Free shipping on all orders over $75🎄

Being a new mom is difficult. Your days are filled with a blur of bottles, diaper changes and little-to-no sleep. So, imagine the strength it takes for a woman to leave their newborn baby to head back to work. Then, imagine being put under a microscope for any and everyone to judge. That’s the reality for Carrie Duncan, a meteorologist in Mississippi. But, instead of a warm welcome just months after giving birth, she was faced with a verbal attack of words. Rather than sulk over this online bully, Carrie took the high road, showing the world that actions speak louder than words. 

As a fellow television journalist, I’m used to the criticism. I’ve been called fat, ugly, atrocious; I’ve even been told to fix my voice and teeth. It comes with the territory. Viewers often feel like they know us and connect with us because we appear on the television in their living room nearly everyday. But in recent years, the kind words have been contaminated with a spew of negativity, and Carrie Duncan shared the worst viewer email I’ve ever witnessed. In addition to telling her she had a “horrid gut and huge arms,” the viewer criticized her hair, clothing attire and told her that she’s “an embarrassment” to herself and all of the viewers. Excuse me?!?! I had to pick my jaw up from the ground after reading this note. I’ve experienced my fair share of hatred, but this takes online bullying to a new level.

I could spend hours nitpicking this email, but much like Meteorologist Carrie Duncan did in response to the hater, I will take the high road. As a fellow journalist, I’m saddened by this email. After writing many articles and Facebook posts fighting back against “fat-shaming,” it’s disheartening to know that this is running rampant across the internet. I would hope that viewers watch us to get the latest news or to find out what the weather will be like for the day, not to judge the on-air talent for their choice in clothing, or their hair, or their body figure. Sure, the pound of make up is a requirement because of the bright lighting, but I am the same person presenting the news whether I’m 125 lbs or 175 lbs. 

As a mom, this email breaks my heart. My young daughter is beginning to understand more of the world around her, and the last thing that I want her to ever experience is the cattiness and hatred that is infecting so much of our society. These days, it’s so easy for people to hide behind a computer. What makes my blood boil even more than the spew of negativity is that this email was written by a woman. What happened to ladies lifting each other up, not tearing each other down? This fat-shaming has to stop! And to attack a woman who gave birth just months ago? Heck, I’m still trying to lose the “baby weight” from when I delivered my triplets four years ago! It’s time that we start looking at our inner beauty, it’s far more important than the exterior. 

As I glanced through some of the comments from Carrie’s post, my anger and frustration softened. You need a hard shell to survive in our industry, and as I often remind myself–for every one negative note, there are hundreds of positive ones. In Carrie’s case, she has gained thousands of new fans eager to show their support. It’s a beautiful symbol of how much good is in this world. So, as I un-clip my microphone and chisel off the pound of TV make up, I’m giving you, Carrie, a standing ovation. Thank you for taking a stand against the haters. Your grace and poise has proved to be much stronger than the words thrown at you.

So God Made a Mother book by Leslie Means

If you liked this, you'll love our new book, SO GOD MADE A MOTHER available now!

Order Now

Stacey Skrysak

Stacey Skrysak is a local television news anchor in Illinois, but her proudest role is becoming a mom after years of infertility. Stacey is mother to a 22-weeker surviving triplet and two angels. Even though two of her children were only alive for a short time, her triplets have touched thousands of people around the world. Through her blog, Stacey has become a voice for infertility, premature birth and child loss. These days, she sprinkles in the trials and tribulations of raising a daughter, who was once nicknamed “The Diva of the Nicu.”

Brothers Fight Hard and Love Harder

In: Kids, Motherhood
Two boys play outside, one lifting the other on his back

The last few years have been a whirlwind. My head has sometimes been left spinning; we have moved continents with three boys, three and under at the time. Set up home and remained sufficiently organized despite the complete chaos to ensure everyone was where they were meant to be on most days. Living in a primarily hockey town, the winters are filled with coffee catch-ups at the arena, so it was no surprise when my youngest declared his intention to play hockey like his school friends. Fully aware that he had never held a hockey stick or slapped a puck,...

Keep Reading

Stop Putting an Expiration Date on Making Memories

In: Kids, Motherhood
Mother and son in small train ride

We get 12 times to play Santa (if we’re lucky). This phrase stopped my scroll on a Sunday evening. I had an idea of the direction this post was going but I continued on reading. 12 spring breaks 12 easter baskets 20 tooth fairy visits 13 first days of school 1 first date 1-2 proms 1-2 times of seeing them in their graduation cap and gown 18 summers under the same roof And so on and so on. It was essentially another post listing the number of all the monumental moments that we, Lord willing, will get to experience with our...

Keep Reading

When Your Kids Ask, “Where Is God?”

In: Faith, Kids
Child looking at sunset

How do I know if the voice I’m hearing is God’s voice? When I was in high school, I found myself asking this question. My dad was a pastor, and I was feeling called to ministry. I didn’t know if I was just hearing my dad’s wish or the call of God. I was worried I was confusing the two. It turns out, I did know. I knew because I was raised to recognize the presence of God all around me. Once I knew what God’s presence felt like, I also knew what God’s voice sounded like. There is a...

Keep Reading

Go Easy On the Parents Who Refuse to Skip Naps

In: Kids, Motherhood
Two little boys and their sister walking down a gravel road, color photo

Greetings from a mom who is done with napping children. It’s great to have the flexibility during the day for longer activities, meeting friends for playdates, or day trips to faraway places. It’s a new life . . . the life without naps. The freedom to make plans and keep them. But not that long ago, I was something very different than the flexible, plan-keeping, up-for-it woman I am today. I used to be the mom who refused to skip my child’s nap. Yep, that one. Here’s the thing, for a lot of parents, It’s so much more than just a...

Keep Reading

My Heart Isn’t Ready for You to Stop Believing in Santa

In: Kids, Motherhood
Little boy standing in front of lit christmas tree

“My friend doesn’t believe in Santa anymore, Mom,” my son said out of the blue the other day. We were driving in the car, and when I met his gaze in the rear-view mirror his eyes searched mine. Immediately, my heart sank.  This sweet boy, he’s our first. Thoughtful and smart and eight years old. A quick Google search tells me that’s the average age kids stop believing in Santa, but as his mom, I’m not ready for that—not even a little bit.  I can still hear his barely 2-year-old voice going on about reindeer as we lay together on...

Keep Reading

Dear Kids, This Is My Wish for You

In: Kids, Motherhood
Mother hugs three kids

To my kids, The world you’re stepping into is unlike anything I experienced at your age. It’s fast-paced, interconnected, and sometimes overwhelming. But within this chaos lie countless opportunities for growth and joy. My wish for you is that you find the perfect balance between embracing the modern world and staying true to yourselves. Change is one thing you can always count on. Embrace it because it’s often the motivation for growth. Embracing change doesn’t mean letting go of who you are; rather, it’s about evolving into the best version of yourself. Remember, you don’t need to have all the...

Keep Reading

Motherhood is a Million Little Letting Gos and Fresh Hellos

In: Kids, Motherhood
Mother sitting with child on her lap by the setting sun and water

I missed my grocery-shopping buddy the other day. Mondays are usually the days my littlest and I knock out our grocery list. In the past, we’ve dropped the kids at school and then headed to the store. I grab a latte, and she chooses a hot chocolate. But that day, they were all in school. That day, she sat in her kindergarten class, and I went to the grocery store. Alone. A new rhythm. A changed routine. A different season. I listened to a podcast on the drive. My podcast. Then I grabbed a drink. Just one. I got the...

Keep Reading

Dear Daughter, Stay Wild

In: Kids, Motherhood
Mother and daughter on beach, color photo

I can’t really put my finger on it. Or manage to find all the words. But there’s just something about that girl. Maybe it’s the way her hair sits tangled. Curled up at the end. The way she moves. Dances. As if everyone was watching. Or no one at all. RELATED: There is Wild Beauty in This Spirited Child of Mine It could be the way she smiles. With her heart. The way only she can. The way she cares, loves. For everyone. For herself. You see, she is beautiful in the way only wild things are. The way they...

Keep Reading

You’re Becoming a Big Sister, But You’ll Always Be My Baby

In: Baby, Kids, Motherhood
Pregnant woman with young daughter, color photo

The anticipation of welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting and joyous time for our family. From the moment we found out we were expecting to just about every day since, the love and excitement only continue to grow. However, amidst all the preparations for the new addition, I cannot help but have mixed emotions as I look back at old videos and pictures of my firstborn, my first princess, my Phoebe—for she will always hold a special place in my heart. As the anticipation grows, my heart swells with a mix of emotions knowing we are...

Keep Reading

Cowgirls Don’t Cry Unless the Horse They Loved Is Gone

In: Grief, Kids, Loss
Little girls Toy Story Jessie costume, color photo

The knee of my pants is wet and dirty. My yellow ring lays by the sink—it’s been my favorite ring for months. I bought it to match Bigfoot’s halter and the sunflowers by his pasture. Bigfoot is my daughter’s pony, and I loved him the most. The afternoon is so sunny. His hooves make the same calming rhythm I’ve come to love as I walk him out back. A strong wind blows through the barn. A stall labeled “Bigfoot,” adorned with a sunflower, hangs open and I feel sick. I kneel down by his side as he munches the grass....

Keep Reading