Grit 'n' Grace: The Podcast for Highly Sensitive Christian Women

"Do I measure up?" Often, when we're trying to answer that question, we look around at everyone else to find our answer. In a word: we compare. In this episode, Shannon Popkin, author of Comparison Girl, shares a new and better way to find our true measure. She leads us to Jesus' example, which — instead of making us feel less than or greater than — will set us free!

Concerning our American race problems, do you feel overwhelmed with conflicting emotions and a lack of understanding? You're in good company. The amount that many of us need to learn is enormous, but there's good news. You don't have to learn it all today. You can take one do-able step at a time. Tune in today to hear what Cheri and Amy have been learning that's making a difference.

In the wake of so many race-related tragedies in America, many of us are suddenly aware of all the things we didn't know. Race educator and two-time Grit 'n' Grace guest, Dr. Lucretia Berry, explains the importance of knowing the history of race so that we can face today's problems and build a better future. Listen in today to hear how to talk to your family and community in ways that create solutions.

Many of us have adopted a skewed view of love. The belief that we're loved for our performance or productivity starts burrowing into hearts when we're young, and those deep-seeded convictions are hard to overcome. But these beliefs aren't innocuous. Over time, they kill our souls by drips. Listen in as Amy and Cheri process two truths about who we are that will dismantle the lies that keep us from living loved.

At the core of every girl is the need to be loved and cherished, yet many of us missed out on those gifts. Either they weren't given by those who nurtured us or they didn't make it over the obstacles in our own hearts. Lynn Cowell, co-author of Loved and Cherished: 100 Devotions for Girls, discusses how to lead girls to God's perfect love even when they feel less than perfect. If you need to know how to build love's strong foundation for a girl in your life, or if you feel called to strengthen your own underpinnings, tune in to hear God's heart for all His daughters.

Even if "control freak" has felt like part of your DNA, you can lose that label today. In fact, you can lose it in a minute. Listen to this episode where Amy and Cheri lose who they're not — control freaks — and unpack the joy of moving into the new identity of "surrendered." It's as simple as one choice, and what you need is just on the other side!

Often, when we think of surrender, we think of weakness and giving up. But what if it's the opposite? What if surrender is where true power is found? Barb Roose, author of Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus, explains the downsides of control and the beautiful benefits of letting God lead. She gives 6 surrender principles that are tools taking hold of peace, joy, and power. For all of us that struggle with the "C-word" (control), this episode is freedom!

Do you ever feel like happiness is for other people, not you? In this episode, Cheri and Amy discuss the difficulties of embracing the happiness that's ours in Christ. As we learned in the last episode, all who are His have happiness as their birthright. It's time to cancel our "happiness exemption" and embrace what's woven into our spiritual DNA! Scripture: Psalm 1:1-3 1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

When it comes to the conversation about race, are you…

• Afraid to ask questions or speak up for fear of "saying it wrong?"
• Tired of divisive messages from the noisy extremes?
• Overwhelmed by the amount of information and unsure where to find reliable sources?

If you feel that way, I completely understand. I've been in your shoes.

About three years ago, God started to gently but firmly teach me (Amy Carroll) through race education experts and loving friends. I'm not an expert, in fact I still feel like a beginner, but I have some valuable resources and experiences to share from my journey.

If you'd like to be part of a private Facebook group, a safe, shame-free environment to learn and grow, for 30 days of committed community around racial reconciliation, please search 30 Days Toward Unity and Love and ask to join.

Starting the week of Jun 14, we'll process one small, daily piece of information together. Each week, there will be:

• A chance to process questions with no fear of attack
• Scriptural encouragement
• Links to trusted resources
• Interviews with women of color who generously share their perspective

Note: This group will close to new members on Friday, June 19th. If you'd like to join, you must answer at least one question and agree to the group rules. Hope to see you there!

What if the pursuit of happiness has gotten a bad rap? What if it's not wrong or selfish but rather part of who we're meant to be? Katie Orr, the author of Secrets of the Happy Soul, explains the true meaning and source of happiness, giving us the green light to chase it with all our hearts. You'll leave this episode feeling freed and, well, ... happy!