Raising Godly Girls

As February fills our culture with pink hearts and romantic gestures, today's Valentine's weekend episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast invites families to pause and remember where love truly begins—at home. Before our daughters ever understand dating or marriage, they first learn what love looks like around the dinner table, in everyday conversations, and in the way family members treat one another. Rooted in the timeless truth of 1 Corinthians 13, this conversation reminds parents that real love is patient, kind, and formed through daily faithfulness, not grand gestures.    Host Patti Garibay is joined by beloved author and speaker Jessica Smartt, whose work encourages families to slow down, reclaim childhood, and build homes marked by warmth, joy, and connection. Drawing from her newest book, Come On Home, Jessica shares how intentional rhythms, shared memories, and Christ-centered priorities help families move beyond merely loving one another—to genuinely liking one another. Together, Patti and Jessica explore how Biblical love shapes sibling relationships, strengthens marriages, and gives girls a clear, hope-filled picture of what love is meant to be.    This episode offers encouragement for parents navigating busy schedules, sibling conflict, or seasons of disconnection. With humor, honesty, and practical wisdom, Jessica reminds listeners that a peaceful, joy-filled home is not built overnight—but through small, faithful choices that invite Christ into the center of family life. As Valentine's Day approaches, this conversation reframes the holiday as an opportunity to model Christlike love in ways that will shape a daughter's heart for years to come.      Scripture Referenced in This Episode:    1 Corinthians 13:4-7  John 13:34-35  Psalm 127:1      To learn more about Jessica Smartt and her books, visit jessicasmartt.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 

As Valentine's Day approaches, we're shifting the spotlight from romantic love to one of God's most foundational gifts: the love of family. On today's Thursday episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose invite you into a joyful, practical conversation about Family Game Night—and how simple moments of play can strengthen connection, build unity, and help our families genuinely enjoy being together.    In a culture where screens often compete for attention and schedules stay perpetually full, creating intentional space for laughter matters more than ever. Drawing from Psalm 133:1—"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity"—this episode reminds us that joy, togetherness, and shared fun are not extras in the Christian home; they're part of God's design. Whether your family loves fast-paced card games, outdoor competition, or classic board games, these moments of play can become sacred ground for connection.    You'll also hear a special Raising Godly Girls Minute from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, sharing why laughter and shared experiences help families weather busy seasons and deepen bonds. Rachael and Natalie reflect honestly on the challenges parents face—exhaustion, stress, and competitiveness—and offer grace-filled encouragement alongside practical "pro-tips" to help family game night stay accessible, meaningful, and focused on connection rather than winning.    Finally, the conversation ties directly into the heart of American Heritage Girls, where "faith, service, and fun" work together to shape joyful girlhood and strong families. From faith-based games to creative ways to invite friends into family rhythms, this episode will inspire you to carve out time for fun—and to trust that God uses even playful moments to cultivate unity and love at home.    Be sure to subscribe to the Raising Godly Girls Podcast so you never miss an episode, and join us again this Saturday for a special Valentine's Day conversation about memory-making and protecting the wonder of childhood. Until then, keep raising Godly girls—and don't forget to bring on the fun!      Three Things to Consider:    Be sure the games guarantee that every age of kids can participate! (And if it's Twister, parents you might want to schedule a chiropractic adjustment for the next day!)   While winning is fun, it's not the goal. I'm talking to you, competitive folks!   Make it a regular time on the family calendar that everyone can look forward to.        Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Psalm 133:1    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.    

Valentine's Day often points our attention toward romantic love—but what if this season became an invitation to strengthen the most formative love a girl will ever know? In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose reframe Valentine's week through a family lens, reminding parents that the home is the first and best place for a girl to learn how to give and receive love.    Together, Rachael and Natalie explore how secure attachment, intentional family rhythms, and spoken affirmation shape a girl's understanding of belonging. From handmade Valentines and quirky family traditions to naming shared values and modeling grace, this conversation highlights how love is learned in everyday moments—not perfection, but presence. When a girl feels seen, known, and anchored in her family, she carries that confidence into every relationship she'll one day hold.    You'll also hear a Raising Godly Girls Minute from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, offering a tender reflection on a girl's innate desire for beauty, creativity, and connection—and how those expressions of love can become lifelong markers of belonging. Rooted in Scripture, this episode equips parents to consecrate their homes as places where grace is practiced, forgiveness is spoken, and love is never assumed.    Whether your family is in a season of closeness or rebuilding, this Valentine's week episode invites you to start right where you are—praying over your home, speaking life over your daughter, and trusting God to grow love that lasts far beyond February 14.    Three Things to Consider:    A home consecrated to God's love will be known by God's love.   Grace and Forgiveness are key ingredients for a healthy understanding of love in your home.   Love must be spoken in your home. So don't let it go unsaid!       Scripture Referenced in this Episode:    Deuteronomy 6:9  Ephesians 4:32  Colossians 3:12-13      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.    

Friendship is one of God's sweetest gifts—and also one of the most tender places in a girl's heart. From playground dynamics to group texts and even church friendships, many girls are quietly wrestling with the ache of wanting to belong. In a culture that elevates popularity and visibility, it's easy for girls to believe that being included defines their worth. But Scripture offers a far richer and more secure vision of friendship—one rooted in Christ's love and invitation to make room for others.    In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Patti Garibay is joined by bestselling author and speaker Dr. Heather Thompson Day for an honest and hope-filled conversation about helping girls navigate the highs and lows of friendship. Drawing from John 15:12, Heather reminds parents that Godly friendship is shaped not by cliques or clout, but by Christlike love—love that sees, welcomes, and stays faithful even when relationships feel messy or disappointing.    Together, Patti and Heather explore how parents can respond with empathy when their daughter feels left out, how to help girls develop discernment in choosing friends, and how to guide them through conflict with both grace and truth. They also discuss the powerful connection between hospitality and belonging, offering encouragement for families to cultivate homes where others feel seen and valued.    Heather also shares the heart behind her new picture book, Can I Sit Here?, inspired by her daughter's own story and written to help girls understand that belonging doesn't come from fitting in—but from knowing who they are in Christ. For parents worried that their daughter may never find "her people," this episode offers reassurance that God is faithful to provide community in His perfect timing.    If your daughter is navigating loneliness, shifting friendships, or the deep desire to be known, this conversation will equip you with biblical perspective, practical wisdom, and renewed hope. You'll be reminded that when we root our girls' identities in Jesus, we don't just help them build stronger friendships—we help them grow confident hearts that know exactly where they belong.      Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    John 13:34  Matthew 5:43-48  John 15:12      To learn more about Dr. Heather Thompson-Day, visit heatherthompsonday.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.    

Continuing a week of episodes on Godly friendship, hosts Melissa Bearden and Rachael Culpepper put the friend drama under the spotlight. When boy crazy seasons affect girls' friendships to then folding core relational skills that play into a marriage setting, both hosts share personal issues they've parented through personally.     Leaning on the wisdom of healthy boundaries communicated in grace, Melissa and Rachael share a core tenet of maintaining interactions in the midst of oversharing, obsessive tendencies toward boys, and balancing time spent with each friend to avoid jealousy.     The Raising Godly Girls Minute shows gracious wisdom that comes through Biblical loyalty in friendship. When today's girls are used to swiping left to immediately make something (or someone) undesirable go away, it's important that girls don't adopt the same pattern toward one another in real life. Melissa shares her daughter's experience walking through an instance when this was tested in a specific friendship. Discovering that her friend had changed—and preferred her phone over the person in front of her—was revealing to Melissa's daughter, helping her to cultivate important patterns moving forward.     Rachael shares three Biblical approaches to help girls hop off the friend drama roller coaster and adopt a more consistent pattern in their friendships. From getting to know a friend's parents to allowing trusted mentor and pastoral voices speak into conflict, each approach cuts down an addiction to division and embraces a more mature, Godly friendship.       Three Things to Consider:    Knowing the Friend's Family Helps to Offer Context when head-to-head conflict seems to be the norm.    Grace Comes through the Gentle Truth of Scripture to turn the tide on unhealthy friendship patterns.   When Conflict Boils Over, Lean on Your Village—You don't have to go this parenting journey alone.       Scriptures Shared in this Episode:    Proverbs 17:17  Ephesians 4:32  1 Corinthians 13    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.  

On this Tuesday episode of the RGG Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden launch a week of conversations surrounding friendships—something that Christian girls might struggle to navigate Biblically and often the source of a girl's first heartbreak.     With the banner of John 13 in the spotlight, this episode peels back the curtain on Christian girlhood friendships—by showing the world "who and Whose they are" by how they walk out the bond of friendship with other girls. Melissa unhitches from a worldly notion of cancel culture or even bullying tactics when a friendships go awry. Since conflict is inevitable in friendship, it's important to lead girls to stay aligned with the Lord's character when navigating those difficulties.     The Raising Godly Girls Minute poses a provocative mindset shift—what if girls were to offload the pressure of "best friend forever" and opted to embrace true friendship in loyalty? This slight distinction liberates today's Christian girls to take on a Biblical approach rather than a culture-fueled narrative.     From an older girl parenting to a younger girl parenting perspective, both hosts unpack how they lead their daughters to navigate conflict. 'Friendship breaks' can help a girl rein in her own emotions. Rachael shares about all the drama that often comes along with middle school friendships in the midst of hormonal changes. Both hosts land on a healthy approach to boundaries in order to shut down patterns of manipulation and hurtful behaviors.     Rachael offers three key ways to think of a trusted friendship as a recipe, inviting girls to build something beautiful and let God lead the way in her friendships.     Three Things to Consider:    A Trusted Friendship is Christ-centered.   A Trusted Friendship is Flexible & Adaptable.   A Trusted Friendship brings JOY!       Scriptures Shared in this Episode:    John 13:34-35  1 Corinthians 13:4-6  Proverbs 27:17  Romans 12:15      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 weekend edition of the podcast, AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay welcomes Dr. Jeff Myers, apologist and President of Summit Ministries as a guest. From various book titles to teaching work through Summit, Dr. Myers specializes in guiding families into confidence so they can raise well-equipped kids whose faith tracks throughout their lives.     Patti describes a world where girls who believe in absolute truth are often mocked and that the cultural message of "live your truth" is steeped in deception and a shaky foundation. Dr. Myers wants parents to know that apologetics is worth the effort to learn and practice well but doesn't require expertise or many college degrees.    Through a traumatic upbringing, unanswered questions about his faith, and then a nearly fatal car accident, Dr. Myers describes his journey away from and then toward the Gospel with God using Summit Ministries in his own life.     Patti and Jeff talk about the Charlie Kirk legacy of fielding questions in public settings to clarify and invite people into a Gospel relationship with God. Through 1 Peter 3:15 and 2 Peter 2:24, Dr. Myers had the opportunity to counsel Charlie in order to keep his work focused on a Biblical Worldview foundation. Now after Charlie's death, Patti and Dr. Myers both hope his legacy continues.     Dr. Myers and Patti talk through issues that are pressing in on today's girls, including transgenderism as a social contagion. Jeff feels it's not only important to prepare girls to have a response but to have a solid confidence in God in order to push back against this spiking trend. Parents shouldn't feel like they have to start with the heavy-hitter topics though. Dr. Myers feels that the time to start having apologetics conversations is as soon as children can talk. Through natural questions, cueing conversations, and keeping an ongoing connection with kids, Dr. Myers encourages parents to faithfully embrace their place as primary disciplers of their girls.    Patti brings up the relationship between questions, doubt, and discipleship, to which Dr. Myers offers practical approaches for a sustainable path—one that real-life parents can follow. Jeff's wisdom on Biblical Worldview serves as the foundation for both parents and kids, so it's vital for parents to be willing to learn alongside their girls. Finally, Dr. Myers tells about a young woman who skillfully kept open dialogue going through asking good questions and a willingness to listen—thereby facilitating intelligent and helpful conversation in a very casual setting. Dr. Myers sees the influence of these approaches as a deep blessing to many around Christians who practice their Biblical Worldview in these ways.     Dr. Myers tells about Summit Ministries summer intensive for high school and college students and how the influence of alumnae is shaping the current landscape of apologetics in today's world. Patti's final reminder seals in the strength and dept of God's truth—that it can be trusted and can withstand even the toughest critics.     Scriptures Shared in this Episode:    Romans 12:2  1 Peter 3:15  2 Peter 2:24  Genesis 1:26-27  Colossians 3:23      To learn more about Dr. Jeff Myers work, visit summit.org     Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.   Find or start an AHG Troop in your area at americanheritagegirls.org.  

To continue this week on the Raising Godly Girls Podcast's deep dive into Apologetics, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden tease out the basics of how to approach daily conversations so parents can guide girls as they are going in daily life. Both hosts describe 'speechless' moments they each had when they didn't know how to respond to tough questions regarding their faith convictions.     Rachael talks about 'sprinkling apologetics' into normal situations like car rides and daily real life so it doesn't feel like a memorized chorus for girls, rather an infused way of living. Through questions like, "Does that line up with what we know is true?" or "What do you think God is showing us here?" Rachael shares that a girl's faith moves from fragile to fortified one conversation at a time. In an honest moment, Rachael also shares that she doesn't always know 'all the answers' as a mom, so she encourages parents to be willing to learn alongside their girls.     The featured Raising Godly Girls Minute in this episode drops a difficult Bible question that comes up a lot for girls: "God in the Old Testament seems very different from God in the New Testament—are there different God's in the Bible?" With generation alpha's focus on social media algorithm-fueled scroll feeds and YouTube influencer-fed notions (often apart from Scripture), many parents are feeling overwhelmed and hopeless about the current state of the next generation's worldview status.     The hosts remind listeners that real-life apologetics has to happen…in real life! So the old notion of memorized answers and echo-chamber video feeds miss the mark. With three key anchor points, Rachael guides listeners through ways to approach this well. Story Swaps, Debate Club, and Faith Detective all offer creative approaches that easily translate into daily conversation for families. Melissa enthusiastically challenges listeners to 'just start'—at the dining room table, in daily life activities, and often at unexpected times!    Rachael shares her love for the AHG Stars & Stripes Award process, specifically how the Spiritual Walk Essay gives award recipients a chance to unpack their journey in places that God strengthened their faith through adversity.     Three Things to Consider:    Faith is built in the small moments.  Questions are a gift, not a threat.  Equip, don't overwhelm.    Scriptures Shared in this Episode:    Matthew 5:17    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 Tuesday episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden take on the lofty topic of Christian Apologetics with an aim to bring it down to bite-sized chunks for families seeking to disciple their girls according to a Biblical Worldview in today's busy life.    Both hosts share the first times they figured out that people outside of their homes had different worldviews and how that shifted them into a new era of maturity as Christ followers. Rachael shares that girls are hearing big questions sooner, and from more directions, than any generation before them and that cultural discipleship will naturally happen unless parents actively step in to guide their daughters! Melissa reminds listeners that a girl's worldview needs to be established as well as strengthened in Scripture, otherwise it will crumble the first time it is questioned.     As a mom of a now college-aged girl, Melissa offers wisdom to listeners that a daughter's questions are not evidence that she's abandoning her faith—rather evidence of the opposite; she's seeking to strengthen her faith. She shares that she initially freaked out when the questions came, but the Holy Spirit equipped and empowered her to offer guidance rather than abandoning the conversation. Rachael balances the conversation by sharing that parenting is a long-haul journey, so these important apologetics conversations will build over time. It's certainly  not a one-and-done approach!    By embracing a girl's questions, defining and fleshing out competing worldviews, and landing on God's solid foundation, Rachael walks listeners through three key approaches to ensure that a Biblical Worldview lens guides the conversation.    Both hosts give resounding encouragement that parents don't have to be apologetics experts to guide their girls through these tough questions. In true Raising Godly Girls fashion, it's deeply good for parents and girls to learn TOGETHER!      Three Things to Consider:    Start with Her Questions  Help Her Recognize Competing Worldviews  Teach Her that God's Truth Holds Up under Pressure    Scriptures Shared in this Episode:    Deuteronomy 6:4-9  Matthew 28:18-20    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 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.