I know I’ve said it a million times on this blog, but the past year has been one of the absolute best of my life. I remember about a year ago I wrote about my “pinch me” moment when InStyle Magazine wrote about my jewelry line on their website and still to this day it’s crazy for me to even type that sentence! As humans we often get so focused on where we want to be in our life, what we need to do better, things we need in order to feel “complete”, and worrying about our future, that we forget to stop and live in the moment. I know every girl out there with Pinterest has some variety of “Live in the Moment” quoted on one of her boards, but what does that really mean?
As someone who tends to worry about the future and be her own worst critic, to me it means taking the time to really be “present” in each moment and not being fearful about what the future may bring. A few weeks ago Tyler and I were asked to speak at our church, Forest Hill, here in Charlotte and to say I was nervous would be an extreme understatement. I kept thinking, “Why in the world would anyone want to hear what I have to say about my faith? These people have been walking with The Lord for far longer than I have. Everyone is going to leave church asking themselves why that chick from that reality show was on the stage.” I kept thinking that David Chadwick, the pastor, was going to read some of the things people say about me on the internet and call back, saying they decided to go a different direction with the service (aka Christian talk for, “You’re not who I thought you were and we don’t really care about what you have to say.”).
For so many years I have questioned why He would bring me through something like The Bachelor and eventually The Bachelorette, knowing all along I would meet my husband through church just a few miles from my house. Couldn’t He have spared me so much heartbreak and humiliation? Well, as I was praying for Him to give me any excuse NOT to speak at church, I kept getting the same message: THIS was the very reason. I have gone through many storms in my life, only to have God bring me through to the other side and now was my chance to give Him all the glory. I have been so caught up in worrying about my past and trying to move forward, that I didn’t even realize that He had already brought me through. So I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t be so worried about the future and the person you want to be, that you forget to recognize that maybe you’re already there and you’ve already become that person!
If you want to check out the video from last Sunday, here’s the link! You can also download the Forest Hill app and watch any of the services from your phone. If you’re in the Charlotte area and are looking for a church, I can’t say enough wonderful things about Forest Hill and how much it has impacted my life!
Emily – Thank you for this!! I love every single one of your beauty/makeup/fashion posts but this one really stood out to me because I feel like God has brought me to your blog. (I think you were more inspiring on the bachelorette than you might believe!!!) It made me feel like I am not alone in my struggles and worries about the future. You are a great inspiration and I really admire both your fashion sense and your strong faith!! 🙂
Bravo! I concur…. I think we are always focused on the negative in our lives and praying about it all and don’t really stop and look at the positives and the blessings and be thankful for those. We don’t always have to pray about the bad stuff, we can pray and say thank you Lord for today, for blessings, for answered prayer, for breath, and life. A good devotional book I read is, “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young….very uplifting! Thank you for the link to your church. I want to share my link for my church as well…..wonderful contemporary church in Anderson SC called Newspring….www.newspring.cc The current series has just started and it is called “The Hungergames”
Emily, you are such a wonderful example of Christ. I look up to you very much! You speak so eloquently, & I appreciate you sharing your heart.
How wonderful to see a young couple have a Christ centered relationship. In the society we live today, it is so easy to be deceived by satan. I will pray each day for your family, that Christ will continue to use you as a wonderful example of what a healthy relationship can be when you live your life through Christ Jesus.
Emily,
Seeing you speak with your fiancée about your faith and praying together and how you built your relationship starting from a friendship will change many girls lives that follow you. That’s THE REASON God gave you the path He did (going on the show and such). You have many many followers that may not know Christ, and understand how really wonderful life is with Him, and now they will see it through you!! Be blessed!
Amen! This is very true. God is so good and brings us through everything. I can relate to discovering “diamonds in your own backyard.” Sometimes God takes us through things so we can understand His will and His character so much better than if we had not been through any struggle. May you continue to glorify Christ.
PS Feel free to check out my website! Beautiful jewelry made by beautiful women around the world.
Emily…you have an incredibly beautiful testimony. Thank you for sharing.
Your heart is beautiful. I pray that you enjoy the sweet fruits of marriage!! Thank you for being vulnerable before The Lord and His people. Blessings on you, and lots of them 🙂
I sent you this through twitter, but idk if you were able to read it. Really hope you get the chance to see this 🙂 Wow, ok um where do I begin? First of all congratulations on your engagement. I am just so amazed on how God has shaped you into a better Christian. God really does work in mysterious ways and He only knows His incredible ways. He’s always had a perfect plan for you. He has always been writing your love story, but with Him being the centered of it. Everything you and Tyler said was spot on. I love how much fire you have for God right now, don’t let that go away. I LOVED it when you said that with your relationship with Tyler you finally felt that peace, because Christ is now the center of the relationship. Doesn’t it feel awesome when He is? I’m so glad you found a godly man. I would love to have that man day, but I know God will get me the perfect man that is dedicated to Him first. Your relationship with Tyler really shows that Christ in the center and I can totally see that you guys are truly striving for more of Him. You deserve that! Love never ends with Jesus Christ. That is what it’s all about. Isn’t it amazing when God breaks us and then mold us to be more like Him. It’s beautiful how He has done that for you. I know the feeling, and it’s just incredible when he breaks us and you’re just speechless and balling because of that amazing feeling! It overwhelms me to hear you share your heart about God that way, to be honest, I rejoice when someone comes to Christ and let’s Him take control of their lives. He is in control and He deserves our best, and for us not to take Him for granted. I can really relate go your story because I too have had idols and I thought I was doing the right thing, but I never based my decisions on Him first, it was always on my selfishness. Your story truly inspired me and made me see Jesus in a more beautiful way, because He certainly is. Love how your faith keeps growing. I also love that you don’t want to be noticed as the “bachelorette” but as someone who truly loves The Lord. That’s something I want and I’m striving for that. For people to see me and instantly see that Christ-like attitude within me. I’m sure you will have that. I always pray for that to be me. I’m sure God will keep on moving more people with your story. You’re just so beautiful inside and out. Keep on sharing Emily because it really moved me and I’m sure other people will see how amazing God is through you, and how he can really change us! I’ve shared your story with others too because its amazing and it will make a great impact 🙂 keep rejoicing in The Lord and never doubt your faith. I really loved your story as you can tell. I will be praying for you and that God keeps moving you and your fiancé in more beautiful ways! And that you keep directing Ricki in the Lord’s direction. I know this may sound horrible, but never follow your heart, because the heart is deceitful above all things!(Jeremiah 17:9-10) God is constantly testing us on that. He will definitely send you and your fiancé through some trials, but thats the beautiful thing because when you pass all those tests it will feel amazing knowing that Christ will never leave you alone. Obviously one was when your husband passed away, but that was all in God’s plan. I went through the same thing when my brother passed away and all my faith in Christ left. It was horrible, but He never left me and patiently waited for me to go back to Him. He will never give us something that we can’t handle. And that is just so loving of Him. But you will have Tyler and Ricki always by your side.
…I really wanted to share this with you, because it was just amazing hearing your story on how you came to The Lord. I was moved. I don’t know if you’ll ever read this, but this is what was in my heart while I heard your story. It would be incredible if I met you even though it’ll be 1 in a million chance, but God works in mysterious ways, right? It would just be amazing to share my story with you too, because we have some similarities on how we came to truly know The Lord. One day. I would really love to go to one of your conferences too though! Will you be sharing more of your story, in conferences? Hope you can read this. Thank you. God bless. Love you as a sister in Christ. Philippians 1:21
Emily, this is beautiful. Out of all the Bachelor/Bachelorette episodes, this is my favorite video of all. Thank you for sharing your heart and story of redemption. Jesus pulls from the fringes of darkness his brightest lights. God bless you and your sweet family!
Beautiful story! Thanks for sharing Emily! Your true love story is better than any season of reality TV. Such an encouragement!
I just watched your video from when you spoke at your church with your fiancé and I just want you to know how proud I am of how far you have come since the bachelorette. Just through that short 30 minutes video I was able to see Christ’s love all over your face and I really just appreciated everything you said about love and how you plan on carrying out Christ’s love in your own soon to be marriage. You are such a testament for other celebrities out there that you can be in the public eye yet still be such an advocate for Christ and really do fame the right way by sharing Christ’s love for others and also sharing how we need to live through him in order to really find that inner peace. Thank you so much for being such an amazing role model as I myself as a wife and a mother as well and am constantly trying to figure out how I can get closer to God in not only my own personal relationship but in my marriage as well. I would love to be able to meet you someday! You are such a light! Thank you for having the courage to share your story because it really reminded me just how important it is to have Christ as the center of your relationships.
I sent you this through twitter, but I don’t know if you were able to see it.. Well hopefully you get the chance to read this 🙂 Wow, ok um where do I begin? First of all congratulations on your engagement. I am just so amazed on how God has shaped you into a better Christian. God really does work in mysterious ways and He only knows His incredible ways. He’s always had a perfect plan for you. He has always been writing your love story, but with Him being the centered of it. Everything you and Tyler said was spot on. I love how much fire you have for God right now, don’t let that go away. I LOVED it when you said that with your relationship with Tyler you finally felt that peace, because Christ is now the center of the relationship. Doesn’t it feel awesome when He is? I’m so glad you found a godly man. I would love to have that man day, but I know God will get me the perfect man that is dedicated to Him first. Your relationship with Tyler really shows that Christ in the center and I can totally see that you guys are truly striving for more of Him. You deserve that! Love never ends with Jesus Christ. That is what it’s all about. Isn’t it amazing when God breaks us and then mold us to be more like Him. It’s beautiful how He has done that for you. I know the feeling, and it’s just incredible when he breaks us and you’re just speechless and balling because of that amazing feeling! It overwhelms me to hear you share your heart about God that way, to be honest, I rejoice when someone comes to Christ and let’s Him take control of their lives. He is in control and He deserves our best, and for us not to take Him for granted. I can really relate go your story because I too have had idols and I thought I was doing the right thing, but I never based my decisions on Him first, it was always on my selfishness. Your story truly inspired me and made me see Jesus in a more beautiful way, because He certainly is. Love how your faith keeps growing. I also love that you don’t want to be noticed as the “bachelorette” but as someone who truly loves The Lord. That’s something I want and I’m striving for that. For people to see me and instantly see that Christ-like attitude within me. I’m sure you will have that. I always pray for that to be me. I’m sure God will keep on moving more people with your story. You’re just so beautiful inside and out. Keep on sharing Emily because it really moved me and I’m sure other people will see how amazing God is through you, and how he can really change us! I’ve shared your story with others too because its amazing and it will make a great impact 🙂 keep rejoicing in The Lord and never doubt your faith. I really loved your story as you can tell. I will be praying for you and that God keeps moving you and your fiancé in more beautiful ways! And that you keep directing Ricki in the Lord’s direction. I know this may sound horrible, but never follow your heart, because the heart is deceitful above all things!(Jeremiah 17:9-10) God is constantly testing us on that. He will definitely send you and your fiancé through some trials, but thats the beautiful thing because when you pass all those tests it will feel amazing knowing that Christ will never leave you alone. Obviously one was when your husband passed away, but that was all in God’s plan. I went through the same thing when my brother passed away and all my faith in Christ left. It was horrible, but He never left me and patiently waited for me to go back to Him. He will never give us something that we can’t handle. And that is just so loving of Him. But you will have Tyler and Ricki always by your side.
…I really wanted to share this with you, because it was just amazing hearing your story on how you came to The Lord. I was moved. I don’t know if you’ll ever read this, but this is what was in my heart while I heard your story. It would be incredible if I met you even though it’ll be 1 in a million chance, but God works in mysterious ways, right? It would just be amazing to share my story with you too, because we have some similarities on how we came to truly know The Lord. One day. I would really love to go to one of your conferences too though! Will you be sharing more of your story, in conferences? Hope you can read this. Thank you. God bless. Love you as a sister in Christ. Philippians 1:21
Very well said miss Emily! I used to be one of those people never satisfied, constantly worrying myself about what I can do better what was next on the checklist not to mention all I did wrong. While it is important to have goals to achieve in life you’ve got to live for today and enjoy what God is doing in your life now. Everything God brings us through is for a reason, sometimes it’s like what was all of that for? Why didn’t you just do it the easy way but that way we would not have grown and learned the lessons God was trying to teach us and in the end it’s like wow! I finally stopped focusing on the past, my faults, just woke up and understood how God blessed me through it all. You are a wonderful example to Christian young women even if you don’t realize it. So proud of you for overcoming your fears and getting up there you were great! PEACE+LOVE <3
I loved reading this post Emily and I also loved the video! So happy for you two..
xo Ash,
http://sincerelymissashley.blogspot.ca
Emily I am so happy for you! 🙂 There is nothing better than marrying your best friend and having a Christ-centered relationship. Wishing you all the best and so much happiness!
Emily,
So many of us watched you and cheered you on, on The Bachelor and again on The Bachelorette. I think I speak for so many people when I say we are so happy to see you with someone like Tyler!
I loved seeing this service at Forest Hill. FH has completely changed my families lives as well and it’s so nice to see you preach God’s word and hang onto His love in the midst of Hollywood and your fame. Seeing you hang onto your faith is inspiring for everyone who admires you. David Chadwick and the whole Forest Hill family is so amazing and I’m so glad you are experiencing the way they help His light shine through in all of our lives.
Many many blessings to you and Tyler!
This was truly amazing. I admire you and Tyler so much for living out God’s will in your lives. I pray that God will continue to bless you, Tyler, and your daughter!! So amazing and inspiring. It was awesome for me to watch this because my boyfriend and I for 5 years are graduating from college and beginning to truly consider marriage! So thank you.
Sorry, I think I submitted my comment twice. Didn’t mean too.
Awesome sharing your story! And you’re so right that God allows things to happen in our lives to bring us closer to him! Awesome that you’re letting him use your story to Glorify Him and tell others about Jesus. Loved watching the video, and I love that you are a woman of God with such honesty and conviction. 🙂 Blessings Emily!
Hey Emily! It is so refreshing to hear you speak the truth without sugar coating or altering what God says about love/marriage and how a Christ-centered relationship works. Surely God will bless you for being so bold in your faith.
You should check out ChandraPeele.com – She is a wonderful Christian author and motivational speaker. You would love her book, The Church Lady. Ricky would love the books she has written for young girls as well!
As a fellow West Virginian, I always rooted for you and wanted you to find love… So glad you have found Perfect Love in Christ! Along with a Godly life partner!
I am so happy that you have finally found your true Love in Christ! I am so proud to have followed you through this journey and have seen you find your true friend for life. Emily you and Tyler and Ricki are truly Blessed!!
I have always been a fan of yours. I love your fashion sense and have followed you all through the “bachelor” days. But your post today really has been so inspiring! You are such a beautiful person inside and out and a wonderful woman of God. I have been single for many years, dated and been praying for God to send me a man. But realizing I’m missing out on all the wonderful things I should and could be doing now. God has a beautiful plan for all of us and I’ve been so worried for so long about what my future holds. I watched the video of you and Tyler and it’s such a beautiful story! I am so happy for you both and it shows through you how amazing God is and what He does within us!
Hi Emily! I follow you on twitter and have watched both of your seasons! I just wanted to say how much of an inspiration you are to me. I’m 19, and honestly couldn’t think of a better role model for myself (maybe besides my mom, lol) but anyways, reading your blogs has made me realize that it’s ok to not be with anyone right now, and that the right one will come along….Like you said, he could be right in front of my face. I hope everything works out with you and pretty ricki<3 I also live in NC and go to the Cove church but I might just visit yours! Anyway, thanks again for being you 🙂
OH and p.s
You also have the best fashion taste, I always go to your instagram when I need outfit ideas, haha.
Love ya, have a good week :)!
Emily, I loved this so much! I have so much respect for you putting yourself out there, showing what an inspiring woman of God you are through everything. So happy for all three of you!
Though at times we feel unworthy, he calls us worthy. Loved hearing your story through this awesome sermon series, Emily! Thank you for being bold in he name of Christ and sharing with us. xx
Emily, thank you for sharing. I was raised in the Church of Christ and come from an extremely conservative family. However, I left God out of all of my previous relationships. I was on cloud nine the day Jon told me he wanted to be committed to me and only me, but knew I had to be honest with him about previous relationships. Neither of us were virgins before each other, however, it pains me so deeply that I did not wait for Jon. I was too busy living in the moment of my early 20s that I just forgot God quite often and hardened my heart towards Him for the sake of the attention from cute boys who never stuck around. I was taught that our body is God’s Temple and to treat it as such, but I never realized before Jon how true that was. One day we will share our temples with God, but also with our spouse. I have never done drugs, taken part in illegal activities, and I am a nice person, but I will never stop being embarrassed for not saving myself for the man I will marry. I tell Jon all the time that I wish he had found me 10 years earlier but honestly, had I not gone through 10 years of mistakes, heartbreaks, and growing up I probably wouldn’t have realized what a truly amazing and wonderful man he is.
Bravo to you for having the courage to do this and talk about how you got to where you are today.
God bless the broken road…
Loved hearing your story Emily! Thank you for sharing with us and being bold in the name of Christ.
We many not know the future, but if we know the one who holds the future in His hands we can look forward to it expectantly and without fear. If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it.
Your relationship is so beautiful and inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing your story. Best of luck and blessings to you both!
Powerful testimony! Thanks for sharing
Thank you Emily for sharing your video from church. You’ve been given a huge platform to speak out to so many people and it is such a blessing to see someone use their platform for God. It’s not that common anymore and our world needs more people like you who are not ashamed to talk about and stand for what they believe. Thank you!!!!
Love this Emily! I am so happy for you! It’s awesome to see how God is using your time & gained fame from being on The Bachelor for his glory. I hope you will share you wedding pictures on the blog, you are going to be the most gorgeous bride ever! You should check on laracasey.com/blog She is an awesome Christian woman, mom, editor in chief of Southern Weddings mag, and also from your area. I also highly recommend following her on Instagram, she has the best posts!
Thanks! I love that magazine so I’m definitely going to look her up! xo
I’m so amazed how your walk in God has grown. You have definitely been blessed to find an awesome, godly leader for your home! So proud of you!
Awesome testimony! You did an outstanding job.
so great!
encouraged by your journey. God is so sovereign and so faithful.
I don’t normally do this, but you have truly inspired me and helped me to regain my trust in God that he has a plan for my life. It is my desire to find a man after God’s own heart like you have found. Thank you for sharing your story. It is such a blessing. <3
Callie
With tear filled eyes, I want you to know that The Lord just used this blog post to speak to my heart exactly what I needed to hear today. So blessed by this message Miss Emily. You are so much more than ‘that girl from that reality show’. You are a daughter of the Most High King and I thank you for allowing Him to use you and your experiences to encourage, equip and minister to us girls out here in internet-land. Congrats on all the wonderful things happening in your life right now and God Bless!
What a beautiful testimony! Thanks for sharing, Emily! God Bless!
I just finished watching this video and am truly inspired by your story. I have been following you through your entire journey and am so so happy for you and Ricki. Tyler really seems to have it together. It’s so awesome to see a man not afraid to share his faith and one who really knows what he believes. I can’t wait to see the change you both will bring to others lives. Christ really is the only answer. Thanks so much for sharing and congrats! 🙂
Beautiful testimony. Thanks for sharing. Excited to see what God has in store for your family.
Thank you for sharing that wonderful video. For me you are such an inspiration for life and love, and I truly understand you for stepping out of the spotlight, but please keep this blog 🙂
Beautiful testimony. Thanks for sharing that on your blog.
May you both be blessed in abundance.
Love from Cape Town,South Africa
I loved watching this message Emily! As a young pastor’s wife who myself has a past of hurt and regret I love and am encouraged in the way that God is going to continue to use your story as a testimony to His grace, forgiveness and restoration.
I wish you only the best in your upcoming marriage!
Thanks for this Emily and Tyler! I needed to hear this more then you will ever know!!!I’m a single mom for 4 years now and turning 36 this year, never been married and really wondering if I ever going to find the one that God has chosen for me!!!! You gave me hope for having the Agape love one day and for giving God place in my heart again!!!Thank you so much for the beautiful person you and Tyler are together!!!
Please can I ask for you if you can pray for me and my daughter, Mericke please? She was raped when she was 2 years and 5 months old by someone from our old church and ever since that happened I have lost all faith in my relationship with God, men and the Church. I don’t have a relationship with my own dad and the same happened to me what happened to Mericke and it feel like it was all my fault. I’m going to a church camp this weekend with my mom and daughter and really pray that I find my way back to God and really to be there for my daughter and to be happy again in myself and not to hate the fat Cindy I became 4 years back.
Thank you for the great message and for sharing it with us.
God Bless you Emily,Tyler and Ricky
Love in Jesus, Cindy and Mericke from South Africa.
Wow! Emily,
I have been such a fan of yours over the past four years. From the moment you appeared on The Bachelor I could instantly tell you were the kind of woman I would aspire to be. At first it was your poise, and kind spirit which leaped off the screen that inspired me. And then of course I loved your eye for style and beauty. Today, after watching your video I am without a doubt, certain that The Lord gave you such a place of influence for a reason. You story is powerful and of all the ways you’ve inspired me this has been the most meaningful. I love The Lord but still as a single twenty something have struggled with and idolized relationships. Eventually closing myself off to them completely. You have shown me that those moments will come but we still need to put in the work within ourselves and really fall in love with The Lord. Thank you for being the vessel in which such a powerful message was delivered. Jesus is so funny! He knew just who I needed to hear this from… You!
Thanks for being so honest with us all!
Emily–what a beautiful and amazing testimony from both you and Tyler. You can see the grace of God working through both of you. You two are building the foundation for a wonderful Christ Centered marriage and God will use both of you to reach and spread the power of his word. I wish you only the best happiness in love as you three move forward in your family and marriage together.
Emily, I watched this video after seeing you post it on Instagram. First of all let me say congratulations! I have been a huge fan of yours ever since you embarked on reality tv and it makes me so happy to see you with someone so amazing and to see y’all so in love. A Christ centered relationship is what prevails over everything. I will be celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary next week and through the good, the bad, three kids..through it all…the one thing that remains constant is God and His love. I can tell you have finally found the real deal and I wish you so much joy and happiness!
Leading me to watch this video also led me to Forrest Hills website. I’ve been watching sermons all day! We still have not found a church since moving to Charlotte and this may be the perfect fit. Finding this today and having the time to watch, made me feel that God is looking out for me and He wants me to find a church home as well. Thank you for sharing your story. God bless!
Hi Emily, you were meant to be on reality TV as you have such wonderful grace, humility, faith and beauty (inside and out). You are a teacher, a healer and a guide for others. I have leant from your post today and I am sitting in an apartment in Sydney, Australia. Some of the words you wrote were EXACTLY what I needed to hear in that exact moment. Tyler seems wonderful, you have done an amazing job at fulfilling your role He has given you, and I wish you further and beautiful blessings. xx
Thank you for sharing your faith and using your platform to shine a light on Jesus.
Emily, I know you said that you were trying to find any excuse to not speak in your church and share your story with all of us, but I’m so glad you did. Your story of turning to God in your darkest hour and focusing just on finding God instead of finding a man was so inspirational. Your pastor’s words and scripture were exactly what I have been needing to hear. I’ve already shared this with all of my girlfriends. Thank you so much and I wish you and Tyler all of the best in the future!! xoxo
Your post gave me chills. The good kind. : )
Emily,
Thank you for being a light and a fresh inspiration. From day 1 on your first time on the Bachelor, I have been a fan. I could see your inner beauty shining then & I always had this hope that you and Ricki would find the right fit for your family! You’re so classy and poised. Total definition of a southern gal! (I’m from NC and I wish I still lived there!) I was so bummed for you when things didn’t work out after The Bachelorette, but so happy to hear that you have since gotten engaged! God’s timing is always right! I love how God has used your platform to send out a wonderful message. As a married woman, who has made past mistakes (and certainly continues to make mistakes), putting God at the center is really what it’s all about. It’s sometimes not the easiest thing for the both of us to do, but we try. We’re always reminded of grace. Thank you for the encouraging message, both from you and Tyler. Wishing y’all the best and many blessings!!
Emily,
I supported you on the bachelor and bachelorette and of course, now. I related to you then and I relate to you now as well. Being broken brought you to a place that would explain to you (and to me) why god didn’t bring to you what you felt you truly needed at the time. He instead brought you what you really needed, self love. I’m tagging you in an instagram post I found that spoke to me a ton and I hope it speaks to you. It’s about the wrong person who was brought to us temporarily but for a very good reason. Looking forward to hearing about your big day. Xo
Thank you for reminding me that not settling for anyone less than a good, Godly man is worth the wait!
What an inspiration you are to me and so many! I am the CSM at the Airport that your past fiance` was headed to on that fateful day (Martinsville/Blue Ridge) I had heard your story of how you were supposed to be on that plane long before you were in the public eye and I have kind of followed you ever since. You have an amazing platform to inspire young girls and Mothers like me to be Christ centered and show that a Woman in today’s society can be Smart, Beautiful, Classy AND Love the Lord. You and Tyler are a beautiful example of what love and second chances are all about. Thank you and Keep Shining my friend! XoXo
Emily, I just want to say thank you for having the courage to share this! It was so encouraging and helpful to me personally and I know to so many other people. What really spoke to me is how God is the God of second (third, fourth, a thousand) chances and how he is the only thing to make you whole again. Thank you for reminding me!
Lots of love to you and your family
Jessica
Great story!
Emily can I just tell you that I watched both of the shows you were on. I never thought badly of you…….you were just a young woman trying to find love. Never any judgment here. I guess the problem was that I knew you were a Christian and neither one of the guys you ended up with were. Clearly Tyler is the person God had for you. Just remember, everything we go through in life makes us who we are. I’m so happy for you and you clearly have a happy future with Tyler. God bless you sweetie. LOVED watching the video……brought tears to my eyes. 🙂
Emily-I usually don’t comment on celebrities’ websites, twitters, instagrams, etc because I know a lot of them don’t usually have time to look at it, but I felt compelled to comment on this post. I noticed you wrote why would God put me through something like the Bachelor and Bachelorette knowing my future husband was only a few miles from your house.
I think so many young girls were able to learn from you during your time on those shows. As a young girl still trying to find her way in the dating scene, I’m now 21, I learned a lot about having self respect while dating from watching you. I loved how on the bachelor you really set your standards and boundaries, you didn’t throw yourself at the guy like other girls were doing. You made him work for your affection till the very end. And when it came to the fantasy suite, I think you were probably the very first girl on that show to really set boundaries for yourself before you went in there. So many girls these days have so little respect for themselves when it comes to dating. And I thought there was such a huge message at the end of that show: the girl with the most respect for herself, the one who set her boundaries is the one who won over the man.
I also noticed on the Bachelorette you continued to let guys know you had boundaries but I also loved how you showed even though you were on this show, your daughter was still number one priority and guys needed to be okay with that.
I was able to learn a lot from you, how I don’t have to be promiscuous or throw myself at guys for them to like me. How guys respect girls who respect themselves. So next time you’re pondering why did God send me on that show? Well there were probably a lot of reasons, but I know one reason is for certain, you went on that show to set a good example and be a good role model when it comes to dating for young girls all across the country.
Emily, you are such a sweet person to put yourself out there like this. You and your fiance seem great together. I especially like how he proposed and how he says that you guys adopted him. So cute! I have always loved your grace, style and sense of humor. You seem like you have made great choices. I just didn’t like how the pastor kept devaluing your experiences. Your experiences have shaped who you are and that is a great person. You have nothing to feel bad for or feel sorry about. I just wanted you to know that.
Wow! This is amazing! Thanks so much for sharing your story!
xx
Lauren Elizabeth
Petite in Pearls
Hi Emily! I actually just started going to Forest Hill and was so happy that you and Tyler happened to be speaking during the service my second time there. I know you said you were nervous but you did an awesome job and definitely spoke to my heart. I was in a bad relationship in college and after for 5 years and often wondered why God would allow me to go thru such a horrible situation. Once I got out of that relationship I ended up dating and then marrying my best friend since I was 14 (we also dated in high school). And let me tell you I could not have a more amazing God loving husband than I do now. I also understand that I went thru that pain, embarrassment, and heartache years ago to not only grow stronger in my faith but to be able to help others who are in bad relationships from a counseling perspective. Are you and Tyler involved in any couples/small groups at Forest Hill? My husband and I were thinking about joining one.
Emily, thank you so much for having the courage to share your story. I was so moved by what you guys shared at Forest Hill. I truly believe your testimony is going to bless so many single women and men in preparing themselves for a Christ centered life and marriage.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’ve listened to about 2 other sermons on the Forest Hill website and God has spoke to me so much through them, so thank you so much!! This also gives me hope that I can have a Godly relationship just like you have. 🙂
Thank you for being an example! Although humiliating and heart breaking, your story, your heart, and your faith have touched more people than you know. I am so thankful that God worked through every inch of your story. Your humble heart shines so bright! I am thankful for your Pastor opening up the stage for your fight with fame, and relationships. It is relevant, and refreshing to so many!
Emily, since I first knew you existed (thanks, Bachelor) I have admired your sweet spirit, sense of humor, refreshing honesty, and what a wonderful mother you are. Watching your story today brought tears to my eyes. I identify with so much of it–I have always been a Christian, but struggled to really let Christ have full control over all parts of my life, especially relationships. I was already an old married woman when I watched you on the Bachelor, and a mother when you were on the Bachelorette, but I wish when I was single that there would’ve been more people like you in my life willing to be honest about their own struggles. Sometimes there is such pressure in the Christian world to appear perfect in our own strength, rather than letting others see our weaknesses, and how God’s strength is made perfect in them. Feeling embarrassed about our struggles makes it that much harder to overcome them. I am sad to hear you felt such pain and embarrassment after being on the shows, because I truly believe God has allowed your time in the spotlight to touch many hearts, and to give hope to so many women who wrestle with the same things. I know you have touched my heart. On my bucket list is “Become friends with Emily Maynard,” and it’s only half a joke! I guess dressing in your jewelry can be a close second 🙂 You are so brave to allow God to use you in this way. Please don’t ever stop!
You and Tyler did a great job at church the other week and definitely entertained us as well! I guess it’s natural to be nervous and second guess ourselves, but Emily, your faith is far from insignificant….remember you’re talking about His daughter when you say those things. 🙂 Your testimony is more impactful because of your experiences. They may have often unfolded in the public eye, but nonetheless, they make you human just like everyone else. If you’re anything like me, you can relate to someone better when you know they truly understand the triumphs and trials of this world, instead of always having a storybook life – their words carry more weight. You’ve been given a platform for a reason! I’ve found that using our platforms, whatever they may be, to point back to God seems to validate our painful moments in life, which tends to bring them full circle. I think you summarized your experience through TV and beginning a relationship with Tyler perfectly when you said (at the Saturday service), “God wasn’t going to bring Tyler into my life until he was a blessing and not a necessity.” For some people it’s a relationship and for others it may be a job, buying a house or getting accepted to a certain school. The significance is in learning to trust God to meet your needs (even if they are different than what you think they are) and how He “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” when we just let go of control. That’s a lesson that everyone can relate to on some level.
Glad you’ve been given this platform and for the way you are using it (Tyler too)!
Thanks for sharing this. It’s good to hear your story and how you processed your Bachelor days and your faith. And to hear how a good Christian relationship should be built…especially in light of this week’s activities on that show.
Emily
Just watched your church video and I have to say you are the most inspiring beautiful person inside and out. I have been drawn to you ever since your days on TV. I knew you were something special. You are such a great role model for us women and especially for your daughter. I hope i can be just as inspiring for my daughter as you are for yours . Lots of love
Dear Emily,
I came to your blog tonight to see what beauty tips you have as I think you have a terrific sense of style. I watehed your video at Forest Hill; and was moved to tears. I am a single Mom of two boys and was so touched by how real you are and how brave you were to speak so openly and do it all for God’s glory. God can make our dreams more beautiful than anything we can ever design for ourselves. He really decided to work in you and have you reach many and you did a stellar job! You deserve so much happiness and may you and your beautiful family have a lifetime of it. This is all very inspiring as I wait on the Lord. You are beautiful on the outside but your love for Christ makes you Stunning. Keep being bold in the One who made you.
God bless you,
Patricia
I just watched the video, and I agree with your pastor’s prayer and even felt he was, prophetically, saying that the Lord is going to give both you and Tyler platforms to do so…to dispel the “love” that Hollywood portrays. I feel like the Lord is going to give you, Emily, unwavering strength and confidence to do so. I can only imagine how unique your position is though…and maybe even somewhat intimidating because of your friendships and connections formed with so many in the industry. But as you continue to allow God to use you, speak through you, do what He asks you to do, say what He asks you to say when He asks you to say it, hearts-minds-perspectives-lives will be transformed…not just lives of your fans, but I’m talking specifically the lives of those in Hollywood. Those He calls, He equips as you know. And you may not feel equipped now. But in addition to your Christ-centered family life, and however many more children He may bless you with, I really see many in Hollywood coming to their knees in Christ through you and Tyler. Obviously I don’t know you two, but I can tell He paired you two up so well together. Tyler has leadership written all over him, and I can tell he will lead your family well. I am so sincerely happy for you Emily. So glad you posted the link to the video too. Jewelry, fashion, nothing wrong with that-but this has been my favorite post of yours 🙂 Praying blessings and favor over you guys as you head into this next season of life together xx
Hi Emily,
Thank you so much for posting the link to your video with Tyler. Thank you for being brave enough to share your story. You have no idea how much I needed to hear everything you and Tyler shared. I believe God directed me to your website just to hear what you had to say. I have always been a big fan of yours on the Bachelor/Bachelorette, I think you had such grace and humility during the entire process. Seeing you overcome heartbreak was a powerful encouragement to me. As a single christian 28 year old, wanting to be married for years, it gives me so much hope that you have found a wonderful guy. I know God has been faithful to you, and I can trust him as well. Bless you both, thank you so much. xx Catherine
Thank you for sharing. I am thrilled for you! I watched you on both shows and I am so glad you shared your testimony. You are such a gracious, loving person! May the Lord bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you.
Thank you Emily for sharing this testimony of your life. It has given me a new hope today that I will find a man of God that will see my light that shines from within and I will see his. This really made me cry to see that you have found this beautiful christ-centered love with Tyler. I’m so happy for you! Thanks again for sharing!
Wow Emily. I had seen you on the bachelorette and love the show. Recently I have been digging more and more into my faith and love for Christ and this newest season I find pointless and false. After watching your wedding video which is beautiful by the way I came across your blog and this video at your church. I am in awe of how strong you are and your love for the Lord. I wish that more “celebrities” we’re like you. Your relationship with Tyler is one I admire and hope to have in my future and pray for daily. Being a young adult in today’s society it’s hard to find examples of a beautiful agape love. I am moved by your openness and willingness to share your story and wish you all the best. This makes me proud to be a Christian and live with Christian values. I pray and wish for you a lifetime of happiness. Thank you for being a beautiful example of Godly women.
Kristi (19yrs)
Emily,
I have really only watched one season of the Bachelor or Bachelorette and that was the season that you were on the Bachelor. And gosh as stunning as you were to watch on tv, you had an inner beauty that was deep and intriguing. So much so that I very randomly thought of you tonight. And as crazy as it was I looked you up online and stumbled across your blog and especially this post. 🙂 I watched the entire sermon your pastor preached and I couldn’t stop smiling. It was beautiful and also filled with solid truth. I love Jesus with my whole heart and I for whatever reason felt led to comment to say how my heart is rejoicing over your journey and the God that redeems and heals all of our broken places. I want you to also know that I want to commit to pray for you over the next months. And I mean that with my whole heart. ❤️❤️❤️
thanks for posting this! watching the bachelor is one of my guilty pleasures.. up there with starbursts, coke and movie theater popcorn. but, similar to junk food, it seems so empty of value and even damaging, because the “love” it celebrates is isn’t love at all. i am so glad that God has done this work in your life and blessed you with such a great husband, and true understanding of love. i was in an empty relationship about the time you were the bachelorette, and God has redeemed me as well 🙂 now married to a man whom i truly don’t deserve, and our baby is due to arrive this summer.. kind of similar to you it looks like 🙂 praying that God continues to be your first love and blesses your family! xo
Just wanted to thank you for sharing your experience. I know that being on the Bachelor and the Bachelorette was a painful experience for you, but in many ways you inspired me and set a standard for Godly living by your choices!