Maddy Crawford | Girls Gone Bible

Summary

Girls Gone Bible – Episode Summary
Guest: Maddie Crawford
Hosts: Angela Halili & Arielle Reitsma
Release Date: July 24, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode features an open, heartfelt conversation with Maddie Crawford, a young Christian influencer sharing her testimony for the first time on any podcast. Angela and Arielle (Ang & Ari) dive into Maddie’s journey from a “typical” rebellious high schooler to a life-changing encounter with Jesus, the challenges of being a public “baby Christian,” her relationship and marriage to evangelist Bryce, comparison struggles, online criticism, and advice for young believers finding their faith. The tone is candid, supportive, and full of laughter and encouragement.

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Key Topics & Discussion Points

Gen Z Trends & Setting the Tone (02:00–04:24)

• The hosts and Maddie joke about age differences, Gen Z fashion (skinny jeans vs. low-rise), and the pressure to keep up with trends.
• Notable moment:
  • “I think whatever you like is what’s in, so. Whatever.” — Maddie (03:06)
• The vibe is light, friendly, and relatable, connecting across generations.

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Maddie’s Testimony: From Church Kid to Prodigal Daughter (05:27–19:03)

• Growing Up Christian:
  • Maddie was raised in a loving Christian home, frequently attended church and church camp.
  • Experienced “church hurt” in middle school, which pushed her away from church and God.
• Rebellion & Searching for Belonging:
  • “At 15 I started drinking...partying...being rebellious...In high school that was my life.” — Maddie (07:49)
  • Early sexual experiences were driven by desire to fit in, not real conviction.
• College and Rock Bottom:
  • Joined a sorority, escalated drinking, smoking, felt lost (08:57–11:00)
  • Experienced severe depression/anxiety: “I wanted to take my life. It was just the lowest point…” (10:58)
  • Therapy and meds, but no true relief; continued to numb pain.
• A Tipping Point:
  • “I hit a point where I was like, what am I doing?...I feel like there’s something better for me.” — Maddie (13:11–13:40)
  • Dropped out of sorority and college, prayed sincerely for the first time, seeking God’s plan.

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Moving to LA & A Surprising Encounter with Jesus (16:44–26:41)

• The Big Leap:
  • Reluctantly moved to LA to live with her only Christian friend.
  • First days marked by both old patterns (partying) and openness to faith.
• Life-Changing Bible Study:
  • “Little did I know that was going to change my entire life.” — Maddie (22:42)
  • First real community of passionate, loving Christians she’d ever met. Felt God’s love through their authenticity and grace.
  • Met Bryce—who would become her husband—here (first eye contact at Bible study!).
• Transformation:
  • “I’m never going back to the life I used to live. Jesus just stole my heart.” — Maddie (25:59)
  • Bought her first Bible as an adult, began daily reading (Book of John).
  • “I feel like I didn’t have to forcefully stop doing things...the desires just completely left.” — Maddie (28:32)
  • God changed her heart, not just her habits.

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Navigating Faith, Social Media, and Public Scrutiny (30:32–36:16)

• Transition to Christian Content:
  • Shifted from “worldly” posts to sharing faith; met initial support, then harsh judgment, especially after dating Bryce.
  • “People could see all my faults...but there was no grace.” — Maddie (34:01)
• The Pressure to Be Perfect:
  • Struggled with comparison, pressure to match Bryce’s maturity and ministry, and online criticism.
  • “There’s a call to evangelize, but most of us are still at the beginning of the journey.” — Angela (34:56)
  • Hosts echo similar experiences as public Christian women: sanctification is a journey.

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Godly vs. Worldly Relationships (36:21–49:26)

• Meeting Bryce & Early Days:
  • Came to LA not seeking a relationship, but drawn to Bryce’s character and faith. A pivotal moment: seeing him buy dinner and pray for a homeless man (39:16).
  • “First time I’d ever seen someone [my age] do that.” — Maddie (39:25)
  • Relationship unfolded naturally, rooted in faith and God’s timing.
• Comparison of Relationship Styles:
  • “Being in a worldly relationship...that person becomes your idol.” — Maddie (47:00)
  • Godly relationship means putting God first, resisting the urge to idolize your partner.
  • Specifics: intentional time with God, resisting codependence, and trusting God’s plan over striving in your own effort.

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Identity, Comparison, and Online Voices (49:35–58:54)

• Dealing with Comparison:
  • Felt inadequate dating a public evangelist as a “baby Christian.” (51:36)
  • “Why did God put that together?” questioned God’s wisdom but ultimately learned to trust Him and her unique calling.
  • Bryce was always supportive, “spoke identity over me,” helping her navigate insecurity.
• Managing Outside Voices:
  • “You can’t let everyone have a voice in your life.” — Maddie (57:24)
  • Only lets God, Bryce, trusted friends/family speak into her life.
  • Quoted a favorite moment: “I’m not a teacher or a preacher. I like posting videos of my outfits, so I’m not gonna come here and teach the Bible just because Bryce is my husband.” — Maddie (Approx. 56:59)
  • Reinforces that Christian witness looks different for everyone.

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The Secret Place & Spiritual Practices (59:04–61:45)

• Worship & Bible Reading:
  • “I love worship so much…The first time I really encountered Jesus was at a worship night at Circuit Riders.” — Maddie (59:39)
  • Daily time with Jesus, especially in the morning, is most important; notices a difference when she skips it.
  • Reads a Proverb daily (borrowed from Bryce).
  • Confesses pressure can sometimes make her resist spiritual practices, but reminds herself: “There is no pressure with Jesus. We just do things because we love Him.” (62:19)

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Marriage, Submission, and Learning Together (63:01–65:42)

• Challenges of Submission:
  • As a “spicy Latina” and control freak, learning submission in marriage is an honest, ongoing battle.
  • “I have a submission issue...I’m a control freak...I’m not right 90% of the time” — Maddie (64:00)
  • Finds beauty knowing she can trust Bryce’s leadership because he submits to God.
  • “Being led by them [husbands] is knowing we’re being led by God.” — Angela (65:09)
  • Celebrates the gift of marrying young and growing in faith together.

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Advice for the “Younger Generation” (65:43–68:12)

• To the One Fitting in or Feeling Shame:
  • “Shame is not from God...You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing.” — Maddie (66:21)
  • Encourages young Christians to resist peer pressure, trust that what everyone else is chasing won’t fill the void—only Jesus will.
  • “Nothing has filled the hole in my heart except for Jesus. He is worth it, and living life for Jesus is worth it.” — Maddie (67:43)

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Notable Quotes

• “I’m never going back to the life I used to live. Jesus just stole my heart.” — Maddie Crawford (25:59)
• “There’s only a few voices that I let speak into my life: God, my husband, my family and close friends. Every other voice does not matter.” — Maddie (57:24)
• “Shame is not from God. That is completely Satan in your ear telling you that.” — Maddie (66:21)
• “You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. None of the things you’re doing is actually filling the void.” — Maddie (66:35)
• “I love worship so much...that’s my favorite [spiritual discipline].” — Maddie (59:17)
• “Being in a worldly relationship, your partner becomes your idol...When you have God, it’s just completely different.” — Maddie (47:00)
• “There is no pressure with Jesus. We do things because we love Him.” — Maddie (62:19)

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Episode Timestamps (Key Moments)

• Gen Z fashion & humor: 02:00–04:24
• Maddie’s story & testimony: 05:27–19:03
• Moving to LA & Bible study encounter: 16:44–26:41
• Transformation & finding real Christian community: 22:42–26:41
• Social media, comparison, dealing with criticism: 30:32–36:16; 49:35–58:54
• Meeting & dating Bryce, relationship differences: 36:21–49:26
• Pursuing God first (spiritual practices): 59:04–61:45
• Marriage & submission: 63:01–65:42
• Encouragement to young believers: 65:43–68:12

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Tone & Final Impressions

The episode is raw, encouraging, and deeply relatable for anyone navigating faith, relationships, or public scrutiny. The conversation is full of transparency, laughter about generational quirks, and honest talk about pressure, sanctification, and the freedom found in Christ.

Angela and Arielle repeatedly affirm Maddie’s uniqueness, and Maddie’s message to other young people is strong: you are called to be different, shame is not from God, and only Jesus can truly satisfy. It’s a vibrant testimony of grace, real-life messiness, and hope for new beginnings.

Transcript

[Angela]

Have you ever been in a relationship and kept having unwanted doubts like, do I love them enough? Am I really happy? What if God has someone better for me? And those questions felt impossible to ignore. And suddenly you're repeatedly praying for certainty or signs, constantly comparing your relationship to others, asking friends what they think over and over. But you can't find peace no matter what you try. Unwanted relationship doubts can feel so real and so scary. But here's what's important to know. Thoughts? These can be a sign of relationship ocd. Unlike the stereotypes about being organized, real OCD is a serious condition that can latch onto anything we care about. Relationship OCD creates this never ending loop of doubt and anxiety followed by behaviors you do to try to feel better. But the relief never lasts. But OCD doesn't have to take over your relationships because it's highly treatable with a type of specialized therapy called exposure and response prevention, or erp. And that's why we want to tell you about nocd. NOCD is the world's leading OCD treatment provider and all their licensed Therapists specialize in ERP therapy with no CD is 100% virtual, covered by insurance for over 138 million Americans and includes support between sessions. Their therapists are extensively trained, deeply understanding and ready to help you reclaim your relationships. If any of this sounds like you or someone you care about, visit nocd.com and book a free 15 minute call to learn more about how NOCD can help. That's n o c d.com this episode

[Maddie Crawford]

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[Ari]

No. I wanted. We wanted to ask you since you're like a gen Z, you know, like what's.

[Maddie Crawford]

Aren't you guys.

[Ari]

What are the. What are the cool like lingo sayings? I know, I know. The lowrise baggy pant is really in. I just got.

[Maddie Crawford]

No, I like skinny jeans.

[Ari]

You do?

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah. I'm not really wearing. I'm kind of wearing.

[Angela]

I'm wearing a baggy pant today.

[Maddie Crawford]

I'm wearing a baggy pant right now because I want it to be like comfortable. Yeah, I love skinny jeans with like the flare, like boot cut. See, I lowrise.

[Ari]

Yes.

[Angela]

Yes.

[Ari]

Yeah, it's like low rise.

[Maddie Crawford]

Thousands. Yeah.

[Ari]

So I went to dinner the other night cuz you're what, 23?

[Maddie Crawford]

I turned 23 in like four days, okay?

[Ari]

So I. I wear like high waisted pants up to my freaking rib cage, okay. And this girl comes walking over with her little baggy low rise jean. Yeah. And she looked so cute.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Ari]

And I felt stupid cause like you literally could see my mom.

[Maddie Crawford]

It looks good on you.

[Ari]

I looked like a mother. You look good, mom. I looked like somebody's auntie. And so I was like, wait, I love your jeans. I was like, so is high waisted just not in anymore? She goes, oh, no, they're dead. I go, no. I put my jean jacket over my.

[Maddie Crawford]

That's not true. I think whatever you like is what's in, so. Whatever.

[Angela]

Someone told me the other day those sambas aren't in anymore.

[Maddie Crawford]

No, I like sambas.

[Angela]

I just, I just ordered some.

[Maddie Crawford]

Don't say that.

[Ari]

Yeah, would you wear like a puff sleeve dress or is that something that. Oh my gosh, please. When you edit, get your, your eyes

[Angela]

wide and you go, puff sleeve dress.

[Ari]

Are there, Are there the.

[Maddie Crawford]

Oh, I thought you were about to say like a puffer jacket dress.

[Ari]

Like a, like a nice, like Princess Diana dress.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah, I think that's cute. I don't really wear that a lot.

[Ari]

You're just. You're more like of a edgy chick. Like, I don't even know what I'm saying.

[Angela]

You know, I was you like not

[Ari]

that long ago, and you still are. I was. I was you not that long ago. Can you come back? Can you get back to there talking? What are you talking about?

[Angela]

I don't know, Mads, I'm tired. We've been fighting darkness for three years.

[Ari]

We're exhausted. We're too tired to throw a fit, as the kids would say.

[Maddie Crawford]

You know what I mean?

[Ari]

Anyways, anyways, can you just show off the ring?

[Maddie Crawford]

No, actually, yeah.

[Ari]

That is beautiful.

[Maddie Crawford]

So perfect. Wow, wow, wow. It's not really perfect.

[Angela]

It's actually.

[Ari]

I can't believe it. It's perfect. I can't believe we have you here today.

[Maddie Crawford]

I can't believe it either.

[Ari]

I'm so. We're so excited.

[Maddie Crawford]

Oh, I'm so excited.

[Angela]

Hey, guys, I'm Ang.

[Ari]

And I'm Ari.

[Angela]

And this is Girls Gone Bible. And today we have such a special guest. Her name is Maddie Crawford.

[Ari]

Our girl.

[Angela]

And what's most important is that people know. This is your first podcast?

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah, this is my first podcast.

[Angela]

You haven't even done Bryce's.

[Maddie Crawford]

Haven't even done my own husband's podcast. This is my first podcast. I love you guys.

[Angela]

We love you. We met you, like, whenever we filmed with Bryce. I don't even know when that was.

[Maddie Crawford]

Almost two. Feels like forever ago.

[Ari]

First started, I think.

[Angela]

I mean, it was like, two years.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Angela]

And you guys came.

[Maddie Crawford]

Just started dating. Yeah. Everything was so fresh.

[Angela]

You had just started dating. And I remember being like, are you guys gonna get married? And you were like, I don't know. I'm young. I'm not really like, whatever.

[Ari]

I was like, yeah, us too. We're young too. Yeah.

[Angela]

We just want to know everything about you. We wanted to have you on because we feel like people need to hear from your story. Like, Ari and I both know some of your story, and it's so beautiful and so important. And I think, like, people can relate to you and learn from you in a way they just can't from other people.

[Maddie Crawford]

You know what I mean?

[Angela]

And you know that you love Jesus so much. So can you just tell us just the beginning of your story, your testimony?

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah. So I grew up in a Christian household. My mom and dad both love God. And, yeah, I grew up going to church every Sunday. I went to church camp every Sunday, summer. And that's just kind of how I grew up. I love church. I honestly just enjoyed it so much, and that's kind of like all I knew. So that's how I grew up. That was the household I grew up in. And then around high school, like, going into high school, I experienced church hurt for the first time in my life, and I was so young, and it just really affected me emotionally, being an eighth grader going into high school. And so because of that hurt, I pretty much just resented church after that, and I resented God and Christianity and just everything at such a young age. And so going into high school, I just made the choice to not go to church anymore. I felt like I was old enough to make the decision, and I just resented it, and I didn't want to go. And my parents also didn't force me, which is also something I was, like, super grateful for. They were never, like, pushing me. I think they always just trusted, like, you know, God's plan. And so, yeah, I stopped going to church going into high school, and obviously, that led me down, you know, a very different path. When I was 15, that's when I started drinking alcohol. I started drinking at 15. That's when I started going to parties for the first time and sneaking out and just, like, being rebellious.

[Angela]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah. And that was 15 years old. And then 15, I got my first boyfriend and Just like, in a worldly relationship, just living for myself. And at 16 years old is when I lost my virginity, so. Which I was telling Ari this, like, it's just so crazy because when you're that age, you feel like you're so old. Like, you feel like you're completely grown up, and everyone else around you is doing these things. Like, every other girl my age had already lost their virginity, was, you know, already drinking, already doing. I felt like I was the late one doing all these things.

[Ari]

Totally.

[Maddie Crawford]

But, like, looking back, I was a baby. I was 16 years old, which is just, like, so insane. So, yeah, 16. That's, you know, that was my life. That's what I was doing. And that's just what I had, my worth in, just those things. And I don't think I really did those things because I wanted to. I think I just really wanted to fit in.

[Angela]

Totally.

[Maddie Crawford]

I wanted to be loved and I wanted to be liked. I wanted people to like me. I wanted to feel just, like, included. So I just did all the things. I did all the things normal.

[Angela]

It's so normal.

[Maddie Crawford]

Like, yeah, I would have been, like, weird if I didn't do any of those things, you know? Like, that's just how society is right now. And so, yeah, so that was kind of my life, all of high school, just drinking and partying and just kind of filling the void with that. And then that all stayed the same until college. I go into college, and everything kind of just gets worse progressively. Like, where'd you go to college? I went to Kennesaw State University.

[Angela]

What's Kennesaw?

[Maddie Crawford]

It's, like, in Georgia.

[Angela]

Okay, got it, got it.

[Maddie Crawford]

It's literally 15 minutes from my house, like, from my parents house. So I lived at home with my parents.

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

And I just commuted, went to college. It was not like I really wanted to go to college. It was just like, this is just what you do. It's just what you do after high school. And so went to the closest college nearby.

[Angela]

Can I say something? It's so funny. Like, something that marks your story is, like, when you don't have Jesus in your life, you simply do. Like, life keeps going, but you just do what the world and everybody else like. You just. Like, even everything you're saying is like, I just did that. Because I just did. It's what everybody else was doing.

[Maddie Crawford]

I don't think I truly wanted to do. I didn't have a desire to drink at 15. Like, I didn't have a desire to lose my virginity so young and, like, Also, growing up in church, like, I knew those things were wrong. You know, Like, I knew it in me that those were wrong, but I didn't care. I didn't, like, have a relationship with God. So there was nothing holding me back.

[Angela]

Totally.

[Maddie Crawford]

So I go into college, and at this point, I'm 18. I go into college, and everything that I'm doing in high school just kind of gets worse. I continue drinking more, and I, you know, started partying a lot more. I joined a sorority because I just wanted to live that life and just party and go out and have fun and just, you know, do whatever. I started smoking weed in college. I was, like, addicted to smoking weed. I would smoke probably every single day. And, yeah, I was kind of just, like, numbing myself out, doing all those things. Like, again, I don't think I, like, really wanted to, or it was, like, a desire of my own. It was just, literally, I was following the crowd. Like, I was just doing what everyone else was doing and what was, like, normal. And so I'm in college. This is my life. I'm also, like, in and out of relationships. I was never single, which we talked about this. Like, never single, always had a boyfriend. Like, I was very dependent on, you know, who I was dating, who I was with. That was, like, my life.

[Angela]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

And so, yeah, just boys in general was just a huge part of that, too. And so in college, I'm doing that. I'm living that lifestyle, and I experience trauma for the first time in my life. I'm 18 years old and I'm in college, and I'm doing all these things, and I go through, you know, probably the hardest thing I've ever gone through in my life. And, you know, I didn't have God or anything, so I just spiraled. I had extremely bad depression and anxiety for the first time in my life. I had never really experienced that before, but, yeah, I experienced just the worst depression. I wanted to take my life. Like, it was just the lowest point in my life, and it was just so bad. I just remember, like, just always crying and crying to my mom, and just. I was just so depressed. I was so, like, just hearing lies from Satan, being like, this world would be better if you weren't in it. Like, just hearing that in my head, you know, after going through everything, and it was so real, and I didn't know what to do. My parents had put me in therapy and got me on medication because I literally didn't want to be alive. It was just the lowest point in my life. And so yeah, you would think that's, like, where I found God. You know, at my lowest point, that's not where I found God. I literally continued to do everything I was doing, but now I'm using it to numb out everything and to just try to fix the pain that I'm feeling. And so, you know, everything kind of just got worse. More drinking, more smoking. I'm, like, on medication. I'm going to therapy.

[Ari]

How old are you at this point?

[Maddie Crawford]

18. Okay. I'm 18, and I'm in college, and I'm just filling the void. Honestly, I'm just filling the void. And. Yeah, I don't. I think I had moments of, like, happiness. Like, you know, I would go out to a party or I would go do something, and it would make me happy.

[Ari]

I.

[Maddie Crawford]

But it never, like, fulfilled the feeling inside of me, you know? So that was kind of my life in college, and that went on for about two years. And then I hit a point where I was like, what am I doing? Like, I feel like I literally woke up, and I was just like, this is not the life that I'm meant to live, and what am I doing? You know? Why am I settling for this life? Like, I know that, you know, this isn't right, and what I'm doing, like, isn't right. And I had felt so deep in me that there was something better for me and there was something greater for me. And I didn't know what that was, but I'd always had that feeling in me, like, there's something better on the other side. I just don't know what that is. And so I kind of just woke up, and I was like, I need to leave this environment and, like, never come back. Like, I cannot be, you know, in this environment around these people. Like, it just became so toxic. Yeah. That I was like, I. I have to leave. Like, I can't be here anymore. Like, there's something greater for me. I don't know what that is. I just felt it in me. So I dropped out of my sorority. I dropped out of college, and I prayed. For the first time, I prayed, and I was like, God, I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I don't know where I'm supposed to go. I just know that I'm miserable, and I'm just filling the void with things that aren't filling the void. Yeah. And I'm just gonna trust you. I don't. I don't know what you have for me. I just feel like there's this greater plan But I don't know what that is. So I just prayed. I was like, literally, just take me wherever I'm meant to go. Like, just lead me. And so after I dropped out of college, I traveled for a few months. I, like, lived in a few different places. I lived with different people. Kind of just trying to figure out, like, what am I doing? You know, where's my life gonna go? And this whole time I'm, like, praying. I'm trying to figure it out. Like, where does God want me? Like, where am I supposed to go? And out of all places, it's la. God brings me to la, which I just remember, like, rejecting that idea so much because I'd been to LA before, and I hated la. Like, I just thought it was just a terrible place. And I was like, I will never live there, ever. But literally every other door shut except la. And I was so confused and I was so, like, resentful and just like, why? Like, why is this the only opportunity? Like, I don't want to go here. And so I prayed about it and I kind of just was like, all right, I'm just going to give this to you. Like, if this is really what you want for my life, like, I guess I'll go to la. I don't know. Like, at this point, I don't want it. Like, I knew my flesh didn't want it. So me going was definitely, like, a God thing, because I wouldn't have ever chose to go and live in la. So I finally feel peace and I'm like, okay, I feel like I'm meant to go to la. Like, I feel like this is just such a clear yes from God. And so my only Christian friend at the time lived in la and she had an open room in her apartment. And I just boldly was just like, hey, can I move in with you? Like, can I live with you? And she said, yes. And literally I packed everything up. Everything.

[Angela]

What did your parents say?

[Maddie Crawford]

They were probably really, like, kind of scared and worried. Like, I know they definitely didn't love the idea of me living in la, which is so fair. Yeah, so fair. Yeah, I don't think they loved it, but, you know, I was just, like, old enough to do whatever, you know, they weren't gonna stop me. The thing about my parents, like, they never forced me to do anything. They never, like, pushed me in a. Like, they kind of just let me do what I wanted, which, honestly, I'm, like, super grateful for. And so, yeah, I think they were definitely, like, worried, you know, but they trusted You, Yeah, they. I think they also just trusted God, but they were just like, you know what? You're old enough. Like, you know, this is what you want to do. Which wasn't what I wanted to do, but it was just like I felt like I needed to. Yeah. So, yeah, I pack everything up, I pack my whole life up, I move across the country and I start living in la. And so when I moved to la, my roommate was like out of town when I had just moved there. And. And I remember. So also I remember when I was moving to LA, I kind of was like 50, 50 mindset of, like, part of me was like, okay, this could be a really great fresh start, you know, and this could be, you know, where I, you know, find my relationship with God, get close with God. And that was like, part of me, I was like, maybe this will be good for me. The other part of me was like, okay, I'm going to la. Like, I just want to live the LA life. I want to, you know, get into whatever LA had for me. So I was literally split of, like, my intentions were kind of both ways. Like, I didn't know. And so I moved to la. It's like my second night of being there. It's Halloween night and I go out that night. I go out to some like, Halloween party in la. I'm like dressed super inappropriate. Literally my first second night in la. Like, that's what I was doing, going to parties, just dressed like inappropriately, whatever. So after that, the next day comes, my roommate gets back in town and she asked me to go to a Bible study. And I was like, yeah, of course. Like, this would be a great, you know, thing to do. Like I could meet people. I didn't really know anyone in la, so I was like, you know, this would be great to like meet people. Literally the night before, I'm like going out at the bar, like, whatever. Just a whole night. So great.

[Angela]

Thank you, Jesus.

[Maddie Crawford]

And so there was actually an option between two Bible studies. So it was one that was like an all girls one. And then there was one that was right down the street from us. And I was like, let's just.

[Angela]

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[Maddie Crawford]

Just go to the one down the street. Like, whatever. Little did I know that was going to change my entire life. Like literally change everything. And so we go to this Bible study. I obviously don't know anyone. This is also like my first Bible study I've probably been to since I was a kid, you know, like, I hadn't stepped foot in a church since I was in middle school. You know, I. I didn't have.

[Angela]

Your parents still going to church and your siblings?

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Angela]

Wow.

[Maddie Crawford]

My sister, my parents, they went to church every Sunday. I just stayed home.

[Ari]

Wow.

[Maddie Crawford]

I never went. Yeah, I never went. So I think I was a little nervous going into it, but honestly, just more excited. And I just really wanted to, you know, meet people. And like I said, like, part of me really did want to have a fresh start and like, maybe start my relationship with God, but I didn't really know. And so I go to this Bible study and the first person I make eye contact with is Bryce, which is. That's a whole other. That's a whole other story of like me and him. But yeah, so that Bible study, I go and it really changed everything for me. Like, truthfully, it changed everything. The people I met at that Bible study are still my best friends to this day. People that were in my wedding, people that were bridesmaids. Like, God is just, he's just so intentional. Like, I literally didn't expect that. I didn't, you know, know what was to come. But yeah, so I go to this Bible study and I meet all these people and it was the first time in my life that I had been around Christians that were really Christians and really loved Jesus. Because growing up in Georgia, where I grew up, we're in the Bible belt. So everyone is like, Christian. Everyone says they're Christian, but no one actually lives it out. So everyone's like going to church on Sunday, but then, you know, drinking that same night. Like, everyone just. It's so, like lukewarm. And so I just had never personally been around Christians that actually were about God and actually loved God and just were on fire for him and so when I go to this Bible study and I meet all these people, I am blown away. I am so blown away. And it was like the first time that I had felt God's love through people. And just the way that they loved me and the way that they treated me, it was just like they didn't want anything from me. It wasn't transactional. It wasn't like, you know, anything like that. It was just like they just loved me. They didn't even know me, you know?

[Angela]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

And I was so drawn to them because I was like, you guys have something that I don't have. Like, I could feel it. And I was like, I am just so drawn to you people. Like, I want to be around you, I want to spend time with you. Like, it was just the craziest thing. Like, I never thought that I would, you know, have friends like that or meet people like that. And so, like, literally the next day we went back over their apartment and we did like a cooking competition that night. Like, we just spent time together. And I just was so blown away that these people were so, like, legit about God. They were so serious about God.

[Angela]

Wow.

[Maddie Crawford]

And just the way they treated me just really changed everything. And I remember like, in that moment I was just like, I'm never going back to the life I used to live. Like, it was just, it was over for me. Like, it really felt like Jesus just stole my heart. Like, seriously. And yeah, it was just like a no brainer of like, yeah, I'm actually never going back. I will never go back to my old life. Like, it just immediately like clicked in my brain. And so I bought, I didn't even have a Bible. I bought a Bible. It didn't even have a Bible. I went, I ordered one online. I like, it's literally this one that I bought. This is my first Bible.

[Ari]

Did you know the Bible when you were younger? Did you, did you read? Like, did you know? Because I don't. Yeah, it's genuinely like growing up Christian, did you guys read it and stuff or did it just never hit your heart?

[Maddie Crawford]

I mean, I don't think it ever hit my heart, you know, like, you know, of course we read the Bible in church and, you know, had like Bible stories and all that. But no, like, there was never a point in my life up until, you know, now that I feel like I've really understood the Bible and it like became alive to me, you know, whatever. Like, I never cared to read it when I was in middle school or, you know, whatever. Yeah, I Didn't care. So I am fully like, okay, like this is my life now. Like I'm fully going to give everything to God. Like, I don't even know where to start. I bought a Bible, I ordered it, it came in and every single day I remember I would wake up at 7am I would go to Aroma Cafe, which is literally the best cafe ever. I would go there every morning and I would bring my Bible. And I started in John, which I love the book of John, it's my favorite. And I just started reading in John and I started read, I started reading just the story of Jesus, just who he was and what he did. And it was the first time in my life that like the word was alive. Yeah, it became, it was so real. It was so alive. It literally transformed my heart. Like as I'm reading it and I'm reading about Jesus, I'm just like, this is the realest thing ever.

[Angela]

You just got it for the evaluation?

[Maddie Crawford]

I just got it.

[Angela]

Whole life and then finally it's literally only the Holy Spirit can actually reveal Jesus to you like that. But isn't it so crazy how all of us, we've all heard it. So many people like know that Jesus died on a cross.

[Maddie Crawford]

But why?

[Angela]

And until it makes sense why. You know what I mean?

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Angela]

So beautiful.

[Maddie Crawford]

Exactly.

[Angela]

Keep going.

[Maddie Crawford]

No, yeah, I just, I kept reading the Bible and like everything in my life just transformed. Like I think one of the craziest things was I feel like I didn't have to like forcefully stop doing things or forcefully like take away things. Like the desires just completely left. Like it was like God just change the desires of my heart. And I didn't care about the things I used to care about. I didn't, you know, want to do what the world wanted to do. I was fully just like in with Jesus, you know, I was like, this is, this is my life now. This is what I want to do. And yeah, that's how I found him.

[Angela]

Unbelievable. I mean, I have so many questions. How did you, what kind of church did your family grow up in?

[Maddie Crawford]

Non denominational.

[Angela]

Non denominational, like believes in the gifts. Spirit filled. No.

[Maddie Crawford]

No. So. Well, I don't know because I just remember growing up and I never heard about the gift. So I'm not really sure if it's something like they believed in or. I just know that I never heard about it. Like I remember when I moved to LA and I was like going to church and Bible studies. I didn't know what like tongues were.

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

Had no idea. And When I heard it for the first time or like, I think my roommate was telling me about it and I was like, what are you talking about? Like, I know the Bible. Like, I've never. I went to church.

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

Like, I know. Like, I know. And she's like, no. Like, this is a real thing. Wow. Had no idea. Literally, I didn't know about the gifts of healing. Like, I didn't know anything.

[Angela]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

At all. You know, so it was all super new to me. So. Yeah.

[Ari]

So walk us through, because I know when you get saved, it's still such a process. And I can't imagine being so young.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Ari]

And doing this walk. And you were in social media.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Ari]

You love fashion. You let. You know. And so take us through being young and being in this thing. What. What has it been like? And what are you still even growing in?

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah, I think being in the situation I'm in is just super interesting. I feel like only very few people understand because so when I got saved, obviously I was already doing social media. That was, like, already my job. And in the past, what I, you know, would post on social media was just superworldly and just of the world and just blended in with everyone else. And so when I came to God, I was like, okay, well, now I gotta. You know, my whole life's changed. So obviously, like, what I post is gonna change, you know, and I want to post about Jesus and walk and just, you know, learning. And, you know, I was so excited. I was so excited for, like, this new life that I had. And so, yeah, obviously my content switched from, like, living in the world. Very provocative and just very, like. Yeah, just worldly. And then now switching over to, like, hey, guys, I'm a Christian now. Like, I love God. Like, things are changing in my life. And honestly, I think the very first few months was pretty, like, pretty normal. Like, it was pretty. People were very, like, accepting and like. Like, oh, this is so great. Like, you know, like, nothing really bad came about it. But then I, you know, started dating Bryce, and then that, you know, became something that was on social media. And I think that got a lot more, like, eyes and, you know, a lot more people were kind of, like, looking at the situation and. And that's kind of when all, like, the judgment came in and people, you know, looking at Bryce and then they're looking at me, who's, like, a baby Christian, just found Christian. Bryce is out here, like, you know, preaching and starting his ministry. And I'm just, like, learning, and I'm kind of just getting into this thing. And people were brutal. Like, just brutal. Just, like, you know, why is he with her? Like, you know, he deserves better. And I'm just like, I'm just trying to figure it out, you know, Like, I'm obviously like, God changed my heart and so much change, but there was still so much to change. There still is so much to change, you know, like a thousand, you know, being in our sanctification process. And so, yeah, I think it was hard, you know, transitioning and being in your first, like, early months and years of becoming a Christian and. Because you're not going to do everything perfect, you know? Like, I. You know, I'm still learning, you know, I'm still trying to figure it out, but I think because my life was on display, people could kind of just like, see all my faults and see my mistakes, see me growing. But then, like, there was, like, no grace. It was just like, you're, you know, not doing this right. You know what I'm saying? Like, just brutal. And so I think that in the beginning, it was super tough to navigate because I felt like I had to be, like, perfect. I feel like I had to look a certain way and act a certain way. And, you know, maybe I felt this pressure of, like, oh, I need to do what Bryce is doing, because, you know what I'm saying, I felt so much pressure. And I'm just trying to figure out who Jesus is and, like, you know, still trying to figure out what that looks like to walk out a Christian life, you know, and I'm still trying to get rid of sin. And, you know, not every desire, you know, went away. Like, there were still things I struggled with and totally. So it's just. It was a total process, but for it to be all online for the whole world to see.

[Ari]

Tell us about it. Tell us about it.

[Maddie Crawford]

It's like, yeah, it just seems like there wasn't a lot of grace.

[Angela]

It's so hard. Yeah. Because Ari and I went through almost something so similar where. And obviously ours is a little bit different because we were on a podcast with a public platform preaching and teaching Jesus. So, like, of course we're held to a different, higher standard. 100. But it was the same for us. Like, yeah, that's why, like, the social media is such a weird thing, too, because it's so easy to cast judgment on someone who could have literally just started their relationship with Jesus. But the call of God on our lives is to evangelize, spread the word, and tell other people. Where else are we going to tell other People, if not online, but then most of us are still at the beginning of the journey, you know? And I love what you said about how, like, I know people who literally encounter Jesus and then actually everything about them changed that day.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Angela]

Not our story.

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Angela]

Not such people's stories.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Angela]

And, like, even as women and, like, I. And I just love that we're talking about this because Ari and I have such a high regard for purity and modesty. We really do. Probably because it's something we. That we battled so hard. Probably because it's something we like to, like, had a lot of pride in.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Angela]

We were like, no. Like, we don't want to be like. I can't tell you how many times I said, no, I'm not. Like Sadie Robertson and Maddie Pruitt. I. I would say that because I could not even. I was like, no, you're not gonna tell me what I can and can't do. I love Jesus. I've seen the power of God in my life, but I don't need to be like that. You know what I mean? And, like, the online stuff where people don't give you grace, we went through that so much, and so many people gave us grace.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Angela]

But it's like, they don't know the behind the scenes, that that stuff just happen. Yeah, but the weird thing is that the people who cast judgment to your face online.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Angela]

Eventually, when you do start to get it together, when, like, the sanctification is evident, then they go, we're so proud of you. And it's like, yeah, but that had to start somewhere. You know what I mean?

[Maddie Crawford]

Right.

[Angela]

So, like, holding people to a higher standard is so good and so important, while also, like, remembering you were also a baby Christian one day.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Angela]

And everyone's a baby Christian.

[Maddie Crawford]

And I still am. And we still are totally, you know,

[Angela]

always learning and growing.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Angela]

So for you, what was it like? First, let's talk about your relationship with Bryce and how that started, because there's so much that we want to ask after that. What was that?

[Maddie Crawford]

Like? It was crazy. It was like, something I least expected because when I moved to la, I didn't want to be in a relationship. I wasn't looking for a relationship. I think for the first time in my life, I was like, I actually want to be single, and I, you know, don't want to be boy crazy. And I just want to, you know, whatever. So, yeah, I go to this Bible study fully not expecting to meet my literal husband. Like, what are we talking about? So crazy. It's so crazy. So I go in. Like I said, he was literally the first person that I had made eye contact with. And yeah, I remember, like, kind of just being drawn to him. Like, I didn't even know him, but I remember I kept kind of looking at him and just being drawn to him. Like, he just stuck out to me out of everyone that was there, which is just so weird. Yeah. But I was super drawn to him. And like, we had like a small conversation, you know, that was kind of it. But there was just something about him, you know, there was just something about him. And I couldn't stop thinking about it. And I remember, like leaving the Bible study with my roommate and I remember being like, do you know that Bryce guy? Like, do you know him? She's like, yeah, I love Bryce. Like, yes. And then I was kind of like, he's kind of cute. Like a little cute. And she was obviously just like, oh my gosh, like, I love him. Like, you guys would be like, cute together. But I was kind of just like, okay, like, yeah, that was just a fun idea. But like, I'm not even, you know, I'm not even saved, you know, this is my first Bible study. Like, what? This isn't something that needs to like take place and happen, you know. So then the next night, like I said, we went back over and we had like, like a little cooking competition. We hung out with all the same people. Like, Bryce was there. And this was the night that I actually realized he was my person. And so basically we're at this cooking competition and we end up like leaving and going and getting ice cream after. So it's like a whole group of us, we go out, we get ice cream somewhere. We're all standing outside waiting, and this homeless man comes up to us in our group and was asking for like food or dinner or something. Immediately Bryce, of course, goes up and is like, oh my gosh, of course I'll buy you, like, dinner. Like, come over here, let me buy you something. And he takes the guy, buys him dinner, and then he pulls him to the side, like kind of away from us. And he just starts. Starts teaching Jesus to him and preaching to him. And I think he literally sat there with this homeless guy for felt like an hour and just spoke to him and hugged him.

[Ari]

Wow.

[Maddie Crawford]

And this guy was crying. And this was the first time in my life that I'd ever seen someone do that.

[Angela]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

Let alone someone that is my age, someone that's a 20 year old guy doing something like that. Like, I just never Seen that. I didn't think guys were like that. I didn't think that that was an option. You know, I didn't. I'd never met anyone like that. And all the guys my age that I knew were just the complete opposite, you know? So I was just. I remember watching this just being, like, blown away.

[Angela]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

Like, wow. Like, that's literally Bryce, you know, and this is, like, before the ministry started, too. Like, this is just who he was. That's just, like, what he did.

[Angela]

So beautiful.

[Maddie Crawford]

So, yeah, I was just so honored to, like, be around him and just to know him. And so. Yeah. So that night I was like, okay. Like, I need to get it together. Like, not because of him, but I knew that if there was ever a chance that me and him were meant to be together, like, I needed to be fully giving my life to the Lord and that be the number one thing on my heart.

[Angela]

Totally.

[Maddie Crawford]

Like, I knew better than to have him be on the front of my heart that. You know what I'm saying?

[Angela]

So, yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

So it's kind of crazy because, like, simultaneously, when I'm just, like, you know, reading the Bible for the first time, and I'm, like, falling in love with Jesus and I'm learning about him, and I'm just so excited, and literally, my life flipped. Like, I just felt like a completely different person than the girl that walked into that Bible study. Like, felt like overnight I just completely was different. So I'm, like, you know, walking with God, and then I'm also, you know, meeting Bryce and hanging out with Bryce, and. Yeah. It really wasn't soon after that we both started liking each other and both just felt, like, such a connection with each other. And then he invited himself to my Thanksgiving because Thanksgiving was, like, literally in two weeks. And he invited himself over because we found out we're from the same hometown.

[Angela]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

Which was. That was, like, so crazy because what are the odds that you meet someone in LA and we're, like, from the same hometown and we had never met, and so.

[Ari]

Wow.

[Maddie Crawford]

So, yeah, we both knew we were from the same hometown. He was like, can I come to your Thanksgiving? And I was like, yeah, I guess. Like, sure. So, like, we fly back together, he comes to my Thanksgiving, I go to his Thanksgiving, we meet each other's whole families, but, like, we're just friends, you know, it's like, whatever. Yeah. And it was just like, the greatest thing. Like. Like, it felt so easy. It didn't feel like anything was forced. It didn't feel awkward. It was just, like, everything Just fell right into place. I don't know how to explain it. Like, it was just. God just made it.

[Angela]

This episode is brought to you by Glorify, the number one Christian daily devotional app. Life gets loud so fast. One minute you're fine, and the next your mind is everywhere. That's why I love having Glorify on my phone. It gives me a simple way to pause, breathe, and bring my focus back to God. We want Glorify to become our go to instead of social media. Because sometimes you don't need more scrolling, you need truth. Any day that you're feeling a little overwhelmed, I'm telling you, it will completely change your day. When you open up the app, you'll feel calmer, more grounded. With Glorify, you can start your morning with the Bible passage of the day, a daily devotional and a daily, daily walk with God. You can also listen to guided meditations, worship playlists, and even sleep meditations at night. Whether you've been walking with Jesus for years or you're just starting to explore your faith, Glorify makes it easy to create space for God in your everyday life. Listeners to the show can get full access to glorify for just 29.99 for the entire year. That's Glorify's lowest price ever. When you download the Glorify app [e-mail] CGB feel closer to God this year with Glorify. Get full access all year for just 29.99 at. @glorified-app.com GGB that's glorified-app.com GGB this episode

[Maddie Crawford]

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[Angela]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

And just like, meeting his family and I love his family so much and my family, like, adores. When I brought him home, they were like, who did you just bring home to us? Like, who is this guy? They were so happy. But yeah. And then we started, like, officially dating in January, so.

[Angela]

It's beautiful.

[Ari]

Yeah. So what do you think? What was the difference between the worldly relationship and being in a godly one?

[Maddie Crawford]

Oh, my gosh.

[Ari]

And what did you do differently? Because I think this is good for girls your age to really know, like, what it looks like to be in a Godly. Relationship. What? Like, what did you have to change from being in the world totally our age? Okay, we're not. He said your age, your age.

[Angela]

We're all totally different.

[Ari]

No, we're all the same age.

[Maddie Crawford]

We're all the same age. Okay, okay. Same age.

[Ari]

Yeah. Well, no, girls are aged, too, but. I'm just kidding. Especially for young girls. I'm just kidding. I act like we're like. I know. You're acting like you actually got freaking geriatric. Come on, man.

[Maddie Crawford]

We're all the same age.

[Ari]

We're all friends here.

[Maddie Crawford]

We're all friends.

[Ari]

Come on.

[Maddie Crawford]

You're always talking like you're a mom or something.

[Ari]

No, I know. She literally acts like she's everyone's mom. I'm like, come on.

[Maddie Crawford]

Like, you're no one's auntie.

[Ari]

No. Yeah, we're all the same age.

[Angela]

We're the same generation.

[Maddie Crawford]

She's got the last now.

[Ari]

Come on.

[Maddie Crawford]

We're gonna have to wait.

[Angela]

Oh, no, we're not the same generation.

[Maddie Crawford]

Wait, what do you mean? Are you not Gen Z?

[Ari]

I know. I'm millennial Gen Z. I really am the goddess. Literally.

[Angela]

Okay, keep going.

[Ari]

I have tears. Hold on.

[Angela]

We're young, too, dude.

[Ari]

What was the question?

[Angela]

The question was, what's the difference between a worldly relationship and a godly.

[Ari]

I'm so sorry I ate.

[Maddie Crawford]

No, we're here all. We're here all night. Don't worry.

[Ari]

I'm like, come on, man.

[Maddie Crawford]

I don't even.

[Ari]

What did you say?

[Maddie Crawford]

It was so funny. I don't even remember the joke.

[Ari]

No, she. No, because I act like she goes, what do people your age need to.

[Angela]

I'm like, our age.

[Ari]

We're all the same age. Literally, like, younger than my. Okay, whatever. Okay. She's young. A young. Okay, anyways, sorry, what's the question? What does it look like?

[Maddie Crawford]

Okay, how is it. How is worldly relationship? Yeah.

[Ari]

And what did you. What? What did you have to do different?

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah, Everything. Literally everything.

[Ari]

And self control, like, walk us through this stuff.

[Maddie Crawford]

Because it's a whole thing. Yeah, it's so different. I think, like, being in the world when you are in a worldly relationship, I feel like that person becomes your idol. Okay, stop. All right? We're gonna have to finish this another time.

[Ari]

No, no. And also, maybe we should move the flowers. I am so sorry. Angela, stop. Why? Didn't do anything. It's. Oh, I am so sorry.

[Maddie Crawford]

No, don't be sorry.

[Ari]

I'm so sorry. This whole day, I've been making us, like, we're Older women. And I just want to apologize.

[Maddie Crawford]

Okay, Seriously, you're the youngest person ever.

[Ari]

I don't subscribe to that. Okay, keep going. Okay, go. No, seriously.

[Maddie Crawford]

So, yeah, being in a worldly relationship, I feel like your partner be kind of. Kind of becomes your. Your whole world. And, like, you idolize your partner. I know I did. You know, like, my boyfriends at the time, like, they're my whole world, you know? And so if, you know, something happened with them or if something, you know, we were fighting or if they disappointed me or let me down, like, it felt like my whole world was upside down. Like, it was everything to me. Which obviously, like, when you have God, it's just. Just completely different. Like, you don't let that be, you know, the number one thing written on your heart. Obviously, God is. And then, you know, it comes after that. But, yeah, being in a worldly relationship is just crazy. Just like, it's so crazy. Knowing God and realizing all the, like, rules and things that he has for us and tells us how to live our life isn't because he's trying to control us. It's not because he's trying to be some dictator. He loves us and he knows what's best for us. And he knows that we're not meant to go sleep around with a bunch of people and create soul ties with all these different people. We're meant to be with one person, one husband, one wife for the rest of your life. You're not meant to give yourself to different people. You know, that's just not how he created us. And so in the world, though, it doesn't matter. You know, you sleep with your boyfriend. That's normal. Like, that's just what you do. No one's telling you no. And so that's just, you know, how it is when you're in the world. And then now having a relationship with Christ, so different, so pure, it's so just evident. God being in the center of a relationship versus him not being in the center of a relationship. And I think for me, like, yeah, I had to learn how to put God above everything. And especially coming from a past where it was super easy to just, like, let my boyfriend be my whole world and my everything. I now had to learn that, you know, God was first. I had to put him first. And I couldn't, you know, idolize Bryce. I couldn't idolize my relationship totally. God had to be the number one thing written on my heart. And, yeah, I think that was just, like, obviously super different. It's like a 180 difference with that, but, yeah.

[Ari]

What did that look like? Tell me what it looks like to put God first when you're in a relationship. Like, what are some examples for people

[Maddie Crawford]

obviously prioritizing spending time with Jesus every single day, just even that, being the first thing you do every single day. And ultimately just knowing that, like, if we are both putting our faith in Jesus and trusting Jesus, he knows what's best for us. We don't have to try and to, like, do things ourselves or make our relationship work ourselves and try to do things by ourselves. Just give it to God. Let him be the number one thing, and he knows what he's doing. You know, he doesn't make any mistakes. It's not up to me or Bryce to, like, like, save our relationship or, like, do the right things. Like, as long as we are both individually putting God first, we don't have to worry. We don't have to be like, you know, yeah, yeah, yeah, totally.

[Angela]

I'm wondering, like, how. Because so you get into this relationship, you're a baby Christian and your boyfriend at the time has a ministry that's exploding. He's doing, like, street evangelism. And like, our. Even Ari and I, we're not married, but we always compare ourselves to married couples.

[Ari]

Ridiculous. We go with married couples all the time. And then it's just me and her. It's like.

[Angela]

But I'm like, even she and I have had to, like, face comparison things because when you're so close to someone, it's like, I'm experiencing a relationship with Jesus. You're experiencing relationship with Jesus?

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Angela]

And we're experiencing. Experiencing Jesus completely differently because we're different.

[Maddie Crawford]

Totally.

[Angela]

And so we've both faced things where we've caught ourselves being like, I'm comparing the way, like, I see her open her Bible and I'm like, should I be opening my Bible? And it's like this interesting dance that you have to do where you have to, like, have your faith for yourself. So have you faced being like, okay, Bryce is Bryce, and I'm me, and I don't. My relationship with the Lord doesn't need to look like his. How did you, like, let your relationship with Jesus become your own and not have to look like anybody else is?

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah. That's so good, because I definitely dealt with that a lot. Especially, like, first. When we first started dating, the first months. Because literally we started dating in January. January was the same month that he started his. His ministry. And it just took off. It just took off. And, you know, with that, there was just so many more eyes on him and both of us. Because at this point, we were both publicly, like, dating. And so. So, yeah, I think I definitely struggled with comparing myself to him a lot and feeling just super inadequate and feeling like, you know, he's been a Christian for years. He's starting this ministry. He's this, like, great evangelist, and he can speak to anyone and everyone, and that's just his thing. And he's amazing at it. And then there's me, you know, who's just starting out Christianity, like, just learning about Jesus, Like. Like, totally different boats.

[Angela]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

And I always wondered, like, you know, why did God put that together? You know, because you would, like, in my brain, I'm like, why didn't he, you know, be with someone that was maybe on the same, like, level as him or same knowledge as him, you know? But again, God makes no mistakes. And this is God's plan. And so that was something I had to keep reminding myself, because I did compare a lot. I would even compare myself to other girls that were, like, preacher girls or whatever. And I would be like, do I need to go do that? Do I need to go preach? Because my boyfriend is preaching, and I'm just trying to figure it out and just trying to, like, have a relationship with Jesus. Like, I'm not really doing anything. What am I supposed to be doing? Like, so much doubt. So much just, like, spiritual warfare of, like, Satan just trying to, like, tell me lies and just make me feel just inadequate. Yeah. And I think it definitely did affect my relationship with Bryce a lot, too, because I would, like, literally cry to him, and I would tell him I'd be like, I feel like I'm not even, like, worthy to be dating you. Like, I feel like you're just this gift, you know, from God, and I'm just figuring it out, you know, Like, I felt so unworthy. And obviously, that's Satan. No one was actually, like. No one in my life was actually telling me that. Bryce wasn't telling me that. No one that knew us was saying these things. It was all Satan in my head telling me, like, you're not worthy. You shouldn't be dating him. Well, also, social media.

[Angela]

And I was about to say.

[Maddie Crawford]

And social media was definitely saying that, which I think that was, like, the foothold into, like, let. Like, Satan would use that.

[Angela]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

Like, all those comments are true.

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

Everyone's saying that he deserves better. That's true. And, yeah, it affected me really bad. You know, Like, I would. There would be times where I would almost just want to end the relationship because I was like, you need to go be with someone else. You know, I'm not worthy. I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I don't know if I'm meant to go out and be preaching, like, totally. Just, like, total comparison. And every single time, he just reassured me, and he never, ever made me feel unworthy or inadequate or anything. Like, he just loved me and he just reassured me and he just spoke identity over me. And wow. Really just saved our relationship in that way because I was totally just gonna leave it.

[Ari]

Wow.

[Maddie Crawford]

I was just gonna leave it because I felt like I couldn't handle the pressure, you know? And I felt like I needed to be someone that I wasn't, you know? So.

[Angela]

That is so beautiful, Maddie. Thank you for telling us that. And I mean, the three of us are so similar, Even though we're 50,000 years older than you. Okay.

[Ari]

I'm just kidding.

[Angela]

We're so similar because me and Ari have been through that, that so much. Even in dating, even in being like,

[Ari]

you don't add up to them. Yeah.

[Angela]

And. And I think too, like, there's even an aspect of your relationship, too. Bryce was a virgin when you guys.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah, he was.

[Angela]

Got married and you weren't. And I want to talk about that too. But, like, I. Yeah, we face stuff like that all the time. And I just want to say to you on the record, like, what you bring to Bryce's life, nobody else could bring.

[Ari]

Nobody.

[Angela]

You are. I told you exactly what. He literally said that, like, you are his helpmate. You are not meant to compare and compete with your husband, just like we're not meant to. And just like he's not meant to with you. Like, you're. That's not what we're made to do. You're a help mate. You're supposed to be like the foundation, the nurturing foundation in which he comes home to. And you speak life and you speak identity into him. And you are a boss and you're powerful and you're 25% Mexican.

[Maddie Crawford]

Right.

[Ari]

And you're fiery, spicy.

[Angela]

He needed Bryce. Bryce needed a little fire and a little spice, like, a hundred percent. And God knew exactly what he was doing.

[Ari]

Yeah. Yeah, he did it. You're right.

[Angela]

100%.

[Ari]

I know.

[Angela]

And so. And you're so such a gift. And, like, you do evangelize and spread Jesus in your own right. And no, it doesn't look like everyone else, because it doesn't need to. We tell people all the time. Just because we have a podcast does not mean everyone needs to have it or is called to have a podcast.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Angela]

And one of my favorite things I've ever seen you post is you made a TikTok and you're like, hey, guys. No, it's good.

[Ari]

No, it's my favorite.

[Angela]

You're like, hey, guys, I'm not a teacher. I'm not a preacher. I like posting videos of my outfits, so I'm not gonna come here and teach the Bible just because Bryce is my husband. And I thought that was so amazing. And it broke this thing of, like, not only do does everyone compare themselves, they also are assuming other people should be comparing themselves and trying to be like other people too, you know? Do you feel that?

[Maddie Crawford]

Yes, totally.

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

I felt so much, like, pressure just to, like, look a certain way and act a certain way and, oh, I'm Bryce's girlfriend, and now I'm Bryce's wife. Like, I need to, you know, be that. And. Yeah. I think that I just had to realize that there's only a few voices that I let speak into my life. Good God. I let God speak into my life. I let my husband speak into my life, and I let my family and my friends that know me and know me personally speak into my life. Every other voice does not matter because they don't know me. They don't know what I've gone through. They don't know my walk personally. They can see, you know, videos and 10 or 5% of my life and think that they know or think that they have an idea, but they don't. And so I just think, you can't let everyone have a voice in your life.

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

You know?

[Angela]

Totally.

[Ari]

Oh, yeah.

[Angela]

So 100.

[Maddie Crawford]

I've had to learn to, like, just mute that, block that out, listen to the people that care. And I've had people in my life, people close to me, like, tell me the truth and be like, hey, you need to stop doing this or you need to start doing this, or give me, like, the truth. And I love that. I love nothing more than to be corrected and to be learning and just growing in my relationship with God. And anything that my friends or family says to me, like, I know that they mean it and I know that it's true because they actually know me.

[Angela]

Totally.

[Maddie Crawford]

And they actually love me and want the best for me. Versus people online are just saying whatever they want to say.

[Angela]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

And they're projecting.

[Angela]

100.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Angela]

And I just. Let's. We want to know things about your relationship with Jesus, like, what's your. What's your favorite spiritual discipline? Like, prayer? Worship, Reading the Word. Like, how do you experience him?

[Maddie Crawford]

I love worship. Yeah. So much. I think that's my favorite. Or prayer. I'm just. I love worship so much. I feel like I always get wrecked when I'm listening to worship. I feel like the first time that I, like, really encountered Jesus, like, had a physical, like, encounter with him was I was at a worship night at Circuit Riders.

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

And it was like, again, everything was so new. So this is, like, the first time that I was at a big worship night and I had, like, really felt the Holy Spirit for the first time in my life. And it was, like, during worship, and it was just, like. Like, so crazy and. Yeah.

[Angela]

Oh, I love it.

[Maddie Crawford]

I love worship.

[Angela]

Can you tell us just, like, what your secret place look looks like and.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think that spending time with Jesus is ultimately just the most important thing. Yeah. I literally notice a difference in myself when I wake up and read my Bible versus when I don't. It's like a complete. Like, Bryce will literally be like. Like, you didn't read your Bible today. I can literally tell because it's true. Like, it's such a difference. I think just like, starting my day reading my Bible, I read a proverb a day. She got that from Rice. Thank you, Rice. Yeah. It's just the best. I spend my time with Jesus and. Yeah, it doesn't have to look like everyone else's, you know, and it's. It's my own relationship. And. Yeah, I think that my walk has been super interesting because of all of the pressure from social media and just, like, outside pressure. And I think that I can honestly say I've. There's been points where I've let that affect me. And when I feel that pressure, I feel like some people, when they have pressure, they can either do really good with that, and they just do so good under pressure.

[Angela]

Totally.

[Maddie Crawford]

Which is, like, Bryce, for example, like, he just, like, like, can handle the pressure. And there's someone like me who, when I feel pressure, I kind of just like, resist it and I push it away. And so when I feel this, like, pressure to, like, you know, read my Bible and be a good Christian and look like this, it actually makes me, like, want to just push that away.

[Ari]

Me, too.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah, I just. I. I completely just, like, resist it.

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

And it's totally. Like, honestly, it's affected my relationship with God at times. You know, it's made me not want to read my Bible. It's made Me not want to pray. It's made me just, like, resent it.

[Angela]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

Because of all this pressure of, like, you have to do this and you have to look like this, and.

[Ari]

Yeah. That's the opposite of Jesus.

[Maddie Crawford]

It's so the opposite. Yeah.

[Angela]

He's, like, gently pursuing you.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yes.

[Angela]

Not forcing you into a place.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Angela]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

And it's like, all this pressure is just, you know, from Satan. It's from, like, outside noises and stuff. And I've just really had to, like, remember, I'm not a Christian because of other Christians. I'm a Christian because of Jesus and what he's done in my life. Yeah. And there is no pressure with Jesus. Like, he's not pressuring us. That doesn't come from him at all.

[Ari]

So good.

[Maddie Crawford]

And we just do things because we love him. It's just out of our love for him. And so I have to constantly remind myself that and, like, renew my mind and know. Okay, I'm not doing this because there's this pressure on me or I have to, or I'm forced to. Like, I'm doing this because I love God and I want to read my Bible because I love him and I want to learn about Him. And it's not because I'm, you know, have all this pressure that I need to, like, know everything. So I love that. Yeah.

[Ari]

You're a spicy girl.

[Maddie Crawford]

You're a spicy girl.

[Ari]

I am a spicy girl. And that's why I'm asking you this. Next question. Spicy girl. Yeah. Being a spicy Latina.

[Maddie Crawford]

True.

[Ari]

How has that been with submission?

[Maddie Crawford]

One of the hardest things that I'm learning right now in marriage is submission.

[Ari]

And so many of us. Yeah. So many of us are married. It's really hard to submit to you. Jesus, bring us husbands, please. Bring him husbands.

[Angela]

First time.

[Ari]

We're fine. We're, like, not desperate. We're not. We're not.

[Angela]

Okay.

[Ari]

Okay. This is horrific. Old, desperate, decrepit geriatric. The reason why I kept laughing is because the word geriatric. Okay. Geriatric. Yeah. The question is that how are you

[Angela]

learning to submit in marriage? Like, are you learning to submit?

[Ari]

Okay.

[Maddie Crawford]

I guess I thought that. I thought submission would be easy. I'm like, yeah, I just get to lay back and submit and let him do everything. Like, this is great. Like, I can do this. And then now I'm actually in marriage, and I have an issue. I have a submission issue. Like, actually, like, I am a control freak. So I like to just control every situation and, like, give myself my input in every Situation. And I think that I'm, like, right. 90 of the time.

[Angela]

Yeah, I feel you

[Maddie Crawford]

just making sure.

[Ari]

Yeah. 100.

[Maddie Crawford]

But no, I'm not, though. And that's the issue. And Bryce is always clocking me, and he's always telling me that I need to do a better job at submitting, which I do. And it's a struggle.

[Ari]

Totally.

[Maddie Crawford]

Because we're spicy girls, and it's hard. And sometimes I don't want to be told what to do.

[Ari]

100.

[Maddie Crawford]

Ever, actually.

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

But that's something I'm learning. And it's hard, but. Yeah.

[Angela]

But the beauty is in that you love and trust Bryce so much, and you trust that he's being led by God. And so, you know, if he's ever asking something of you, it comes from.

[Maddie Crawford]

Totally.

[Angela]

You know, that's what makes submission so beautiful.

[Maddie Crawford]

Right.

[Angela]

Is that we know that we're being led by God when we're led by them.

[Maddie Crawford]

Totally.

[Angela]

Yeah. So I just. I love what you guys have. Have so much. It's such a gift to be married so young. So much younger than.

[Ari]

Sorry.

[Angela]

Sorry, sorry, sorry. It's such a gift to be married so young.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah. It's crazy. I feel like a kid.

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Maddie Crawford]

I am a kid. And I'm married.

[Angela]

100.

[Maddie Crawford]

So weird.

[Angela]

Which is so cool, though, because you, like. It's just so cool. You're not jaded. You, like, you get to grow together, learn together. It's so beautiful.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Ari]

I just want you to just. Before we go, just speak.

[Maddie Crawford]

Okay.

[Ari]

Speak to the younger generation. I just want. But it's true. Yeah, I want you to speak to the. Before we go, I want you to speak to the. Speak to the younger generation. What advice do you have if somebody. What the heck is wrong with you? Are you chuckling? What the heck is wrong with you?

[Maddie Crawford]

Why are you chuckling?

[Ari]

Speak to the. Speak to the girl or guy who's one foot in, one foot out, feeling a lot of shame.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Ari]

Speak to them. What advice do you have for them?

[Maddie Crawford]

Well, first of all, shame does not come from God. That is completely Satan in your ear telling you that. Yeah. Shame is not from God, I would say. And I always think about this because when I was in middle school and high school and even college, like, I wish that I had someone that was older, that had gone through the same things I went through, that could speak life into me and tell me, like, what I'm doing is wrong. So I always think about that, and I guess I would just say, like, you don't have to do what everyone else is doing. You don't. And I know that feels so weird, especially like when you feel like you're the only one that's doing something different and being different. But that's what we're called to do as Christians. We're called to be. We're called to be different. We're called to be a light. And. Yeah. So I would just encourage people to not feel the pressure of doing what everyone else is doing. Yeah. None of the things that you're doing is actually filling the void. It just feels good in the moment, and it's this temporary, like, dopamine hit that feels so good in the moment, and then there's still a hole in your heart. And. Yeah. So I would just say Jesus is truly the only thing that can fill that void. And I just am saying this from experience, you know, I'm not saying this because I'm better or anything. It's just what I've gone through. I've gone through everything. I've tried everything. Nothing has filled the hole in my heart except for Jesus. He has fulfilled every need that I could have ever, you know, had. And he's everything, and he's worth it. And living life for Jesus is worth it. And it's not always the easiest thing. It's actually really hard sometimes, but it's so worth it. That's what I would say. I love that.

[Ari]

That's a perfect.

[Angela]

That is the best.

[Maddie Crawford]

Maddie, you're the best. You guys are the best.

[Angela]

We'll fight everyone. We'll fight everyone. And who says anything?

[Ari]

Every little. Every one of these little Pharisees on the Internet.

[Angela]

Whoa. I had no idea what you were about to say.

[Ari]

Keep going. Well, I'm saved. So I won't say what you thought I was gonna say, but all these little Pharisees. I've gotten into a couple of tiffs with a couple of Pharisees over her. Cute.

[Maddie Crawford]

I see her in comment sections, like, defending.

[Ari]

Oh, yeah, I don't care. Maddie, we love you so much.

[Maddie Crawford]

Thank you, guys.

[Ari]

Being a light and a voice to this generation, to this younger generation, you know, we're a little older, so the fact that you said on record that you submit to me is so twisted and wrong. Like, if you think they're not making a documentary about that, they are getting clipped. No, I promise you, we're gonna be on, like, those horror documentaries. Like, someone's gonna. Yeah. We love you. We love you so much. Thank you. I love the tan and the lashes, and I love that you are a Christian. That Loves fashion and beauty. And beauty.

[Angela]

You can be Christian and beautiful.

[Ari]

They used to yell at us and say, you guys need to come on here with no makeup. I say, you guys don't want that.

[Maddie Crawford]

Y' all don't want that. Come on.

[Ari]

I just. I just. Just love that. That you love beauty and fashion and.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah, it's refreshing.

[Ari]

And you love Jesus.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Ari]

No, no, I wasn't saying that. You had to say that. I was in my head, I was thinking, you love Jesus. It's just nice. No, I know. And you love Jesus. Yes. No, no, I was just saying. And you compliment her. No, it's so cute.

[Angela]

Like, you love fashion, you love beauty, and you love Jesus.

[Ari]

That's just what I'm saying.

[Angela]

Oh, gosh.

[Ari]

Thank you, Jesus. Thank you. We love you and thank you, guys.

[Angela]

Thank you for our flowers in our road.

[Ari]

Okay, now we are actually cool, like

[Angela]

the younger generation because we have the road

[Ari]

lip treatment.

[Maddie Crawford]

You're saying it like it's an ad.

[Ari]

We're not sponsored. We're just. I just want to let you know.

[Maddie Crawford]

Yeah.

[Ari]

Stella needs her groove back. No, I. I want you to know

[Angela]

I used to also wear baggy jeans and that were. That were low rise. And Ari told me I needed to start wearing dresses.

[Maddie Crawford]

That's actually. You can do both.

[Ari]

I'm telling you. You started to, like, do that. No, no. And I said, you look better edgy.

[Angela]

Look at me right now. Do you remember I was listening to this mess.

[Maddie Crawford]

I'm listening.

[Angela]

I was going on a date before Girls Gone by Boat.

[Ari]

Remember?

[Angela]

I was going on a date.

[Ari]

Whatever.

[Angela]

We won't talk about it, but I was going on a date over three years ago, and I was wearing revised denim. You know, revice revised denim. They were the lowest.

[Ari]

They had jewels on. No, no, no, no.

[Angela]

These were the most low rise camo, baggy pants. They were camo.

[Maddie Crawford]

I know exactly what you're talking about.

[Angela]

You know what I'm talking about. With a black shirt. And I walked to my car and you look at me and go, hey, Ang, get some dresses.

[Ari]

Exactly.

[Angela]

And I. We had just become friends too, and

[Ari]

I was like, ow. I want you to bring it back.

[Angela]

I'm gonna start. I just need to, you know, bring

[Ari]

back those low rise leather pants. Oh, great. Carefully and wonderfully made. Okay, thank you guys so much for today. We were so blessed.

[Angela]

Wait, do you know how much brought us?

[Maddie Crawford]

No. You guys bring me joy. What are we talking about?

[Angela]

Anything.

[Ari]

You brought joy because she's young.

[Maddie Crawford]

Wrap it up.

[Ari]

Wrap it up, guys.

[Angela]

We love you so much. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May he make make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May he turn his face towards you and give you peace.

[Ari]

Shalom. Shalom. We love you guys.

[Maddie Crawford]

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