Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

Why do we find ourselves saying "yes" when we mean "no"? Is our people-pleasing tendency just a mild habit, or is it something more serious? In this eye-opening episode of Compared to Who? host Heather Creekmore dives deep into what Joyce Campbell--a licensed counselor and therapist--terms subjugation. Subjugation is a clinical condition where people inadvertently damage their lives by consistently putting others' wishes before their own. Join Heather and Joyce as they navigate the complexities of subjugation, unearthing how deeply embedded negative thought patterns can start in childhood and carry into adulthood, affecting every aspect of our lives—including our mental and physical health. Do you struggle with being the "good girl," living under the pressure to be perfect, or maintaining a facade to gain approval? This episode unpacks the layers of this condition, taking a look at how anger, resentment, and unmet expectations can wreak havoc on your spiritual, emotional, and even physical well-being. Heather also prompts listeners to consider how self-denial—a biblically endorsed concept—differs from harmful subjugation and how to discern God's will for our lives in giving balanced responses to life’s demands. Make sure to tune in and discover how transforming the pathways in our minds can lead to freedom and a life not defined by pleasing others but by God's purpose for us. Related Episodes: Do you have healthy boundaries? What do I do if I feel bad about having ruined my body? Don’t miss the continuation of this conversation where Heather and Joyce will focus on how to break free from the chains of subjugation and step into the full life God intends for you. Connect with Compared to Who? here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Join the next 40-Day Journey here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Heather continues her deep dive into the realm of spiritual warfare with guests Keith and Megan Peeler of Everfree. They explore the profound realities of spiritual oppression, particularly relating to body image and identity issues. Heather emphasizes this isn't about fear, but about empowering truth—through Jesus, that we have authority over these spiritual challenges. Megan Peeler shares personal revelations and the dangers of disassociating from our bodies, a coping mechanism often encouraged by cultural conditioning. Keith Peeler highlights the importance of identity and how the enemy aims to undermine it by sowing lies that weaken our ability to fulfill God-given assignments. The episode also tackles the essence of true identity and our spiritual authority as co-heirs with Christ. Megan reflects on discovering her authority in spiritual warfare, which transformed how she confronts negative thoughts. Heather and the Peelers underscore that intimacy with God isn't just theoretical; it's an experiential journey that reshapes our identity in Him. Expect to dive into a discussion on the profound impact of identity attacks in spiritual warfare, how experiences shape our understanding of God, and ways to invite Jesus into our healing process. For more information on how healing prayer works visit Megan and Keith Peeler's website at EverFreePrayer.org Megan's new ministry Everfree Her is coming in January! Learn more about Compared to Who? by visiting: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Interested in healing prayer for your body image issues? Reach out to Heather at: heather@comparedtowho.me   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Host Heather Creekmore is joined by special guests Keith and Megan Peeler for a compelling discussion on spiritual warfare and healing. Together, they dive into the often-overlooked aspects of spiritual life that affect our identity and beliefs. Megan & Keith share about growing up in churches that focused on theology without much emphasis on the Holy Spirit. They share their own story of encountering the Holy Spirit in a new way and how becoming equipped for spiritual warfare became important to them and their ministry. They talk about how they help people understand the ways the enemy can oppress and affect the believer without possessing the believer. They also share how emotional trauma can evolve into spiritual wounds, affecting our core identity and beliefs. Keith and Megan, through their ministry called "Everfree" now do healing prayer with people to help them restore identity in Christ and heal these wounds. They share how this kind of prayer may feel unfamiliar, but doesn't have to look like the Exorcist movies from the 80s or be scary, loud, or dramatic in any way.  In this part, Megan also shares how her recent journey with breast cancer affected her identity and brought on a new level of healing and deliverance for her.  Whether you're looking to understand the spiritual roots of your struggles or seeking practical steps to walk closely with Jesus, today's episode is packed with wisdom and actionable insights.  Learn more about Keith and Megan's ministry here: https://www.everfree.us/ Connect with Compared to Who? and find resources for body image healing and freedom here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Host Heather Creekmore continues her discussion on the concept of agency and growing up, specifically focusing on how Christians can grow up spiritually.  Drawing from the Apostle Paul's teachings in Ephesians, Heather explores how healing body image issues is tied to spiritual growth and understanding one's identity in Christ. She stresses that spiritual maturity provides the foundation for finding freedom from self-obsession and societal pressures regarding body image. Throughout the episode, Heather encourages listeners to pursue a deeper relationship with God, grow in their spiritual gifts, and find their identity in Christ, rather than in their appearance.  Learn more about the ministry of Compared to Who? here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Join a coaching program here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Check out Compared to Who? merch here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Host Heather Creekmore dives into the concept of agency and its importance in growing up emotionally, spiritually, and mentally to defeat body image issues. She begins by framing agency as the ability to make good decisions for oneself without excessive dependence on external input and approval. Heather shares her own story about overcoming internalized limitations imposed by others' opinions, highlighting how these constraints often manifest in our lives. Heather emphasizes that agency is crucial for managing body image and food issues. She discusses how a lack of agency—stemming from experiences like emotional abuse, overly controlling environments, or childhood trauma—can lead to unhealthy food relationships, including restrictive eating or impulsive bingeing. She connects this to broader themes of spiritual growth, urging you to trust yourself under God's guidance and to stop allowing other people's opinions to dictate your self-judgment. By examining scriptural teachings and real-life examples, Heather will encourage you to challenge your fears and limiting beliefs. Growing up means taking control of one's life, making independent decisions, and seeing oneself accurately through the lens of God’s truth, rather than through the judgments of others.  Ready for coaching? Learn more at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Learn more and connect to Compared to Who?: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Host Heather Creekmore tackles the deep-seated issue of truly feeling and knowing that God loves us. She begins by questioning whether listeners feel God’s love beyond just an intellectual understanding of it. Heather suggests that if more people genuinely felt secure in God’s love, concerns about body image would diminish significantly. Heather explores the disconnect between head knowledge and heart knowledge regarding God's love. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and internalizing God's steadfast love. Heather explains that chasing idols—whether they be body image, health, or other people—hinders the ability to feel God’s unconditional love. Heather advocates for confessing and repenting from idol worship to clear the ‘dust and dirt’ that clouds one’s perception of God's love. She urges listeners to visualize Jesus with them, embodying a loving and compassionate presence, free from disappointment or anger. She delves deeper into the concept of acceptance and approval from God versus humans. Heather underlines that individuals often seek validation by altering their bodies to gain others' approval, a futile effort since true safety and acceptance come only from God. Heather reminds listeners that God’s love is both spoken and demonstrated through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, highlighting the importance of embracing this truth above societal pressures regarding body image.  Learn more about how Compared to Who? can help you find body image freedom and healing by visiting: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Learn more about Heather's 40-Day Body Image Workbook here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather explains why Jonah 2:8, part of a prayer that Jonah prayed from the belly of the great fish that swallowed him, is her life verse for body image issues. Heather shares how the Holy Spirit convicted her of clinging to vain idols in her life and how she came to see through this verse that the more she clung to these idols, the further she became from feeling and recognizing God's love and mercies in her life. Here's the verse in the three translations Heather reads from today: Jonah 2:8: Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. (ESV) Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies. (NLT) “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. (NIV) Do you need coaching? Do you want us to pray for you? Reach out at: heather@comparedtowho.me Go check out our brand new Etsy show to get cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop New to the show? Learn more about Heather Creekmore, Heather's books, and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: www.improvebodyimage.com Ready for real body image change? The 40-Day Journey begins again in January. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather Creekmore continues the conversation with Dr. Tamara Rosier diving into the intricate relationship between the nervous system and body image issues.  Here are three key takeaways you won't want to miss: Holistic Approach to Body Image: Culture often misguides us into believing that weight loss alone can resolve body image issues. Dr. Tamara Rosier and Heather Creekmore discuss that true resolution involves both physical and spiritual components, highlighting the complexity of understanding what is going on in your brain and your nervous system in certain scenarios. Understanding Nervous System Dynamics: Your nervous system plays a pivotal role in how you perceive and manage stressors related to body image. The episode emphasizes the importance of being aware of your nervous system to stay within your "window of tolerance"—a balanced state where you can effectively manage stress and interact socially without distress. Effective Coping Strategies: Both Dr. Rosier and Heather share personal stories of hyperarousal and hypoarousal, offering practical advice like box breathing and EMDR therapy. These techniques can help regulate the nervous system, providing tools to cope with anxiety, stress, and social situations more effectively. Dr. Tamara Rosier also introduces her new book, "You, Me, and Our ADHD Family," which offers valuable insights into family dynamics and emotional management, applicable to everyone, not just those with ADHD. (Amazon affiliate link) Listen to Heather's interview with Dr. Rosier on ADHD and Body Image Issues: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/could-your-body-image-issues-connect-to-adhd-featu Connect with Dr. Tamara Rosier: https://www.tamararosier.com/ or at https://www.miadhd.com Go check out our brand new Etsy show to get cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop New to the show? Learn more about Heather Creekmore, Heather's books, and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Host Heather Creekmore and Dr. Tamara Rosier offers invaluable insights into navigating relationships with narcissists and understanding the crucial role of boundaries. Here are three key takeaways: 🔹 Boundaries Are Essential: Boundaries are not about controlling others; they are about defining what actions you will take in response to those that affect you. Even Jesus set boundaries to take care of his needs, as reflected in the New Testament. 🔹 Understanding Narcissistic Behavior: Narcissists use others to feed their ego and keep them off balance. This is different from mere selfish behavior, which is more about convenience. Identifying and distinguishing these behaviors is vital to protect your well-being. 🔹 Levels of Problematic Behavior: Not all negative behavior is "toxic." Dr. Rosier introduces the concept of "peccadillos" (minor annoyances), "noxious behavior" (selfish actions), and truly "toxic behavior" (harmful and manipulative). Recognizing these levels helps in managing relationships more effectively. Tune in to get more insights, personal anecdotes, and strategies for managing relationships and maintaining your mental health. 🎧 Listen to Heather's interview with Dr. Rosier on ADHD and Body Image Issues: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/could-your-body-image-issues-connect-to-adhd-featu Connect with Dr. Tamara Rosier: https://www.tamararosier.com/ or at https://www.miadhd.com Check out Dr. Rosier's new book here: https://amzn.to/4ensduq (Amazon affiliate link) Learn more about coaching: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Shop for cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop Mentioned in this episode: Dr. Stephanie Sarkis research on narcissism. Chuck DeGroat's book, "When Narcissism Comes to Church"   (Amazon affiliate link)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather coaches her client Presli around her struggles with body image, the need for control, and the fear of judgment. Presli opens up about feeling frustrated by the perceived pressure to adhere to strict rules about her body, while others seemingly don't have similar expectations placed on them. She candidly shares her belief that smaller women have better experiences in life, attributing this to societal ideals perpetuated by the media and those around her. The discussion revolves around the deep desire to be seen and accepted, as well as the pressure to maintain a certain body image. Both Heather and Presli emphasize the need to find lasting contentment in an identity rooted in Christ, as opposed to seeking it from external sources. They explore the theme of chronic disappointment and the struggle to trust in God's plan, with the notion that having control over every aspect of life does not lead to fulfillment. The episode provides a safe space for open dialogue, addressing the dissatisfaction of being loved or accepted for superficial reasons and the impact of appearance on relationships and self-perception.  Here's the episode Presli and Heather discussed about the goodness of God: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/i-ruined-my-body-how-do-i-believe-my-body-is-good Go check out our brand new Etsy show to get cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop New to the show? Learn more about Heather Creekmore, Heather's books, and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: www.improvebodyimage.com Ready for real body image change? The 40-Day Journey began September 1. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.