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Book Review: Who Are You Following? by Sadie Robertson Huff

Thursday, March 10, 2022

 

Happy Thursday, My Lovelies!  I apologize for not posting much lately.  Our daughter Shelley has been on vacation, and she is spending it at home with me!  She's been off for a little over week, and she has two more weeks of vacation left.  We're watching movies, reading, and doing a few other activities like guided journaling.  It has been nice having this time with her!  Once she goes back to work, I'll write a catch-up post.  :D

Today I'm reviewing Sadie Robertson Huff's latest book entitled Who Are You Following? Pursuing Jesus in a Social Media Obsessed World.  It also has a guided journaling companion book, too.  Shelley is the same age as Sadie, and she has read several of her previous books.  Knowing Shelley is a fan, I agreed to be a part of this tour.

According to Goodreads:

If influencers have power over us, who are you allowing to influence you? 

In an online world obsessed with follows and likes, it’s important to consider what you’re really searching for. When you follow someone, it’s typically because you want to be like them or live like they do­–but who have you placed as your role models? 

In Who Are You Following? bestselling author and social media personality Sadie Robertson Huff dives deep into exploring who we are allowing to influence our daily thoughts and actions. With an excellent grasp of scriptural truths, using current research, surveys, and personal and biblical stories, Sadie draws on her own experience as a social media influencer and addresses topics such as


  • how to go from being liked to being truly loved
  • our true motives for fame
  • being seen from the outside versus being known
  • comparing ourselves to others
  • questioning why did I post that?!
  • how to respond to cancel culture wondering does God still love me?

This book is perfect for young Christians wondering how they can live a vibrant, bold, and uncompromising life of faith in God by following the Messiah–the ultimate influencer. Discover the love, purpose, and fulfillment that is found only in Jesus. 


My Review:

At the beginning of the book, there are statistics about screen time, cyber bullying, body dysmorphia, anxiety and depression, and the astounding numbers of videos uploaded daily (eight billion live videos are watched daily on Facebook).  These stats as well as others are in the very first chapter, "Who is Influencing You?"  It is shocking and well-researched.  I also read a few of the articles referenced in the book, especially from this chapter just to get more information.  It's disappointing how young people (and older adults) are influenced negatively by social media and how they look to social media influencers to guide their spending.

Once I got over the initial shock of the statistics in the first chapter, the rest of the book asks a lot of pointed questions, like:

Who are you comparing yourself to, and do you believe that you would be more lovable or valuable if you had a fan base?
Why do you want to be famous? 
Are you putting more effort into your public life or your private life?
Whose truth are you following? (All truth is God's truth.)

Sadie confronts these questions with events and insight from her own life, and how specific scripture and her walk with Christ has helped her to remain grounded.  

My favorite chapter is Chapter 7: "Are You Following Cancel Culture?"  This is one of the most horrific forms of bullying on social media.  People's lives and businesses have been ruined because of cancel culture.  Sadie reminds Christians that cancel culture isn't biblical, and that Jesus, as our role model, often sought relationships with people considered the dregs of society during his time here on earth.  We are commanded to have compassion and forgive.  After all, it's God's job to judge, not ours.  

I think this is a very important book for young adults as well as new adults.  If you're looking for a meaningful high school graduation gift, this book would definitely be appreciated.  It should give readers a proper perspective on social media and what their true focus and passion should be:


"And Jesus said, 'Come, follow Me!'"
Matthew 4:19



 
I wanted to give you a glimpse inside the guided journal because it's very nice, too.  Shelley loves it!


There is plenty of room in the journal for reflection.


Disclosure:  I'd like to thank TLC Book Tours for inviting me to be a part of the tour.  I received the book and journal from Thomas Nelson via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.





Until next time...

Happy reading!
Ricki Jill


9 comments

  1. Nothing better than a good long visit your kids!! Enjoy your vacation time with her!

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  2. I'm so happy to hear Shelley is there with you. She's such a beautiful young lady and I know you are enjoying some special time with her. Love the journal you are both working on. That sounds like a great idea! Sweet hugs to you both, Diane

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  3. Love that you and Shelley can work together and have this precious time with each other. Have a great rest of the week together. xoxo Kris

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  4. I know you and Shelly are enjoying her vacation time together. What a wonderful book and the guided journaling companion for you to share with her. I really want this book RJ, for someone special to me. This certainly sounds like time well spent. Wishing you both a lovely weekend. A wonderful review.......XO

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  5. Wonderful news to have Shelley home with you. I know you are thrilled!
    Hugs to you, sweet friend.

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  6. Oh, I'm so glad Shelley is home for a few weeks! That must be such wonderful joy for both of you and really time to treasure. The book sounds very interesting with much food for thought. Thanks for mentioning it!

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  7. Thank you for the book recommendation RJ, my oldest grand is going to be 14 in May, and he is always on some kind of device, such a different world today and I worry about what he is exposed to...so glad you are enjoying special times with your daughter, perfect medicine!
    Jenna

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  8. This sounds like such a great read for my oldest! Thank you for being on this tour. Sara @ TLC Book Tours

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  9. This is a great gift suggestion for high schoolers. I have a great niece who will be graduating this year, thanks for the review.
    Happy for you to be spending quality time with Shelley. My doses with my girls are like little shots these days, but I take them every chance I get. Enjoy!

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I'm Ricki Jill. Welcome! I'm honored that you're reading my blog. I enjoy sharing my creative lifestyle @ The Bookish Dilettante. For more information about my blog, please read the Start Here page. Thank-you for stopping by, and I hope you'll consider following me via email.

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