Our guest today is Rachelle Starr, founder of Scarlet Hope.  At 21, Rachelle felt God calling her to minister to women trapped working in strip clubs in her city of Louisville, KY. Today, she shares some of the stories she’s witnessed over 16 years of building relationships through good food and introducing these women to the God who sees and loves them. Scarlet Hope is now in many major cities around the nation, working to bring the hope of the Gospel to places that are often overlooked.     Rachelle’s Website Scarlet Hope    Outrageous Obedience: Answering God's Call to Shine in the Darkest Places by Rachelle Starr    Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in These Turbulent Times by John Eldredge    Discernment by Henri J.M. Nouwen    The Way of the Heart by Henri J.M. Nouwen    Tramp for the Lord by Corrie Ten Boom    S3 27: Looking Back and Looking Forward: Reflecting on Three Years of the Strong Women Podcast With Erin Kunkle          In the fight against suicide, the Church has a vital role to play, but what does that look like in action? Our next Lighthouse Voices event on September 5 will help you answer that question. Our featured speaker is Dr. Matthew Sleeth, author of Hope Always: How to Be a Force for Life in a Culture of Suicide. Dr. Sleeth will help us understand the current suicide epidemic and share how Christians can fight against it and care for those who are struggling. This event will be offered both in-person and online, and you can register now at colsoncenter.org/lighthousevoices.    To help you live the Truth in a “my truth” world, we want to send you a copy of Alisa Childers’ latest book, Live Your Truth and Other Lies. Request your copy by giving a gift of any amount to the Colson Center in August at colsoncenter.org/swchildersresource.    The Strong Women Podcast is a product of the Colson Center which equips Christians to live out their faith with clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Through commentaries, podcasts, videos, and more, we help Christians better understand what’s happening in the world, and champion what is true and good wherever God has called them.  Learn more about the Colson Center here: https://www.colsoncenter.org/     Visit our website and sign up for our email list so that you can stay up to date on what we are doing here and also receive our monthly book list: https://www.colsoncenter.org/strong-women    Join Strong Women on  Social Media:     https://www.facebook.com/StrongWomenCC    https://www.facebook.com/groups/strongwomencommunitycc/    https://www.instagram.com/strongwomencc/  

S4 1: Bringing Christ’s Love and Light to Women in Strip Clubs With Rachelle Starr

In our culture, if a woman is said to have strength it usually means she is competing with a man or acting like a man.

What if there is strength in the way God made us, as women?
There is and we recognize it when we see it.

We are excited to introduce you to women who display true strength, not in spite of being women but because of it.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Religion & Spirituality

Other

Spirituality

Christianity

Buddhism

Hinduism

Judaism

Islam

Relationships

Laura Perry Smalts spent nine years rejecting God and chasing a different "gender identity." Despite Laura’s social, hormonal, and surgical attempts to become a man, the promises of gender ideology proved to be lies. In the face of her anger and hatred of God and the Church, God miraculously broke through Laura’s heart with loving conviction and compassion. Tune in to hear her incredible journey and learn how to persevere in Christlike love toward loved ones embracing gender ideology.     Eden's Redemption    Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis    God, Sex and Marriage by Juli Slattery    Love Thy Body by Nancy Pearcey    God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew    The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom    As Christians, we’re called to love God with all our minds, and be transformed by the renewal of our minds. Without a mind that’s shaped by God’s Word, we’ll struggle to champion the truth, beauty, and goodness of God’s Kingdom in this time and place. To address this problem, Michael Craven, Vice President of Equipping and Mobilization at the Colson Center has written a brand-new, free e-book called The Christian Mind: Its Necessity to Christian Relevance and Renewal. It’s a primer on developing a thoroughly Christian mind for the sake of the Kingdom. If you want a more robust faith that actually shapes how you live in the world today, or if you’re wondering why cultivating a Christian mind really matters, you should read this book. You can grab your free copy by going to colsoncenter.org/book.        The Strong Women podcast exists to display the beautifully diverse ways God invites and equips women to participate in His story, encouraging us to step out of shallow definitions of womanhood and into the freedom of strong womanhood in Christ. Strong Women is a listener-funded program from the Colson Center that is only available for free because it has already been paid for by hundreds of listeners like you. To support the ongoing production of Strong Women, visit colsoncenter.org/give today.        The Strong Women Podcast is a product of the Colson Center which equips Christians to live out their faith with clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Through commentaries, podcasts, videos, and more, we help Christians better understand what’s happening in the world, and champion what is true and good wherever God has called them.  Learn more about the Colson Center here: https://www.colsoncenter.org/     Visit our website and sign up for our email list so that you can stay up to date on what we are doing here and also receive our monthly journal: https://www.colsoncenter.org/strong-women    Join Strong Women on Social Media:      https://www.facebook.com/StrongWomenCC    https://www.facebook.com/groups/strongwomencommunitycc/    https://www.instagram.com/strongwomencc/    https://linktr.ee/strongwomencc  

S4 40: From Transgender to Transformed With Laura Perry Smalts

Sometimes we forget how radical and powerful God’s grace is. This week’s guest, Toni McFadden, has not forgotten. Toni travels the country to speak about abortion, promote healthy sexuality and relationships, and advocate for the unborn. After Toni had an abortion in high school, God transformed her life through radical salvation, healing, and a new calling. Her life testifies to how Jesus forgives our sin and redeems our stories.     Toni’s Website     Redeemed: My Journey After Abortion by Toni McFadden or at https://tonimcfadden.com/    Campus Crusade for Christ (Now Cru)    Forgiven and Set Free: A Bible Study for Women Seeking Healing after Abortion by Linda Cochrane     The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis     Live Action    March for Life    Pro Love Ministries and Love Line    On the Threshold of Hope: Opening the Door to Healing for Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Diane Mandt Langberg     “Remembering Pro-Life Trailblazer Mildred Jefferson,” Feb 4,  2020 Commentary from The Heritage Foundation          Strong Women listeners, the Colson Center is accepting applications for the Colson Fellows program Class of ‘25, until June 30th. This flagship program takes participants on a ten-month journey into the study of the Christian life and worldview. Why? Because Christians need to understand the entire biblical story so we can properly order our lives and the world around us in a way that rightly relates to us God, self, others, and creation. You can expect to deepen your relationship with Christ, gain clarity in your calling, develop practical skills and wisdom, and join a powerful network of commissioned Colson Fellows around the globe. Ultimately, you’ll be equipped to make an impact for God’s Kingdom right where he has placed you. To learn more and apply before the June 30th deadline, go to www.colsonfellows.org. Please note, tuition increases $50 for all applications submitted after June 5, so submit your applications soon!         The Strong Women podcast exists to display the beautifully diverse ways God invites and equips women to participate in His story, encouraging us to step out of shallow definitions of womanhood and into the freedom of strong womanhood in Christ. Strong Women is a listener-funded program from the Colson Center that is only available for free because it has already been paid for by hundreds of listeners like you. To support the ongoing production of Strong Women, visit colsoncenter.org/give today.       The Strong Women Podcast is a product of the Colson Center which equips Christians to live out their faith with clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Through commentaries, podcasts, videos, and more, we help Christians better understand what’s happening in the world, and champion what is true and good wherever God has called them.  Learn more about the Colson Center here: https://www.colsoncenter.org/     Visit our website and sign up for our email list so that you can stay up to date on what we are doing here and also receive our monthly journal: https://www.colsoncenter.org/strong-women    Join Strong Women on Social Media:     https://www.facebook.com/StrongWomenCC    https://www.facebook.com/groups/strongwomencommunitycc/    https://www.instagram.com/strongwomencc/    https://linktr.ee/strongwomencc  

S4 39: Radical Redemption After Abortion With Toni McFadden

Living with unmet longings often feels like suffering. Rachel Miller knows, from experience, that our longings confront us with an opportunity to struggle toward God and community, rather than away from them. Her latest book is When It Hurts to Hope: Honest Conversations about Living with Unmet Longing. She joins us this week to talk about wrestling with longings and desires, and correcting the bad theology that worsens our suffering.     Rachel’s Website    When It Hurts to Hope, Honest Conversations About Living with Unmet Longing by Rachel Miller    The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan    The Midnight Library by Matt Haig    Emma by Jane Austen         As Christians, we’re called to love God with all our minds, and be transformed by the renewal of our minds. Without a mind that’s shaped by God’s Word, we’ll struggle to champion the truth, beauty, and goodness of God’s Kingdom in this time and place. To address this problem, Michael Craven, Vice President of Equipping and Mobilization at the Colson Center has written a brand-new, free e-book called The Christian Mind: Its Necessity to Christian Relevance and Renewal. It’s a primer on developing a thoroughly Christian mind for the sake of the Kingdom. If you want a more robust faith that actually shapes how you live in the world today, or if you’re wondering why cultivating a Christian mind really matters, you should read this book. You can grab your free copy by going to colsoncenter.org/book.      Strong Women listeners, the Colson Center is accepting applications for the Colson Fellows program Class of ‘25, until June 30th. This flagship program takes participants on a ten-month journey into the study of the Christian life and worldview. Why? Because Christians need to understand the entire biblical story so we can properly order our lives and the world around us in a way that rightly relates to us God, self, others, and creation. You can expect to deepen your relationship with Christ, gain clarity in your calling, develop practical skills and wisdom, and join a powerful network of commissioned Colson Fellows around the globe. Ultimately, you’ll be equipped to make an impact for God’s Kingdom right where he has placed you. To learn more and apply before the June 30th deadline, go to www.colsonfellows.org. Please note, tuition increases $50 for all applications submitted after June 5, so submit your applications soon!       The Strong Women Podcast is a product of the Colson Center which equips Christians to live out their faith with clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Through commentaries, podcasts, videos, and more, we help Christians better understand what’s happening in the world, and champion what is true and good wherever God has called them.  Learn more about the Colson Center here: https://www.colsoncenter.org/     Visit our website and sign up for our email list so that you can stay up to date on what we are doing here and also receive our monthly journal: https://www.colsoncenter.org/strong-women    Join Strong Women on Social Media:     https://www.facebook.com/StrongWomenCC    https://www.facebook.com/groups/strongwomencommunitycc/    https://www.instagram.com/strongwomencc/    https://linktr.ee/strongwomencc       

S4 38: What to Do With Unmet Longings With Rachel Miller

What is motherhood all about? Elizabeth Schlueter helps us perceive the beautiful truth about motherhood amid cultural extremes. She joins us this week to challenge common myths about motherhood and cast a Christian vision for the beauty of self-giving love and sacrifice. Whether you're married or single, raising children or not, you’ll be encouraged to form a virtuous life centered around sacrificial love and committed relationships.      Canavox.com    Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain     Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be by Timothy P. Carney     Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft    Ethics and Public Policy Center    Hallowed Be This House: Finding Signs of Heaven in Your Home by Thomas Howard     Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization by Brad Wilcox    As Christians, we’re called to love God with all our minds, and be transformed by the renewal of our minds. Without a mind that’s shaped by God’s Word, we’ll struggle to champion the truth, beauty, and goodness of God’s Kingdom in this time and place. To address this problem, Michael Craven, Vice President of Equipping and Mobilization at the Colson Center has written a brand-new, free e-book called The Christian Mind: Its Necessity to Christian Relevance and Renewal. It’s a primer on developing a thoroughly Christian mind for the sake of the Kingdom. If you want a more robust faith that actually shapes how you live in the world today, or if you’re wondering why cultivating a Christian mind really matters, you should read this book. You can grab your free copy by going to colsoncenter.org/book.     Join us May 14 at 7pm Eastern for Lighthouse Voices with Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, co-authors of The Deconstruction of Christianity. Faith deconstruction is a growing movement influencing churches and drawing believers from the solid ground of biblical truth. At this event, Alisa Childers and Tim Barrnett will help us understand what deconstruction really is, why it’s influencing so many, and how the Church can help those who are wrestling with their faith. You’ll be equipped with practical tools to counter the influence of deconstruction and pursue those who are veering toward it. This free event will be held in-person in Holland, Michigan and online via livestream. To RSVP and claim your spot today, go to colsoncenter.org/lighthouse.      The Strong Women Podcast is a product of the Colson Center which equips Christians to live out their faith with clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Through commentaries, podcasts, videos, and more, we help Christians better understand what’s happening in the world, and champion what is true and good wherever God has called them.  Learn more about the Colson Center here: https://www.colsoncenter.org/     Visit our website and sign up for our email list so that you can stay up to date on what we are doing here and also receive our monthly journal: https://www.colsoncenter.org/strong-women    Join Strong Women on Social Media:     https://www.facebook.com/StrongWomenCC    https://www.facebook.com/groups/strongwomencommunitycc/    https://www.instagram.com/strongwomencc/    https://linktr.ee/strongwomencc   

S4 37: Challenging Myths About Motherhood with Elizabeth Schlueter

Megan Donahue grew up in a Mormon family whose roots reach all the way back to the founding of Mormonism. Though she sincerely believed as a child, she was discouraged from thoroughly investigating what she had been taught. Eventually, Megan’s beliefs unraveled as she grappled with long-held questions and the burden of  works-based religion. Through the mess of doubt, she stepped away from everything she had ever known and asked God to show her the truth. She joins us this week to tell her story of leaving Mormonism and learning to trust Christ.     Who Is Jesus?: A Bible Study on the “I AM” Statements of Christ LifeChange Bible Study Series by The Navigators    Strong Women Podcast Episode 19. How the God of Truth Pursues Us: A Story Out of Mormonism with Sandra Tanner    Shurley English Homeschooling materials    Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder    Little Miriam of Galilee by Edith Martin     Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions by Arthur Bennett     Don't Sweat the Small Stuff with Your Family: Simple Ways to Keep Daily Responsibilities from Taking Over Your Life by Richard Carlson    Jeanne Robertson American humorist         As Christians, we’re called to love God with all our minds, and be transformed by the renewal of our minds. Without a mind that’s shaped by God’s Word, we’ll struggle to champion the truth, beauty, and goodness of God’s Kingdom in this time and place. To address this problem, Michael Craven, Vice President of Equipping and Mobilization at the Colson Center has written a brand-new, free e-book called The Christian Mind: Its Necessity to Christian Relevance and Renewal. It’s a primer on developing a thoroughly Christian mind for the sake of the Kingdom. If you want a more robust faith that actually shapes how you live in the world today, or if you’re wondering why cultivating a Christian mind really matters, you should read this book. Again, it’s called The Christian Mind. You can grab your free copy by going to colsoncenter.org/book.      Join us May 14 at 7pm Eastern for Lighthouse Voices with Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, co-authors of The Deconstruction of Christianity. Faith deconstruction is a growing movement influencing churches and drawing believers from the solid ground of biblical truth. At this event, Alisa Childers and Tim Barrnett will help us understand what deconstruction really is, why it’s influencing so many, and how the Church can help those who are wrestling with their faith. You’ll be equipped with practical tools to counter the influence of deconstruction and pursue those who are veering toward it. This free event will be held in-person in Holland, Michigan and online via livestream. To RSVP and claim your spot today, go to colsoncenter.org/lighthouse.      The Strong Women Podcast is a product of the Colson Center which equips Christians to live out their faith with clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Through commentaries, podcasts, videos, and more, we help Christians better understand what’s happening in the world, and champion what is true and good wherever God has called them.  Learn more about the Colson Center here: https://www.colsoncenter.org/     Visit our website and sign up for our email list so that you can stay up to date on what we are doing here and also receive our monthly journal: https://www.colsoncenter.org/strong-women    Join Strong Women on Social Media:     https://www.facebook.com/StrongWomenCC    https://www.facebook.com/groups/strongwomencommunitycc/    https://www.instagram.com/strongwomencc/    https://linktr.ee/strongwomencc            

S4 1: Bringing Christ’s Love and Light to Women in Strip Clubs With Rachelle Starr

Download our free app to listen on your phone