If you know anything about HGTV, you have most likely heard of Chip and Joanna Gaines. Taking the house-flipping world by storm, Chip and Joanna won the hearts of viewers with their adorable relationship and strong family values.
On their reality show Fixer Upper, the Christian couple renovate local homes in Waco, Texas, with Chip working construction and Joanna designing and styling the interior. Aside from their show, Chip and Joanna are also successful business owners and parents of four lucky children.
While they are not members of the Church, Mormons seem to connect with Chip and Joanna on a personal level because of their genuine and real personalities. Here are a few reasons why they’ve taken the Mormon world by storm:
They Promote a Positive Family Culture (& Not to Mention Relationship Goals)
Arguably one of the most down-to-earth and lovable couples on reality TV, Chip and Joanna put their relationship and family first and make sure to have a weekly date night. Joanna told Q Political, “We really enjoy the problem solving, but there comes a point when we need to focus on us. We have the weekly date nights where we try our hardest not to talk business.”
With Chip’s goofy sense of humor and Joanna’s stability and organization, their relationship proves that when you agree on fundamental values and principles, it’s easier to balance everything else. Although they seem like polar opposites, they center their lives and relationship on Christ.
In an interview with Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, they said, “Our family has made a commitment to put Christ first, a lifestyle our parents modeled for us very well. They showed us how to keep our marriage and family centered around God.”
Image retrieved from Q Political.
They Have a House of Order
Not only do they create beautiful homes for other people, Chip and Joanna also maintain an organized home for their children. Viewers comment on their well-behaved children, who don’t even have a TV.
“Our first year of marriage, we had a fun couple that was our pre-marital counselors, and they said, ‘Hey, we want to challenge y’all for the first six months of marriage, don’t do a TV,’” Joanna told Glamour. “Then, six months later we looked at each other and said, ‘How about another six months?’ And it just became one of those things where, 12 years later, we still don’t own one.”
In a new video by “I Am Second,” Chip explains, “I have learned so much about order and structure and processes through my wife. And God is all of those things to me now. But at the beginning, God was just chaotic to me.”
Image retrieved from Q Political.
They Create and Design Homes That Look Like Pinterest Heaven
It’s a well-known fact that Mormons love Pinterest, and HGTV is a Pinterest-lover’s best friend. The homes that Chip and Joanna create have lots of open space, light, and unique touches that any Pinterest fanatic would love.
Just take a look:
Image retrieved from Q Political.
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They’re Open about Their Faith in God
Perhaps the biggest reason that Mormons love Chip and Joanna is the fact that they aren’t afraid to share their testimony, either vocally or by example. Because our church places a strong emphasis on missionary work, Latter-day Saints understand how nerve-wracking it can be to put yourself out there—especially your faith.
Because they are so open with their faith, many Church members have gained respect for their willingness to share what they believe with such a broad audience. Joanna told Glamour, “[We] have been surprised at the impact of our faith through the show. We haven’t been overtly evangelical, but the rich feedback we have received on family and love all source from our faith. Jesus said the world would know His disciples by their love for one another, and we’ve glimpsed this in practice and strive for it every day.”
In the “I Am Second” video, Joanna shares, “I was made for a reason, and I need to let whatever God has created me for—that needs to be known. I don’t need to stay hidden.”
Although Chip and Joanna Gaines are not members of the Church, Mormons seem to love them for who they are—true followers of Christ. Not only do they share their faith unabashedly, but they also promote strong, value-driven families, which are key elements of Mormon culture.
Whether viewers are inspired by their values and testimonies or their home renovations, Mormons seem to identify with Chip and Joanna on a personal level.
Watch a video of Chip and Joanna Gaines describing their relationship with each other and God on YouTube.
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Chip & Joanna Gaines - Perfectly Opposite
Lead image retrieved from Q Political.
