Elizabeth Smart on 20 years since kidnapping: "I felt destroyed"

[@leilashlosser9384]

This woman is such an inspiration. She did not let this kidnapping and sexually abuse define her life. She is amazing. It’s incredible how this man got away with this for so long.

[@swallowedinthesea11]

*Damn, she's hotter than Megan Fox!*

[@lillaurap]

I'm still trying to get over abuse. I can't even imagine wtf this woman went through. Literal nightmare, worst scenario stuff.

[@Amanda-nt7tt]

@@swallowedinthesea11 you think Megan is hot lmao

[@laurad324]

@@lillaurap please look into neuroplasticity techniques. Life changing.

[@mac-ju5ot]

I'm still upset over my abuse and it was an ed by a couple of people who said it was a lesson to be learned took them yo court tje syokholm syndrome.. Hes still around my bp.shot ul......its the talk of the town.no one is protecting me I'm so upset

[@HeidiPyke]

Love that someone recognized her and actually called. She's right. No one thought she'd be found alive back then.

[@MsJustJenna]

I did. I remember praying for her every night with my mom.

[@katiehettinger7857]

My son in high school at the time searched for her, we thought she'd died. She is an example of strength of character.

[@maneckineckbeard1749]

So true. I was living in the Salt Lake Valley at the time, and when someone excitedly came to tell me the news my immediate reaction was grief, because I automatically assumed that what had been found was a body.

[@louisefleming3117]

where there is a will....there is always a way.

[@bmcdermott]

They didn't recognise her - they recognised one of her captors, Mitchell. His photo had been circulated in the news

[@janettamcgee8124]

I've never heard all of the details before. It was worse than I thought. She was stronger at 14 years old than I've ever been in my life. What an amazing person she is.

[@shondaet]

Read her book or listen to the audio. Wow!!

[@outliv]

@Amy Lewis you probably already know this, but you’re a terrible person. Being held against your will is not a matter of just “leaving”.

[@shondaet]

@Amy Lewis Her captivity was horrific. Glad she escaped. I would have died trying to get away from that disgusting man and woman.

[@donnatlaw6172]

@@outliv Lady, did you hear her talking about her will to live? She obviously couldn't "leave" because of her faith in her Lord. Shonda just expressed her own opinion of what she would have done. I cannot imagine being a 14 year old going through this. Maybe I would have felt the same as Shonda... I can't say and neither could you. Shush, sister.

[@donnatlaw6172]

@@shondaet None of us would know in Elizabeth's situation. I get you though, sister.

[@maneckineckbeard1749]

I was living just a few miles from Sandy, Utah when she was found: I'll never forget the public rejoicing and inexpressible relief. How wonderful it is to see just what an amazing, heroic and inspiring women she's become!

[@dontennis2260]

Lucky she did not get pregnant with kidnapper baby

[@maneckineckbeard1749]

@@dontennis2260 I've thought of that myself! I can't even imagine...

[@embeth446]

I was a college student following this story when she was kidnapped. I remember saying, “That poor little girl is dead.” I never imagined her coming home. So happy to see she survived this trauma and is thriving today helping others. What a remarkable woman.

[@maryjeannepies1978]

Rràeè

[@MB-hc9qy]

I was never kidnapped and raped and this woman has her life together more than I ever will. God bless her.

[@lorireece1970]

Be strong.

[@JuicyJ2013]

She was great on true crime daily

[@graceg3250]

Have you looked into EDMR or vagus nerve therapies?

[@nikki3288]

You never know.........

[@reeree5259]

Lol, right? I hear you on that. Thankfully that doesn't define our worth. You are valuable and have much to offer, I'm sure. ♥️

[@usastrongwoman1]

The fact that she was able to stay alive for 9 months shows how smart and strong she was even at that age. She’s beautiful, poised and incredibly brave. Her female captor should NOT have been released. EVER.

[@Raquel-lx9bt]

Having been a victim of domestic abuse for 20 years, I can tell you that that man's wife was under his thumb and under his abusive spell. People in power control others with fear. Just look at our government currently.

[@poppyfield1619]

AGREED!

[@patrinajasso5689]

The law works as a disjuticce sometimes. Maybe they needed her testimony to help put him away? She should of got just as much time.

[@Soapandwater6]

Agreed. Now she is free to find another victim.

[@kimmyymmik]

Smart where though.

[@sherryberryblueberry6156]

Elizabeth Smart is an intelligent, remarkable, and kind woman. I admire her courage and how she is helping others.

[@jacksonheathen2092]

What a hero. She was (supposedly) molested. She should get the congressional medal of honor.

[@m.e.d.7997]

She is lovely

[@prankgirl9112]

She's an inspiration to so many abuse survivors.

[@jacksonheathen2092]

Why ? Because she (supposedly) got molested ? That's inspirational ?

[@m.e.d.7997]

She is such a survivor.

[@americanpatriot7247]

She turned her tradegy into a triumph!!! What an example to everyone!! She is helping other women and men to understand about this type of crime. It hasn't been easy for her, but she has a beautiful family and is going forward in life. My total respect!!!!

[@deannabell7591]

Did she realize was in this different places? Yes ! Instead of crying out loud she stay foot to survive and asking God for a hand ✋️ leading to find Elizabeth Smart .

[@deannabell7591]

Did she realize was in this different places? Yes ! Instead of crying out loud she stay foot to survive and asking God for a hand ✋️ leading to find Elizabeth Smart .

[@vivianwada6292]

Amen, Amen, Amen to your words.

[@mrich9654]

I’m so glad she’s talking about these horrors so bluntly. I’m so happy she survived. Blessings to her

[@TheOfficialTarynTots]

I wish someone like Elizabeth Smart would be the Ambassador for abused women at the ACLU instead of Amber Heard. Elizabeth is a great Representative for girls/women. She is an amazing woman.

[@kithill6817]

Heard is not on the same level as Elizabeth. Elizabeth is credible and strong.

[@b.o4788]

Oh my gosh completely agree!!! Amber is a liar and a manipulator. Elizabeth is actually a kind person who CARES about other victims and advocates for them unlike Amber

[@thatlaserlady3899]

Yes. She is the real deal.

[@cathyl2338]

Elizabeth Smart isn’t going to have anything to do with the ACLU. Nor should she ever have to.

[@sgtmomOK]

@@thatlaserlady3899 but her father wasn’t. He was a suspect for a reason.

[@우사민-r3c]

The fact that she has dedicated her life to helping other young victims is incredibly inspiring and outstanding. Her inner strength is formidable.

[@christinaaa_xo]

I still vividly remember her being kidnapped. It sends chills down my spine. And I also remember the happiness and the sigh of relief around the world after she has been found. Elizabeth is such an intelligent, well-spoken and beautiful person. I have been following her for years, and the works she does is incredible. Elizabeth, you are SUCH an inspiration to survivors of sexual assault.

[@poppyfield1619]

Christina B you said that so beautifully! xx

[@ccwoodlands1565]

She is an amazing woman. Incredible that she had the mental strength to survive then and even today. Not many could. What a role model for perseverance and fortitude.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Yes Elizabeth is a strong woman

[@jenaemarieAZ]

Kudos to her parents and her faith.

[@Bigmommafluffy]

Elizabeth speaks about appeasement. I'm so happy she talked about this. There's an in between Stockholm and fighting back. Most female victims will go to appeasement because it's a survival mode.

[@oldschoolfan420]

Especially, if the person is young and weak. Predators know who to target. If the person can physically fight back their captor, they will.

[@darcee3350]

Going along with it until you're sure you can break away is the smartest thing if you really want to live.

[@pookiehoney]

I wouldn’t call it appeasement. I’d call it figuring out what you need to do to survive and deciding that you’re going to fight for your life however possible. She’s a survivor.

[@mallorygraf8574]

I still remember how shocked (and relieved!)I was when they found her. So happy she is doing so much with her life.🥰🥰

[@user-pt1cz4ot1e]

I’m the same age as her, looked a lot like her, and I remember following the entire story. I was sobbing and jumping up and down screaming when they found her. Such an amazing moment.

[@katiechevalier2786]

I am also her age. I followed her story as well.

[@user-pt1cz4ot1e]

@@katiechevalier2786 such an amazing thing to be here 20 years in the future.

[@alessandrajackson3768]

She has done so much to help survivors and other children, women and men who have endured this. She is an absolute Angel 👼🏼!

[@Megdracula]

I remember the day she was found. We were so shocked but so happy to hear she was home. I was her age a little older.

[@RestingCatNipFace]

@Giovanni Garcia very true

[@LateBloomerMedia]

I'm not even a survivor of sexual abuse and she's helped me just by hearing/seeing this. Granted I did grow up with abuse. But my point is, well, I think you probably get it. Her strength to keep going, that "appease" that kicked in and allowed her to stay alive which in turn led to her rescue. I can't imagine.. but here I am with what I think are big problems in my life and then watching this realizing how petty my issues are or rather how petty I am for even have ever considered things like suicide and that if Elizabeth Smart can go through what she went through and manage to do what she did, has done, and continues to do.. then surely I can rise above. If not out of respect for myself, then respect for others who have gone through much worse.

[@alessandrajackson3768]

@@LateBloomerMedia I am so sorry 😢. I wish you nothing but light and healing. I found one of the biggest comforts is a pet. My dog Pinky is what gave me the strength to leave a physically abusive relationship. She has continued to be the steps I needed for healing.

[@alessandrajackson3768]

@@Megdracula omg that sounds so scary

[@neoho6096]

I’m so proud of her for being such a well adjusted and functional adult. It speaks a lot to her parents and their parenting as well.

[@violetwaterford9381]

Appease... is what I thought myself when this case broke and Elizabeth was found. My daughter is the same age as Elizabeth. I was sexually molested and physically beaten as a 7 year old child by a adult family member and you Appease your abuser just living in fear to survive each second it's not love, protection and care for your own abuser that tortures you. What your seeing and saw was sheer fear in motion and the will to survive.

[@katiehettinger7857]

The appease concept pushes back on the she didn't fight or scream lie.

[@craigcullen28]

@@katiehettinger7857 da fuq u talking about!?🤷🤷

[@SmartStart24]

@@craigcullen28 I think they’re saying that we can’t just say/use “well she didn’t fight back” as proof that someone wasn’t raped or assaulted. Like somehow the only way to respond to assault is to kick and scream, but it’s not.

[@reeree5259]

@@katiehettinger7857 so, so true

[@democracysdoomsday7905]

@@katiehettinger7857 I mean does it matter? Scratch that "did she choose not to fight ?" I mean I only ask bc you were there that is If you don't mind answering 🤦‍♀️

[@monicascott2354]

Elizabeth is incredibly resilient. I'm in awe.

[@jessicawest4698]

I’m so glad that she’s thriving. I’ve been hearing her case since I was a little girl, I’m 21 now, and she’s honestly an extraordinary human being who deserves only good things in her life. Elisabeth you are beautiful, brave, and an inspiration to all who hear your story. Thank you so much for advocating and helping others even after all you’ve been through. I wish only the best for your future and for your family’s future. ❤️

[@MISNM0]

Echo!

[@jacqueline7973]

Literally she never ceases to amaze me! Elizabeth is truly brave and giving back to others on this is even more amazing!

[@towritemichelle210]

Who doesn't love Elizabeth? Such grace and courage!!

[@chilyfeforever6252]

👋

[@VintagegardenandCakes]

She’s a beautiful, inspiring & graceful woman. Just wow.

[@Indypendy]

I recently saw a picture of Elizabeth and her family. I also saw where she has become an advocate for women in abusive situations and a spokesperson. I was amazed at how she had overcome that awful time in her life and was helping others. It was good to hear her speak about it in her own words. I remember hearing about that as a child. So glad to see a woman who had the strength to mentally turn her life around. It can be done.

[@nanastrippin2006]

When I heard of her kidnapping, as a mother myself, I dedicated my days to praying for her safe return, as if I were praying for my own child. I had 4 kids, one daughter and 3 boys and I didnt step daily praying for Elizabeth until she was found. The day she was found brought so much relief, joy and tears, I was so happy and so thankful and only knew how happy her parents were... To God be the glory she was found and could now start to recover.. Praise God ❤🙏

[@lisabishop6266]

Going through some really bad yrs lately. My older brother gave me her book as a present. I gotta say, she is SO much braver than I ever was! But on my bad days, I see her book on my shelf and say " put on your big girl panties!!" If she can survive what she did, then my life is a piece of cake, just marbled lol. Such a brave woman who inspired me to NEVER give up, tomorrow might be better!

[@lisabishop6266]

@Liz Muschinski that's a pretty powerful attitude!!! You go girl!!! Proud of you!

[@RaVenX_exe]

🤗🤗🤗aww I love this so much

[@Madilynne-AP]

You’re so strong, never give up and keep on going! I hope everything gets tons better for you, Lisa! ❤️

[@kellietaylor9913]

Wow what a bro!!!

[@lisabishop6266]

@@Madilynne-AP yep, moved into a new apt in a different area this past weekend, FINALLY! Been trying to move for well over a year, but w COVID, not an easy feat finding a decent one I could afford. Housing is super scarce w so many not paying their rents and landlords not being able to evict them.

[@favouritemoon4133]

She was such a brave girl, and it turned out she remained brave as a woman. We will never know what her life might have been like if this had never happened, but we do know that she has tried her utmost to raise awareness, and both prevent this from happening to others and support those who have experienced similar events.

[@nightslayer6951]

Elizabeth Smart is truly a strong and brave woman, I am glad to know she didn't let this experience destroy her life. What admire most is she's helping other survivors

[@triciac1019]

Living in Utah, I followed this case every day. One of my daughters is the same age as her. When she was found, I called practically everyone I know, I was so happy.

[@superdupercooper]

It sickens me how people can be so depraved and do such heinous crimes against children, but against anyone really. I am truly amazed at her strength and courage. She is remarkable and she has and will impact many lives for the better.

[@staciemorelli384]

This woman right here is everything she didn’t let what happened to her make her lose her way I can learn alot from this beautiful person she’s an inspiration to let you know that you can make it through anything as long as you don’t lose yourself have hope perseverance

[@mimi1o8]

What’s a remarkable, inspiring, fantastic woman she is, a true diamond of a human. Amazing, to survive that ordeal and keep her sanity and help others too.

[@2Ryled]

I love she didn't leave room for those monsters in her head. And she made a great life.

[@51Saffron]

A 14 year old girl raised in a Mormon household had balls of steel to survive that. I can't even imagine.

[@prankgirl9112]

She's amazing.

[@jacksonheathen2092]

Mormons like young girls. They've built a religion around it.

[@prankgirl9112]

@@jacksonheathen2092 That's not even remotely true. The vast, vast, vast majority of Mormon girls get married in their 20s to males of a similar age. Just because you state a bold faced lie doesn't make it true. There are things called facts.

[@jacksonheathen2092]

@@prankgirl9112 OK. The fundamentalist mormons.

[@prankgirl9112]

@@jacksonheathen2092 They aren't even Mormon at all just hijacked the name and drastically changed the doctrine. I actually help with an organization that help women and men escape from the cult. These women have so many scars from the beatings and abuse. The leaders are monsters who need to be put in jail. The head leader isnin jail but that just makes things worse.

[@mzrobbinzoriginalz7239]

I just remember being so incredibly happy she was found. So proud of this miraculous young woman.

[@syreetathibodeaux6114]

There are now words for her horror. NONE!!! I don’t know how she is still upright even today. What a remarkable girl she was and woman she has become!

[@JustARandomSomething]

Her parents are great. They didn't put her in a position where she would feel like she had to answer questions about it and be forced to relive it. They allowed her time, until she was ready.

[@kimvanhowe852]

It's her parents fault that they she was kidnapped,

[@sgtmomOK]

@@kimvanhowe852 Funny how the Dad thing gets forgotten…

[@vjj1764]

I think she has wanted to be a public figure since not long after she was found. She mentioned wanting to play herself in a made for TV movie. For the record, I don’t think that this is a good thing or a bad thing, just a thing.

[@sgtmomOK]

@@vjj1764 It’s an interesting thing. She and her father have both tried to profit which is just …strange.

[@lifeofholy]

@@kimvanhowe852 rightt!! Totally sold her or something obvious to me no way someone is just their in your room !! & her mother didn’t even bother to ask what happened to her which is odd as a parent

[@Hummingbirds2023]

Elizabeth Smart IS remarkable, wise beyond her years.

[@stacibayles2085]

I cannot believe she's 34 years old. It doesn't seem like that long ago. I also seen a video of the wife being harassed by people after she was let out of jail and her neighbors coming to her defense. She doesn't deserve to be out of jail.

[@patralink]

She is to be so very addmired. What strenght and wisdom she has. I know she is helping so many women and girls. Bless you Elizabeth.

[@lisastevens5233]

Wow! She is such a brave, smart, and compassionate young lady! I am so thankful that she was able to cope and survive. Hope only the best for her and her family. May she have much Peace in her life. ❤

[@victorpradha9946]

She is the epitome of strength, survival and a heroic comeback!

[@jacksonheathen2092]

She's made a career out of being a professional victim in the media. How inspiring.

[@deborahdukes6096]

She nailed it when she said she knew she was loved. That’s the answer to anyone going through trauma. When you can dig down deep inside and draw from that love, it helps you to endure what you are struggling through. In my situation, knowing my family loved me and so did Jesus, that got me through. There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow so I think her family handled it great when they did not bring the trauma into their world. It’s good to be separated from it and talk about it only when you are ready to.

[@palapalak.8907]

She's so beautiful. Fantastic family, husband and children. Role model, a true survivor.

[@Julieglam3]

I have to imagine that she's had a tremendous amount of therapy. I can't believe she has gotten to the place she is in her life now without it. I have lived through rape and sexual assault. And she's right about it being a choice she made to go on. Because at the end of it all you really only have two choices. To go on or not to...but for some of us, even though we have gone on, the journey forward is fraught with landmines...

[@Србомбоница86]

I think her faith in God and love of her family helped her tremendously

[@poppyfield1619]

So sorry to hear you have suffered so..I wish you peace and love for the rest of your life❣

[@julie8936]

She has actually said that she has not found therapy helpful and has found it triggering, as it reminded her of the investigative progress required to help prosecute her abusers. She says processing with her family, and I assume her religion, has given her her strength. It’s really amazing

[@patrinajasso5689]

U said it but we are so lucky so when u have bad days work through them take 5he time u need and just look at the bright side that ur not a victim and u have all the power back.

[@naeru5810]

This family, her family & extended family ROCKS and never gave up on her. And then her little sister's intuition who knew who kidnapped her. AND GOD BLESS HER FOR HER HELPING OTHERS.

[@offshorequest]

I have seen Elizabeth Smart many times on television since her ordeal and I am always amazed at how intelligent and grounded she is. I am glad that she has such a nice life now and still wants to help others. What a wonderful person !

[@Star-ts5re]

She’s inspirational 💕 What she went through is heart wrenching!

[@100kkosmo]

Taking a child’s innocence, inexcusable. Letting out one of her captives, unforgivable.

[@justordinaryguy1988]

What a survivor! Can't bear to even imagine what she had to go through. I wish only if we can root out the evil among us.

[@sophian9105]

Elizabeth Smart is an incredible, courageous human. She has taken an absolutely horrific experience and turned it into an incredible, meaningful mission. Love her.

[@marvanelson795]

Anyone who hasn't been in her position has no reason to judge her. She was 14! What were you like at that age?

[@christopherallen9580]

who is judging her?

[@btrotter4775]

@@christopherallen9580 exactly!!

[@bhumphries1360]

Elizabeth, you truly are such a strong person. The work that you do today is inspiring. I wish you nothing but the best in the future. It's quite evident that you are making a great impact in this world. When I think of you, I think of you as a fighter and a survivor.

[@jessicadubois9945]

Such a strong woman. 💛

[@ermfine2]

Her children are beautiful. Im happy she survived those sickos.

[@tammieparrishmiller3669]

I was traveling to California and happened to be in Utah when they found her. It certainly doesn't seem like 20 yrs has passed but I'm so happy for her to have happiness and family and sanity. She is a strong and beautiful person through and through!

[@EricaGamet]

I remember the day she was found alive... we just couldn't believe it! Such a strong, resilient woman she became!

[@karengutloff2004]

Wow, that was profound. So glad she's found happiness. And she's using that experience to help others.

[@TheLucille7]

Blessings to her and her family. Story still brings tears to my eyes

[@jafrasar1]

A TRUE survivor with such a strong message.

[@dianecelento4974]

God Bless you Elizabeth. You didn't let this define or destroy you.

[@leilan9231]

What a remarkable and inspiring woman. Evil couldn't take her spirit.

[@CindyLMunger]

She is such a gift to our society. She has an important message, and we should all listen and pass that on.

[@aislingprendergast9235]

Abseloutely shocking what that girl went trough the true definition of strength and bravery to be able to move forward in her life after such a shocking trauma and ordeal to help others

[@bellagrace9812]

I remember this like it was yesterday and how angelic Elizabeth looked in her family pictures. The joy that our family felt the day she was found is indescribable. We were so happy for her and her family and prayed for her healing. Elizabeth is such an amazing young woman and has help so many others who have had to deal with trauma in their lives. So glad to see she is doing well and now has a beautuful family of her own.💕

[@Westindiangyal1111]

May God continue to bless this woman and her family. She is truly amazing❤️

[@osiris_blanche]

She is so generous with her experience and kudos for her in sharing this.

[@michelles1517]

She’s an amazing person and she is doing so much!!

[@KatTheTruth]

She’s so beautiful and amazing and wise. I remember the day she was found alive. I was driving home from work and heard it on the radio. I started crying I was so thrilled.

[@22moviefan22]

Her story was one of the landmark stories of my childhood . I remember it so vividly when she was taken , and I remember the collective sigh when she was brought home. Seeing the woman she has become is so beautiful ❤️.

[@KimP-zy6ke]

I remember this case and I followed it closely. No one could believe that she survived. I remember being elated that she was one of the ones who made it out alive. She is truly amazing and it is a miracle that was able to put her life back together and be happy with a beautiful family of her own. Elizabeth, you are truly amazing and inspirational 💕

[@teresalegler2777]

Elizabeth Smart is so profoundly good after the worst nightmare. Her ability to “LIVE” after such a torturous event. Her parents are to be admired for their unconditional love and understanding. Thanks for another excellent interview. Hopefully, other victims and those who love them will gain strength and insight into the consequences of such a brutal crime.

[@GivePeaceAChance12]

Elizabeth Smart is such a brave, wonderful lady! To go through all of this abuse and survive and then thrive and start an organization to help others! And to have the bravery to be interviewed!

[@kari8187]

Fake it until you make it, that’s how I survived my abusive situation. You hold on until the moment arrives and then you strike and strike hard.

[@MsAli1313]

What a strong woman. Love and light for you Elizabeth ! You are an inspiration

[@mistyoglesby2577]

She is so emotionally intelligent even at a young age

[@marciabramson6194]

One of the saddest & tragic happenings in her young life. I've never forgotten. A very strong and inspiring woman. ✨️ Very glad she has a beautiful family now.

[@-Reagan]

She’s not a criminal, she shouldn’t be blamed and she’s NOT damaged in any way for anyone else to assume or judge. It’s gross that this still has to be addressed in this day and age. She was a CHILD. This line of questioning and marveling over her resilience is feeding morbid curiosity. It’s antiquated! Why not just ask how she’s doing and what she thinks should CHANGE in the way victims are perceived and the way law enforcement handles them and handles the perpetrators??

[@susieusmaximus5330]

I understand where you're coming from, but it seems clear that part of what Smart is trying to do is to reach survivors of this kind of violence. Talking about her own experience openly is part of making it clear that she and other people who are victimized have nothing to be ashamed of, that the shame belongs to the people who brutalized them. When she talks about how she chose to appease the people who held her in captivity, because it was the best survival strategy available to her, that's incredibly important for many survivors to hear.

[@navagnaes4225]

She does this for a living. She voluntarily did this interview, she wasn’t ambushed in the street.

[@bluebutterflies4568]

Elizabeth Smart you're absolutely extraordinary!! Thank you for sharing your story, know that you are helping others!!

[@TheRoseChunsa]

What a brave warrior herself and her husband who embraced all things with his heart. Learned to never give up your life. God bless you and your family!🙏♥️♥️♥️

[@rochelleadkins9772]

This brought tears... How beautiful a soul she is... how far she has came and staying so very strong. I hope her captors faced hard punishment and torment.

[@bakeembakeem9852]

I personally, have had multiple conversations, with female family members, friends, coworkers, and they all have declared, if ever, in a situation, they would do willfully do anything to save their life from an attacker

[@schan263]

This video made me cry. She survived and is now living her life to the fullest.

[@Classic._dante]

She’s the real hero.👏🏾

[@vickikay25]

She is an AMAZING lady and one of the most wonderful moments ever was when the news broke that she was alive!!!

[@leoneranger9348]

Well done Elizabeth, truly inspiring 🙏🏾 Tremendous respect to her parents too. So pleased at how she has transformed a truly horrendous set of experiences to create positivity, support and her own ability to embrace life again 🙌🏾

[@barbsdee3831]

Such a courageous young woman ❤️ After such trauma that would destroy almost all humans, she has survived and is strong. Huge admiration ❤️❤️🇬🇧

[@randyscrafts8575]

WOW, she's done well for herself. Seems very together for what she went through. Wish all the best for her. 👍

[@adabong]

she is so strong i am so proud of her for continuing to speak out and trying to help others

[@doglady9334]

tHIS young woman is my absolute hero. i admire her so very much. so so so inspiring. I lived in slc when this happened. The vile human who did this used to sit outside of starbucks begging. i remember telling him he needed to get a job, where as typically i would give... He took her to parties around salt lake wearing a veil where friends saw her but she was wearing this covering. I admire her recovery because i've struggled with what happened to me around the same time. I so admire her.

[@fishface123ism]

I remember a few years back that people criticized Elizabeth and it still infuriates me. I hope every person who every said a bad thing about her and this horrific 9 month event has seen this interview where she is so much more specific and I hope it makes them sick! Now, having said that, I think she is such an inspiration, and I am so amazed and awed by this young woman. I am so proud of her for all the help she has offered other people and I so glad that her captors finally were prosecuted.

[@sunshinerays2747]

Why do people victimize the victim?

[@euphorbia1581]

You mean that they didn't believe her or something else?

[@fishface123ism]

@@euphorbia1581 If I remember correctly, they thought that she could have gotten away sooner when they came into town and made her wear the white (and dirty) headdress and robe coverings, that she knew where her family was or how to use a phone. By this point, after 9 months she was so traumatized. I think too that she is doing so well and with deep purpose, helps others, married and children I think, that people thought her good fortune of restoral to self and even-keeled made them complain that she was "milking" a story, throwing some hate toward her in ways I can't really explain cause it is just so ...weird . Go look up some of the interviews and look at the comments. I can't be more specific and tell you exactly which to look for because it truly upsets me. I guess it's a trigger. Do you ever get a little overloaded with sad, or mean things? There's so much that I remember the parts, but I don't want to watch it again cause I feel so much compassion and empathy and also so proud of her and go back to her family, and they are the praying king it seems and they got her back, and eventually restored and with such a purchase. I always remember when she was taken, there was the portrait style picture of her playing harp, and I wonder if she still plays. I hope everyday is pleasant for her.

[@jacksonheathen2092]

Personally, I'm dubious about whether her story was ever true. She was supposedly kidnapped out of her bedroom without anyone in the house waking up ?, then she had 9 month to run away (often in public places) ? I think it's equally plausible that she left out of her own accord. It's not uncommon for teenagers to do that.

[@jacksonheathen2092]

@@sunshinerays2747 Is questioning the plausibility of someone's story "victimizing the victim" ?

[@Mjt1262]

I am in awe of her courage and composure.

[@Babyleejunior]

I feel so sad this happened to her. These are times when you wonder, “Lord where are you? Please Save me!!!” Unbearable to hear and mostly devastating to know she had to go through this. It happens to vulnerable people everyday, so I pray for all of those who keep enduring these horrible acts#Protection # Guidance#Wisdom#Love#

[@haretyper4954]

The prayers to God WERE answered, she WAS saved! 💛

[@caseycat]

Too bad God took his sweet time "answering" her and her family's desperate prayers while a child was being repeatedly abused! Must have had a bad signal or something! 🤷‍♀️

[@LittleLulubee]

Thank you 🙏💗

[@MsTinkerbelle87]

@@caseycat faith got her through her kidnapping..

[@endora2.046]

Such grace and dignity.... strength more than anyone I've seen.

[@EvanBakerian]

I still can’t believe the woman that helped kidnap her is out of prison.

[@christinaaa_xo]

I was absolutely shocked when I heard that. I said out loud "THAT'S ALL THE TIME SHE GOT?!!". That would incite a whole new fear in me.

[@Loveroffood41]

I read her book, and it truly amazed me how strong she has become.

[@andrewtarzia9726]

One of the The bravest people alive today , she’s the definition of an inspiration