Jun 25, 2020
Episode Summary:
- Theodore Roosevelt said “Comparison is the thief of joy.” After
my conversation with former print and runway model, Jennifer
Strickland, I would have to say the strive for perfection is
another thief of joy. In this episode, we talk about how the strive
for perfection leaves us empty and lonely, and how our true worth
and value can only be found in our true identity as children of
God.
- Former model, Jennifer Strickland tells us her story about
being an international model, and how she turned her back on
modeling at the height of her career and never looked back after
she found something far more precious and life-giving than a life
of anorexia, bulimia, and constant striving for the perfect
body.
- If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and walked away
disappointed, I encourage you to listen to the end for hope and
encouragement.
Quotables from the episode:
- Satan works outside in. God works inside out. Jennifer
Strickland
- We need to turn from the mirror of the world to the mirror of
the Word. Jennifer Strickland
- The mirror doesn’t define us. The Creator defines us. Jennifer
Strickland
- Perfection is an empty place to be. Jennifer Strickland
- We need to look beyond the outward appearance and into the
soul. Jennifer Strickland
Scripture References:
- 1 Samuel 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel,
‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him.
The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by
outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”
- 1 Peter 3:3-5 says, “Don’t be concerned about
the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or
beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the
beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and
quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy
women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God
and accepted the authority of their husbands.”
Recommended Resources:
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Podcast
Guest:
Jennifer Strickland is a former international model, TEDx
speaker, author, wife, mother of three, and the founder of a
non-profit called U R More, that helps women and girls discover
their value, identity, and purpose.
Jen has written seven books and studies teaching women and girls
their true worth, including Girl Perfect, More Beautiful Than
You Know, Beautiful Lies, and 21 Myths (Even Good) Girls
Believe About Sex. She holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast
journalism and a master’s degree in writing with an emphasis in
biblical studies.
In her earlier days, Jen worked for 15 years as a professional
model, appearing in Vogue, Glamour, and
Cosmopolitan. She was featured in ads for Converse Tennis
Shoes, Oil of O’lay, Mercedes Benz, Eddie Bauer, and Jordache; and
at the height of her career, she walked the runways of Europe for
Giorgio Armani and represented Barbie for the 35th anniversary of
the doll. But Jen learned beauty is more than what meets the eye
when she discovered what she looked like in God’s eyes.
Hosted By: Scott and Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson