Spark Directory

Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In this important episode, host Doris Swift welcomes guest Heather Creekmore—a writer, speaker, coach, and the host of the popular “Compared to Who?” podcast—to talk about a struggle many women face but rarely speak about openly: body image. Heather shares her deeply personal journey, beginning in childhood and traveling through years of dieting, disordered eating, and the belief that changing her body would finally bring happiness. Even marriage and motherhood didn’t resolve her struggle—until a message about modern-day idolatry led to a powerful awakening in her heart.

Heather unpacks how cultural messages fuel our obsession with appearance, how comparison steals our joy, and why true freedom comes from understanding our God-given identity—not from pursuing the latest health trend or fitting into a certain pair of jeans. She also dives into her work coaching women, The 40-Day Body Image Workbook, and her devotional Aging Gratefully.

And you’ll love the story about her memorable appearance on Netflix’s “Nailed It!”—and what it taught her about real freedom.

Whether you’ve battled body image insecurities, comparison in any area of your life, or the pressures of aging in a looks-obsessed world, this honest and hope-filled conversation will inspire you to pursue joy, purpose, and your fierce calling right where you are. Get ready for truths, laughter, encouragement, and the reminder that you are so much more than a number on a scale or a face in the mirror.

00:00 Unexpected Struggles with Eating Disorders

08:13 “Discovering Modern Idolatry Challenges”

14:37 “Overcoming Idolatry and Distractions”

19:11 Challenging Self-Worth and Body Image

22:48 Love Language Pitfalls for Women

28:05 Diet Trends Roller Coaster

38:01 Encouragement, Laughter, and Scale Reality

40:56 “Aging Gracefully Through Inner Beauty”

44:17 “Inner Beauty Over Outer Appearance”

51:51 “Wisdom through Experience and Guidance”

54:47 “Baking Show: Embrace Imperfection”

01:00:50 “Community and Connection for Women”

This episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged is part of our Stories from America series, featuring believers making a real impact in culture. In this episode, Ben Quine sits down with Dr. Ingrid Skop, Vice President of the Charlotte Lozier Institute, to uncover the truth behind the abortion industry and its harmful impact on women and unborn children.

They discuss:

• ▪️ The widespread misinformation being propagated post-Roe and post-Dobbs.
• ▪️ The real consequences of abortion on women, families, and society.
• ▪️ How Christians can respond biblically—through prayer, advocacy, and support of crisis pregnancy centers.

Resources & further reading: Visit Lozier Institute for research and pro-life education.

Subscribe to Conversations with Christians Engaged for weekly encouragement, biblical worldview insights, and stories of Christians impacting America.

Learn more, support, and get involved:

• ▪️ christiansengaged.org
• ▪️ christiansengaged.org/donate
• ▪️ christiansengaged.org/pledge

#StoriesFromAmerica #ProLife #ChristiansEngaged #FaithInAction #PrayVoteEngage

In today’s episode, host Tina Yeager is joined by Dr. Natalie Ford, a licensed professional counselor, speaker, author, and, as she calls herself, a “Hope dealer.” Together, they tackle the pressing and often unspoken subject of how to help children grieve after losing someone to suicide.

Drawing from her own personal experiences with loss, as well as her professional expertise, Dr. Ford shares practical insights on navigating the initial shock, understanding when to seek support, and the importance of honesty and routine for grieving children. The episode also guides parents and caregivers through age-appropriate ways to discuss suicide, key warning signs to watch for, and steps to take to prevent further tragedy.

Whether you’re supporting your own family or looking for ways to help others in your community, this heartfelt conversation provides wisdom, resources, and hope for one of life’s most difficult journeys. Stay tuned as we break the silence and lift each other up through compassionate understanding and practical guidance.

Highlights from This Episode:

Dr. Ford’s Personal Journey Dr. Ford shares her journey of loss, having experienced suicide in her immediate family. Out of both necessity and calling, she discovered a lack of practical resources to help parents guide grieving children, spurring her to write her latest book so that families don’t have to walk this journey alone.

Responding During the Shock Period In the immediate aftermath of suicide, parents and children alike often function in survival mode. Dr. Ford encourages leaning on supportive friends, family, and community during this overwhelming time and waiting for the shock to subside before rushing into counseling—unless ongoing dysfunction or distress signals a need for earlier intervention.

When & How to Seek Help If daily tasks remain unmanageable for weeks or a child is overwhelmed by guilt, shame, or unrelenting questions about their loved one's death, it may be time to seek support—either through counseling or survivor support groups. Dr. Ford specifically recommends looking into resources from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, such as Survivors of Suicide (SOS) groups.

Talking to Kids at Different Ages Dr. Ford advises honesty, using age-appropriate language. For younger children, simple explanations may be sufficient, while school-age children and teens require more detailed, open conversations. She stresses the importance of answering questions directly and reassuring children that they aren’t to blame.

Recognizing Warning Signs & Preventing Further Tragedy Those who have experienced suicide loss are at increased risk themselves. Watch for behavioral changes in children, such as withdrawal, acting out, or changes in eating and sleeping patterns. If you suspect a child is struggling, ask direct, caring questions and offer ongoing support. Don’t hesitate to ask about suicidal thoughts and intent.

Supporting Parents and Caregivers Dr. Ford emphasizes self-care for grieving parents—including maintaining routines for children, seeking support, and allowing children to grieve in their own way and time. Bringing trusted mentors and church community alongside your family can provide much-needed support—especially if children are hesitant to share the burden of their feelings with grieving parents.

Resources for You Dr. Ford’s latest book, “Through the Tears: Helping Children Grieve After Suicide Loss,” provides practical scripts, guides for different age groups, signs to watch for, and ways to honor lost loved ones. It is available on Amazon and at