Kathy Ireland On How the Bible Transformed Her Life: ‘The Gospel is the Core of Every Decision I Make’
By Movieguide® Staff
Kathy Ireland revealed that God used her loneliest moments, as an 18-year-old living and modeling in Paris, to bring her to faith.
“I was living in Paris and it was really a hard time,” the now 58-year-old told Fox News. “I know it might sound glamorous, but I was alone modeling. It wasn’t my plan, but I recognized it as an opportunity. I could save money for college or start a business. I just barely finished high school and I had no technology or distractions.”
In 1981, Ireland found a Bible that her mother hid in her luggage.
“I didn’t even know how to read one,” Ireland said. “I’d never read one before in my life. I opened up the Book of Matthew. And as I’m reading in the middle of the night, I knew I was holding the Truth in my hands. There wasn’t anybody in the room saying, ‘Be this denomination or that denomination.’ It was like, ‘I want to follow Jesus Christ.’ And he was nothing like I thought.
“In my industry, at that time, it was filled with a lot of really sketchy guys,” she continued. “I was drawn to how powerful Jesus was. How loving and honoring He was of women. It gave me such comfort. And so, He became my Lord and Savior. The experience forever changed my life.”
Ireland began to read more, but she confessed that studying and understanding the Bible was not easy. Even as her modeling and acting career took off, Ireland was determined to have the Bible be at the center of her identity.
“Some things I would read and really love,” Ireland said. “And other things, I would read and say, ‘Oh, that must be a typo. That’s a different interpretation or a cultural thing. Certainly doesn’t pertain to me.’ So I was picking and choosing what I liked and neglecting the rest of it. I was trying to mold God into what I wanted him to be, rather than just surrendering and letting him make me into the person he made me to be. And oh my goodness, He was so patient. I was 44 when I finally read the whole Bible. It continues to teach me every day.
“Today, I have three children, a husband and a business,” Ireland added. “The message that I just felt pounding in my heart was, ‘Put Me first. And I’ll give you more time, better time with your kids.’ So I started to set my alarm for 15 minutes [every morning] for a quick prayer. Those 10 minutes of prayer and reading turned into an hour and more. It’s not a duty. It’s a joy. It’s my daily bread and water.”
Aside from modeling and acting, Ireland is also a successful businesswoman. In 1993 she found the Kathy Ireland® Worldwide brand.
Despite the money, fame, and success, Ireland’s focus remains solely on her relationship with God.
“The gospel is the core of every decision that I make,” Ireland said. “We’re not a Christian company. We have team members from all different backgrounds and different beliefs. I don’t force my faith or beliefs on anyone. But I’m not ashamed of them. I can’t do anything that’s going to contradict it. I cannot compromise my faith. I’m just so thankful for God’s grace because I have made so many messes in my life. And he gives us a perspective – an eternal perspective.”
“I’m grateful and thankful for the blessed life I’ve been given,” Ireland added.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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