What do you do when your daughter—or her friend—begins hurting herself to manage emotional pain? What if the scars you see are only the surface of a much deeper spiritual and mental battle? In today’s honest and hope-filled episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Melissa and Natalie open the door to a conversation that’s often kept behind closed doors: adolescent self-harm. As culture and spiritual darkness continue to target the hearts and minds of young girls, we’re leaning in with truth, grace, and practical support for families navigating this heartbreaking reality. 

Self-harm is a behavior that has tragically become more prevalent among young girls. While many parents feel unsure of how to respond, today’s episode provides biblical wisdom, tangible signs to watch for, and the spiritual insight to approach this issue with both compassion and clarity. You’ll learn about the neurological patterns behind self-inflicted pain, how rumination and secrecy keep girls trapped, and why reaching out for professional help is essential. Most importantly, we’ll remind you that healing is possible—through Christ, through community, and through courageous parenting. 

You’ll also hear from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director, Patti Garibay, in a special Raising Godly Girls Minute. She helps parents identify the warning signs of self-mutilation and shares God’s heart for restoration. In addition, Melissa and Natalie walk through practical ways to love and guide a girl caught in cycles of emotional distress. Together, they challenge the stigma and encourage listeners to remember this: self-harm is not just a physical issue—it’s a spiritual battle that requires intercession, professional guidance, and a whole lot of God’s grace. 

This episode is for the mom who is afraid to ask the hard question. It’s for the dad who’s noticed something’s off but doesn’t know what to say. And it’s for the caregiver who longs to see the light return to her girl’s eyes. You’re not alone. You’re not too late. And there is hope. AHG is here to help. We point families toward trusted resources like the Focus on the Family Christian Counselor Network and remind listeners about our Raising Godly Girls free digital guide on Fear & Anxiety. 

Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org       

Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com

In today’s culture of distraction, digital overload, and constant busyness, it’s easy to miss the warning signs that a girl’s mental health may be suffering. This week on the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Melissa and Natalie take a thoughtful, faith-filled look at the subtle—and not-so-subtle—signals girls send when they’re hurting mentally and emotionally. 

With grace, honesty, and Scripture-based encouragement, this episode equips parents to tune in to their daughter’s deeper needs, even when everything on the surface looks “fine.” From changes in sleep or social habits to sudden shifts in mood or isolation, the signs can be easy to miss—but this episode helps shine a light. Melissa and Natalie also speak candidly about how Christian parents can respond in love, not with fear or silence, but with presence, gentleness, and the pursuit modeled by Christ Himself. 

You’ll also hear from AHG Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay in a special Raising Godly Girls Minute, addressing the heart behind a girl’s angry outburst—and how it might just be a hidden plea for someone to care. Plus, practical tools to evaluate family dynamics, tech habits, and personal wellness markers in your home. 

This is a sacred conversation for any mom raising a girl in today’s world. Most importantly, it’s filled with Biblical truth and hope—reminding listeners that God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and His Spirit empowers us to overflow with peace and joy (Romans 15:13). 

If you're navigating concerns about your daughter’s emotional or mental well-being, or just want to be better prepared to support her as she grows, don’t miss this vital episode. 

Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org       

Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com 

In a culture saturated with self-promotion, curated perfection, and constant affirmation-seeking, today’s girls are told to chase confidence, success, and identity through worldly means. But what happens when those shifting standards leave them feeling empty, rather than empowered? On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, special weekend host Rachael Culpepper sits down with Larry Stephens of I Am Second to explore how fathers can help their daughters reject the “me first” messages of culture and embrace a Christ-centered identity that endures. 

Larry brings a wealth of experience from his work in media, sports, and entertainment—industries that deeply shape how girls view themselves. From his global outreach with the Jesus Animation Film Project to his innovative ministry in college gaming spaces, Larry offers a unique perspective on what it takes to connect with the next generation in meaningful, transformative ways. In this heartfelt conversation, he shares how dads can be the steady, truth-speaking voices their daughters desperately need. 

Whether your daughter is struggling with self-worth, identity, or the social media pressure to be “enough,” this episode is packed with practical encouragement. Larry and Rachael dive into real-world strategies for discipleship within the home, how to speak life over your daughter, and what it means to truly put Christ first as a family. Fathers may feel unequipped or like they've missed the moment—but Larry reminds us it’s never too late to begin the work of intentional, faith-driven parenting. 

Don't miss this inspiring and convicting conversation that speaks to the heart of every parent raising girls in today’s challenging world. Subscribe to the Raising Godly Girls Podcast and share this episode with the dads and mentors in your life who are called to lead the next generation to live second—because Christ must always come first. 

Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org      

Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com

What does it mean for your daughter to live a Christ-first life in a world that constantly tells her to put herself first? In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Natalie unpack the Biblical and cultural tension of raising a girl who understands that life isn’t all about her—and that’s a good thing. 

Through honest reflection, cultural insight, and personal stories, this episode challenges the prevailing narrative of self-promotion, entitlement, and individualism. Instead, listeners are guided toward a vision of identity rooted in humility, self-sacrifice, and joyful obedience to Christ. Hear how John the Baptist’s bold declaration, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30), becomes a powerful framework for girls to understand true success—not by chasing fame or self-defined dreams, but by aligning their hearts with God’s Kingdom purposes. 

You’ll also hear a Raising Godly Girls Minute from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director, Patti Garibay, on selfish ambition and how parents can lovingly guide their daughters from a self-focused drive to a Spirit-led purpose. Rachael and Natalie reflect on the hard truths and beautiful blessings that come when girls learn to let go of personal expectations and trust God’s greater plan—even when it means giving up something they love. 

This episode offers practical encouragement on how to teach your girl to live a Christ-first life, including opportunities to give her time and resources in meaningful service. You'll be inspired by stories of real girls in American Heritage Girls Troops who are choosing to reflect Christ through service—from knitting hats for cancer patients to volunteering at Operation Christmas Child centers. These acts of faith in motion are beautiful snapshots of a generation learning to live less for themselves and more for Jesus. 

Whether your daughter is learning the meaning of humility for the first time or wrestling with unanswered prayers and unmet expectations, this episode offers grace-filled truth to help her walk the road of Christ-first identity. Subscribe and listen as we equip you to have heart-shaping conversations that point your daughter to the One who defines her worth. 

Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org      

Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com

In today’s culture, identity can feel fluid, fragmented, and often far removed from God’s design. But what if one of the most powerful tools for shaping a girl’s identity is already right in front of her—her family? In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Natalie dive deep into the beauty and complexity of family life and how God uses it to build a girl’s understanding of who she is. From funny ancestor stories to meaningful family rhythms, Rachael and Natalie invite moms to consider how both heritage and present-day family dynamics can uniquely shape a girl’s sense of belonging, purpose, and place in the world. 

With insight drawn from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay’s Raising Godly Girls Minute, listeners are reminded that just as Jesus’s lineage is listed with care and purpose in Matthew 1, our own family histories matter—and can become a sacred backdrop for spiritual growth and identity formation. Whether your daughter is thriving in a close-knit home or navigating more complicated family realities, this episode is full of encouragement that God doesn’t waste any part of her story. Every family, no matter how messy or marvelous, is part of God’s bigger plan for shaping the heart and future of a girl. 

Rachael and Natalie share personal stories from “Cousin Camps,” family chore charts, and messy kitchen memories that highlight the role of everyday moments in building spiritual and emotional resilience. You’ll also hear ideas for connecting your daughter’s “I am” statements not only to her identity in Christ, but also to her unique role within her family. Phrases like “I am loved by THIS family” and “I am called to care for the people God gave me” are powerful reminders that her home can be a holy ground for learning responsibility, empathy, and grace. 

The hosts also highlight how the American Heritage Girls Program supports this kind of identity building with purposeful badge programs such as the Ancestor Detector Badge, Identity Badge, and Family Helper Badge. Whether you’re an AHG mom or simply longing to see your daughter flourish within her God-given family unit, this episode will leave you inspired to pause, pray, and intentionally shape how she sees herself in light of her spiritual and familial heritage. 

Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org      

Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com

What does it mean to embody true beauty in a world obsessed with appearances? In this inspiring episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Patti Garibay is joined by none other than Miss America* 2025, Abbie Stockard, to explore how faith, girlhood, and purpose can shine even in the most public of arenas. With grace and conviction, Abbie shares how her identity in Christ shapes everything—from her passion for pediatric nursing and her advocacy for Cystic Fibrosis, to her bold stance on inner beauty and self-worth in the pageant world. 

A proud Alabama native and senior at Auburn University, Abbie has used her platform to raise over $200,000 for CF research and promote healthy habits in children through her “High Five for Kids” initiative. But what sets Abbie apart isn’t just her crown—it’s her heart. With remarkable vulnerability and insight, she opens up about the fire God placed in her belly and how her family and faith community nurtured that calling from a young age. 

Patti and Abbie tackle big questions moms are asking today: How can we help our daughters dream big while keeping Christ at the center? How do we preserve the innocence and wonder of girlhood in a world that pushes girls to grow up too fast? And how can we teach our daughters to find their worth not in the mirror or on social media, but in the unchanging truth of God's Word? 

This episode is a heartfelt celebration of young women who boldly pursue their God-given purpose—and a powerful reminder to mothers that your influence matters deeply. Whether your daughter dreams of a stage, a stethoscope, or something in between, this conversation will encourage you to walk alongside her with intentionality, love, and unshakable faith. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a young woman who’s not just wearing a crown—but living out her calling to reflect the beauty and goodness of the King. 

Learn more about Abbie and her work as Miss America at missamerica.org 

Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org      

Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com

*American Heritage Girls is not affiliated with, nor does it formally endorse, the Miss America organization. While we are grateful for the opportunity to welcome Abbie Stockard—whose strong Biblical Worldview and devoted walk with the Lord inspire us—we want to clarify that her appearance at our event does not reflect an endorsement of the Miss America organization. Our enthusiasm for Abbie stems from her personal testimony, her character, and her commitment to living out her faith with integrity. 

What does it mean to be beautiful in a culture that constantly shifts the standard? How can moms raise daughters to be confident in who God made them to be—without getting caught up in the world’s obsession with image and appearance? In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Melissa open up about their own girlhood experiences with beauty standards shaped by pop culture, from magazine quizzes to celebrity beauty icons. Together, they explore how those early messages still linger today—and how our daughters now face even greater pressure in the age of social media. 

With honesty, humor, and heartfelt faith, Rachael and Melissa reflect on the growing trend of “Get Ready With Me” videos that invite girls as young as eight to model their beauty routines for an online audience. Drawing wisdom from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay’s Raising Godly Girls Minute, they confront how easily young girls begin to equate their worth with how they look, rather than who they are in Christ. Through the lens of Romans 12:2, they offer a compelling call to raise girls who are not conformed to the patterns of this world, but who are transformed by the renewing of their minds—anchored in Biblical truth and Godly confidence. 

Listeners will be invited into a grace-filled, practical conversation about where beauty and faith intersect. From vulnerable anecdotes about personal image struggles to actionable conversation starters for moms and daughters, this episode provides a roadmap for shaping a Christ-centered understanding of beauty. You'll hear how small moments—like bedtime chats or quiet prayers—can become holy ground for heart-deep conversations, and how even something as simple as an AHG badge can become a meaningful tool for discipleship. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to help your girl navigate a world obsessed with filters, fashion, and false standards, this episode will encourage you to pause, pray, and speak truth into her heart. Join us as we explore how to raise girls who know their worth, not by how the world sees them, but by the eyes of a loving God who calls them fearfully and wonderfully made.  

Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org      

Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com

What defines beauty in a girl’s life—and who gets to decide? In a culture obsessed with appearance and constant self-curation, helping our daughters root their sense of worth in something lasting and true can feel like an uphill climb. In this heartfelt episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Melissa invite moms to rethink what it means to help our girls embrace a Biblical view of beauty—one that’s grounded not in trends, but in truth. 

From glitter-filled childhoods to the pressures of tween and teen years, Rachael and Melissa reflect on their own beauty journeys, the beauty mishaps that shaped them, and how those moments can lead to deeper conversations about identity, confidence, and self-worth. Drawing inspiration from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay’s Raising Godly Girls Minute and the powerful truth of 1 Samuel 16:7—"People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart"—this episode offers both encouragement and practical ideas for having heart-to-heart conversations with your girl. 

You’ll hear honest stories about raising daughters in today’s image-driven world, plus thoughtful talking points you can use to anchor your girl in the reality that true beauty flows from a heart being transformed by Christ. Whether your daughter is entering the “glow up” years or just starting to become aware of how she’s perceived by the world, this conversation will equip you to speak life, confidence, and God’s definition of beauty into her. 

Rachael and Melissa also share how American Heritage Girls helps affirm each girl’s God-given worth through programming that encourages spiritual growth, leadership, and character development. You’ll even hear about glittery dress-up nights and wrinkled uniforms—proof that the beauty of girlhood isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always purposeful in God’s hands. 

This episode is a must-listen for any mom navigating the ever-changing waters of body image, peer pressure, and cultural beauty standards. Let it remind you that our girls don’t need to meet the world’s definition of beautiful. They were already fearfully and wonderfully made—and it’s our joy to help them believe it. 

Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com. 

To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org. 

Motherhood is holy ground. It’s also some of the hardest, most heart-stretching work a woman can be called to. In this special Mother’s Day episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay welcomes Whitney Newby—author, artist, and founder of Brighter Day Press—for a heartfelt conversation about the beauty and sacred responsibility of raising children to know and follow Jesus. 

Whether you’re a mom who feels steady in her calling or one who’s running on empty, this episode is for you. Patti and Whitney unpack the real struggles moms face—especially the difficulty of maintaining consistent time with the Lord—and speak hope into that tension. With honesty and grace, Whitney shares wisdom from her devotional Lift Your Eyes, reminding moms that God sees, sustains, and strengthens us in every season: from the tear-filled days to the joy-soaked moments and the countless in-between. 

Together, Patti and Whitney explore how the promises of Scripture can anchor a mother’s heart, how to find life-giving rest in Christ, and how to build rhythms of faith into your family’s everyday routine—even when life feels chaotic. You’ll also hear encouragement for spiritually leading your children when you feel inadequate or overwhelmed. 

This episode is a soul-deep breath of fresh air for moms in every stage. If you’ve ever asked, “Is God enough for what I’m facing today?”—tune in, and let this conversation point your eyes back to the only One who truly is. 

Learn more about Whitney’s gospel-centered family discipleship resources at brighterdaypress.com 

Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org      

Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com

In a world that often undervalues nurturing and quiet strength, this episode invites you and your daughter into something deeply countercultural—and deeply Biblical: the practice of spiritual mothering. 

Whether your daughter grows up to become a biological mom or not, God has already placed a calling on her life to nurture others spiritually. This kind of influence doesn’t require a specific title, age, or life stage—it simply requires faithfulness. Today, co-hosts Rachael and Natalie unpack what it means to raise a girl who sees herself as a vessel for Christ-centered mentorship, encouragement, and wisdom. 

You’ll hear a powerful Raising Godly Girls Minute from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director, Patti Garibay, reflecting on the lasting legacy of spiritual mothers in her own life and the lives of AHG girls across the country. Plus, you’ll explore Titus 2 in a fresh way, be inspired by women of faith like Elisabeth Elliot and Ida Scudder, and gain practical ideas for modeling and encouraging spiritual mothering in your home and community. 

As moms, we don’t always know who our daughters will listen to in every season—but we can plant seeds, cultivate community, and prepare her heart to both receive and give Godly wisdom. Tune in for an encouraging, Scripture-rich conversation that will help you and your girl lean into God’s Plan A for womanhood. 

Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org      

Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com