of eating problems personally, I can absolutely relate to insecurity and obsession over my weight and eating right and exercise. I’m grateful for the work God has done and continues to do in my heart, and believe that He will breathe truth into this generation of young ladies who have been fed lies. Thank you, Sadie!!
You could not believe the amount of relief I have gotten after reading your transparent words. It brings tears to my eyes to know that I don’t have to try so hard anymore and waste so much time being selfish, not enough, and fake. So thankful the Holy Spirit has moved in my heart today because of your words. Freedom forever in Jesus Name. Thank you Sadie. ?????
Thank you!
Many girls and boys, young adults and adults who will read this are and hopefully will say thank you! Every young and old person needs to hear this!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this message and your transparency. I needed this today! I feel like most girls and women feel this way or have struggled with it at some point and feel like they are alone and the only one going through it. Truth is we have all been there in some degree. If we can all share our truth and be an advocate for self love we can prevent a lot of heartache!! This was beautifully written! Thank you again???
You are my inspiration! I have been going through hard times, but I know God sent you in my life to help!! Thank you so much Sadie:)
I have struggled with anorexia since i was 14 years old, and i’m 19 now. i’ve gone from being so skinny that i nearly died, to gaining so much wait in what i thought was "recovery" that i ended up losing it all again. it’s a vicious cycle that plays over and over and no matter how hard i try i just can’t get out of it. many of your blogs, videos, and instagram posts have spoken to me, but this one takes the cake. i’ve followed you since i first saw Duck Dynasty. In a moment of brutal honesty, i wanted to look like you more than people already told me i did. and knowing that you struggled with the same thing i do, but somehow managed to get out of it and be even more beautiful than ever, honestly inspires me to beat this. to once and for all overcome this darkness that fills my heart. thank you Sadie, from the bottom of my heart thank you.
Dearest Sadie, I commend you for your honesty and your willingness to be vulnerable the world over. So many of us can relate to what you are putting out there and though I may not understand your personal struggle; I can relate to struggle with self-image. May God continue to bless and keep you and may you continue to flourish despite whatever the critics may say. You are courageous, intelligent, kind, honest and real. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your heart ❤️
Your heartfelt message inspired me to create this Spotify worship playlist today: https://open.spotify.com/user/kyleairis/playlist/2QA18wammwx5EBsmuETitD. I hope you find this an encouragement to your day. Thanks for your message and keep on living original!
❤ God bless you, Sadie!!
Sadie!!
Thank you so much for this! I needed to read this! I’ve experienced something very similar to what you went through so your writing was very encouraging and influentual to me! Your words are so good and true and I’m so thankful to God for you! You’re such a light!
love, Lacey❤️
Thank you so so much!!! You are so helpful j really appreciate that you are helping people you don’t even know and you are letting God shine through you it is absolutely amazing. I am 13 and I am a competitive swimmer and I have been going through something lately and it is awful. Everyday when I wake up I am forced to eat all my food on my plate because I’m afraid to eat and get FAT and get made fun of I am at a point where everyone thinks I’m going to get anorexia and I have no self confidence and it doesn’t help with my situation I was a foster kid and I got adopted 2 years ago by my grandparents and my parents are drug atticks and it is just so hard and I am really struggling with God lately I feel like he isn’t there and that he doesn’t care about me. Can you please help me??
Amaya, I am praying for you. I struggled with an eating disorder for 4 years and I’m healing from it, and I can tell you that God designed you to be incredibly beautiful inside and out. You are more than your weight and your parent’s past, and your current home situation. You are a beloved daughter of the king, your body is a gift from God, and eating is part of taking care of your gift. I know it may not feel like God is there but He is, I 100% promise, and I’m praying He’ll break through whatever traps you’re in. I know He will. Because guess what Amaya, He is crazy about you.
Also it’s always super helpful to talk to a school counselor about this stuff, I did, and it helped me start to heal.
Love, your sister in Christ, Bailey Hults.
I’m praying for you!! Love you!!
email me if you want to talk about it at satchoes@gmail.com
Sadie, thank you so much for opening up like this for us! I’ve gone through something so similar, and the battle never seems to end. In fact, I almost lost the fight just a few moments befire reading your post. I was about to go purge. But God is so good. And you are such an amazing light for Him! Had I not read your post, I would have started the insane loop all over again. I’m slowly discovering God’s definition of beauty; and it is not an airbrush perfect body with no meat on one’s bones. It is exactly how He made me look!
Wow! These are good words! I’ve struggled with my weight since a young age…and have always thought of myself as ugly and have a super low self-esteem…I even go so low as to think that no guy would ever wanna date me because I am so fat…
But this is a great reminder that it only matter what God thinks, and I know God loves me no matter how "ugly" the world thinks I am!
Oh Sadie…you are a blessing in so many, many ways! Thank you for these words for young girls, women, and old, to contemplate, believe and bring out the authenticity in us all.
LOVE
Thank you so much for your honest, open, kind heart. I think self-image is something so many (including me) struggle with. The world and Hollywood has convinced us we are not enough. I tell others all they time they are enough to God and they are beautiful because I firmly believe it but I am not so kind or truthful to myself. The lies I tell myself have caused me to get to a very unhealthy state. Whether you are on one end of the spectrum of being thin or the other end of being overweight both are battles that is very real. I am still fighting mine and this blog and these scriptures do bring encouragement that renews my hope. Thank you. May God always bless you. Be the natural beautiful you always!
This is sooooo TIMELY! Omg. I can’t even. Thank you, Sadie. Thank you for sharing this and continually sharing God’s love and truth. Thank you so much Father God. You’ve been so good enough.
As someone who constantly struggles with finding my self-worth, this message came at such a great time. Thank you for unashamedly sharing your heart to help others see that we shouldn’t be feeling embarrassed or ashamed of what we see in the mirror. Our outward appearances shouldn’t define us or be the host of temporary fulfillment. Instead, I need to focus on being the very best version of who I can be. Not through choices that are harmful in the long run, but through choices that make me feel better as a whole. And if something is reading this and happens to eat something unhealthy and feels guilty…WHO CARES! There are so many more things to be worried about than having a "bad meal".
You are an incredible young women and I am so thankful for you being the authentic role model that you are. I know that has to be a heavy task at times though. I pray that the Lord would uphold you and strengthen you as you stand against the current of this culture. I hope to bring a group of girls to hear you speak in Pensacola October 21! May God bless you!
I think you’re beautiful no matter what bcuz your beauty comes from inside. Your heart is so big and caring. You’re an inspiration to all young girls they need to want to be like you not look like you if more teenagers thought like you there just might be a chance for your generation. God bless you Sadie
thank you.
You literally summarized what we’ve all felt one time or another in our lives. I’ve always been thin, and though it may seem unimaginable to some people, thin people also face insecurities about their shape, weight, face, and other things that God doesn’t dwell on. For me, it’s always been getting my hair right, makeup right, and putting on trendy clothes, just so that someone might see me and think ‘wow she’s flawless’ or something like that. It’s weird, though, because at the same time, I would be asking God to help people see Him in me. How would that work if I was so concentrated on the opinions of others? That’s not what God is like. Lately, I’ve been trying to not look at someone’s outward appearance and try to focus more on their heart. I want to learn about the person, not about how they look so good.
What you’re doing and continue doing is incredible. I’m in middle school and you’re one of my biggest inspirations. Love you Sadie ??
Sadie, I needed this…
I’ve struggled with anorexia for over a year a half, and only recently told my family and asked for help. It’s scary and horrible and addictive. It makes you feel crazy and alone. Thank you for being open and brave and helping me see that I’m not the only one. Thank you thank you thank you. I hope one day I will have a story similar to yours, and be able to encourage others the way you encourage me.
This was such a good blog post for me today, thank you so much Sadie. I have dealt with insecurities pretty much all my life. I have always had low self esteem and constantly worried about what others thought of me. I’ve depended on my twin sister most of my life for comfort, instead of leaning more on God like I should have.
I’ve felt that so many other girls are so much prettier than me. I’ve hardly ever dated because it scares me. I don’t like to wear a lot of makeup because I felt that true beauty is on the makeup but then I also feel like I don’t look that pretty unless I have make up on. Talk about contradiction.
I’ve allowed fear and insecurities to control my life for way too long. I’m almost 32 for goodness sakes. I love to eat especially mexican food, but that made me gain a lot of weight, that plus all the sweets at a cake shop so now I have love handles that I haven’t gotten rid of. That makes me more insecure.
I really wanna see myself as my Heavenly Father sees me. I want to be so into His word and His truth that my figure and the way I look doesn’t bother me anymore. I’m not defined by any of that. I’m defined by who I am in Christ. I want God’s truth to just tackle and break all the lies I have ever believed about myself so that I don’t worry anymore.
I got rid of my instagram because it was a huge distraction and comparison game for me. It just wasn’t healthy. I still look at others instagrams, but I need to focus on what Jesus says about me and let that really sink in.
I want a servants heart. I want such a strong passion for God that nothing can ever break it or make it waver. Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability with us Sadie. I’m so sorry you had to go thru that terrible situation. You are a blessing to so many people. I pray that God helps you not feel consumed with pressure about being a role model, but that you focus on just letting Jesus be your rock and comfort everyday.
I truly want to live a live of freedom in Christ, and learning to surrender to His ways more and more even when it’s hard. He is teaching me that right now among other things.
God bless you.
Such a timely post as I want to talk with my nieces about beauty coming from the inside with scripture to back it up. I’ve recently lost my hair (chemo) and want them to understand that when we live by God’s standard of beauty you can see the beauty in the worlds ugly. Thanks for your timely words.
Truly amazing, thank you for sharing!
I have been struggling with insecurities for awhile now. I always am comparing myself to other girls. This is definitely something I needed to see! And reading all these comments I’m realizing that I’m not alone. Thank you so much you are truly an inspiration.
Wow, I know that had to take lots and lots of courage but I just wanted to say THANK YOU
I soooooooo needed that!!!!!! I have always told myself " I am fearfully and wonderfully made" but it never seemed to be enough, I would tell myself God made me the way I am because He loves me the way I am and again it never seemed to be enough. You have given me a totally new perspective! God truly does love me the way I am and He doesn’t expect me to be perfect but to be the way He created me! So thanks again! And BTW you look absolutely GORGEOUS in both of the pictures
That was absolutely perfect, and so well said! I have been thinking of writing something like this to share with people… but I am from a small town and with not so many followers on social media. I was scared of what people would think, ironic right!? I’ve struggled.. and am struggling with an eating disorder right now. I’ve struggled for three years. But this really helped me. I have so many things to smile about and thank God for. I just need to get out of the enemy inside me telling me I can’t, or I’m not good enough. That’s not of God. It’s a far lesser power, coming from the one who wants us to fail and smiles at our struggles. God created me.. He created us all and made us perfect in his eyes. We may have flaws now but we are striving for the perfect spirit God created us to be… and knows deep down we are. How grateful I am to have the knowledge that I am a daughter of a king. Thank you Sadie. You truly are an inspiration in many ways.
Sadie this is great!! BUT can you share how you over came it more? Like who did u talk too, or was it all internal shifting?I know when I would read inappropriate books and other things i over came it on my own cause of imbaresment BTW MUSIC: Skillet songs LIONS and INVINCIBLE screamed louder than my.tempation for a "cheeky" fix it was louder than my sin and it REALLY helped ALSO I’m catholic and going to Confession is like the BEST THING EVER cause you confession it OUT LOUD to Jesus and your sin is dead!! Kill that sin that’s out of control! I pray for strentgh over all !!!Straighten that crown and sharpen that sword, don’t waste time if you really know better
Thank you for sharing to us once again~ Sadie, you’re such an inspiration to me when it comes to how God is working through your life as a speaker and just to his congregation. I hope you won’t forget that you’re God’s masterpiece and to not let yourself think those thoughts, since that’s the Devil trying to take hold of you. But I believe you could fight through these evil schemes because God already brought home victory 🙂
Thank you for sharing that! Recently I just started high school and my self confidence has been down the drain like crazy!!! This has inspired me to walk in my faith and beauty as God wants me too! Again I thank you for such a touching and enlightening blog!
Wonderful Sadie!!!!
It’s the truth and the truth will set us free.. Live Original and Glorify God.. By God’s grace I have been doing the same and I can see Him setting me free from all my insecurities and fears. Hope to meet you someday. Love and Prayers all the way back from India.
Sadie,
It is so encouraging how you open up and talk about these important details in today’s world. There are so many pressures out there and pressures we put on ourselves..the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life..that’s what this world is made of. But thankfully us who have trusted in Christ as our Savior have a greater hope. You’ll be in my prayers. Thanks for being an encouragement and for putting yourself out there.
From Kara in Wisconsin. 🙂
Wow. Just wow. I don’t know if there’s a single woman that wouldn’t benefit greatly from reading this, Sadie. God has given you such an incredible gift with your words. Did you know that? The truth that you speak hits home in different ways for everyone.
I just want to take a quick moment to thank you and to just acknowledge for a moment the choices you’ve made. I know that you pray for your followers daily so if you don’t care I’d like to pray with you real quick.
Sweet Father, thank you so much for Sadie Robertson and her obedience to You, Lord. Thank you for giving her the courage to speak out against the enemy and to speak the truth that you want all of us to hear, Jesus! Please just continue to strengthen her, Lord. On days when the enemy attacks. When he feels like he can take down Sadie Robertson, because he wants to bring down this mighty warrior for You. Father, I pray that on those days, in those moments You remind her who her Father is and Lord just continue to anoint her in her bold stand for you, God. Amen.
Sadie, I am praying for you everyday.
James 1:1-4
Sadie, this is exactly what I was going through as a model. YES! As a MODEL. I couldn’t have worded the transformation God can do in your life any better than you did but simply saying "you have to exhale your ugly & inhale God’s beauty." Thank you for sharing about your struggles and overcoming the enemies lies on self acceptance.
Great advice from your mom. People don’t want to hear this, but most "body issues" problems are actually just a form of self-worship.
I needed to read this today. I’m in the midst of recovering from anorexia,I was only in deep restriction and way over exercising for two months, but it’s still hard to eat foods I used to eat all the time, in the amount I used to eat. I know that since I am eating more than I was, I’m going to gain weight, and yes fat, but I’m struggling with accepting that I’m going to have to gain fat. Please pray for me to overcome my fear foods and fat gain so I can walk with my mom and swim with my little brother in a couple weeks.
Sadie,
Your posts and this blog have been an inspiration for me to get The Word out to teen girls about beauty in the eyes of our Creator. I too have struggled with body issues -the majority of my life- up until I fully dedicated my life to Him. I see teen girls constantly putting themselves down for the way that they look and my heart hurts for them, but it also gives me the confidence to tell them my story. I am writing to give you some encouragement because I know that you are an inspiration to girls all around! Being able to say "I’m not perfect" but working towards it with God’s help is not easy, but it shows a great example of what we are called to be. Thank you for your testimony and for all that you do to spread the word and help others in that process.
Stay blessed ❤
Well said.
Sadie, YES MA’AM!
Who the heck cares if the media gets a hold of this. LET THEM. I want the world to see the strength and the beauty within you through this! The beauty of the Father through your story! The strength of God in you. Girl, I’m so proud that you have allowed yourself to be freed from what the enemy has tried to make you feel inadequate about. DOESNT IT FEEL AMAZING TO SHARE YOUR STORY?! Doesn’t feel amazing to sit in the truth of our Father. God is going to use you to speak to the girls who have struggled with this. He’s going to use you in ways he hasn’t yet bc he’s been waiting for you to share this story the devil himself has tried to make an ugly part of you. GODS BEAUTY SHINES THROUGH THIS REDEMPTION STORY. Good gracious. This is going to be for Gods Glory! I bet he’s just so proud of you. You’re a precious W.O.G. (Woman of God). Keep on doing what you’re doing sweet girl and youre in my prayers! Oh what a sweet day. Call out the enemy. Never let his lies consume you. So much freedom. Wow.
-Hannah Wilson
Wow Sadie!!! That was amazing!! Beyond amazing! Thank you! I have a daughter who started having eating issues around 18 months to 2 years old. She still has it . She is a cancer survivor and still has an eating issue even after being in an intensive feeding clinic for a months. She eats better but her problem is a " food aversion " los of kids have it. Thank you for sharing your heart, I greatly appreciate your honesty!! Keep doing what you are doing and fight the good fight!!
Very well said! Thank you for being Real and an encouragement to others! As a Mom of 4 girls (and a boy) I appreciate honesty and testimony that comes from the heart and supported by God’s word.
THANK YOU SADIE!!!!!!!!
Last year I definitely struggled with viewing myself in a negative way. I didn’t understand how the girls at my school could wear barely any makeup at all and look so beautiful. I always had acne that I felt obligated to cover up so people would think I was "prettier". The summer between my freshman and sophomore year I had so little confidence in myself that I changed my look completely. I chopped my beautiful mermaid hair, dyed it bright blonde, cut bangs to hide my large forehead and spent an hour every morning doing my makeup to perfection. I spent so much time and effort making myself into someone I was not. Of course during this time, I didn’t have a close relationship with God. Why? Because I was pressured to act the way everyone else in my school was acting. Looking back this makes me so sad, because now my relationship with God is stronger than it’s ever been. I’ve stopped wearing makeup to school and I’ve grown out my bangs (trying to get my mermaid hair back). The best thing of all of this is my relationship with the Lord. I realized that no one was actually looking at me like I thought they were. I was being self-centered and not God-centered. This blog post has reestablished what I have learned to be true and I wanted to thank you for sharing this post.
LOVE YOU SADIE!!! You are my biggest role model!!
P.S. Please come speak in Las Vegas someday!! <3
Amazing ❤️ God is good
Sadie, I admire your story and your strength. I am 30 years old and still struggle to this day on what beauty really is. Know this, the Lord (and myself) loved you when you didnt love yourself. Stay true to yourself. You and your journey is beautiful. God Bless.
Thank you Sadie!!! Thank you for sharing your testimony for everything you said is all that I’m struggling with except I’m actually naturally skinny and it bothers me. I really needed this! I literally have experienced and still experiencing everything you talked about including being an encouragement to others while struggling on the inside. Thank you!!! May God bless you and strengthen you!
Your wisdom is astounding. As a 40-something married mom of two that really needed these words, I can’t thank you enough for sharing them.
Lately I have been struggling with everything you have and I believe that God is using you in many ways. Thank you for sharing your story and how about God is the one who showed what true beauty is …. thank you this really did help me out a lot 🙂 ?
What wonderful advice to give to young girls and women. Jesus gave us the gift of natural beauty and it was not meant to be covered by artificial makeup and photo editing. It is easy to get caught up in other people’s social media pictures and wonder why we can’t look like that. Remember that is not real and creates a false image. Those are not the right kind of people we should be worried about. Our beauty comes from within our heart. Sadie is the best female role model and inspires others to trust themselves and God.
Young lady, what wise words. Hope the Lord continues to reveal Himself to you as you daily spend time with Him. As a mom of a 21 year old daughter and being a woman of 56 who is still insecure about herself some days what an encouragement you are. Stay close to Him all your days. Thank you. What a blessing you are.
You are speaking the truth, not only for yourself but for others as well. I can relate, as do many women and young girls.
Wow God is so good at taking our brokenness and transforming them into the light ?? Thank you sooo much!!
Sadie, you don’t need the make up or anything to be beautiful. You are beautiful the way you are which is the way God made you.
Allan Jordan.
Thank you for this post. I have been struggling with self worth for a while and your blog is a reminder that God made me.
THANK YOU for writing this. Personally, I think the "just woke up" pic is much more beautiful than the "made up" pic. Sadie, you will change hundreds of thousands of lives with this one post alone. As a mother of three girls and a boy, I thank you for showing people everywhere how to live up to God’s standard of beauty.
The authenticity in this post is absolutely beautiful. Grateful for young woman like Sadie who remind the world where true beauty lies!
Sadie,
First I want to say thank you! Thank you for being real, and for standing up… I hope that if the Lord blesses me and my husband with a baby girl one day that she will grow up and see you as someone that inspires her. You my dear are amazing and God loves you and us your fans love you too! I am only a few years older than you, and you have really touched my heart! THANK YOU!!!!!!! God Bless!!!
A mommy of 2 boys and still carrying the weight of the world view on my body….
Sadie,
Thank you for being so authentic! It really means a lot coming from someone who struggles with body image on a daily basis. I loved this article so much. Thank you thank you thank you!
Thank you for sharing this. I’m rejoicing with you in the freedom you have from this now. I recovered from an eating disorder in 2003 and now have an online ministry for those with eating disorders. I’m always thrilled to see people speaking out to encourage others about eating issues and body image. It’s so needed. Thank you for letting God speak through you in this way.
Coming from the perspective of someone who thinks they aren’t good enough for certain people, and probably never will be (i don’t know sometimes), this definitely resonated with me. Especially from that space. & You’re are absolutely right about confronting whatever that ugly and insecurity is. So important to recognize, how it got there, and why it exists. And from that standpoint through the Lord find healing. As well as truth. Remembering 1st and foremost we’re individual imagers of God. Thank you for this Sadie. I know it wasn’t easy sharing this, but you’re giving so many people hope.
Love your posts and blog! Thank you for sharing!
Awesome post!!! It is a shame that the enemy has figured out how to steal the joy from being who God created us to be!! Each one of us is beautiful!!! Just the way we are. No make up, no hair do, no fancy clothes, no fancy jewels adorning us. Just the way we are! Just being women of God and loving what we see looking back at us from the mirror. Thanks for sharing your story, we all needed it!! hugs, patty
Thank you for this Sadie! This encouraged me so much, and I tend to apply it to my own life! Thank you thank you thank you!
You are such a blessing!!!!! This world needs more ladies like you!! Brace and beautiful Sadie!!
Sadie, I pray for a day I get to meet you in person because you’re such a light in my life, and I am obsessed with what you do, and who you are. You don’t stand in the worldly light but shine in God’s light!!! Your words are so pure and true, and you make me want to love Jesus deeper and harder and more every single day. Thank you for changing me, and thank you for letting me see the light. God bless you!!!!
Hi
I have read through your blog the past few days. I once had a guy(the boy version of you) speak to my college group about how you can make a difference in peoples lives no matter where you work post grad. Reading your posts, especially the one on relationships, make me want to set y’all up on a blind date. The two of you could make a huge difference in this world! Very few young adults have the wisdom and perspective that y’all have. If your tour comes to Texas I’m going to make this happen!! Y’all need to meet 🙂
Love. You saw past the perks and chose the road less traveled, knowing the other way would lead to others feeling the same kind of pain you did. Knowing you would be that girl that made you feel less than perfect. Instead though, you chose to love others, to spare them pain and possible experiences you had. Thank you for doing Christ’s work and for choosing to listen to him instead of allowing yourself to continue to become more apart of the indrustry. I know it’s hard not to get sucked in, but to realize you did, stop yourself and share your story for others; that’s the truly amazing story. Keep letting Christ shine through you! As a young Christian myself, I know it can be hard to hear others constantly bring you down in the public eye, but as we know, you’ve already defeated any attacks against you because you are a child of God. Always remember that when thoughts slowly creep in your mind comparing yourself, bc it only Satan trying to take you down, and he has no power over you! Thank you for using this experience to demostrate that not only to young girls but Christians around the world! I’m proud of you and want you to know you are absolutely gorgeous! God created you perfectly! Thank you for reminding the rest of us that we are all perfect bc God created us! Christ is being seen through you and your family. I thank God he keeps you all strong in his word and that you are chosen to listen to him! May God continue to use you and bless you as you serve him and truly make a difference!
Thank you so much for this Sadie! I often find myself taking comfort in imagining a 2.0 version of me. She’s not 2.0 because she’s closer to God, she’s 2.0 because she is skinnier/more fit, smarter, longer hair…essentially not who I am today. I didn’t even realize until I read this how often I find comfort in telling myself "one day this will be you" essentially telling myself "right now you’re not enough". Thank you (from all of your words of wisdom) for teaching to find my confidence in God and not myself, and to keep my eyes on him and not my "thigh gap" or stomach. Have an awesome day Sadie 🙂
Hi Sadie.. I just want to say thank you very much for that I was in that same situation when I was younger and still do it at times but I am going to take your sweet advice and go by it and do better in life without that being in my life.. And also you are a very pretty young lady…
I agree with @LexieThompson below. We need to introduce you to this guy. Our world needs a holy power couple 🙂 Maybe one of Gods purposes behind this blog was to connect you with a mutual contact to your future hubby! @LexieThompson I’ll help you make this blind date thing happen
I loved this Sadie! Super relatable and very eye opening. While I was reading this I thought of Galatians 1:10
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
And 1Samuel 16:4
“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.””
Thank you for the thruth that you sharing and your not afraid to do so.
I have had an eating-addiction for more than 10 years and I never felt beautiful when I looked in the mirror. But God came in a way that I didn’t expected (because I didn’t knew Him), and released me from this addiction. When I look in the mirror now, I see a beautiful woman, created by God.
And the funny thing is (just like you said) my weight is more than years ago but I feel better than ever!
I want to say that I totally understand. I’ve been there too– the calorie counting, wrapping my right hand fingers around my left wrist to make sure I could touch my thumb and middle finger, constantly comparing myself to other people. And then, like you, I eventually embraced the person God made me to be. Yeah, I still try to eat healthy but I don’t obsess. It’s so freeing. Sometimes the insecurities try to sneak back, but you can’t let them win. Thank you for sharing your story, it’s truly inspirational.
Thank you for sharing Sadie!!! Greatly inspired
Wow! This is terrific Sadie. It is truly self discovery for people who have lots of low self esteem. I’m greatly lifted. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this! It touched me so much! I was diagnosed with diabetes when I was 12 and I was skinnier back then.. I’m 17 now and I’ve gained about 20 pounds since that time.. It’s hard to keep a good weight with diabetes and it’s hard to feel beautiful at times but to be reminded that Jesus makes me beautiful on the inside and out is very refreshing? Thank you!
Truly inspiring Sadie. Thanks for sharing this, I know it must not have been easy <3
Thank you for sharing all of this. It was truly inspiring! You also did amazing at #XtremeWinter in Gatlinburg, TN!
I come back to this post every once in a while as I continue to go back and forth with body image. I’m reminded of how incredible God thinks we are and how inner beauty really IS the only beauty that is valuable. For our own negative thoughts to change, we have to want what God wants and believe what He says about us. If you’re reading this, you can do it.
May the LORD bless you and keep you.