Live Fearless: A Call to Power, Passion, and Purpose

by Sadie Robertson Huff, Beth Clark (Primary Contributor), Louie Giglio (Introduction)

Sadie Robertson, bestselling author and star of Dancing with the Stars, has an important message for her generation: you don’t have to be held back by fear, anxiety, or loneliness anymore. In Live Fearless, Sadie takes you on a thrilling personal journey toward power, passion, and purpose as you live at the center of who God created you to be!

Dear friends,

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty tired of the struggle. You know which one I mean—fear, loneliness, not knowing who I am or what I’m meant to do. . . . Sound familiar? 

I struggled with insecurity, comparison, and isolation for too many years, from thigh gaps to eyebrows to the lifestyles I felt I had to live up to. I was so afraid of being “found out,” that everyone in my life would somehow figure out that I was fearful and small and that I struggled to make my faith a reality and to be secure in who I am. It took a major perspective shift from staring at comments on a screen to really digging into the pages of my Bible to see what God actually says about overcoming fear.

Setting aside the fear, anxiety, and comparison to become the joy-filled person God created you to be is exactly what God is inviting you into. To really be seen and known. To be an agent of change by choosing compassion, connection, and acceptance for everyone you come in contact with. Inside this book are ways to find your power, passion, and purpose—and reach for your dreams. Plus, there are places to jot down notes, fun lists, practical ways to make changes, and thoughts on how living fearless can change everything.

Are you tired of the awful comparison game? Are you exhausted from trying to keep up, from feeling small and afraid that people will find the real you and be disappointed? There is so much more for you. No matter who you are, where you come from, or what your fears are, freedom is available to you. It’s just a matter of saying yes. You in?

Hope you’ll join me on this wild adventure as we learn to Live Fearless together.

                                                                                                                             Love,

                                                                                                                             Sadie

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Self Help, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction, Spirituality

196 pages, Hardcover

First published February 6, 2018

Reviews

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful book. I am a 26 year old woman and I have been struggling with fear, anxiety, and depression for quite a while. I picked up this book without a whole lot of belief that it would help much. I mean, what help could this young woman be to me. Turns out, a lot!

I have followed Duck Dynasty and read the books by the other members of this wonderful family but I didn’t think I would learn so much from someone quite a bit younger than me. As it turns out, Sadie suffered from a lot of fear her entire life. With prayer and a lot of hard work, along with the help of God, she was finally able to conquer it. This is her story and tips for how we can also overcome it and live the life God planned for us.

I highlighted more parts of this book than any other book I have read, other than the Bible. I highlighted Bible passages that moved me, suggestions that I found extremely helpful, and quotes I enjoyed and want to remember. When I have a tough day, I plan to look back at these highlighted passages and remind myself of God’s love and plan for my life.

By the time I got to the end of this book, which didn’t take long at all because it’s a short book, I felt a peace I haven’t felt in a long time. I finally felt as though I can defeat fear in all its forms and try to live a happier life. I plan to use some of Sadie’s tools, along with my Bible, and try to restore my peace and happiness.

I thank Sadie for writing this book and sharing her journey with the rest of us. I would recommend this book to anyone who struggles with fear, anxiety, or any byproduct of them. Don’t discount this book due to Sadie’s age, she has a lot of wisdom and it can help you too.


*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time)]

I don't have any interest in this book, but I just want to say:

LIVE FEARLESSLY!!! -LY is important!

[Sunshine Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I never saw one episode of A&E's hit reality series Duck Dynasty. But I watched this girl perform on Season 19 of ABC's Dancing with the Stars. And I was fascinated by her youthfulness, her integrity, her dance moves and more importantly...her faith! So I HAD to read her book "Fearless." I believe this book is targeted to a college - age level but can be appreciated by any reader of any age. Sadie gives an example in each chapter about how to "work the Word" and even "how to pray" as she gives an example of how prayer has changed her life. The main premise of this book was about overcoming Fear and that is a necessary topic especially in this day and age! But it's also her journey on overcoming fear, not letting it stop her, taking excerpts from the Bible and how the reader can experience a similar breakthrough. To me...it seemed equivalent to "sitting down" with an on-fire-for-God teenager and letting her speak...and it was a thoroughly enjoyable "time with Sadie" and a book I would definitely recommend!

[S.G. Willoughby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to be completely honest here. At first, I wasn't sure about this book. It didn't seem to share anything revelational or unique. Just the same message about fear we've heard so many times. The writing style, while easy to read, wasn't SUPER captivating. But eventually, I began to realize that maybe that's the beauty of the book. Basic truths that everyone needs to hear shared in an honest and understandable way. No Christianese or complex theology. Just the basics. And those basics are worth repeating.

And THEN, I got to chapters 5 (Connect the Dots) and 6 (Exhale Your Ugly). Wow. Ouch. Wow. I read them quickly back to back as I sobbed in the car by myself. When the pages got too blurry, I'd turn up Klove, and pray my heart out until the tears reduced enough for me to read more. God used those two chapters to touch my heart in powerful and healing ways just when I needed them. It took me a long time to read this, but the chapters (especially those two) seemed to always line up to be just what I needed.

[Brooke — brooklynnnnereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very relatable, realistic, and inspiring read. Although this book is targeted at a younger audience, I found the content ageless and appropriate for anyone across the lifespan.

I really liked the messages that Sadie shared and I felt that whomever the author truly was (whether it be Beth Clark or Sadie Robertson), the writing captured her personality perfectly. It felt like reading advice from a friend when self-help books can often feel like you're being spoken 'down' to as a reader.

This read was a quick read for me but it could be read at different speeds depending on how you work with the content. There's somewhat of an interactive component where Sadie allows the reader to reflect on their own life.

As stated, I think this book would be suitable for many ages. Whether it be a young girl or an older woman. Sadie's examples and the messages that she delivers, are helpful reminders for anyone who finds themselves 'off course'. I will continue to look for books published by Sadie Robertson in the future as I have enjoyed each book that I've read by her so far.

***Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

[‧͙୨୧ opal reads ୨୧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned some really useful information and I really enjoyed reading Sadie's writing! One of my fav non-fiction books :)

[Victoria Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC read this over the course of only 3 hours.

Full Review:

I already knew that I liked and really respect Sadie Robertson. I had viewed the message she references in this book a few times on her youtube channel. (which I would highly recommend you take a look at, it was so good!)

Sadie writes with an easy style that makes it quick to relate to, a fast paced, but encouraging flow of information, encouragement, stories and helpful tips. I loved reading this book and it was a great one for me to read, cementing in some things that God has taught me this past year. I would highly recommend this book! Every young girl should read it at least once in their teen years.

[Michaela Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I erronously pre-ordered this book expecting something that would tell me how to pursue a career including my God-given talents. I got something that is much more than that, and uncovered things I didn't even think about. Fear is something that is incredibly popular in today's society, to the point that maybe we're assimilating it into everyday life. But for me? No sir. No thanks. Nope...which is why I read the book, re-read it to take notes, and will be keeping it for personal reference AND to reference it for writing. Sadie nails her subject material right in the head with this book, and I like it even more than "Live Original" which I read when it was released. If you're a Christian who struggles with fear, anxiety, or anything, READ THIS BOOK, SERIOUSLY.

[Carlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Now, I do need to start this review by saying that this isn't the sort of book that I would pick up on my own. That doesn't mean that I'm not interested or I don't see the worth in this book, I just wouldn't choose to reach for this one. However, this book was gifted to me, and I'm glad that I finally found the time to read it. I thought that this book was so fulfilling! Sadie Robertson taught me so many valuable lessons over the course of this book. She really got me thinking in a good way. The stories that the author told were relatable, and I was able to fully understand what she was trying to say. Often with religious books they can feel out of reach and be straight up confusing. I did not feel confused once when reading this book. There were so many bible verses that were brought to my attention that I know I am going to read over and over again. I also appreciated how this book made me spend time with God. I really enjoyed the time that I set aside to read this book. I tuned out the world and just focused on the words in front of me. It was a truly enjoyable experience. There was no cursing, no sexual content, and no violence in this book. There is nothing that would be inappropriate for a younger reader, but I do think that it fits best in the YA age category. I just think that teens are better equipped to read and appreciate the words that are in this novel. I highly highly recommend this book. I loved everything second of the reading experience, and I think that this book says some important things. If you are looking for some religious inspiration and fulfillment that is relatable, I think that this could be the book for you. I will definitely be reading more from Sadie Roberston in the future, and I am excited to do so.

[Eva-Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I didn't go into this book with many expectations, but I LOVED it. It's written beautifully, movingly, and even wittily. I haven't watched much Duck Dynasty, so I don't 'know' Sadie Robertson like a lot of Americans do, but after reading this book I'd love to meet her! There's such good, Biblical advice in this book about how to live fearlessly in a frightening world. Highly inspiring and highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Caroline DeWeil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh did this book hit home! These pages are full of reviving, inspiring, and challenging words, along with vulnerable stories from Sadie’s own life that help you feel seen and understood. I came out this book brimming with hope and I can definitely say without a doubt that it has left a lasting impact on me!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the fact that it's definitely not my word for the year, fear seems to be taking a front row seat in my reading. Not only have I read a few books combating fear this year, the high school retreat we had a few months ago focused on Joshua and how he faced his fears as well.  Combating fear is never an easy task, but in her new book Live Fearless, Sadie Robertson reminds us that it is possible.

I've been a Roberston family fan since the early days of Duck Dynasty. Though I don't know them personally, their willingness to speak about and share their faith has been encouraging. Their fight to teach their children morals and manners and faith is encouraging. I've watched Sadie Robertson from afar as she danced on Dancing With the Stars, begun creating fashion lines, and even speaking.

In reading Live Fearless, I was reminded once again of the fact that we really don't get to see what's going on inside a person. Especially when we see them on "reality" TV or through social media. Robertson shares how she has battled some serious issues in her life as a result of fear. She's had to push through the fear and learn how to live fearlessly based on truth in scripture.

Live Fearless is the perfect book for a teenager who might be struggling right now with fear. I wasn't the target audience. But there was still plenty for me to glean from the message Robertson shares within these pages. She writes a genuine message that shares her heart for others to find freedom like she has. 

Robertson may not have set out to be a role model for young girls. But she is filling in that role quite well. She's sharing the message God has given her. 

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own, honest opinion.

[Cassie Troja · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I have to say that I'm impressed by Sadie's candor and maturity, despite her youth. I know that makes me sound old, and honestly at thirty-*cough* years old I didn't get much from this book. I do, however, see how this could be a wonderfully uplifting and challenging book for teenage and college-age women. Sadie is honest about her experiences, she's well spoken, everything is biblically sound, and I was impressed by some of the research she did. Without giving too much away, I've been inspired to look up plankton and learn more about them! I was also inspired to consider her point-of-view as I raise my own daughter in the coming years. I may come back to this book when my daughter is older and I start seeing her battle some of her fears. This book is a sweet gift, especially for those navigating normal fears and anxieties about growing up and facing a harsh world. I would recommend this to my teenage nieces, as well as any other young women I know. Thank you for sharing your heart, Sadie. Keep it up!

[Alyssa Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book at the right time in my life. Sadie is so inspirational. I encourage all girls to read this book at least one way in their life. It really is a life changing book.

[Lydia Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHY I CHOOSE THIS BOOK

I've seen Live Fearless multiple times at stores and it always looked interesting. I don't know a ton about Miss Sadie, but I've watched a few of her videos on YouTube and was properly impressed. Everything she stands on seems to be solid, so when I had the chance to review this book from NetGalley, I was excited. 

WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT THIS BOOK

Folks, I was blown away. Sadie has a beautiful voice where she shares her story in an honest, sometimes amusing, and very relatable way. It seemed like the book was written for teens, but I feel like it related well to other age groups as well. 

I read the book in one evening not really wanting to put it down because the writing was so compelling and encouraging, and real. Sadie discusses how she lived her life with fear dictating her steps and consuming her. That's a horrible way to live and one day she decided she was done with being a slave to fear so she went on a journey to discover what the Bible says about living fearlessly. 

I recently read another book that was supposedly a Christian living book but focused almost entirely on people being strong enough on their own. Live Fearless was refreshingly balanced with talking about how we really do need to do the work to live the life we were meant to live, but that we have to be walking with God in order to do that. Sadie backs up everything she says with the Bible, pointing to God's Word as the ultimate authority as to why we are supposed to move forward in confidence. It made me want to highly recommend this book - especially to teens.  

CONCLUSION

Live Fearless is full of practical, biblical advice, real-life examples, easy-to-read writing, and encouragement to help you live a life that is guided by God's truths instead of fear. 

One last thing: The book talks a lot about Sadie's journey with Dancing with the Stars, and I want to clarify that I don't recommend watching the show. ;) 

RATING

I’m giving Live Fearless 4 out of 5 stars and recommend the book to teens or anyone who wants a quick, encouraging read

*This book was given to me by NetGalley so I could review it. So sweet of them, right? All the thoughts shared in this post are my own

[lauren ♡ (literallyilliterate)]

I really enjoyed this book despite taking forever to read it. It's the kind of book that you have to sit, highlight, and ponder for a while. Sadie's anecdotes make it an entertaining read, and her reflection questions leave a lot to think about. She is so wise and I loved how every chapter pointed back to Jesus. I'm glad I read this now instead of when it was gifted to me years ago because it touched on a lot of things I'm dealing with at the moment. Will definitely revisit in the future.

[Jessica Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watched Duck Dynasty growing up as a teenager. This whole family has a special place in my heart. 🖤 Listening to this book (the 1st book I have read from any member of the family) and I LOVED it! I have anxiety, just like anyone else. I let it consume me and my thoughts quite a bit. Listening to Sadie talk about her own personal fears and anxieties she suffered with throughout her life and how she overcomes those challenges is inspiring. Especially when she leans on God. I have not taken notes on an audiobook before but this book had many good topics/tips and Bible verses I felt the strong urge to write down!
I recommend anyone who struggles with fear, worry, anxiety, or just feel like a burden leaning on God in our down/ugly moments to read/listen to this book.

[Addie Villarreal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read a Sadie Robertson book before but really liked this one honestly and will definitely read more of hers

[Aishah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book for middle aged, high school aged, and students just entering into college. To me, I felt like it was definitely aimed towards 13-17 year olds, but age and maturity always varies. Nonetheless, this book is short and a good read for anyone of any age. In a sense, it’s rejuvenating.
I would have found this very helpful when I was younger, even now it was refreshing to read, but like I said, for anyone going through transitions in their life or who is in the process of trying to find themselves in many forms, whether you are religious or not, you can pick up this book and use it in which ever way you’d like. I am not religious and I still managed to gain a lot from this, because although I do not practice a certain religion, I am spiritual. Substitute certain words for others if you so choose. If you are young and religious, I think you are looking in the right place, start here.

[Kyle Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally wanted to read this book to see if it would be beneficial for my daughters to read once they enter their teen years. However, the more I read, the more I began to enjoy it and the message that Sadie pours out in it. Let me preface this review by saying I never really watched Duck Dynasty. I've only seen two episodes. Plus I do not watch Dancing With the Stars. I read this book as a Christian father with two young daughters that are growing up in a time of uncertainty and social turbulence. I found the message and lessons in this book to be insightful and timely. I will gladly give it to my daughters when they are older.

This book is not about Sadie Robertson. It will not teach you how to have her life and her success and her passion for everything. However, this book will unlock the potential that is inside of you to live a fearless life if you embrace the trust and guidance of Jesus Christ. Guided by Psalm 46, Sadie Robertson chronicles how her faith in God has helped her to break free from the bonds of anxiety, fear, and worry in her life. Not once does Sadie proclaim how strong she is to be able to overcome the obstacles in her life. She makes it a point to give God the glory in all circumstances. The material contained in this book is Biblically sound and straight from the heart.

Sadie shares the personal battles she has faced in her past, plus those she continues to encounter everyday, and how she uses the power of prayer and her faith in God to push through and overcome them. Several different Bible translations are used to clarify key points, as well as quotes from evangelists and scholars such as John Piper.

Each chapter has questions, challenges, words of encouragement, prayer points, and key points to take note of. Work the Word challenges the reader to live fearlessly in the face of adversity by creating an action plan. There is also a notes section to write and reflect as you go along.

I would recommend this book to all Christians, especially youth and young adults. Young people today face many uncertainties and hardships day in and day out. This book would be a great tool to accompany a daily Bible regimen. I received this as a free ARC from Tommy Nelson (Thomas Nelson: Children's) on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lydia Gunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure what to think of this book. I have always admired Sadie's honesty and transparency and this book was full of that.
There was nothing revolutionary in what she wrote though. Just seemed like the average girl growing up and maturing. I think we all have learned those lessons at about the same age.

The only takeaway I had was a actually a quote from someone else, I forget who. Basically you can learn a lot about your enemy from what he tries to make you fear. In the same way, our Enemy often tries to make us fear the very thing that would be best for us. Take this into consideration when we are anxious about something.

[mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

love sadie! this is perfect for girls beginning their walk with Jesus

[Hanna Brisbois]

I just remembered... I started this book back when I was a Christian... I am never going to finish this now.

I remember liking it at the time, and thinking "Yes, God is the key to peace and happiness". I remember feeling validated, because everything she believes is what I used to believe. And honestly, if you need a Christian person to inspire you, I do think she is one of the better examples. Maybe not her ENTIRE family, which is rooted in deep misogyny and toxic masculinity, but Sadie is pretty okay.

Now, I see the way I used to think as being a bad coping mechanism. Laying all of my problems in gods hands, not fully processing things because "it just wasn't Gods plan". These are avoidant, fixed mindset, coping mechanisms. These are the types of techniques religion and this book teach. Yes, of course you're going to feel happier and more at peace when you aren't taking full accountability for your life. When you "lay your life in Gods hands", life is a lot "easier", but it isn't real.

Let me give you some examples of things I would disassociate from, and avoid analyzing:
- If I failed to get a job, instead of looking into what I might be lacking or where I went wrong, I would say "it wasn't gods plan".
- If a romantic relationship failed, instead of looking at how I could be a better partner, I'd think to myself 'he just wasn't the one god intended for me'.
- If my friendships failed, instead of analyzing how I could be a better friend, I would say "they were not the friends for me because they would only lead me to stary from god".
- If someone died, I was at peace knowing they had "moved on to a better place"

I will never forget my friend crying over her break up, and me consoling her saying "he just wasn't the one god intended for you" and her screaming at me that she didn't even believe in god. At the time, I felt sorry for her. I thought, 'she would be so much happier if she believed'. Yes, of course she would, but she also wouldn't fully process and grieve the way we are meant to.

That is the kind of "peace" this book teaches you to have.

[Rebekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 and 1/2 stars. It wasn't written very well and there were a few points that I didn't quite feel like were Biblically-solid. But my main critique is that it wasn't organized very well. Each section didn't really seem to have much to do with the others in the chapter, and the little call to action stuff wasn't super specific or helpful. I was hoping for more concrete, practical ways to conquer fear as a Christian, and instead what I got was more vague kind of "trust God" type things that are all wonderful, but I already know that I need to do that. It's the how to do it that I wish Robertson got into more. I feel like this book was more her writing through her own personal fear, rather than like practically helping others with theirs. Still, there were many good truths in the book, and the final "chapter" was a wonderful, simple, sharing of the Gospel, which I appreciated. My favorite aspect was the many many passages in the back about overcoming fear. I knew the Bible had a ton of verses about it, but it was just cool to see so many of them compiled all together. It was a great encouragement for me today to read through them all in a row.

[Sarah Kho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was such an inspiring good read. I was recommended of this book from my church friends/teachers at my Church. The author explains her struggles that she dealt with as a teen and she writes in the book of how God helped her pull through and overcome them. In the novel, Sadie writes, “Anybody can quit. Only a real champion and a person of character and strength can keep going and refuse to give up.” This quote stood out to me because it reminded me of the moments that were difficult, that although sometimes I have those days where I feel like it's the end of the world because I can't solve a certain problem or because I'm useless. The author made me realize that it's okay to hit rock bottom, because at some point in our lives, we're gonna feel like that. But, that's where we need to push through and have the ability to be bold and to try again. Overall, this book is mean't not just for Christians out there, but anyone who is willing to learn about how to overcome having fear, yet handling it in a mature way like how Sadie did.

[Elli · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 recommend this book to every young woman who struggles with fear. I myself struggle with fear a lot in my life and this book really gave me a better perspective on what fear is and how we can overcome it as Christians. The fact that Sadie is writing from personal experience overcoming fear and the long, difficult process that can be, makes it a relatable and reliable source in my opinion. I love that she makes sure to tie everything she’s saying into Scripture and ultimately pointing the reader back to God as the ultimate source of joy, hope, and fearless living. He can help us overcome any fear, anxiety, or intimidation we face and Sadie gave some really helpful tips in this book about how we can intentionally turn to God and His Word whenever we are feeling fearful about anything, big or small!! If you haven’t read this book yet, I highly recommend you do so very soon :)

[Briana Eckhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-changing! Sadie Robertson has been one of my biggest faith inspirations. She is so uplifting and has great energy. When I discovered this book I knew it would enjoy it.

This book is targeted towards a younger audience. Although I am in high school and fit into that category anyone at any age could read this book and find it enjoyable. This book is so inspirational and can help many people. It dives into the struggle Sadie faced such as anxiety, fear, etc... She explains how in the hard times that she faced her faith was always there.

Reading this book has not only helped me with my faith. but it has also helped me to make changes in my life. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!

[Kayla Conway · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t think I was going to get much of out this book, but I actually found the words inspiring. I am 26 and live in fear of a lot of things, so much so that I sometimes have anxiety attacks and can’t sleep. Sadie’s words hit home and made me feel like I was not alone. I loved the use of scriptures and how she encourages the readers to journal and highlight while reading. I think this book is perfect for our teens and preteens. Sadie is such an amazing role model.

The only reason I am giving this book a 4 star rating instead of a 5 is because I felt like the writing was a little repetitive at times. Other than that, it’s a fabulous, hopeful book about how we can live our life to the fullest and not be scared to say yes to wonderful opportunities!

[Mary Catherine Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It taught me lots of useful things. I liked the questions that made me think a little bit more about different topics. But sometimes I would stop reading it for a while because I didn't have a notebook with me when I saw the question I was supposed to answer. I also procrastinated getting a notebook out to answer it lol. After a while, I did start answering the questions by writing notes on my kindle (that's what I was reading it on). Overall, this was a really good book. But I do feel that my problems with the questions made me like it less, if that makes sense.

[Ellie Dix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to be given a copy of Live Fearless to read and review! I am a big fan of Sadie Robertson and her contagious enthusiasm for all things that glorify God. This is so evident in her writing and all of the hopes she has for her readers. As an adult with college years behind me, I still found most of her book relevant to my own struggles with fear and how I can fight them. I highly recommend this book to any high school or college young woman who struggles with worry and fear, and seeks to find rescue from Jesus. I can’t wait to see what other books she writes in the future!