Ep. 237 — Freedom Isn’t Free: Teaching Girls the Cost of Religious Liberty

What does it really mean to be free to follow Jesus in today’s culture? In this powerful weekend episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Melissa Bearden sits down with Rick Green—America’s Constitution Coach and the visionary founder of Patriot Academy—to unpack the vital topic of religious liberty and how families can raise girls who are ready to defend their faith with courage and clarity.  As Americans celebrate Independence Day, this conversation is both timely and timeless. With more than 80% of Americans agreeing that religion is losing influence in public life, it’s more important than ever to prepare our daughters to stand firm in Biblical truth and understand their God-given—and Constitutionally protected—right to religious freedom. Rick shares from his years of experience educating young leaders, training millions through his Constitution programs, and raising up the next generation through Patriot Academy.  Together, Melissa and Rick explore what religious liberty actually means, how young girls can be equipped to face cultural pressures, and why it’s critical for Christian parents to start these conversations early. They also highlight how AHG Alumna Hannah is carrying out this mission through her work at Patriot Academy, offering a beautiful picture of how faithful citizenship begins in the home and grows into leadership in the world.  Whether you’re already passionate about civic engagement or wondering where to start, this episode offers practical steps and deeply rooted encouragement for parents raising daughters to boldly live out their faith in every sphere—from the classroom to the Capitol, from social media to Sunday morning.  Learn more about Rick and his work with Patriot Academy at patriotacademy.com  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. 

Religious liberty is one of the most precious freedoms we enjoy—but do our daughters understand the cost behind that freedom? In this powerful Independence Day week episode, co-hosts Rachael and Melissa dig into the often-overlooked responsibility of raising girls who recognize the spiritual and historical significance of living in a nation where we can worship God openly and boldly.  Together, they unpack the phrase “freedom isn’t free,” exploring how Christian girls can be taught to honor the sacrifices made for their religious freedom—while also understanding that liberty is not just a privilege, but a call to courageous faith. From Scripture to American history, from grandfathers’ stories to military heroes and missionaries, Rachael and Melissa reflect on the importance of instilling gratitude, discernment, and a sense of stewardship in the next generation of Christ-followers.  Featuring a moving Raising Godly Girls Minute from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, this episode touches on what it means to “love your land” with humility and conviction. It equips moms to help their girls hold a love of country and a deep allegiance to God in the same heart—without turning a blind eye to hard truths. Listeners will find encouragement to talk with their daughters about standing firm in faith even when religious liberty is challenged or misunderstood.  Whether your daughter is writing a thank-you note to a missionary, studying U.S. history through an AHG badge, or simply asking big questions about God and country, this episode offers the inspiration and practical guidance to help her develop a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of bold, Biblical citizenship.  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. 

What does religious liberty mean to the next generation—and why should it matter to girls growing up in today’s culture?  In this special Independence Day week’s episode, co-hosts Rachael and Melissa explore the often-overlooked freedom that gives our daughters the courage to live out their faith boldly: religious liberty. As we celebrate our nation’s founding this week, it’s the perfect moment to pause and consider how this essential freedom empowers girls to stand strong in their beliefs, speak truth with grace, and be a light in a world filled with competing values.  You’ll hear from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, who reminds us that our daughters don’t have to wait until they’re grown to live out their faith in the public square. Whether it’s reading Scripture at a city council meeting or praying over a crowd at a national conference, girls can—and should—use their voices to glorify God and lead with conviction. This episode challenges moms and mentors to create space for these moments and to model a faith that is lived out loud.  Rachael and Melissa also share practical strategies for helping your girl understand and appreciate this freedom. From discussing the global cost of discipleship to inviting your daughter to serve, speak, or pray in public settings, you’ll walk away with tangible ways to encourage boldness rooted in love. The message is clear: freedoms we don’t exercise can be lost. But when we equip our girls to understand their rights and use them for God’s glory, we help shape a future generation of courageous Christ-followers.  Don’t miss this timely, faith-filled conversation that inspires families to raise girls who are not only grateful for their freedom but also ready to use it for Kingdom impact.  Referenced Scriptures:  Psalm 57:9 – “I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.”  Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Galatians 5:13 – “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”  1 Peter 3:15 – “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer… with gentleness and respect.”  Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.

In an age when screens are ever-present and digital distractions abound, parents are asking: How can I help my daughter grow in faith in a tech-saturated world? On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Rachael Culpepper, American Heritage Girls Executive Director, sits down with tech entrepreneur and Pray.com co-founder Matthew Potter to answer this important question. Together, they explore how families can embrace technology not as a threat to spiritual growth—but as a tool for meaningful discipleship.  Matthew shares how his experience developing over 6,000 apps led to a calling to create Pray.com, the #1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content. He speaks from both a spiritual and practical perspective, encouraging parents to reframe the role of technology in their homes. Instead of viewing screens only as obstacles, Matthew challenges listeners to consider how technology can become a bridge to daily prayer, Bible study, and spiritual conversations with our daughters.  This episode offers wisdom for the modern Christian family—particularly for moms raising girls who are being formed not only by Scripture, but also by the screens they carry. From practical advice on curating faith-filled apps to tips for instilling intentionality in screen time, this conversation offers both hope and helpful tools. You’ll walk away encouraged to leverage today’s digital tools to reinforce a Biblical worldview and foster habits of faith that last into adulthood.  Whether you’re a digital minimalist or an early tech adopter, you’ll find renewed vision for using technology to cultivate spiritual maturity in your home. Don’t miss this inspiring discussion about raising Godly girls in a digital age—where faith formation can flourish one tap at a time.  Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:  Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...”  Learn more about Matthew Potter and his work at pray.com  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. 

In a world increasingly connected by technology, how can we raise daughters to use digital tools for the glory of God? In this insightful episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Natalie take listeners on a journey around the globe—without ever leaving home. This conversation explores how today’s Christian families can use faith-based technology to build global community, grow in discipleship, and fulfill the Great Commission.  From international worship gatherings to app-based Bible studies and real-time prayer requests answered across continents, the hosts unpack the many ways girls can grow spiritually while connecting with the global Church. You’ll hear reflections on the redemptive use of Christian tech spaces—from Christian bookstores to online ministries—and how these platforms offer more than entertainment; they provide Kingdom-impacting opportunities for discipleship and service.  Listeners are also treated to a Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay, Founder and Executive Director Emeritus of American Heritage Girls, who reminds us that while technology can be a powerful aid in our spiritual development, it must remain a complement to real-life fellowship and face-to-face discipleship.  Whether it’s providing clean water to a family in Haiti, learning how to pray for believers in Japan, or joining a virtual Bible study with friends across the globe, this episode equips parents with practical inspiration to help their girls use technology wisely—for worship, witness, and world-impacting love.  If you're a mom raising a girl in a digital age, you won't want to miss this episode filled with Scripture, insight, and the hopeful reminder that God is at work across the world—and in your home.  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.

In a world where screens dominate and attention spans shrink, how can parents harness the power of technology for their daughter’s spiritual growth instead of against it? On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Natalie explore how today’s tech tools—apps, online Bible studies, video resources, and more—can be transformed into powerful platforms for discipleship, Scripture engagement, and faith formation.  Rather than fearing the digital world, this episode encourages parents to bring it under Christ’s lordship—intentionally guiding their girls to engage with technology in a way that builds holy habits, strengthens Biblical worldview, and reinforces godly identity. From RightNow Media and YouVersion to community-based virtual studies and screen-based Scripture reading, Rachael and Natalie share both personal examples and practical wisdom on integrating technology into the rhythm of everyday faith.  You’ll hear surprising stats about Gen Z’s hunger for spiritual content online, reflections on the long history of technology as a vessel for God’s Word (think: the Gutenberg Bible!), and a heartfelt call to disciple with discernment—not detachment. This episode equips you with thoughtful strategies: from setting boundaries to maintaining presence and connection as your girl explores digital tools to grow in faith.  Technology is not the enemy—it’s a tool. And when stewarded well, it can be a vibrant part of your daughter’s walk with God. So grab your earbuds, press play, and discover how to nurture your girl’s spiritual development in a tech-saturated world.  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.

In this weekend edition of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay welcomes Kathy Gibbens, homeschool mom and host of the insightful Filter It Through a Brain Cell podcast. Together, they dive deep into the vital skill of discernment—helping parents equip their daughters to think critically in a world flooded with misinformation and cultural noise.  Recent studies reveal that girls are particularly vulnerable to misinformation, often sharing conspiracy theories without fully grasping their impact. Kathy shares her personal journey of discovering logical fallacies alongside her daughter and explains why teaching critical thinking has become a crucial ministry today.  This episode is packed with practical advice on how to help girls filter information through a “brain cell,” recognize deception, and develop habits of discernment grounded in Biblical truth. From navigating emotional echo chambers on social media to encouraging respectful, critical conversations—even when tough questions risk social pushback—Kathy and Patti equip parents with tools to clear out the lies and anchor their girls in God’s unchanging truth.  If you want your daughter to grow up strong, wise, and confident in her faith amid today’s challenges, this episode is a must-listen.  Learn more about Kathy and her podcast at filteritthroughabraincell.com.  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.

In this empowering episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Natalie tackle a timely challenge every parent of a daughter faces: how to help her resist the pull of groupthink and peer pressure by developing strong critical thinking skills and asking thoughtful questions.  From personal stories of youthful mistakes to deep reflections on social media’s role in pushing conformity, Rachael and Natalie explore why it’s so natural—and yet so risky—for girls to follow the crowd without questioning. They unpack the cultural tension of our age, where fierce individualism paradoxically blends into relentless collectivism, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.  Featuring a powerful Raising Godly Girls Minute with American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay on the dangers of groupthink culture, this episode equips you with practical, faith-centered tools to empower your daughter to “pump the brakes” in tough moments. Learn three key questions your girl can ask herself to stand strong in her faith and identity: Does this honor God? Does this honor others? Does this honor who God created me to be? These simple but profound questions help build spiritual discernment and courage to resist peer pressure.  You’ll also discover how American Heritage Girls programs like the Big Sister-Little Sister and FREE to Grow Patch Programs, along with resources like Axis.org’s Culture Translator, provide a safe and Spirit-filled environment for girls to grow in faith and wisdom, even amid cultural noise.  Scripture mentioned in this episode:  Colossians 3:12  1 Peter 4:8  Matthew 6:33  Tune in to hear how you can create intentional conversations with your daughter, pray with purpose, and raise her to be a confident Christ-follower who thoughtfully navigates the pressures of today’s culture.  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.

In a world where information is everywhere—and answers are just a tap away—how can we equip our daughters to discern truth from fiction, wisdom from noise, and God's Word from worldly rhetoric? In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Natalie invite listeners into a thought-provoking and laughter-filled conversation about raising critical thinkers who are firmly rooted in a Biblical Worldview.  Join us as we explore the very real challenge of outsourced thinking—a cultural default where girls often parrot popular talking points without wrestling with the “why” behind their beliefs. Drawing from a recent Raising Godly Girls Minute with American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay and real-life parenting moments, Rachael and Natalie offer practical insights and Biblical guardrails for helping your daughter engage deeply, rather than passively, with the ideas that flood her mind daily.  Whether your girl is still young and curious or in the thick of her teenage years, this episode will give you tools to help her filter everything through the lens of Scripture. You’ll learn how to teach her to measure every new idea against John 14:6, to stand strong even when her views aren’t popular (Matthew 7:13–14), and to always be ready to defend her faith with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).  Plus, we’ll introduce resources like AHG’s Discover Good and Live RESTfully Patch Programs and Summit Ministries’ worldview tools—resources designed to help families strengthen spiritual muscles over the summer and beyond. These aren’t just parenting strategies; they’re discipleship opportunities for your girl’s heart and mind.  If you're ready to guide your daughter to be wise, discerning, and grounded in truth in an age of noise and confusion, this episode is a must-listen.  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.

In a world that often sidelines the significance of fatherhood, the impact of an engaged, emotionally present dad cannot be overstated—especially in the life of a daughter. On this empowering episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay, Founder & Executive Director Emeritus of American Heritage Girls, sits down with returning guest and father-daughter relationship expert Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield to explore how dads can become the intentional, godly role models their daughters desperately need.  With more than 28 years of experience as a licensed professional counselor and founder of The Abba Project, Dr. Michelle brings rich insight into the unique and irreplaceable role fathers play in shaping their daughter’s identity, confidence, and faith. From navigating teenage moods to building trust through everyday conversations, this episode offers practical tools and biblical encouragement for dads who want to connect on a deeper level—even if they feel like it’s too late.  Dr. Michelle shares powerful testimonies from her work with fathers across the country, highlights the most common roadblocks that keep men from engaging, and outlines simple habits that foster consistency, safety, and spiritual growth in the father-daughter bond. You’ll also learn about her must-read book Let’s Talk: Conversation Starters for Dads and Daughters and the heart behind her award-winning podcast The Dad Whisperer.  Whether you’re a dad hoping to reconnect with your daughter, a mom wanting to support that relationship, or a parent craving stronger family bonds rooted in Christ, this episode is a heartfelt reminder: it’s never too late to start showing up with purpose.  Learn more at drmichellewatson.com  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.