In our rapidly-changing Western culture, all women at some point find themselves asking: What is my role? What does it mean to be a “woman”? Christian women in particular struggle to reconcile what culture says they should be (whether that is the broader secular culture, or the particular Christian culture they grew up in) with what God truly created them to be.

From the creation account in Genesis, we know that when God created Eve from the rib of Adam, He took His time. He created her holistically, delicately, and intentionally. Sometimes, when we see ourselves through the spectacles of self-doubt and sinfulness, that can be hard to believe. But it’s true. the Bible even tells us that weboth man and womanwere made in God’s image, in the likeness of God himself, and that, my friend, speaks volumes. Think about everything that God is: He is beautiful, strong, gracious, assertive, divine, thoughtful… his praiseworthy attributes are endless. Do you see what that means for you? The possibilities for who you are, how you live, and what the expression of you as a follower of Christ looks like in this world are endless.

We are living in a time when issues related to gender, race, and religious beliefs are more openly discussed than they ever have been… and more explosive than they ever have been. This supercharged atmosphere makes it challenging, even intimidating, to live out loud, unapologetic for who you are and what you believe It takes immense courage. I admire Jackie Hill Perry, author of Gay Girl, Good God for just that: her courage, her convictions, her willingness to call it like she sees it. She’s as real as they come, and there seems to be no end to the wisdom and spiritual insight she has to share. Recently, I had the chance to sit down and catch up with Jackie on a live YouTube recording of The Sister Circle Show. We discussed important topics including   what it looks like to walk in the truth about who God says you are, how womanhood should be defined (and that doesn’t include clothing or stereotypes), and, of course, her new book, Gay Girl, Good God.

This bonus episode is a great resource for anyone who is struggling with gaining victory over unforgiveness or looking for real-talk about same-sex attraction. In either case, the ultimate goal should be to come to God for Him to change their heart, and not merely to take away a particular struggle.

Highlight from Today’s Episode:

  • Responding through the lens of love
  • Becoming secure in who God made you to be
  • Understanding the impact of fatherlessness
  • Examining your thoughts about sexual identity

Resources From Today’s Show 

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Let’s Talk!

After you’ve listened to the podcast, I’d love to continue the conversation. Be sure and leave a comment!

  1. Are you struggling to find victory over a stronghold in your life?
  2. What would you say is holding you back from claiming victory?
  3. Did this episode help you to see your stronghold in a different way? How can you claim victory even in the difficult struggles of your life?
  4. Do you find it difficult to define your womanhood as God defines it (versus the cultures you live in)? How so?

Connect with me…

How to Listen to The Podcast

If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.

1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher?  Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!

3. Share today’s show –   Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!

You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!