Testimonies!

Hey ya'll! My name is Brooke Simpson, and I am just so thankful to be in the position of launching Perfectly Made! So you know me and where got my inspiration, I wanted to share my story and my hearts desire of leading others to Jesus!

I have grown up in a Christian home where the Lord was the focus. My family has loved me unconditionally and has been influential in my walk with Jesus. I have looked up to my parents and their relationship in ways that I can not describe! I also grew up doing competitive gymnastics, where it was very much my entire life! Over the years, I developed a dream of competing in the SEC! Just like "I planned", my junior year of high school, I committed to LSU to continue my academic and athletic career. Unreal, right? I was overly ecstatic and just so grateful for the opportunity the Lord had laid at my feet.

Upon moving to Baton Rouge, I started struggling with body image. I think the combination of stress, being insanely busy, overwhelmness, and missing home caused it, but I ended up being diagnosed with an eating disorder, and it truly broke me. At that time, I just did not understand why God would give me this amazing opportunity to then just rip it away from me. It did not make sense. However, after a ton of prayer and time in God's Word, I felt the Lord calling me back home. It was the hardest decision have ever had to make! The "once" dream that I worked my entire life to make happen was coming to an abrupt end, I decided to completely step away and retire from gymnastics as a whole. My plan was not God's plan, and he was testing my faith in this season of life. 

The moment I made the decision to transfer, I immediately felt a sense of peace and assurance. I knew that feeling was from the Lord, and I trusted that was He was at work in me, through me, and around me. Things continued to be difficult once I returned home. Body image and body dysmorphia continued to impact my life every single day. It did not just "go away", because I listened to God's calling for my life. I felt unsure of what to expect without gymnastics, but like God always does, He provides and protects. Each day, I would (and still do!) start with a devotion, read scripture and commit to surrendering my life to His plan. One day at a time, God provided just what I needed to progress through this season of my life. Because of God's faithfulness and love for me, He has allowed me to fully heal my relationship with food, provided me with wonderful friendships and presented amazing ministry opportunities that I never thought possible. All that to say, my relationship and trust in God has made me realize "I am perfect". God has made me perfect in His eyes, and that is all that matters. If you are a young girl, college student, or even a mom, I want each person reading this to know that you have been created just as God wanted you, and that is Perfectly Made! God has gone before each of us, paving the road He has for us. We are called to trust in His plan and follow His leading, even if the path seems unclear. Keep your gaze on Him. Trust Him. Get to know Him. He has a Perfectly Made plan for you and for me!

XOXO, Brooke!