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Following God when it's Hard
What does respect really mean especially when authority feels unfair?
In this special Ask the Girls episode of Emunah, middle
school girls Samara and Shylah lead an honest conversation about authority,
obedience, and respect in todays school culture as co-hosts Tamara Henry and
Cynthia Howie contribute and guide. Concerned by how many students disrespect
teachers and leaders, they explore what faith teaches about honoring authority
while still thinking wisely and courageously.
Through biblical stories and a surprising Disney connection, the girls
wrestle with big questions:
respect people we disagree with?
someone a good leader?
ever be wrong?
follow God when rules feel difficult?
Using the stories of Ruth and Naomi, Queen Esther, and the
Prodigal Son, alongside Disneys The Hunchback of Notre Dame, they
compare examples of good authority and harmful authority and discover how
faith helps us recognize the difference.
This episode reminds listeners of all ages that respect is not weakness,
obedience is not silence, and godly leadership always reflects love, justice,
and compassion.
Scripture
Connections
Ruths loyalty to Naomi
Courage and wise counsel
The Parable of the Prodigal (Lost) Son
Understanding authority
Honor and obedience
Pull-Quote
Highlights from the Girls
About Respect
Respect isnt agreeing with everything its choosing how you treat
people even when you disagree.
Sometimes kids dont respect teachers because they think respect has to
be earned first, but maybe respect is something we choose to give.
About Authority
Having authority doesnt automatically make someone right but it does
mean we should listen before we react.
Good leaders make you feel safe. Bad leaders make you feel scared.
Faith + Discernment
God gives us wisdom so we know the difference between obeying people and
following whats right.
You can be respectful and still be brave enough to stand for whats
good.
Bible Connections
Ruth didnt stay with Naomi because she had to she stayed because love
guided her.
Esther listened to wise advice, but she still had to choose courage for
herself.
Disney / Villain
Insight
Frollo had power, but he didnt have kindness and thats what made him
dangerous.
Just because someone is in charge doesnt mean theyre the hero of the
story.
Personal Reflection
Moments
Respect shows more about your character than the other persons
behavior.
Maybe obedience is really about trusting God while you figure things
out.
Ask Yourself
authority figures in my life?
make someone worthy of respect?
honor even when I disagree?
help me grow closer to God?
About Emunah
Emunah is a podcast where faith meets real life through honest conversations,
storytelling, and spiritual reflection. Each episode explores practical ways to
live God-honoring lives with wisdom, courage, and compassion.
Stay Connected
Subscribe, share, and join the conversation as we grow together in faith.
Until next time keep the faith and keep walking in Emunah.
View all episodes
By Tamara M. Cooke Henry, Ph.D.What does respect really mean especially when authority feels unfair?
In this special Ask the Girls episode of Emunah, middle
school girls Samara and Shylah lead an honest conversation about authority,
obedience, and respect in todays school culture as co-hosts Tamara Henry and
Cynthia Howie contribute and guide. Concerned by how many students disrespect
teachers and leaders, they explore what faith teaches about honoring authority
while still thinking wisely and courageously.
Through biblical stories and a surprising Disney connection, the girls
wrestle with big questions:
respect people we disagree with?
someone a good leader?
ever be wrong?
follow God when rules feel difficult?
Using the stories of Ruth and Naomi, Queen Esther, and the
Prodigal Son, alongside Disneys The Hunchback of Notre Dame, they
compare examples of good authority and harmful authority and discover how
faith helps us recognize the difference.
This episode reminds listeners of all ages that respect is not weakness,
obedience is not silence, and godly leadership always reflects love, justice,
and compassion.
Scripture
Connections
Ruths loyalty to Naomi
Courage and wise counsel
The Parable of the Prodigal (Lost) Son
Understanding authority
Honor and obedience
Pull-Quote
Highlights from the Girls
About Respect
Respect isnt agreeing with everything its choosing how you treat
people even when you disagree.
Sometimes kids dont respect teachers because they think respect has to
be earned first, but maybe respect is something we choose to give.
About Authority
Having authority doesnt automatically make someone right but it does
mean we should listen before we react.
Good leaders make you feel safe. Bad leaders make you feel scared.
Faith + Discernment
God gives us wisdom so we know the difference between obeying people and
following whats right.
You can be respectful and still be brave enough to stand for whats
good.
Bible Connections
Ruth didnt stay with Naomi because she had to she stayed because love
guided her.
Esther listened to wise advice, but she still had to choose courage for
herself.
Disney / Villain
Insight
Frollo had power, but he didnt have kindness and thats what made him
dangerous.
Just because someone is in charge doesnt mean theyre the hero of the
story.
Personal Reflection
Moments
Respect shows more about your character than the other persons
behavior.
Maybe obedience is really about trusting God while you figure things
out.
Ask Yourself
authority figures in my life?
make someone worthy of respect?
honor even when I disagree?
help me grow closer to God?
About Emunah
Emunah is a podcast where faith meets real life through honest conversations,
storytelling, and spiritual reflection. Each episode explores practical ways to
live God-honoring lives with wisdom, courage, and compassion.
Stay Connected
Subscribe, share, and join the conversation as we grow together in faith.
Until next time keep the faith and keep walking in Emunah.