Staying true to yourself and your values can be difficult for anyone — a fact addressed at “Live Original LIVE,” hosted by Duck Dynasty’s Sadie Robertson.
The event, based around themes of Robertson’s book “Live Original,” was held in Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena on Saturday, Aug. 29 and included inspirational speeches, skits and music performances.
“What Live Original is all about, that is what we’re doing tonight, teaching you to go outside of your comfort zone,” Robertson said. “Don’t be afraid, be confident in your schools, through your trials, in the community, in the world, and in your relationships.”
Speakers included Robertson’s brother John Luke and sister-in-law Mary Kate, boyfriend Blake Coward, The Bachelor couple Sean and Catherine Lowe, Max and Bonnie Kate Zoghbi, with musical performances by for KING & COUNTRY and Reed Robertson.
Amidst the excitement and entertainment were serious and meaningful discussions, such as the Zoghbi’s speaking out about the 2012 Aurora Colorado shooting, which Bonnie Kate was a victim of.
“I’m telling you guys this story just to tell of God’s faithfulness and how He’s so good and uses even the darkest things to grow us and shape us,” said Zoghbi, as she spoke of the events of the shooting and the ways in which she has grown afterward.
Zoghbi’s filmaker husband Max, who received a lot of attention for his elaborate wedding proposal, spoke about the importance of perspective in living originally in trials and suffering.
“For us that looks like finding perspective in your story through suffering because everyone suffers,” he said.
“It looks like finding that perspective and relying on God to give you joy in the trials, choosing and pursuing that joy. When you do that, everything changes.”
Adding to the theme of perspective and film were videos shown during breaks throughout the event, which showcased vendors seeking to do good through their products, such as Pickels with a Purpose.
The nonprofit, started by 9-year-old Luke Holm, seeks to raise money to buy a home for Holm’s homeless friend, Tim.
“[Tim] really taught me a lot of skills, and once I found out that he was homeless, I wanted to help him,” Holm said.
“I started to raise money by selling my grandmother’s sweet and spicy pickles. My grandmother agreed to help us, so we’ve been making more and more pickles.”
More information regarding vendors, title sponsor Glory Haus and Live Original can be found here.
Photos by Becca Risley