Meredith Foster is a Christian YouTuber, podcast host, and social media influencer. Since starting her YouTube channel in 2009, Meredith has shifted to talking about her faith and relationship with God, and encouraging her followers in anything she does.

PEER: Describe how you came to know Jesus.

MEREDITH: I grew up going to church and asked Jesus into my heart at the age of four but never experienced the fullness, freedom and abundant life that comes through our Lord and Savior. I believed God was always angry with me, but he is full of compassion, mercy, and always ready to forgive when we make mistakes. God is not only our biggest advocate, but He wants to see you win! In my early 20s, I went searching for love in all the wrong places and it left me feeling more empty, alone, and heartbroken. After years of battling suicidal thoughts, an eating disorder and self-hatred, I had little strength left. My mind was a war zone. I craved peace. Then Jesus, the Prince of Peace, chased me down and pulled me into the tenderness of His heart. He became my champion, defender, hero. He showed me my true worth as a daughter of a King! When others knocked me down and stole my crown, He was the one to fix it. I no longer needed to strive or earn approval, He already approved of me! I just needed to receive His goodness and rest in Him. He showered me with His marvelous grace and removed the shame that I had become so familiar with. Jesus + nothing = everything. He is the desire of our hearts, and we are forever intertwined with him. He is our joy, and we are His! 

P: When did you start your career on YouTube? And why?

MF: I started my YouTube channel in 2009 and it was originally called “StilaBabe09.” I actually wanted to be an actress but didn’t have money for acting lessons so jumped on YouTube as my way of getting in front of a camera! I definitely wasn’t expecting anything of it. 12 years later and I’m still the same gal with passion and determination!

P: Can you explain why you made the shift to creating more faith content online, both YouTube and on your podcast?

MF: I made that shift because it’s all I really wanted to talk about! I went through the honeymoon phase when Jesus became an all-consuming fire in my heart. He revealed to me how much he loves his creation (us), I had to express it and felt like I could encourage others on their faith walk! When someone is truly transformed, they can’t help but want others to experience that same freedom that comes from relationship with Jesus!

P: How has changing your content affected your career? Did you receive any negativity online, and how did you cope?

MF: Changing my content was quite nervewracking at the beginning but it became so liberating because I’m free to be who God created me to be and express my art and gifts that He gave me! Never trade your authenticity for approval, friends! There is always a cost when you start sharing your testimony and following Jesus. You will have to let go of some things along the way, but the fantastic news is when you seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness all else will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).

And let the haters be your motivators! You can’t take anything personally; everyone is fighting battles we know nothing about. The best way to handle it is to bless them and keep building for the Kingdom!

P: How do you maintain your faith while being on YouTube and social media?

MF: I spend a lot of time in prayer and the Word to stay grounded and rooted in love and my identity. If we start to pay too much attention to what the Internet is doing, we lose sight of what really matters most.

P: What advice do you have for anyone who is interested in being an influencer or on social media? 

MF: Do it! Sometimes the only way to get past our fears is to take a leap of faith and if we fall, we get back up again. Faith is taking a risk and you’ll never know what beauty can come out of it unless you try.

P: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

MF: Here’s my own advice: Be bold, be courageous, be YOU, in Christ!

P: What’s your go-to self-care habit when feeling overwhelmed?

MF: My self-care hack is quieting my mind and taking a prayer walk (with no phone) or put on some music and dance! Dancing is a great way to regulate our nervous system.

P: In only a few words, what does your morning routine look like? 

MF: Brush teeth, worship time/devotional, make coffee!

P: What’s your favorite Bible verse? 

MF: Jeremiah 29:11 was the verse I loved as a little girl and it still is today!