Equipping Godly Women Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Ever feel like you should be doing something to help people struggling with anxiety and depression... but you're not a counselor, so what can you actually do?

In this conversation with Shaunti Feldhahn (social researcher and author of "When Hurting People Come to Church"), we're talking about the mental health crisis overwhelming our communities, and why YOU are part of the solution (yes, even without a counseling degree).

Shaunti shares shocking statistics: 60 million Americans have diagnosed mental health disorders, and 30 million of them aren't getting any help. Counselors are overwhelmed. Pastors are maxed out. But there's a church on every corner with caring people who could step in—if they just knew how.

We talk about what it actually looks like to help (hint: it's simpler than you think), how to be vulnerable so others feel safe opening up, and how to know when God is tapping you on the shoulder versus when it's guilt driving you.

This episode is for you if:
• You want to help hurting people but feel unqualified or untrained
• You're overwhelmed by all the needs and don't know where to start
• Someone in your life is struggling and you don't know what to say
• You're too busy for "one more thing" but feel guilty about it
• You want to make a difference but think that's someone else's job

Shaunti gives practical guidance on starting simple (just listening matters!), being vulnerable first to create safe spaces, and recognizing when God is calling you to set aside your to-do list.

Plus, we tackle the reality that God will never give you more than 24 hours worth of tasks in a day so if you're constantly overwhelmed, you might be doing things He hasn't actually called you to.

If you've ever thought "I wish I could help but I don't know how," this conversation is for you.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Shaunti's book: "When Hurting People Come to Church: How People of Faith Can Help Solve the Mental Health Crisis" https://amzn.to/4qTRliH (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH SHAUNTI & GET FREE RESOURCES:
Website: https://Shaunti.com
Free Church Cares Kit (listening training, intake forms, workbooks): https://TheChurchCares.com

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Ever feel like you're trying so hard to be more patient, more joyful, more loving... and you just keep failing?

In this conversation with Ava Pennington (author of "Flourish"), we're talking about the fruit of the Spirit, but not in the way you learned it in Sunday School. Because here's the thing: you can't force spiritual fruit by trying harder.

Ava explains why love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control aren't items on your to-do list. They're the natural result of surrendering to the Holy Spirit moment by moment.

We talk about the difference between striving and surrendering, why God's definition of these fruits might be different than yours (wait until you hear what she says about kindness!), and how to actually cooperate with what the Holy Spirit is already doing in your life.

This episode is for you if:
• You're exhausted from trying harder to be a better Christian.
• You keep failing at patience, peace, or self-control and feel defeated.
• You want to teach your kids about spiritual fruit without it becoming legalistic.
• You struggle with anxiety, impatience, or lack of joy.
• You're ready to stop striving and start surrendering.

Ava gives practical guidance on identifying which fruit you're struggling with most, recognizing the temptations and distractions that work against it, and learning to surrender in the moment instead of white-knuckling your way through.

Plus, we tackle how to model these fruits for your kids in a way that's authentic and grace-filled.

If you're tired of the try-harder message, this conversation is for you.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Ava's book: "Flourish: Grace-Centered Practices to Protect and Grow a Fruitful Life in Christ" https://amzn.to/3YkWoMF (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH AVA:
Website: https://AvaPennington.com/

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In a difficult, divided world, or when going through challenges, it can be hard to lift our heads and hearts. 

But God promises all people great joy. It s a promise for us no matter our circumstances! But how do we get there?

In this 60-day devotional, social researcher and best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn focuses on eight key elements of finding joy truths that shine out from both science and scripture.

Shaunti's website: https://shaunti.com/

Find Joy: A Devotional Journey To Unshakable Wonder in an Uncertain World: https://amzn.to/2JltsRO (affiliate)

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Hey moms!

Do you ever feel stuck in a fog or feel so exhausted that you just can't think straight or even function?

Hannah is here to remind you that you are not alone.

And better yet, she has solutions!

As America's top, Christian mom coach, Hannah gets to the root of what it is to be "mom tired" and offers a step-by-step process to help moms be in-control, rested, and productive women God created them to be.

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Do the unrealistic posts you see on social media leave you feeling as though you need to be doing better at everything?

Do you find yourself comparing your home to a neighbor's, or yourself to that amazing mom or that beautiful model?

If so, get ready to take notes!

In today's podcast episode, Heather and I talk about comparison in two ways. 

1. How dangerous it is when we compare our lives to other peoples' (and we all do this more than we realize!)
2. How dangerous it is when we compare our current lives to an "idealized" (unrealistic) version of ourselves. 

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Do you feel like the spark in your marriage is gone? Like a critical spirit has invaded is just gets in the way of everything?

Come join us as Jill Savage takes us through her personal journey of her own marriage struggles. You will definitely want to take notes! 

Jill will teach us how to:

* Detect and correct the Seven Slow Fades
* Set and communicate realistic expectations
* What to do if your spouse won't change
* How to guard your marriage for good

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Do you ever worry you're not enough? Maybe you have doubts, fears, or worries.

Alli Worthington explains how to embrace God’s callings for you without fear or doubt or any other negative thought as she discusses her new book, “Standing Strong: A Woman's Guide to Overcoming Adversity and Living with Confidence.” https://amzn.to/3kDGvLy (affiliate)

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Are you an introvert? Or perhaps you are completely extroverted? Whether you are an introvert yourself, or you love an introvert, you'll love today's conversation with Holley Gerth, author and co-founder of (in)courage. She is giving us tons of practical tips and tricks for introverts to live to be the person God created them to be all the more fully. If you are interested in finding out how to best love the introverts in your life, you'll want to stay tuned as well!

Want to dive into this topic even further? Be sure to check out Holley's brand new book, "The Powerful Purpose of Introverts: Why the World Needs You to Be You" here:  https://amzn.to/34TC7mT (affiliate) 

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Are you someone who feels "All the Feels?" Or perhaps you'd prefer to not have to bother with emotions at all? Either way - you'll love today's conversation with Elizabeth Laing Thompson where we talk about why emotions are so wonderful, how we can use them for good, and what to do when our emotions try to lead us astray. 

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On today's podcast, we are talking about leadership. Author Ronne Rock shares about how you can use the influence and impact that you have RIGHT where you are, whether that’s as a mother or a friend, or wherever God has placed you. 

 So if this sounds like something that you would like to learn more about to be all-in in your faith, I hope you will listen in to today's episode!

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