Raising Godly Girls

In this Saturday episode, AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay welcomes Dr. Kathy Koch back to the podcast as a returning guest to talk about ways we can raise gender-confident girls in a world steeped in confusion. Even when the culture tells us that Scripture is antiquated and oppressive, girls can embrace the clarity, purpose, and peace God offers us through His Word—a solid foundation for both Patti and Dr. Kathy in this conversation.    Dr. Kathy shares about her new book Raising Gender-Confident Kids, co-authored with Dr. Jeff Myers of Summit Ministries.     Dr. Kathy courageously describes the intention behind the book with Dr. Jeff Myers to embolden parents to push back and say 'no' to a deceptive notion of transitioning kids to different genders by altering their physical bodies. Patti draws out the direction of the book's title—gender-confident rather than gender-confused. Dr. Kathy unpacks the joy behind this theme by rooting a family's confidence in God first and then trickling down to a girl's understanding of her gender. Patti recalls her mother's phrase, 'God doesn't make mistakes.' This led the discussion to understanding God as the Potter at the wheel designing and crafting our bodies with perfect intention and meticulous care.    Dr. Kathy shares her personal journey as a girl learning to embrace things about herself that she previously ached to change, then under her mom's wise leadership shifting her thinking to love the unique facets of her body's design. From her height to her voice, Dr. Kathy shares wisdom, joy, and hope for girls struggling with their body's design.     Dr. Kathy offers precision in regard to gender confusion, settling that it is loving for a parent to correct confusion in gentleness and love. Patti and Dr. Kathy address the notion of labels that has changed drastically over the last 50 years in western cultures. To calm the strife, Dr. Kathy guides listeners to celebrate both the strength and softness of a girl's femininity rather than letting culture guide our views. Through the lens of a Biblical Worldview, Dr. Kathy teaches ways to let Scripture guide a girl's understanding, both with quoted chapter and verse as well as values of the Bible woven into daily conversations. Dr. Koch and Dr. Myers' book includes conversation starters so parents have a helpful launch-point when issues come up.     Scriptures Shared in this Episode:    Genesis 1:27  Isaiah 64:8  Psalm 139:13-14    For more information on Dr. Kathy's work, visit: celebratekids.com   Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.    Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.   

This Thursday episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast dives into the often misunderstood world of gender roles and seeks to offer Biblical freedom and joy in places that have previously been understood as stifling and rigid. Throughout the conversation, hosts Natalie Ambrose and Melissa Bearden maintain anchors in a Biblical Worldview regarding gender and the various roles that girls and women play within the Kingdom of God.    After a fun discussion of 'girls' chores' versus 'boys chores', Melissa and Natalie settle into the contentment and joy God has for girls of all personalities, strengths, and preferences—all aiming to edify and refine God's people and to embrace the world around us for the sake of the pure Gospel message.    The Raising Godly Girls Minute in the middle of this episode opens the door to some great discussion on the color pink and how that can morph and fade for some girls. Melissa shares her mothering journey of teaching her girl to embrace who God made her to be and now relishing in the fruit of that ongoing conversation now that her daughter is in college.    Using Scripture as a guide, Natalie offers three key anchors to guide families' understanding of Biblical femininity and gender roles—especially as girls grow into the next generation of Christian leaders.      Three Things to Consider:    Scriptures to Guide a Christian Girl's View of Gender Roles:    Proverbs 31:30—no matter a girl's place on the spectrum of 'girly' to 'tom boy', she can reflect her Lord through a heart that wants to walk with Him.   Luke 1:46-48—Known as 'The Magnificat' this passage of Scripture showcases Mary's open heart to follow the Lord's command for her life. Your girl can have the same heart to follow God as Mary!   Galatians 5:22-23—The Fruit of the Spirit passage of Scripture is a great reminder that no matter the strengths, every girl can grow in areas that reflect Christ.    Scriptures Shared in this Episode:    Proverbs 31:30   Luke 1:46-48   Galatians 5:22-23     Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.      To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.     

On this Tuesday episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Natalie Ambrose and Melissa Bearden embark upon a journey to understand God's design for girls' bodies and how we can guide them Biblically in this self-view.     From the Body Positivity Movement to AI modeling trends, Natalie and Melissa begin to unpack the nuances of these cultural messages and their effect on girls. Melissa offers a gentle reminder that Christ-followers do not obsess on lateral comparisons, since that leads to self-loathing and discontentment.     Both hosts share their personal journeys with fashion trends and learning to embrace the bodies God gave them. Melissa's boldness to be present and live in the moment serves as an empowering challenge to many moms and mentors who might shy away from an activity if it means donning a swimsuit! Natalie shares about the value of self-talk and intentionally keeping that in a positive territory and how that serves as a direct example for her middle school aged daughter.    This episode centers on two timeless truths—welcoming God's blessing from Genesis 1:31 and embracing that His design for our bodies is indeed "very good" and having the wisdom to reject a cultural fashion trend when it is rooted in deception. Natalie offers listeners a kind reminder that the 'very good' blessing is from a Creator who is infinitely good Himself.    Two Things to Consider:    Embrace the Embrace—if God the Masterful Artist has created a girl's body as 'very good' then she should embrace her body's unique and good design.   Reject Trends Rooted in Deception—since the trend machine is designed to keep girls self-loathing and clamoring after the next thing, guide her to shift her thinking into a more contented mindset.      Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Genesis 1:31  Psalm 139:13-16  Proverbs 16:31  2 Corinthians 10:5  Genesis 3:6  Genesis 21:6  Judges 4    Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.      To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.     

In this Saturday episode of the podcast, Dr. Esau McCaulley joins host Patti Garibay to talk about a Biblical approach to ethnic diversity in God's Kingdom. This episode serves as an invitation to lift our eyes beyond my world and to behold the breathtaking beauty of God's design for humanity, and how His Church should lead in that design.    Dr. McCaulley's work involves serving as a founding pastor, podcaster, author, and public theologian—on top of being a husband and father. Esau unpacks his motivation for the many facets of his work—from God's covenant with Abraham through to the Holy Spirit's work in the world today. Esau passionately reminds us that diversity isn't something we should be afraid of—it's something we should embrace, because God's Word does.    Hear Dr. McCaulley's compassionate wisdom to guide childhood paths case by case into alignment with God's heart. Esau reminds that kids mirror parents, so when Christian parents speak respectfully about others—whether alike or different from their family—this serves as a Christ-like example to the kids.     Through personal story, Patti shares about diversity encompasses differing abilities as well as racial background.    Esau shares how his local church body uses the vehicle of community outreach and service to extend God's heart to embrace and love. He reminds that God's compassion is implicitly connected to evangelism and spreading the Gospel. Both Esau and Patti agree that children can lead all of us through eyes of childlike faith—pure, innocent, and passionate.     Dr. McCaulley and Patti land the conversation by unpacking God's perspective on justice and fairness and how that plays out in our daily life as Christians.       Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Genesis 12  Revelation 5:9  Romans 1:16-17  Ephesians 2:4-5  Mark 10:14  Luke 18:1-8    To learn more about Dr. Esau McCaulley and his work, visit esaumccaulley.com/     Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.      Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.   

In this Thursday podcast conversation, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose connect the Gospel message to the global unity of the Church by God's design.     Both Rachael and Natalie share personal stories of how God opened their eyes to the work of diverse unity He was doing in tiny churches, large church bodies, rural and urban settings alike. For both the hosts and for Christian girls, it's important for this growth to be personal—to let God show each of us that His Good News is truly extended to all.    Both Old and New Testament passages of Scripture show that God has always intended for His Church to bear His image to every corner of the Earth.    As we raise girls in a culturally diverse time, it's important to guide them to the whole story of history—even the difficult parts. It is through these stories that we can lead girls to love God's desire for unity and to work to speak on behalf of those who might not have a voice otherwise. Want to make this an ongoing part of your family life? Practice Biblical hospitality and see how the Lord opens your heart and your eyes to His beautiful tapestry of humanity!     Three Things to Consider:    It's important to tell the stories of Freedom Seekers   Which means...we must teach the whole story of our country's history, even the bad parts   Open the Doors of Your Family's Heart & Home to Invite the Hope & Unity of the Gospel that Binds Us Together       Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Acts 17:26-28  Ecclesiastes 4:12  Romans 10:12-13  1 Corinthians 15:16-20  John 13:34-35    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.      Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.   

In this Tuesday episode, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dive into the topic of unity in the Church with an eye on heaven throughout the conversation. During an era where culture is steeped in division, it's vital that Christians pursue unity—after all the Gospel message is extended to all!    Natalie walks listeners through Old and New Testament passages where the global nature of God's design is under the spotlight. Ultimately, Rachael and Natalie land on the foundation that though people tend to be tribal in nature—preferring to gravitate to others who are "like us"—God's intention is for His image bearers to spread out and shine His light. Rachael reminds listeners that since God values diversity, so His followers should too.    Hear how Rachael offers practical ways to raise a girl who has the full picture in mind and who grows to love all peoples regardless of race. From language translation apps to praying your way across the map, there are countless ways to raise a daughter who loves all God's people groups.     The American Heritage Girls Ministry has tons of ways to instill a framework for global unity—AHG Badges, connections to aligned ministries like Operation Christmas Child, and more!    Three Things to Consider:    Any day is a great day to prepare your girl for the amazing diversity she will see in heaven!   Let a map be your family's guide to learn about various people groups, languages, customs, and cultures so you can intentionally pray for the Gospel to reach each person.      Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Genesis 11  Genesis 22  Acts 1:8  James 2:8-9, 12-13  Revelation 5:9      Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.    Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.   

In this heartwarming Saturday episode, American Heritage Girls Executive Director and Raising Godly Girls Podcast host Rachael Culpepper interviews Erin and Eden Geiger. The conversation surrounds the many ways God forms a daughter's identity in Christ through a parent's ongoing journey of faith with the Lord. Rachael invites listeners to take in today's episode with their teen girls to spark at-home conversations.    The father-daughter duo discuss Eden's book, 50 Days to Embracing Who God Says You Are, written during Eden's junior year of high school. Sharing her testimony of a "wilderness season" with the Holy Spirit, the two guests reflect on their growth together as a family when this awakening shifted their home.     Eden recalls being the only Christian on her high school club volleyball team and how that threatened to encompass her identity and her future. With the anchor of her mother's resolve, Eden was called back to her foundation in the Lord. From self-comparison, idolatry, self-worth, social media, and anxiety, hear Eden walk through a relevant season that many of today's faith-filled girls struggle with.     A distinct highlight of the conversation comes when Erin shares that a girl's identity in Christ is sealed through Scripture, releasing girls from the pressure to perform and easing her into a lifelong rhythm with the Lord.        Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Ephesians 2:10          To learn more about Eric & Eden Geiger's ministry, visit ericgeiger.com     Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.    To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.  

In this powerful episode, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose put the Armor of God under the spotlight as a way to empower girls to live out their faith in a confident way. Using a girl's identity in Christ as a "nametag", this episode connects the "who and Whose they are" ideas together for girls.     Rachael breaks down the Armor of God into three sections showing Christian parents how each intentionally serves as tools for a girl's healthy faith growth.    Hear how American Heritage Girls offers direct resources to embolden girls to succeed as Daughters of the King.        Three Things to Remember:    The Armor of God:  Guides & Guards   Refines & Readies   And it Shields & Slices     Your girl will be a powerful influence for the Lord when she puts on the Full Armor of God every day!         Scriptures Reference in This Episode:    Ephesians 6:10-18  1 John 3:1  Romans 8:15-17      Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.       Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.   

In this Season 3 episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose launch with a fun chat about letters they would write to themselves as girls and what they wished they knew about being a Christian girl growing up.    The hosts zoom in on the idea of "fortifying" a girl's faith to go the long haul—"parenting forward" to teach lessons today that will resonate far into the future and into eternity. The Raising Godly Girls Minute in this episode serves as a timeless reminder that Scripture serves as a "nightlight" so guide girls when days seem dark.     Rachael shares the fun opportunity to "start something new" through AHG Patch Programs and resources—for both non-members and AHG Members alike. She also shares a chance for listeners to grab the AHG Thinline ESV Bible as a way to launch girls into a year of reading God's Word.        Two Things to Remember:    Parenting-Forward is not a Formula—so open your hands in prayer, submit your will and your understanding to God, and do your best to steward this parenting journey daily in the process.    You can take joy in knowing that God will always be found faithful. Since that is His character and even in the hard seasons, He will always pursue her.      Scriptures Reference in this Episode:    Mark 8:36-37  Psalm 119:105  Proverbs 22:6  Isaiah 61:1-3  Jeremiah 31:3      To get your copy of the AHG Thinline ESV Bible, visit store.americanheritagegirls.org/products/ahg-thinline-esv-bible     Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.       Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.     

The Raising Godly Girls Podcast now moves into its third season as the calendar rolled over to 2026 this week. AHG Executive Director Rachael Culpepper reflects on 2025 highlights including Saturday guests like Kirthana Fanning, Sherri Seligson, Vic Clesceri, and Sherri Crandall.     Rachael casts vision for the Raising Godly Girls and American Heritage Girls ministry in the coming year, gaining direction from Jeremiah 6—to learn from those who came before and to dial in our vision for where the Lord will lead in the days ahead. Rachael's vision and our Saturday guests' wisdom still echo in listeners' hearts and minds, building excitement for a new season of podcast episodes coming down the line in 2026!     Season 3 of the podcast features topics like Multicultural Unity in the Church, Body Image and Eating Disorders, Cultivating Faith for Working Moms, and paring down the family calendars for busy and overwhelmed moms!    Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Jeremiah 6:16        Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.      To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.     

On the first day of 2026, Raising Godly Girls Podcast hosts Natalie Ambrose and Melissa Bearden officially launch Season 3 with a quick recap of Season 2 topic highlights, including Loneliness and Isolation, the Camp Experience, Honoring Differently-Abled Girls, Loving Without Compromise, Parental Rights, Cancel Culture, Intergenerational Ministry, and Biblical Femininity.     In an insightful part of the conversation, Natalie shares some special highlights from the 2025 AHG 30th Anniversary Convention Raising Godly Girls booth—a corner titled, "I Wish My Mom Knew…" where girls were invited to share their deepest desires with their moms. Some notes echoed of thriving relationships between mother and daughter, and others offered gentle challenge as daughters cried out to be understood, for mothers to pause and relax, and invitations to grow through flaws together as they reflect the Lord in their homes.     Melissa lands the conversation with a positive confidence in our Faithful God to lead us in the coming year, a yearning for Christian parents to really connect with their girls, and a reminder that today matters in eternity—so let's make it count!       Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    1 John 2:25        Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.      To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.   

What does it truly mean to be a Godly girl? The same question that closed out 2024 for the Raising Godly Girls Podcast rings in the New Year of 2026. From a foundation rooted in Christ, to a Biblical Worldview active in a girl's life, and finally a thriving daily relationship with the Living God, Godly girlhood is timeless and yet oh so relevant to today's girls. Hear Melissa's favorite Raising Godly Girls Minute—a centerpoint for each episode—and the global reaches this podcast has made in the last year. Hosts Natalie Ambrose and Melissa Bearden seal in the last episode of 2025 in prayer over the regular listeners and their families.     Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Psalm 139:14  Galatians 5:22-23  Deuteronomy 31:6  Romans 5:3-5    Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.    To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.  

Parenting is full of tension—especially when love tempts us to smooth every bump in our daughter's path. In this "Best of Raising Godly Girls" episode, we revisit Episode 271: "How Making Life Too Easy Hinders a Girl's Character, Mental, and Spiritual Growth" featuring AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay and Erin Kunkle, co-founder of MAVEN Ministries. Originally aired September 20th, 2025, this conversation explores the pitfalls of "lawnmower" or overprotective parenting and the lasting impact it can have on a girl's growth in character, resilience, and faith.  Erin and Patti dive into Biblical principles for equipping girls to persevere through challenges, problem-solve, and depend on Christ in everyday life. They offer compassionate insight for parents learning to step back, trust God's guidance, and allow daughters to face age-appropriate struggles—knowing that these moments cultivate courage, independence, and spiritual maturity.  Whether you're listening during a busy holiday morning, on a drive to church, or sipping cocoa by the fire, this episode offers encouragement and actionable wisdom. Parents will walk away with clarity on when to intervene and when to let God—and life—teach their daughters lessons that build lasting strength.  Scripture References:   James 1:2-4   Proverbs 22:6  Three Takeaways for Parents:   Step back and allow age-appropriate challenges to shape your girl's growth.   Encourage perseverance and problem-solving rooted in faith.  Trust Christ to lead your daughter's journey while guiding with wisdom and grace.  This "Best Of" episode is a must-listen for parents seeking to raise resilient, Godly girls who are equipped to walk confidently in character, faith, and independence.  Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.   Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.  

Parenting with grace and wisdom isn't always easy—but it's always worth it. In this "Best of Raising Godly Girls" episode, we revisit Episode 270: "Resilience-Building Parenting Strategies," originally aired on September 18, 2025. Natalie Ambrose and Rachael Culpepper share faith-filled insights for parents learning to step back, trust God's guidance, and help their daughters grow into resilient, confident, and faithful young women.  This episode offers practical strategies for recognizing tendencies toward over-control and anxious parenting, while encouraging families to lean into God's plan for their girls. From celebrating small successes to embracing life's challenges as opportunities for growth, parents will be inspired to cultivate resilience, perseverance, and a lasting faith in their daughters' hearts.  Listeners will leave with actionable guidance to parent with intentionality, patience, and trust in God's timing. Whether you're navigating daily life, holiday busyness, or moments of parenting uncertainty, this episode reminds you that resilience isn't just built in theory—it's cultivated through everyday faithfulness, prayer, and loving presence.  Scripture References:  James 1:2-4   Proverbs 22:6   Three Takeaways for Parents:  Step back and let God guide your daughter's ultimate outcomes.  Recognize and release anxious or over-controlling tendencies.  Encourage growth through challenges and celebrate resilience as a gift from the Lord.  This "Best Of" episode offers encouragement, insight, and prayerful support for parents seeking to raise godly girls who are strong, confident, and rooted in Christ.  Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.   Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.  

Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do for our daughters is…step back. In this "Best of Raising Godly Girls" episode, we revisit Episode 269: "Why Parents Shouldn't Make Life Easy for Their Daughters," originally aired on September 16, 2025. Natalie Ambrose and Rachael Culpepper explore the pitfalls of "helicopter" or "lawnmower" parenting and offer a faith-filled perspective on building resilience in girls.  This episode is for parents who want to love well—but struggle with the temptation to smooth every difficulty or shield their daughters from failure. Together, we discuss how stepping back, allowing natural consequences, and letting girls navigate challenges under God's guidance equips them with confidence, problem-solving skills, and a steadfast faith that will serve them for a lifetime.  Listeners will be reminded that resilience isn't just a personality trait—it's a spiritual posture. By trusting God to guide our daughters through life's skinned knees, disappointments, and learning moments, we cultivate strength, humility, and perseverance. It's an invitation to parent with intentionality, grace, and courage, trusting the Holy Spirit to shape our girls into women of integrity.  Scripture References:  James 1:2-4  Proverbs 22:6  Three Things to Remember:  Let girls experience challenges—they need space to grow and learn.  Parent with grace, not control, trusting God's wisdom and timing.  Celebrate resilience as a gift from God, cultivated over time through life's ups and downs.  This "Best Of" episode is an encouragement to pause, reflect, and lean into God's guidance as you nurture your daughter's character, perseverance, and Godly womanhood.  Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.   Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.  

The Christmas season has a way of filling our homes with warmth and wonder—but what if your holiday décor could do more than make your home look festive? What if it could become a beautiful, daily reminder of the Gospel for your family—and especially for your girl? In this special Christmas message, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay invites listeners to rediscover the meaning behind the decorations we often unpack without a second thought. Instead of centering December around tinsel, lights, and checklists, this conversation encourages you to fill your home with symbols that point your daughter to the Savior who came near.  Through thoughtful reflection and practical ideas, this episode explores how your family can create a holiday environment that disciples your girl right where she lives. Whether it's a nativity set placed intentionally, Scripture woven into ornaments, or simple traditions that direct your girl's heart toward Jesus, you'll find fresh inspiration to transform your décor into a teaching tool—one that speaks quietly but consistently of hope, promise, and God's redeeming love.  As the busyness of December pulls our attention in a thousand directions, this episode gently reminds parents to anchor their home in truth that outlasts the season. When your daughter looks around the room, what does she see? May she see more than glitter and garland—may she see a family committed to celebrating Christ Himself. With encouragement that blends creativity, Scripture, and practicality, you'll walk away with ideas your family can use immediately and a deeper sense of purpose for the atmosphere you cultivate.  Scripture References:  Luke 2:10–11: The joyful announcement of Christ's birth.  Deuteronomy 6:6–7: Impressing God's truths on the hearts of our children.  Isaiah 9:6: The prophecy pointing to the coming Messiah.  Three Things to Remember:  Your décor can be more than beautiful—it can be a discipleship tool.  Small, meaningful symbols can gently shape your daughter's understanding of Jesus.  A Christ-centered home environment helps your girl see the season through the lens of truth, not culture.  Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.    Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.  

The holidays can be a season of joy, but for some families, they come wrapped in worry, fear, and unseen struggles. In this "Best of Raising Godly Girls" episode, we revisit Episode 223: "How to Support Your Daughter Through Suicide, Self-Harm, and Mental Health Struggles" with Dr. Jessica Peck, also known as "Dr. Nurse Mama." Originally aired on May 29, 2025, this episode offers practical, faith-filled guidance for parents navigating one of the most tender and frightening seasons of parenting.  Melissa Bearden and Rachael Culpepper open the conversation with heart and honesty, reminding listeners that God equips parents to shepherd their daughters even in the darkest valleys. Dr. Peck shares compassionate strategies for recognizing warning signs, building trust, and creating safe spaces where difficult conversations can take place—because the most important healing often begins with being seen, heard, and loved.  This episode is a gentle call to action: the holidays are not a time to ignore or delay addressing your daughter's mental health struggles. Instead, it is a time to step forward in courage, anchored in God's wisdom and grace. Parents will be encouraged to walk alongside their daughters with a balance of truth, empathy, and prayerful guidance, modeling the steadfast love of Christ even in moments of fear or uncertainty.  Scripture References:  Psalm 34:18   Romans 15:13  Three Things to Remember:  God equips and sustains parents called to guide daughters through seasons of deep struggle.  Creating a safe, trusting environment opens the door for healing and honest conversation.  The best time to walk in truth, love, and prayer is now—not later, not when it feels convenient.  This "Best Of" episode is an invitation to pause, pray, and listen closely—God is present, and His Spirit brings hope even in the midst of pain.  Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.   Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org. 

As the holiday season draws near—a time filled with lights, celebration, and connection—this special "Best Of Raising Godly Girls" episode steps into one of the most tender topics facing families today: how to navigate self-harm with wisdom, compassion, and Christ-anchored hope. In this replay of Episode 222, originally aired on May 29, 2025, listeners revisit a powerful, heartfelt conversation designed to equip parents walking through the fear, grief, and questions that often accompany a daughter's struggle.  Melissa Bearden opens this episode reminding listeners that December can heighten emotional and mental strain for girls who are already hurting. While the world celebrates, many families carry unseen wounds. This "Best Of" series is a way to rest, reflect, and re-engage important truths—because even in seasons meant for joy, God invites us to shepherd our daughters with attentiveness and grace. This episode offers clarity about the signs of self-harm, practical guidance for parents, and biblical encouragement for moments when hope feels fragile.  As you listen, you'll be reminded that God has not abandoned your girl to patterns of destruction—His Spirit is near, attentive, and able to restore what feels broken beyond repair. Whether your family has recently discovered a struggle with self-harm or you've spent much of 2025 navigating emotional highs and lows, this episode encourages you to hold tightly to Christ's promises. His healing is real. His love is constant. And His presence goes with you into every conversation, every fear, every quiet moment of worry.  This revisited conversation is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and allow God to strengthen you as you walk beside your daughter. If little ears are nearby, you may want to save this one for a private moment—this episode includes themes best discussed with maturity and care. But whenever you listen, may the truth settle deeply in your heart: you are not alone, your girl is not beyond hope, and Jesus is faithfully present in every season, even this one.  Scripture References:  Psalm 147:3   Isaiah 41:10  Three Things to Remember This Week:   Your daughter's struggle does not signal God's absence—He is already at work in the hidden places of her heart.   Your calm, compassionate presence can become a lifeline that models the tender nearness of Christ.   Hope and healing are possible, even in seasons filled with overwhelm; Jesus meets families in the midst of their pain.    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.   Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org. 

As we enter a season filled with celebration, gatherings, and full calendars, this special "Best Of" episode invites moms to slow down and become intentionally attuned to the inner world of their girls. In this replay of one of our most listened-to conversations, hosts revisit Episode 221: Recognizing Girls' Mental Health Signals, a heartfelt and faith-forward discussion designed to help parents discern the often-hidden signs of emotional and mental struggle in their daughters. While the holidays bring joy, they can also magnify stress, loneliness, or anxiety—and this episode offers gentle wisdom for navigating it all with compassion.  Melissa Bearden sets the stage for a December series focused on some of the most impactful topics from the Raising Godly Girls Podcast. This week spotlights mental health and self-harm—a tender theme, but one that equips families with clarity and courage as they step into the holiday season. The heart of this episode is rooted in God's nearness to the hurting, reminding listeners that the Lord sees every tear, hears every unspoken fear, and remains close to the brokenhearted. Through a biblical lens and practical insight, this conversation encourages moms to pursue their daughters with the same gentle presence and attentiveness that the Holy Spirit extends to us.  Whether you're re-listening or hearing this message for the first time, you'll be reminded that recognizing a girl's emotional signals is not about panic—it's about presence. It's about creating space for honesty, asking caring questions, and modeling a peace anchored in Christ. This revisited episode is an invitation to approach your girl with empathy, patience, and prayer, trusting that God restores hope even in seasons of heaviness. And as you fold laundry, plan meals, wrap gifts, or drive from one holiday activity to the next, these truths can settle into your heart and prepare you to shepherd your daughter with grace.  Before you step into your week, carry these simple reminders with you: God is near to your girl even when she feels overwhelmed; the Holy Spirit equips you for meaningful, healing conversations; and your compassionate presence can be a lifeline in a busy, demanding season. We pray this "Best Of" episode strengthens your courage, deepens your discernment, and reminds you that even in December's rush, God is faithfully tending the hearts within your home.  Scripture References:  Psalm 34:18  Romans 15:13  Three Things to Remember This Week:  God is near to girls who feel overwhelmed or anxious, especially in emotionally demanding seasons.  Your steady, compassionate presence mirrors the gentle pursuit of the Holy Spirit.  Hope, healing, and peace are possible as you shepherd your daughter with prayerful attentiveness.  Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.   Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.  

As this year winds to a close and new year soon begins, many of us will soon be making resolutions to start fresh—but there's one commitment that carries eternal impact: growing deeper in God's Word. In this inspiring episode, host Patti Garibay, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus, sits down with author and Bible teacher Trillia Newbell to explore how parents can help their daughters develop a faith that endures for a lifetime.  Through her newest resource, 52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition, Trillia invites kids and families to experience the joy of reading Scripture together—from Matthew to Revelation—discovering that time in God's Word is not a task to complete, but a relationship to cultivate. Patti and Trillia discuss practical ways families can weave Scripture into everyday life, from dinner table conversations to bedtime devotions, and how simple consistency can yield powerful spiritual growth.  Whether your daughter is just beginning to explore the Bible or already loves studying it, this episode will equip you to nurture her curiosity, deepen her understanding, and inspire her to treasure God's Word in her heart. It's a gentle reminder that faith grows not through grand gestures, but through the steady planting of small seeds—one verse, one prayer, one act of trust at a time.  Learn more about Trillia's books—including 52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition—at trillianewbell.com. Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com. Find or start an AHG Troop in your area at americanheritagegirls.org.