Candace and Ruth Chou Simons talk about one of the most quietly anxious questions many of us carry: Am I actually loved, or do I have to earn it?

Ruth shares how she first pictured God through the lens of earthly authority—where love felt transactional, approval had to be won, and “being amazing” seemed like the goal so she wouldn’t need “amazing grace.” Candace relates, especially as someone who grew up performing and learning to measure acceptance through affirmation, success, and approval.

Together, they name the pain of feeling unlovely—whether it comes from childhood wounds, cultural comments, comparison, body shame, or the changes that come with seasons like perimenopause—and they return again and again to the practice they’ve built all season: realigning your thoughts with God’s thoughts.

You’ll hear them connect identity to Scripture, talk candidly about being uncomfortable on camera and the temptation to “fake brave,” and come back to a steady anchor: you are loved because God made you on purpose, and in Christ you’ve been given a new identity. The episode closes with two listener questions—one about learning to treat your body with grace, and one from a 17-year-old listener asking how to truly see God as Father and believe He’s on your side.

Connect with Candace and Ruth

Candace on Instagram @candacecbure 

Follow the Podcast on Instagram @candacecameronburepodcast 

Follow the Podcast on TikTok @ccbpodcast

Follow Ruth Chou Simons on

Instagram: @ruthchousimons

Website: https://ruthchousimons.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RuthChouSimons

Sponsors For This Episode

-IFCJ ifcj.org

-Angel Studios David angel.com/candaceb

-A’Del Natural Cosmetics https://adelnaturalcosmetics.com/

-WeShare weshare.org/candace

-Grand Canyon University: https://www.gcu.edu/

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