Raising Godly Girls

How do we create the kind of relationship where our daughters truly believe, "I can tell my mom anything"? In this heartfelt episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden explore the powerful connection between asking good questions, listening well, and building lasting trust with your girl. As part of this week's series on communication and connection, Rachael and Melissa unpack the difference between simply gathering information and genuinely cultivating relationship. In a world filled with constant noise, quick reactions, and endless distractions, girls desperately need safe spaces where they are known, heard, and deeply loved. This episode encourages parents to slow down, ask thoughtful questions, and create open bridges of communication that reflect the grace and gentleness of Christ. Melissa shares how intentional conversations with her daughters over the years have shaped deeper trust and connection, while Rachael candidly reflects on the temptation many parents face to jump too quickly into "lesson mode" instead of allowing space for girls to process, think, and share from the heart. Listeners will also hear wisdom from Patti Garibay in this week's Raising Godly Girls Minute, focused on the spiritual discipline of listening—both to others and to the voice of God. Patti reminds families that while today's culture emphasizes being heard, Scripture consistently calls believers to become attentive listeners, willing to pause the noise and lean into quiet moments with the Lord. This conversation beautifully explores how healthy parent-child communication mirrors the heart of God Himself. From Genesis 3 to Romans 8, the episode highlights the truth that God's questions are not rooted in condemnation, but in loving pursuit and connection. Parents are encouraged to approach their girls with that same posture—one marked by curiosity, compassion, patience, and grace. You'll also hear practical encouragement for distinguishing between questions and interrogations, why rushing in with opinions can unintentionally shut down trust, and how simple moments like walks, car rides, and bedtime conversations can become sacred spaces for connection. Plus, the team highlights how American Heritage Girls creates environments where girls flourish through Christ-centered relationships, meaningful mentorship, and family-focused discipleship. If you've ever struggled to know how to keep communication open with your daughter—or wondered how to cultivate deeper trust as she grows—this episode will encourage you to lead with gentleness, listen with intention, and delight in the girl God entrusted to your care. Two Things to Remember: Aim for asking thoughtful questions, not creating an interrogation. Hold back immediate opinions and allow trust to grow through ongoing conversation. Scriptures Referenced in this Episode: Romans 8:1 Genesis 3 Proverbs 18:13 James 1:19 Psalm 46:10 Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.

Father's Day has a way of bringing out the little things that matter most—inside jokes, favorite meals, family traditions, and the quiet, faithful presence of a dad who loves his family well. In this special Father's Day week episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden celebrate the powerful role Christian fathers play in shaping the hearts and faith of their daughters. From chess games and sports afternoons to songs, gummy candy, and chicken fried steak, this conversation is packed with warmth, encouragement, and practical ways to honor the Godly dads in our lives. As culture continues to question and diminish Biblical fatherhood, this episode compassionately points listeners back to the heart of God the Father—the One who is faithful, trustworthy, and healing. Melissa and Rachael reflect on the deep impact a loving father can have on a girl's identity, security, and understanding of God's design for family. Through honest conversation and personal stories, they remind families that Christian dads matter deeply, and their consistency, guidance, and presence leave a lasting spiritual legacy. You'll also hear wisdom from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay in this week's Raising Godly Girls Minute as she shares the beauty of a strong father-daughter bond and the Biblical importance of integrity in fatherhood. Whether your family celebrates Father's Day with big adventures or quiet traditions, this episode offers encouragement to cherish the faithful men who lead with courage, humility, and love. Plus, the Raising Godly Girls team shares meaningful #girldad gift ideas your family can create this Father's Day—from homemade "Dad's Day Coupons" and gratitude videos from the kids to the timeless gift of a brand-new Bible ready to be filled with notes, prayers, and reflections. It's a joyful reminder that honoring dads doesn't require extravagance, just intentional love and gratitude. Whether you're a dad, raising daughters alongside one, or praying for healing in this area of family life, this episode will encourage you to lean into God's good design for fatherhood and celebrate the men faithfully pointing their families toward Christ. Three Things to Remember: Christian dads have a profound and lasting influence on their daughters' faith, confidence, and understanding of God's love. Meaningful traditions and intentional connection help strengthen the father-daughter bond for years to come. Simple, heartfelt encouragement can deeply refresh and strengthen the faithful dads in your life. Scriptures Referenced in this Episode: Proverbs 20:7 Ephesians 6:4 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.

Money is one of the most practical—and spiritual—areas of our lives, yet it's often one of the least intentionally taught within the home. In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Patti Garibay welcomes financial author and stewardship expert Matt Bell for an important conversation about raising girls who honor God with their finances. From everyday spending decisions to long-term financial planning, this episode explores how parents can disciple their daughters to think Biblically about money from an early age. Together, Patti and Matt tackle some of the most common questions families face today: Is all debt bad, or is there a place for wise borrowing? How can parents help their daughters avoid the burden of overwhelming student loans? And what's the best way to teach financial responsibility—through cash, debit cards, or even credit? This conversation also highlights the deeper heart behind financial stewardship. In a culture driven by consumption and comparison, girls need to learn contentment, discernment, and generosity. Matt shares how giving isn't just a financial practice—it's a spiritual discipline that helps shape a heart aligned with God's purposes. Whether your daughter is just beginning to learn the value of money or preparing to step into adulthood, this episode will equip you with practical tools and Biblical encouragement to guide her toward a future marked by wisdom, responsibility, and faithful stewardship. Because when girls understand that everything they have comes from God, they are better prepared to use it for His glory. Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: Matthew 6:21 Proverbs 21:5 Luke 16:10 1 Timothy 6:6–10 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 Proverbs 22:7 To learn more about Matt Bell, his work, and resources for Biblically wise financial stewardship for your family, visit mattaboutmoney.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 practical and heart-checking episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose kick off a brand-new series on Biblical financial stewardship—helping moms raise girls who handle money with wisdom, contentment, and Christ-centered purpose. From lighthearted conversation about being a "spender" or a "saver" to deeper reflections on what money reveals about our hearts, this episode gently guides listeners into a Biblical understanding of stewardship. Rachael and Natalie break down this foundational concept into three simple practices—giving, saving, and spending—while reminding us that how we manage money ultimately reflects what we trust, value, and believe about God as our Provider. In a culture marked by consumerism, comparison, and financial anxiety, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective: money is not inherently good or evil—but it can quickly become a place where our hearts drift. Through Scripture and personal stories, the hosts encourage families to reject both fear-based scarcity and indulgent excess, instead embracing a posture of faith-filled responsibility. The Raising Godly Girls Minute featuring Patti Garibay reinforces a powerful truth—our daughters are watching. The habits we model today will shape how they approach money tomorrow. From family budget conversations to everyday spending decisions, our example matters more than we think. You'll also hear honest reflections on the financial pressures facing the next generation—from rising costs to economic uncertainty—and how we can equip our girls with something far more valuable than wealth: resourcefulness, gratitude, and trust in God. Because ultimately, the goal isn't to raise girls who are rich—but girls who are faithful stewards of whatever God provides. With practical tools like distinguishing between needs and wants and inviting your daughter into the "why" behind your saving habits, this episode equips you to bring faith into everyday financial decisions—right where your family lives. Two Things to Remember: Be honest about the difference between wants and needs in your family's spending. Let your daughter see the "why" behind your saving habits—connect it back to your faith in God. Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 6:11 1 Timothy 6:10 Philippians 4:11–19 Psalm 23:1 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.

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden continue their Genesis series with a conversation that feels especially relevant in today's world: what does it actually mean to "steward the earth" as a Christian family? Starting in Genesis 1:28, Rachael and Melissa unpack the idea of dominion—not as domination or destruction, but as thoughtful care, cultivation, and responsibility. Using the simple but powerful analogy of gardening, Rachael paints a picture of stewardship as tending, nurturing, and bringing order to what God has created. It's a perspective shift that invites both moms and daughters to see the environment not as a burden to fix, but as a gift to faithfully manage. As cultural conversations around climate and environmental responsibility grow louder, this episode offers a grounded, Biblical response. Melissa introduces the concept of climate activism and acknowledges the good intentions behind it, while also pointing listeners back to a greater truth: this earth is a temporary home, and our ultimate hope is anchored in God's promise of a new heaven and a new earth. That hope doesn't lead to neglect—it leads to peace-filled, purposeful action. Through the Raising Godly Girls Minute, Patti Garibay reminds us that God works through ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary plan. And that includes how we care for His creation. When we teach our girls to observe the world around them—really see it—we begin cultivating hearts that appreciate, respect, and responsibly steward what God has made. This episode is filled with practical, doable ways to live this out as a family—from picking up trash at a local park to planting a garden to simply slowing down and noticing God's handiwork. Because when girls learn to love creation, they naturally begin to care for it. Most importantly, this conversation helps parents anchor environmental stewardship in truth—not fear. We are not responsible for saving the world. We are called to faithfully care for what God has entrusted to us, trusting Him with the outcome. Three Things to Remember: Focus on what you can do—small, hands-on actions help combat overwhelm and build joyful responsibility. Stewardship is about cultivating and caring for God's creation, not controlling it. Anchor your perspective in eternity—the God who created the world is the One who will restore it. Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 1–2 Genesis 1:28 Revelation 21–22 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.

Leadership is a gift, but it can also be exhausting. Many Christian women today are carrying a heavy load: leading at work, serving in ministry, managing a home, discipling their children, nurturing a marriage, and striving to remain faithful in their own walk with the Lord. And while the calling is beautiful, the fatigue can be very real. In this encouraging episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Melissa Bearden sits down with author and mentor Ann E. Thompson to talk about what happens when faith meets fatigue. Together, they explore how women can lead with resilience instead of resentment, serve with humility instead of hustle, and discern God's guidance without succumbing to cultural pressure or burnout. You'll hear practical wisdom for recognizing early signs of burnout, cultivating sustainable spiritual rhythms, and modeling servant-hearted leadership for the girls who are watching. Because our daughters are learning not only from what we say—but from how we live. As we steward our callings faithfully and rest in Christ deeply, we teach them that leadership is not about performance, but obedience. If you are a working mom, ministry leader, or woman feeling stretched thin between competing responsibilities, this episode will remind you that God never calls His daughters to run on empty. He calls us to abide, to trust, and to lead from a place of strength rooted in Him. Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: Matthew 11:28–30 Mark 10:42–45 Galatians 6:9 James 1:5 Colossians 3:23–24 To learn more about Ann's work, her podcast, and her new book, visit anneileenthompson.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.

What does leadership look like for the next generation of Christian girls and women? In this empowering episode of Raising Godly Girls, Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dive into a conversation every faith-filled family needs to have: how strong faith fuels confident, wise, Christ-centered leadership. From ministry leadership and motherhood to the everyday moments where girls learn to step up, this episode reminds listeners that leadership is not reserved for adulthood. God begins shaping leaders early—through growth, mistakes, humility, and courage. Whether your girl is naturally bold or quietly influential, this conversation will help you nurture the gifts God has already placed within her. Rachael shares a relatable story from childhood about learning through failure (including an unforgettable salt-for-sugar cake mix-up!) and reflects on why safe spaces to fail are essential for growing resilient leaders. Natalie offers encouragement for moms of older girls, reminding parents not to rush in and rescue every difficult moment. Sometimes the most loving leadership lesson is allowing natural consequences to do their work. In this week's Raising Godly Girls Minute, Patti Garibay speaks directly to girls who may feel too young, too inexperienced, or not yet "ready" to lead. Rooted in 1 Timothy 4:12, this episode reminds girls that God does not wait for a certain age to call someone into Kingdom influence. Together, Rachael and Natalie unpack three foundational truths every Christian girl leader needs to carry into the world: knowing Whose she is, knowing who she is, and learning to walk in both confidence and wisdom. This episode is a beautiful encouragement for moms raising daughters to lead with grace, humility, and bold faith. Whether your girl is leading in the classroom, in her friendships, in church, or one day in ministry or the workplace, this conversation will help anchor her identity in Christ first—because godly leadership always begins there. Three Things to Remember: Know Whose you are—You belong to the Lord, and your identity begins in Him. Know who you are—God has equipped and called you with gifts, purpose, and influence. Move in both confidence and wisdom—Let humility, obedience, and courage shape your leadership journey. Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: 1 Timothy 4:12 Galatians 2:20 1 Peter 3:15 1 Peter 5:5–6 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.

What does it look like for neighbors to truly come together—linking arms, sharing life, and building something meaningful right where God has placed them? In this special Memorial Day–focused episode of Raising Godly Girls, Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden shift the conversation away from the noise of cultural division and toward something far more powerful: Christ-centered community. Because while patriotism can stir strong opinions, this episode invites families to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. You'll be reminded that as believers, our identity is anchored first in Christ. We are citizens of Heaven before anything else—and from that foundation, we are called to steward our roles in our neighborhoods, communities, and nation with joy, humility, and purpose. In this week's Raising Godly Girls Minute, Patti Garibay offers a timely word on unity in a divided world. As girls grow up hearing conflicting messages from media and culture, parents have the opportunity to guide them toward a Gospel-rooted perspective—one that prioritizes peace, love, and truth over anger and division. This episode also brings practical, meaningful ways to live this out during Memorial Day weekend. From simple acts like raising flags with intention to opening your home in hospitality, you'll discover how everyday moments can become sacred opportunities to connect, honor, and reflect God's heart in your community. Because even in a fractured world, unity is still possible—and it often starts right on your front porch. Three Things to Remember Put up the Christian flag and the American flag as a visible reminder of your love for God and gratitude for your country. Let your home become a gathering place. Hospitality can be a powerful bridge to connection and community. Honor the Lord and the moment with reverence and gratitude. Take time to pray, reflect, and remember the deeper meaning of Memorial Day. Scriptures Referenced in This Episode Psalm 33:12 Romans 8:31 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.

For many Christian women, vocational ministry is both a calling and a weight they carry daily. In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Melissa Bearden is joined by ministry leader, speaker, and author Melissa Mashburn for an honest and hope-filled conversation about sustaining ministry without succumbing to burnout or performance culture. Together, they explore the unique pressures faced by working women and moms in ministry settings, where faith, leadership, family, and expectations often collide. Drawing from New Testament Scripture, personal experience, and pastoral wisdom, Melissa Mashburn helps listeners reframe calling through the lens of faithfulness rather than productivity. This episode also speaks directly to parents who are raising girls in ministry environments. The conversation offers guidance on how to model healthy rhythms of work, rest, and obedience—so the next generation learns to pursue calling with joy, resilience, and trust in Christ, not exhaustion or striving. If you've ever felt stretched thin by Kingdom work or wondered how to balance ministry and family without losing your soul, this encouraging conversation will remind you that Jesus invites His servants not only to labor—but also to rest. Scriptures Referenced in this Episode: Philemon 1:1-3 Colossians 3:23 Colossians 2:8 For more information on Melissa Mashburn's work, visit melissamashburn.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.

What does it look like to faithfully navigate work, motherhood, and calling—all at the same time? In this honest and encouraging episode of Raising Godly Girls, co-hosts Melissa Bearden and Natalie Ambrose open the door to a conversation so many moms are living in real time: the journey of being a working mom. Whether you're in the home, in the office, working remotely, or juggling a side hustle, this episode meets you right where you are. Melissa and Natalie share their own stories—highlighting the ebb and flow of seasons, the factors that shape work decisions, and the reality that for many families today, motherhood and work are deeply intertwined. With over 24 million working mothers in the U.S., this isn't a fringe conversation—it's everyday life for a majority of families. But instead of debating whether moms should work, this episode focuses on something far more meaningful: how Christian moms can approach work with a Biblical Worldview. That means keeping priorities aligned, avoiding the trap of career as an idol or idleness as an escape, and inviting God into every decision along the way. In this week's Raising Godly Girls Minute, Patti Garibay speaks to the very real overwhelm modern parents face—and gently redirects hearts back to the Lord. When stress rises and culture offers quick fixes, Scripture reminds us that true peace is found in crying out to God and trusting Him as our steady foundation. And perhaps most importantly—our daughters are watching. They are learning how to respond to pressure, stress, and responsibility by observing us. You'll also hear practical encouragement for maintaining healthy rhythms as a working mom—from setting boundaries with work, to modeling diligence at home, to embracing Sabbath as a non-negotiable priority. This episode is filled with grace and truth for moms who are striving to honor God in both their calling and their caregiving. Because at the end of the day, your work matters—but so does the way you live your faith out loud in front of your girl. Three Things to Remember: Invite the whole family into the decision of work for mom—it impacts everyone, and shared understanding builds unity. Keeping Sabbath is a priority—rest is not optional; it's God's design for your well-being. Be a tour guide for your daughter—help her understand how faith and work intersect in your everyday life. Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: Psalm 77 Proverbs 14:1 Exodus 20:8–11 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.

Mother's Day is here—and while it's a time to celebrate, many moms are quietly carrying more than anyone realizes. In this special Mother's Day week episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden speak directly to the heart of the modern Christian mom—the one juggling the mental load, navigating loneliness, and wondering if she's the only one feeling overwhelmed. With research showing that many mothers today feel more isolated than expected, this episode offers a refreshing and faith-filled reset. Because the truth is, mama—you were never meant to do this alone. In this week's Raising Godly Girls Minute, Patti Garibay sheds light on the invisible weight moms carry every single day—from thousands of decisions to constant interruptions. And yet, even in the midst of it all, God's design for motherhood includes support, boundaries, and the freedom to ask for help. Then, in a powerful and memorable turn, Melissa introduces the "We Do Not Care Congregation for Christian Mamas"—a bold, truth-filled reminder that it's time to put the enemy on notice. No more silent shame. No more comparison traps. No more carrying chaos alone. Instead, this episode calls moms back to a place of identity, peace, contentment, and community rooted in Christ. You'll walk away encouraged to release unrealistic expectations, embrace God's provision, and lean into the people He's placed around you. Because when moms are supported, families flourish—and girls grow up seeing what it looks like to live with faith, freedom, and joy. This Mother's Day, give yourself the gift of truth: you are seen, you are supported, and you are never alone. Four Things to Remember: We're not sitting in silent shame anymore. You are redeemed, renewed, and called to walk in freedom. Chaos doesn't get the last word. God orders your steps and offers peace in the midst of the noise. You already have what you need. Contentment grows when you trust God's provision over comparison. Ask for help—without hesitation. From the Lord and from others—because motherhood was never meant to be done alone. Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: Romans 12:1–2 Isaiah 26:3 Psalm 23:1–3 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.