How can Christians break free from shame-driven views of body image and embrace their inherent worth in Christ? In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode from the Mini Episode Series (#8), Mike Erre, Bonnie Lewis, and Tim Stafford gather in person to respond to a powerful listener letter about body image, dieting, disordered eating, infertility, and the church's silence on these issues. Bonnie steps forward to share her own story of healing and freedom, striking a raw and redemptive tone that resonates with so many in the church today—especially Christian women navigating toxic body narratives reinforced by culture, churches, and families.

Discover how micro-communities can become safe spaces for truth-telling, how spouses can walk in honesty and support, and why therapy, spiritual grace, and self-compassion are essential tools in the healing journey. With humor, honesty, and depth, the trio explores how distorted messages about "biblical womanhood" fuel body shame, and how the church can offer a different story formed by love, grace, and real healing.

Key Takeaways: • Recognizing the Spiritual and Emotional Roots of Body Shame – How cultural and church-based messaging can deeply influence self-worth and the way we relate to our bodies. • Therapy and Community as Healing Tools – Why a trained therapist and trusted relationships are critical for navigating healing and dismantling harmful thought patterns. • Redefining Spiritual Health – Moving away from appearance-centered validation to a Jesus-centered identity rooted in grace, presence, and wholeness. • What the Church Gets Wrong (and Can Get Right) – A critique of spiritually abusive settings that use control and shame to maintain power, contrasted with a Christ-centered call for liberation and embodied grace. • Honest Marriages and Safe Spaces – Encouraging spouses and micro-churches to foster radical honesty, support, and non-judgmental environments for processing trauma and recovery.

Resources Mentioned: • Micro Community Interest Email: [email protected] – Reach out if you're interested in joining or starting a local Voxology micro-community for shared meals and conversation around faith, doubt, and Jesus. • YouTube Channel: VOXOLOGY TV – Watch full episodes and in-person conversations with Mike, Bonnie, and Tim. • Support the podcast on Patreon • Subscribe and follow: iTunes | Spotify

Join the conversation by following us on Instagram @voxologypodcast and Facebook. Please subscribe, write a review, and share with someone who needs to hear that they are enough, just as they are. Healing is possible, and you're not alone on this path.

Send us your questions or stories to [email protected]. We'd love to journey with you.

Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford | Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Check out our merch store on Etsy

Learn more at https://voxologypodcast.com

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy