Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

The percentage of women (and some men) using Botox to get rid of signs of aging has skyrocketed! Of course, the Bible doesn't have any specific instructions on whether or not it's okay for us to get Botox. Today, Heather explores the topic from every angle--physically, mentally, and spiritually--to allow you to decide for yourself whether or not Botox injections are okay for you. Listen so you can make a thoughtful and informed decision about this very common practice here in the U.S. New to the show? Learn more about Compared to Who? and listen to the top episodes here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/podcast Learn more about Heather's brand new book on aging called: Aging Gratefully- A 30-Day Devotional for Women Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today we continue our mini-series on aging and explore the tricky topic of what to do when your clothes no longer fit. Heather talks about the reality that women's bodies do change and that over the years we will wear different sizes because our bodies will respond to aging, stress, pregnancies, and other changes in our lives in physical ways. So, what do you do when you have a closet full of clothing and nothing to wear? Heather offers encouragement over how to not feel shame about getting rid of clothes that aren't the right size, what to do when you're stressing out about having to go up or change sizes, and how you can turn the narrative of shame around getting rid of clothes into a beautiful way to bless others. If you've got a closet full of clothes from decades past, this episode is for you. Learn more about the 40 Day Body Image Workbook Reading Challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Learn more about Heather's brand new book: Aging Gratefully here: books-for-christian-women-body-image Are you new to the podcast? Find out what episodes to start with here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/podcast Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today host Heather Creekmore delves into the topic of aging and the fear that often accompanies it. She talks about the cultural pressure to stay young, the struggle with body image, and the desire to remain relevant in a society that values youth. Heather shares insights from her new book, "Aging Gratefully," a 30-day devotional for women that covers various aspects of aging, from bodily changes to finding purpose in midlife and beyond. Throughout the discussion, she encourages listeners to consider the biblical perspective on aging and to embrace the reality of getting older with gratitude and trust in God's plan. Heather's discussion spans a range of topics surrounding aging, including the cultural pressures and myths associated with aging, the changing seasons of life, and the fear of becoming irrelevant. She also highlights the biblical perspective on aging, offering a refreshingly positive viewpoint on something our culture points to as negative. One significant topic Heather focused on was the symbolism of graying hair and how it has been distorted by cultural messages. Drawing from Proverbs 16:31, Heather shares how marketers convinced us that gray hair would ruin our lives, but how the Bible tells us that gray hair is a crown of glory, representing wisdom and victory. As we dive into the concept of aging gratefully, Heather challenges us to shift our mindset away from cultural norms and expectations and embrace the unique beauty that comes with every season of life. Get your copy of Aging Gratefully here: books-for-christian-women-body-image Learn more about Compared to Who? here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you've been in church for even a few minutes you've likely heard that you should derive your identity from Christ. But how does one do that--especially when we've been conditioned from birth to perform for applause or be the type of person who makes everyone else smile in approval? Today, Heather digs into this topic of how we change where we find our applause. It's not that we go from seeking the applause of others to being content with the applause of ourselves (that's what culture says to do.) Instead, it's that we find a source of applause far greater than ourselves or those around us. We recognize, through the Gospel, the delight of God! If you're tired of trying to please everyone...or living for compliments and approval and it never being enough, this episode is for you. You'll be encouraged in ways to find a strength and peace in your self-image that outlasts and outdoes anything you could achieve through your own accomplishments. The pressure is off! Heather's inspiration piece for this episode is the sermon "The Sickness Unto Death" preached by Dr. Tim Keller. You can listen to the full sermon here: https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/the-sickness-unto-death/ Scripture references for today can be found in Jeremiah 9:23-34 and 1 Corinthians 4. Are you ready to improve your body image? Find out about great resources, coaching, and other opportunities at https://www.improvebodyimage.com Don't forget to leave a review! Those are a huge blessing to this ministry! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Did you know that the 24 hour work day was created around how men work best, but not women? Today, Heather’s guest Dr. Victoria Pait offers fascinating and helpful information about how women can start to work better with their bodies by syncing their lives to their cycles and better understanding the rhythms of our bodies. Heather and Dr. Pait talk about what’s going on in a woman’s body throughout the four phases of the menstrual cycle. They also talk about how to cope as hormonal levels change or dip during peri-menopause. She even explains what happens to our bodies during this time and what we can do to best support our bodies during all seasons. When is the best time of the month to connect with others? Why do you sometimes feel like hiding or being anti-social? How can you maximize those days of the month when you feel great and plan for extra rest or alone time on those days when you don’t? How hard should you be exercising or what is the best way to exercise during your cycle or in peri-menopause? How can you improve your sleep? You’ll be amazed by the helpful information Dr. Pait shares today. Connect with Dr. Victoria Pait here: https://www.Instagram.com/Drvictoriapait https://www.Instagram.com/victorymountchiropractic https://www.victorymountchiro.com Learn more about Compared to Who? and Christian body image coaching here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Have you seen Heather's newest book on aging? Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather has a candid conversation with author and blogger, Sheila Gregoire. They dive deep into the impact of purity culture on women's body image, self-esteem, and relationships. Although the hearts and motives may have started in the right place -- as a response to the 1960s, there have been some detrimental effects of certain modesty and purity culture teachings on both young girls and adult women. Sheila sheds light on how these teachings can lead to damaging beliefs, body image issues, and vulnerability to abusive relationships. The conversation delves into crucial topics such as the damaging effects of purity culture on millennial women, the intersection of Christian teachings and body image struggles, and debunking harmful beliefs about the male-female dynamic. Sheila and Heather share personal experiences and insights, offering a thought-provoking discussion that challenges harmful teachings and advocates for body acceptance based on scripture. If you're interested in gaining valuable insights into this critical topic, don't miss out on this impactful episode. Here are a few other key topics from the conversation: Connect with Sheila and learn more about her new book here: She Deserves Better (Amazon affiliate link) Learn more about Sheila's ministry at https://baremarriage.com/ Are you ready for body image coaching or some personalized help? Visit www.improvebodyimage.com for more options and body image encouragement. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather digs in to how our experiences in gym class may be impacting our body image issue today. Did you get picked last for the teams? Did you hate getting hit by the dodge ball or wearing gym uniforms or changing with the other girls? Did a teacher weigh you and then call out the number for the whole class to hear? Many who wrestle with body image issues are still struggling with trauma of what we were told or believed was true about us in gym class! Today Heather reminisces through the various angles of this issue and offers encouragement for anyone still suffering with gym class trauma. Have you read the 40 Day Body Image Workbook Yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Start on your journey to body image freedom and healing from gym class trauma (or other body image issue instigators) today! Learn more or get your copy here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In part two of the live coaching episode with Presli, Heather Creekmore and client, Presli, delve into the concept of righteousness and adoption in the context of body image and family upbringing. Presli bravely opens up about her family's view of fitness and body size, revealing the deep-seated impact it had on her perception of herself. They discuss the idea of being seen for who you truly are, beyond physical appearances, and how authenticity and integrity play a crucial role in finding freedom from body image struggles. In this vulnerable and insightful conversation, Heather guides Presli through a journey of self-discovery and reflection, prompting her to explore the concept of adoption in the Bible and how it relates to her own life. The session touches on the power of authenticity, breaking down the myth of a "perfect" external appearance, and finding true value and acceptance. If you're looking for real, relatable discussions on body image and faith, this episode is a must-listen. It's a powerful reminder that we are all seen, known, and loved beyond our physical attributes. Ready for body image coaching? Join the April/May mini-session and have direct access to Heather through April and May to get your questions answered. Plus, get 4 sessions with an encouraging group of Christian women. See what's included in the April/May group coaching mini-session here https://www.improvebodyimage.com/offers/XorzcqNz/checkout Or, find out more about Heather's coaching options here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In today's episode, host Heather Creekmore leads a live coaching session with guest Presli, as they dive into the topic of rejection and its impact on body image. Presli shares her personal experiences of feeling rejected due to physical attributes, and the shame and desire to cover up that followed. Through a candid conversation, they explore the damaging effects of societal pressures on body image and self-worth, and the desire to be seen and accepted. Drawing on biblical teachings and personal experiences, Heather and Presli discuss finding comfort and contentment beyond physical appearance and societal standards, and how seeking value and joy in the Lord can lead to true contentment. Watch for part two of this powerful conversation this Friday. Is coaching right for you? Learn more about Heather's coaching offers at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching A new mini-session group is opening for April/May only! Learn more about how you can find body image freedom through group coaching. https://www.improvebodyimage.com/offers/XorzcqNz/checkout Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather tackles the tricky topic of Ozempic, Wegovy, and other drugs that have recently been approved for weight loss. Heather talks about Oprah's new television special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution which aired this week and is now available on Hulu. She also references another television program on Ozempic called: The Skinny Confessions, Life After Ozempic (also available on Hulu). Scripture doesn't give us clear direction on weight loss or weight loss drugs. So there's a lot of gray space (and opportunities for grace) as Heather discusses both the positive and negative aspects of why we would choose to use one of these weight loss drugs. New here? Start with these episodes: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/get-started Heather's first episode on Ozempic: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/why-i-want-to-try-ozempic-what-you-need-to-know-if Heather's podcast on righteousness: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/the-religion-of-our-diets-confusing-messages-of-di Exercise Non-Responders episode: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/what-is-an-exercise-non-responder-does-exercise-wo Learn more about Heather and Compared to Who? at https://www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather helps explain what a healthy theology of our bodies should look like. Do you have a biblical view of your body and what it was made for or have you been influenced by culture and the wisdom of the world into believing that your body has two purposes: serving God and trying to look or be better? Heather looks at 2 Corinthians 4:7 where Paul talks about our bodies being "jars of clay" and whether or not this instruction is supposed to make us focus on trying to perfect what those jars of clay look like. Heather encourages listeners that they have one main mission and purpose: loving God, loving others, and making disciples of Jesus (the Great Commandment and the Great Commission) and how caring for our bodies needs to support this main mission. Heather ends the show with a look at two Christian influencers who have created a theology of the body that says that plastic surgery is the best way to "throw off the sin that entangles" and why perfecting our bodies in the way culture says they need to be perfected, may be a distraction from our main mission. There's no shame or condemnation for any who have gotten work done, but instead, we can all consider, moving forward, what the best ways to support our body's true mission should be. Have you read the 40-Day Body Image Workbook yet? Heather uses a bit from Day 4 of the book in today's episode. You'l want to read the whole thing if you haven't already. Learn more here: books-for-christian-women-body-image Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Maybe you've heard that as Christians we have to be careful to go to God, not to food. Maybe you've heard that emotional eating is wrong, sinful, or not "taking care of your temple" the way God instructs. But, what if there's more to it than that? What if God created our bodies to eat and what if relating to food and eating should be as simple and benign as the way we relate to breathing, sleeping, or even using the bathroom? In today's podcast, Heather takes an alternative look at emotional eating and the religion that our culture (diet culture) has created around food and food rules. Heather challenges the notion that dieting is the only way to relate, biblically and healthfully to food. Heather also challenges the concept that restricting food and keeping a fear of "overdoing it" is what's most healthy for us as Christians. What if restricting is what leads us to an over-obsessive relationship with food that renders us less useful for the cause of Christ? Today, prepare to have your preconceived notions about food, dieting, and what the Bible says challenged in a healthy and helpful way. Heather references this passage where Jesus fed the disciples breakfast: John 21:1-14 Heather references the book, "Health, Money, and Love and Why We Don't Enjoy Them" by Robert Farrar Capon. Heather invites you to join the next 40-Day Reading Challenge starting in May. Learn more at ImproveBodyimage.com Ready for more intensive body image help? Join the Body Image Freedom Framework Mini-Session happening this April and May. Email Heather for more information. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today's show gets a little spicy as Heather calls into question the dieting trends over the past 50 years and where they came from. You'll be shocked to hear who really came up with the low-carb trend. You may even be a little frustrated to learn how some who advocated for eating a certain way have changed their minds as they "reconsider" the science. The question Heather brings us back to today is: What does the Bible say about food? Does the Bible tell us we have to follow whatever food rules are trendy in order to be a good "steward" of our bodies? Does God care about how we eat? Who should we listen to when it comes to taking care of our bodies? There's some big revelations and many questions in today's episode. Consider pausing or journaling your thoughts as you listen to help you find or make peace with food. Have you read the 40-Day Body Image Workbook yet? Many of today's concepts are connected to principles, stories, and charts found in this fantastic new resource. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian or drop Heather an email (Heather @ Comparedtowho.me) if you'd like to read through the book with a group starting May 21st. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Heather Creekmore is joined by author Janet McHenry to discuss the many facets of prayer, personal struggles with prayer, and the various "praying personalities" that influence how individuals approach prayer. Janet shares her inspiring journey of navigating health issues and how it led her to a deeper life of prayer, ultimately leading her to write a book about prayer walking. Throughout the episode, Heather and Janet delve into the different ways people can connect with God through prayer, the impact of personality on prayer habits, and the significance of understanding oneself through the lens of biblical characters. Join us as we explore the diverse ways individuals engage with prayer, recognizing the importance of prayer with our God-given personalities and the freedom found in embracing our uniqueness. Want to check out Janet's new book? Buy the book on Amazon here. (Amazon affiliate link, tiny portion of your purchase goes back to this ministry.) Want to know more about Compared to Who?, coaching, and Heather Creekmore's books? Visit: www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather asks a poignant question: As you think about your body and body image, are you trying to be cruise ship ready or battle ship ready? There's quite a difference, right? When we prepare for a cruise, we want to look good in a swimsuit and we're looking ahead to a time of fun in the sun. But, if we think about preparing to go on a battle ship, our motivations and goals are different, aren't they? Scripture tells us that if we hold fast to the testimony of Jesus, Satan has declared war on us. (Revelation 12:17) We know from the book of Ephesians that we are in a spiritual battle, not against flesh and blood but against the Enemy. So, what do we believe is most important? What do we believe our bodies are for? Have we believed the lies of the body image idol that tell us that life will be a "funship cruise" as soon as we get the body we've always wanted? Or, do we believe scripture that tells us that Heaven will be glorious, but here on earth, we've gotta be armed and ready for battle? Cruise ship or battle ship? That's the question Heather poses to you today. Not sure about spiritual warfare in body image issues? Listen to these episodes: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/exposing-the-enemys-scheme-unraveling-the-spiritua https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/spiritual-warfare-body-image-issues-part-2 https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/reclaiming-your-stolen-identity-spiritual-warfare Ready for body image coaching? Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Gwen Shamblin put the "cult" in Diet Culture as you'll hear today in clips (used under Fair Use law for educational and critique purposes) from the 2023 Lifetime Movie, "Starving for Salvation: The Gwen Shamblin Story." Gwen was starving for salvation, trying to fill a void and an emptiness through weight loss, and eventually through power, money, and control. In today's episode (part 2 of 2) we listen to clips from the movie that show her rapid descent into heresy, denying Jesus, her rejection of grace, and her displays of wrong theology around what makes a woman acceptable or unacceptable in the church. These powerful, hurtful, and unbiblical concepts may still be lingering in churches today (the Weigh Down book sold more than 1.7 million copies and her program is still alive today and at one point was in 14,000 churches.) Heather's call to you today is to be clear on what the Bible says. Be clear about what the Bible really says about our bodies, weight loss (by the way -- it doesn't touch this subject), and food. Ready to get on the path to body image freedom? Learn more about Compared to Who? at https://www.improvebodyimage.com and find access to online courses, Heather's books and other podcast episodes like this. Need more help on you freedom journey? Consider becoming part of the Body Image Freedom Framework - learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather digs into the mysterious and disturbing world of diet culture and, more specifically, how diet culture turned into an actual cult in the case of Gwen Shamblin, the Weigh Down Workshops and book, and the Remanent Church. This is part one of a two-part series where we'll walk through the new Starving for Salvation Lifetime movie that is based on Gwen Shamblin's life story. Though it is a fictionalized account, much of what the movie shows was documented in The Way Down documentary that aired on HBO Max a few years ago. What sticks out to Heather today is how an unbiblical focus and prioritization on weight loss and beliefs about weight loss that are connected to holiness and righteousness set Gwen on a path of heresy and, ultimately, self-destruction. Today we explore some clips from the first part of the film and talk about Gwen's obvious eating disorder and twisted way of thinking about food, God, and the body. All clips in this episode are used under Fair Use law for informational, educational, and critique purposes only. Watch the Starving for Salvation Trailer: https://youtu.be/3C5Od2gpgiQ?si=6bOOZUdejxu4MVW2 Ready for some help with your body image issues? Want to take a biblical approach to finding freedom from body and food issues that bog you down? Learn more about Heather's online course: The Body Image Freedom Framework here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Learn more about Compared to Who? and Heather Creekmore's books to help Christian women improve their body image here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Heather continues with part two of her first LIVE coaching call with her newest and perhaps bravest client, Presli. Today Heather and Presli talk about how her Ideal Image has kept her chasing an unattainable body size, shape, and look and how it keeps her chasing. We talk about what parts of her life are affected when she tries to become more like her Ideal Image. Presli also shares more of her personal story, her struggles with size and weight through her teens and twenties, and more. Plus: Presli talks about some of the work she has done and sermons she has listened to in the online course: The Body Image Freedom Framework. Would you like coaching too? Consider becoming part of the Body Image Freedom Framework - learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Presli mentioned Heather's book, "The Burden of Better: How a Comparison-Free Life Leads to Joy, Peace and Rest" Have you read it yet? Learn more here. (Amazon affiliate link a tiny portion of any purchases go to support this ministry.) There's still time to join our 40-Day Reading Challenge for Lent! A possible new time slot may open on Thursday afternoons. Learn more here or email Heather (heather @ comparedtowho.me for more information): https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather airs her first LIVE coaching call with her newest and perhaps bravest client, Presli. Presli shares her story, how her body image issues began, including her first feelings and recognition of feeling like there was something wrong with her body or that her body was not the right size. Heather and Presli explore the voices and influences that contributed to her earliest thoughts and feelings about her body. They also begin to explore Presli's ideal image and who Presli has believed she should look more like. Heather gives Presli a homework assignment and they talk about the work Presli has done in the online course: The Body Image Freedom Framework. Would you like coaching too? Consider becoming part of the Body Image Freedom Framework - learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching There's still time to join our 40-Day Reading Challenge for Lent! A possible new time slot may open on Thursday afternoons. Learn more here or email Heather (heather @ comparedtowho.me for more information): https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today host Heather Creekmore is joined by author Ed Welch for a thought-provoking conversation about biblical counseling, body image issues, and the challenges of Christian teachings in the face of human emotions. The discussion touches on the impact of Welch's book "When People Are Big and God Is Small" on Creekmore's own work in biblical counseling, the importance of finding words to express struggles in biblical counseling and the tension between seeking God's comfort in anxiety and the reality of human emotions. They explore the significance of supportive friendships, prayer, and seeking help from trusted individuals amidst personal struggles. Welch also introduces a new counseling Bible and discusses the diverse applications of scripture in addressing modern struggles. Here are some key quote takeaways from today's show: "Sometimes we don't speak about the difficult things we experience because we don't think we should have those. Christian the Christian emotional life should be just a little bit better than the majority of people because we have Jesus, So we should be a little bit happier than everybody else, and that'd be anything less than that is to somehow dishonor god and say he's less Powerful." - Ed Welch How the Psalms can teach us about our emotions: Ed says they teach us to ask, "What is important on your soul right now? How you feel is the same thing. What is especially important to you right now? What are your joys? What are your delights? What are your hopes? What are your ambitions? What are your fears?" Learn more about Ed Welch and the Biblical Counseling Bible here: https://www.ccef.org/people/ed-welch Check out the CSB Life Counsel Bible: https://amzn.to/3SIEi56 (Amazon affiliate link) 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 Are you READY to take the 40-Day Body Image Reading Challenge? This year for Lent (February 14-March 30) Heather invites you to read her brand new, 40-Day Body Image Workbook along with her. Weekly Zoom meeting check-ins will help keep us all reading and accountable. Plus, find community with other women who are also working to improve their body image in a God-honoring way. Find out more about this new challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Haven't bought the 40-Day Body Image Workbook yet? Grab your copy here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image Looking for more one-on-one support? Learn more about coaching and the Body Image Freedom Framework here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Interested in being a part of the next LIVE podcast? Make sure you're on the Compared to Who? email list at: www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.