Girl Talk

“God’s Word heals; it was never meant to be used as a hammer.” Have you ever heard a verse used in a way that just didn’t sit right? In this conversation, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk about how easy it is to twist Scripture—sometimes unintentionally, sometimes to prove a point—and why that can be so damaging. From cherry-picking verses to using God’s Word as a weapon, the girls unpack how context, humility, and love matter more than winning an argument. This episode is a gentle but honest reminder that the Bible isn’t a book about us—it’s a book about God. When we read Scripture to understand His character instead of just looking for validation, everything changes. God’s Word is meant to heal, guide, and draw us closer to Him, not push people away. 3 Things to Remember The Bible is about God first, not us. When we start there, we’re less likely to twist Scripture to fit our own agenda. Context matters more than convenience. Reading the whole counsel of Scripture helps us recognize truth—and spot counterfeits. God’s Word is a tool for healing, not harming. Scripture is meant to be used with humility, love, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.  

“Detours don’t mean you missed God. Sometimes they mean He’s doing deeper work.” We all love a good plan — but what happens when life doesn’t follow the route we mapped out? In this episode of Girl Talk, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk about creating a spiritual roadmap — not one that guarantees ease or clarity, but one that keeps us grounded when the detours come. Because following Jesus doesn’t mean we always know what’s next… it means we know Who we’re following. The girls unpack how Scripture, prayer, community, and obedience shape a faith that can handle uncertainty. If you’ve been asking God for directions — or wondering if you missed a turn — this conversation is a reminder that God isn’t nervous about your questions, and He’s faithful to guide you step by step. 3 Takeaways God rarely gives us the full map — He gives us the next faithful step. A spiritual roadmap is built over time through Scripture, prayer, and obedience. Detours don’t mean you’re off course — they often mean God is doing deeper work.

“God won’t bless an idol, but He will lovingly invite you to lay it down.” This is a LIVE recording of Girl Talk Podcast from Girl Talk LIVE in Franklin, NC at the Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts. Let’s be honest—most of us don’t love the word surrender. It sounds like giving up, failing, or losing control. In this conversation, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia unpack why surrender feels so threatening and why it’s actually one of the most freeing invitations Jesus gives us. From control issues and hidden desires to pain becoming an identity, the girls talk candidly about the things we cling to—and why God keeps gently asking us to lay them down. This episode is a reminder that surrender isn’t about God taking something from you. It’s about trusting Him enough to believe what He gives in return is better. Holiness is a long game, surrender is often daily (sometimes minute-by-minute), and God is still good—even in the space between letting go and seeing what He’s doing. Ask God this week: “What am I still white-knuckling?” Name one thing you’ve been controlling and intentionally place it back in God’s hands—daily, not just once.

Discerning God’s will can feel overwhelming — especially at the start of a new year. Is it about big decisions? Small ones? And how do you actually hear from God? In this episode, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk honestly about listening for God’s voice, learning to slow down, and discovering that God’s will is often revealed one faithful step at a time. From seasons of stopping and resting, to pattern interruptions, to learning how prayer becomes less of a “time” and more of a lifestyle, this conversation is full of grace for anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re “doing prayer right.” Spoiler alert: you’re not behind, you’re not failing, and God is far more present than you think. He's right there with you!

“Loving your neighbor doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to be intentional.” Sometimes revival looks a less like a packed church and a lot more like knowing your neighbor’s name. In this episode of Girl Talk, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk about the people God has already placed right around us - the ones across the street, next door, or a few houses down. It’s a simple but powerful reminder: loving our neighbors isn’t extra credit for Christians, it’s the assignment. From neighborhood potlucks and hurricane cookouts to prayer walks, small gifts, and even Ring-camera dance routines, the girls share practical, doable ways to build real relationships where we live. This conversation will encourage you to slow down, step outside, and see your neighborhood as holy ground — because Jesus is already at work there.

“Reflection isn’t about reliving failures—it’s about recognizing where God was faithful.” As the calendar flips from December to January, the girls talk honestly about something many of us feel but don’t always say out loud: the January blues. The holidays are over, the lights are down, the weather is gray, and suddenly the excitement is gone. Carol, Kelly, and Tricia unpack why this season can feel heavy—even when you love Jesus—and why that doesn’t mean you’re doing faith “wrong.” This conversation is full of practical wisdom and grace: reflecting instead of replaying failures, setting intentions instead of resolutions, learning when to say no, and finding joy right where you are. It’s a reminder that God is just as present in the quiet, darker seasons as He is in the celebratory ones—and that sometimes the most meaningful growth happens there. REMEMBER Reflection builds faith, not shame. Looking back with gratitude helps us see what God has already done instead of only focusing on what went wrong. Habits matter more than hype. Small, faithful choices shape who we’re becoming far more than big January goals ever will. The quiet seasons aren’t wasted. God often speaks most clearly when life slows down, the calendar clears, and we stop running.

Christmas isn’t all twinkle lights and matching pajamas — and honestly, neither is the original Christmas story. In this week’s episode, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia unwrap the mess of that first Christmas: a teenage girl with a world-shaking calling, a confused fiancé, a grueling journey under Roman oppression, no room at the inn, a stable full of animals, and a Savior who chose to arrive in the lowest, humblest place possible. This conversation will remind you that God moves in the unexpected, He works through “no’s,” He meets us in the middle of our chaos, and He loves every single person more than we can imagine. If your Christmas feels far from picture-perfect, you are right in the kind of story God loves to step into. 3 Takeaways God isn’t afraid of your mess.The Christmas story proves that He steps right into the unexpected, uncomfortable, and imperfect. Every detail reveals His heart.From shepherds to stables, God intentionally chose what the world overlooks to show that everyone matters to Him. His plans may look upside-down, but they’re always better.He defies expectations so He can display His goodness, creativity, and grace in ways we never could imagine.

“Perfection is grabbing tight. Surrender is letting go.” Perfection steals joy faster than a toddler steals snacks. And this time of year? Whew. It creeps into our celebrations, our families, our expectations, and even our walk with Jesus. In this episode, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia get super honest about why we cling to perfection, what it exposes in our hearts, and how surrender frees us to enjoy God — and each other — so much more. From Christmas card chaos to Spanx mishaps to the deeper spiritual roots underneath our striving, the girls unpack why perfection is a heavy burden Jesus never asked us to carry. You’ll laugh, you’ll feel seen, and you’ll be gently nudged back toward the One who already loves you — not the polished version of you, but the real one. REMEMBER... Perfection is usually rooted in insecurity.When we’re focused on managing how others see us, our eyes aren’t on Jesus — they’re on ourselves. Striving for perfection always leads to anxiety.Peace comes from trusting God, not controlling outcomes. Holiness and perfection are not the same.Perfection is for approval. Holiness flows from love and surrender.  

Christmas comes fast, doesn’t it? One minute it’s fall leaves and football… the next it’s gift bags, school parties, and the constant feeling that you should be doing more. This week, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk honestly about something we all feel: how hard it can be to slow down long enough to actually prepare our hearts for Jesus at Christmas. You’ll hear stories about Advent traditions, quiet moments by the tree lights, “shop your car” Christmas parties, mismatched gift bags, and how active waiting teaches us to trust God’s character — even when He feels silent. If you’ve been craving a simpler Christmas, a quieter soul, or a shift from chaos to peace in Christ… this one’s for you. TAKE IT WITH YOU Preparing for Christmas starts with preparing your heart. Not your menu, your gift list, or your Pinterest-perfect tree. Waiting on God isn’t passive — it’s active trust. We rehearse His faithfulness to strengthen our faith. Simplicity creates space for Jesus. Turning off the lights, slowing your pace, and lowering expectations makes more room for joy.

“Most of us want God’s will… as long as it looks like our will.” Some questions sound simple… until you try to live them out.This week, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia dive into the big one: Is God really all we need… or do our lives quietly say otherwise? The ladies get honest about the things they run to for security, acceptance, and control — the people-pleasing, the rejection wounds, the shame, the pressure to perform, the perfectly curated outside with the messy inside. They also share how God uses vulnerability, accountability, and real community to peel back the layers and help us live like He is truly enough for us. This episode just might give the permission your heart needs today to stop striving and start surrendering. THINGS TO REMEMBER God can’t fill places we keep handing to people. When we let acceptance, performance, or control drive us, our “cup” will always leak. Only God satisfies.  You grow to the level of your vulnerability. Healing happens when we let trusted people ask the hard questions — and when we stop running from discomfort.  Surrender is the real pathway to peace. Letting go of control isn’t weakness — it’s trust. And trust grows when we believe God really is enough. TAKE IT TO HEART This week, pause long enough to be honest with God:What am I running to when I feel insecure, unseen, or out of control? What is one place I’ve been seeking fulfillment outside of Jesus?Surrender it back to Him.Tell a trusted friend so you can walk it out together.  

“God won’t rush your healing — but He will walk every step of it with you.” Grief isn’t just funerals and tears — and that’s exactly where Carol, Kelly, and Tricia go this week. The girls sit down and get real about the kinds of grief most of us don’t even recognize: the loss of a dream, the ache of a wayward child, the shock of a diagnosis, the quiet fallout after a natural disaster… the hurts we keep moving past without ever naming. Together, they unpack how “hidden grief” shows up in our lives as anger, overspending, obsession, numbness, overeating — all the ways our hearts try to cope when we haven’t slowed down long enough to invite Jesus into the pain. Tricia brings her social work background to the table, reminding us that we don’t heal by avoiding. We heal by grace, truth, Christian counseling, and letting God gently peel back the layers to what’s really going on. It’s honest, helpful, and just the right nudge if you’ve been pushing something down for too long. Things to Remember You can grieve any loss — not just death, but unmet expectations, poor health, failed relationships, lost dreams, plans, and normalcy. Hidden grief leaks out in behaviors we can’t explain: anger, overspending, addiction, obsession, avoidance, or shutting down. Healing requires honesty — with yourself, with God, and often with a trusted Christian counselor who can help you uncover the root. Take It To Heart This week, give yourself 10 quiet minutes with God. Ask Him, “Lord, is there a loss I haven’t named yet?” Write down whatever comes up — even if it feels small. Pray over it, and ask Jesus to bring healing where you’ve been hiding.

“You’re never too old, too busy, or too late for God to use your gifts.” Do you know what your spiritual gift is?This week, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk about the gifts God gives each of us — not the kind you wrap up with a bow, but the kind that build up the body of Christ. The girls break down what spiritual gifts are (and aren’t), how to discover yours, and why using them brings so much joy. If you’ve ever thought “I don’t have anything special to offer,” this one’s for you. God designed you with purpose, equipped you with gifts, and invites you to use them for His glory — whether that’s in your home, at your job, or in your church family. And don’t worry — you don’t have to make a casserole to have the gift of hospitality.   3 Takeaways You have at least one spiritual gift. God equips every believer to serve and strengthen the body of Christ. Your gift might change or grow with seasons. God refines and expands our gifts as we mature in Him. Gifts aren’t for show — they’re for service. We use them to glorify God, not ourselves. Take it to Heart:  Take the Lifeway Spiritual Gifts Assessment  and ask God to show you how He wants you to use what He’s given you. Then, ask a trusted friend or mentor what gifts they see in you — they might notice something you’ve missed.

“Freedom is found when you stop gripping and start trusting.” Are you living with abandon or with abandonment? That’s the question we’re asking this week on Girl Talk. We’ve all had those moments that leave us feeling rejected, forgotten, or just plain not enough. Maybe it was a relationship that ended, a job that fell apart, or a season when life didn’t turn out the way you hoped. It’s easy to let that pain convince us that we’re on our own. But here’s the truth: God never walks away. He doesn’t change His mind about you. And when we really start to know who He is—not just know about Him—it changes everything. Join Carol, Kelly, and Tricia as they share their own stories of hurt, healing, and freedom. Together, you’ll be reminded that living with abandon means trusting the One who never abandons you. 3 Takeaways God is not a bigger, better version of man. He’s holy, unchanging, and completely faithful. Don’t let your feelings drive the train. God’s truth steadies what emotions try to derail. Freedom starts where fear stops. You can release your grip when you remember who’s holding you. Put It To Practice: This week, spend time getting to know who God really is—not through your past hurts, but through His Word. Read Psalm 139 and write down three truths about His character. Then thank Him for staying when others didn’t.

“When comfort becomes the goal, we stop growing.” – Kelly We live in a world that tells us comfort equals happiness. But what if chasing comfort actually pulls us away from the life God designed for us? This week, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia dig into the idea of comfort as an idol — how our desire for ease, safety, and control can distract us from the deeper peace that only comes from Jesus. They talk about what it really means to follow God when things get hard, why peace is not the same thing as comfort, and how God often uses the uncomfortable places to grow our faith. From David hiding in the cave to modern-day moments of surrender, this conversation will challenge you to trade comfort for calling — and discover that Jesus really is enough. Take It With You... Comfort can be an idol. When we prioritize ease over obedience, we miss what God wants to do in and through us. Peace is eternal; comfort is temporary. True peace comes from knowing Christ, not from avoiding struggle. Growth happens in discomfort. God often teaches us the deepest lessons in the hardest seasons — the ones we’d never choose.

“Check the box without checking your spirit—that’s when burnout begins.” Are you burning bright for God—or just plain burned out? In this honest conversation, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk about the tension between doing for God and being with Him. From the myth of busyness to the power of self-reflection, they unpack how Jesus modeled rest, solitude, and dependence on the Father—and how we can follow His lead. This episode will remind you that your worth isn’t found in what you produce, but in Who sustains you. 3 THINGS TO REMEMBER Rest isn’t optional—it’s spiritual. Jesus modeled stepping away to recharge. If He prioritized rest, we should too. Self-reflection fuels growth. Your ability to grow is limited by your capacity for honest self-reflection. Your value isn’t in what you do. God calls you to faithfulness, not busyness. Doing fewer things well with Him is better than doing all the things halfway without Him. TAKE IT TO HEART Take a “mini retreat” this week—just one hour of unhurried time with God. No phone, no to-do list, no noise. Let your soul settle until you can hear His voice speak to your heart.

“God is so much bigger than our parenting. He’s the perfect parent, even when we’re not.” How do we pass our faith on to our kids without forcing it—or tying our worth to whether or not they embrace it? In this conversation, Carol, Kelly and Tricia share their real-life stories about parenting teens, releasing control, and trusting God with the next generation. From car rides to dinner tables, memes to worship moments, the girls talk honestly about what it looks like to normalize faith in everyday life. This one’s for every mom who’s ever wondered, “Am I doing enough?” Take a deep breath, friend—God is bigger than our parenting wins and fails, and He loves our kids even more than we do. 3 Takeaways Normalize faith by weaving it into everyday conversations instead of reserving it for “formal” moments. Be present and take an interest in your child’s world—that’s often where authentic faith conversations begin. Release the guilt and remember: God is the perfect parent, and He’s the one ultimately shaping your child’s heart. This week, look for one everyday moment to naturally talk about your faith with your kids—whether it’s a car ride, mealtime, or even a quick text. Normalize Jesus in the ordinary.

“Don’t compare your real life to someone else’s highlight reel online.” We all love a good group chat — the memes, the updates, the quick “praying for you” text. But today we’re asking: is online friendship really enough? Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk about the difference between online connections and real-life friendships, why we can feel so connected and yet lonelier than ever, and how Jesus calls us into community that goes deeper than likes and shares. Pull up a chair, pour some coffee, and let’s talk about how to balance the fun of group chats with the soul-deep need for face-to-face friendship. 3 Takeaways Online friendships are great supplements, but they can’t replace the depth of real-life relationships. What we post online is only a slice of the story — true connection happens when people can see the tears behind the smile. Social media will never fill the need for love and belonging that only Jesus can meet. This week, reach out to one friend in real life. Grab coffee, take a walk, or just sit across the table together. Notice how your heart feels different than when you connect online.

Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook, especially when it comes to dating and relationships. What do you do when your teenager—or even your grown child—starts dating someone who doesn’t share their faith? Carol, Kelly, and Tricia get real about keeping communication open, learning to influence instead of control, and the power of prayer when it comes to your child’s relationships. This conversation is all about trusting God with your kids, showing love instead of condemnation, and remembering that He is the one who can draw hearts to Himself. 3 Things to Remember: Influence, don’t control. Shutting down conversations pushes kids away, but asking questions and listening keeps the door open. Pray boldly and specifically. Ask God to draw your child’s boyfriend or girlfriend to Him, and if needed, to protect your child by closing the wrong doors. Model a Christ-centered life. The way you live your faith at home influences your child’s choices more than lectures ever will. This week, pray for your child by name—whether they’re dating now or not. Ask God to protect their heart, draw them closer to Him, and to use even their mistakes to shape their testimony.

“If you want to know God’s character, open His Word. He never changes.” What verses keep you steady when life feels shaky? In this episode, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia share the scriptures that ground their hearts and remind them who God is when everything else feels uncertain. The ladies talk about why God’s Word isn’t just comforting—it’s the foundation of our faith. They also dig into why it’s so important not to just “cherry pick” verses, but to know the whole story of Scripture. God’s Word is alive, active, and meant to reveal His character and draw us closer to Him. Whether you’re brand new to Bible reading or you’ve been walking with Jesus for years, you’ll be encouraged to dig in, stay rooted, and trust that God’s Word really is enough. 3 Things to Remember: God’s Word is timeless—what He spoke then still speaks to us today. Don’t just pick verses you like; knowing the whole story of Scripture deepens your faith and understanding. A relationship with Jesus is the key to truly experiencing the peace and guidance Scripture offers. This week, take time to read one chapter of Scripture each day—start in the book of John if you’re not sure where to begin. Pray and ask God to give you a hunger and thirst for His Word. And if you don’t yet have a personal relationship with Jesus, text JESUS to 81891—we’d love to walk alongside you as you begin that journey.

“Sometimes the most Christlike response is simply to listen and love well.” How should Christians respond when tragedy strikes? Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk about balancing truth and love, what righteous anger really means, and why listening matters. You’ll also hear practical ways to stay grounded in God’s Word and bring hope into hard conversations. If today’s episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs hope right now. And if you’d like us to pray for you, email us at girltalk@thelightfm.org. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—your support helps more women discover the hope of Jesus through Girl Talk!