Ep. 266 — From Mood Swings to Steadfast Hearts: Faith-Filled Tools for Emotional Growth

If there’s one thing every parent of girls knows, it’s this: emotions can run deep, wide, and loud. From tearful meltdowns to dramatic outbursts, our daughters’ feelings can often feel like tidal waves that threaten to pull the whole household under. But what if those very moments weren’t interruptions to parenting—but opportunities for discipleship?  In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay, Founder & Executive Director Emeritus of American Heritage Girls, sits down with licensed professional counselor and bestselling author Michelle Nietert to unpack how parents can guide their daughters through big emotions with both compassion and Biblical truth. Drawing from decades of experience as a counselor, school crisis responder, and mom, Michelle offers practical insights for helping girls process sadness, fear, and anxiety while building emotional resilience that’s rooted in Christ.  You’ll hear encouragement for the mom who feels like her daughter is drowning in emotions, guidance on discerning when drama signals deeper emotional needs, and everyday ways parents can connect spiritual discipleship to emotional growth. From playground drama to teenage friendship struggles, Michelle reminds us that while the world may tell girls to be ruled by their feelings, God calls them to bring those feelings to Him.  Scripture References:  Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”  Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything… and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Galatians 5:22–23 – The fruit of the Spirit, including self-control. This conversation will leave you equipped with tools, reassured by truth, and reminded that you are not alone in raising emotionally healthy, Godly girls.  This conversation will leave you equipped with tools, reassured by truth, and reminded that you are not alone in raising emotionally healthy, Godly girls.  You can learn more about Michelle and her work at michellenietert.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. 

Big emotions are a normal part of growing up—but when those emotions start calling the shots, our girls can quickly feel overwhelmed, discouraged, and even defeated. As moms, we want to raise daughters who feel deeply while also learning that their emotions don’t get to be in charge—Christ does.  In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden explore what it means to guide our daughters through the highs and lows of anger, sadness, joy, and fear with patience, connection, and truth. You’ll hear honest mom-to-mom stories, practical tools like “do-overs” and weekly check-ins, and encouragement to see emotional outbursts not as inconveniences but as discipleship opportunities.  Together, we’ll unpack how to help our daughters:  Recognize that emotions are real but not ultimate truth  Move from reacting in anger to responding in the Spirit  Root their identity in Christ rather than in how they feel  Practice self-control through grace-filled parenting moments  You’ll also hear the Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay, Founder & Executive Director Emeritus of American Heritage Girls, reminding us that while anger is natural, the Holy Spirit transforms it into life-giving joy.  So, whether your daughter is slamming doors, quietly shutting down, or somewhere in between, this episode will remind you that big feelings don’t make her “too much.” They make her human—and God has entrusted you to shepherd her through them with His wisdom and love.  Scripture References:  • Galatians 5:16, 19–21, 22–23  • 2 Timothy 1:7  • John 11:35    This Week’s Reminders:  Big emotions don’t make your daughter “bad”—they make her human. God created her with deep feelings for a purpose. Your job isn’t to silence those emotions but to shepherd her through them with love, patience, and truth.   Correction is most powerful when it’s paired with connection. Your daughter will grow most when she feels safe, seen, and loved—even after a meltdown. Stay close, speak truth, and don’t underestimate the power of a gentle tone.   You are not alone in this—and neither is she. God is with you in every eye roll, every slammed door, and every teary moment. He’s working in her heart even when you can’t see it. Keep sowing seeds of Spirit-led parenting. He is faithful to grow the fruit.  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.  

Emotions can be overwhelming—both for our daughters and for us as moms. From tearful meltdowns to unpredictable mood swings, it’s easy to feel like big emotions threaten to take over the day. But here’s the truth: feelings aren’t something to fix or fear. They’re invitations—opportunities to lean into God’s presence, disciple with compassion, and point our girls toward steadfastness in Christ.  In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden share personal stories of their own girlhood “big emotion” moments, reminding us that as moms, we’ve stood where our daughters now stand. Together, they explore practical and faith-filled ways to help girls put words to their emotions, process them in healthy ways, and anchor their identity in who God says they are—not in how they feel.  You’ll also hear from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, who offers an actionable tool for moms: teaching your daughter to reframe “I am” statements into “I feel” statements. This simple shift can transform self-talk, strengthen identity, and remind our girls that feelings are temporary—but God’s truth is eternal.  Through practical steps like journaling, mealtime check-ins, and memorizing “truth anchor” verses, this episode equips you to model emotional maturity, guide your daughter with gentleness, and rest in the knowledge that God didn’t call you to fix every emotion—He called you to shepherd your girl’s heart toward Him.  Referenced Scripture:  Genesis 16:13 — God sees us in our struggles.  Romans 12:2 — Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Exodus 14:13 — Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord.  Psalm 139:14 — Fearfully and wonderfully made.  Isaiah 43:1 — Called by name and redeemed.  1 Peter 2:9 — Chosen and belonging to God.  This Week’s Reminders:  Feelings Are Real, But Not Always True  Help your daughter name her emotions without letting them define her. Just because she feels unloved doesn’t mean she is unloved. Root her identity in God’s truth, not her temporary feelings.   She Learns Emotional Maturity by Watching You  Your example is her blueprint. When you model calm, prayerful responses and speak truth over your own emotions, you’re teaching her how to navigate hers with grace and faith.   God Doesn’t Call You to Be Her Savior—Just Her Shepherd  You’re not expected to fix every meltdown. Your role is to guide her toward the One who can hold every emotion she faces. Let that truth lighten the load—you’re parenting with God, not apart from Him.  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 today’s fast-paced culture, the generational divide can feel wider than ever. Parents and grandparents long to pass on a vibrant faith, but too often wonder if their words will land—or if younger hearts are even listening. Statistics paint a sobering picture: nearly 70% of young adults raised in the church walk away as they enter adulthood. But this isn’t just a statistic. It’s a wake-up call to reclaim the power of spiritual legacy.  In this episode, host Patti Garibay sits down with Kate and Mike Battistelli—parents to Grammy Award-winning artist Francesca Battistelli and faithful disciplers with a passion for legacy building. Together, they share powerful insights on how families can bridge the gap between generations, cultivating authentic connections that lead daughters and granddaughters to encounter Jesus for themselves.  With wisdom drawn from both triumphs and trials, Kate and Mike reveal what spiritual legacy really looks like: everyday faithfulness, intentional mentoring, and a willingness to model surrender in a world that prizes independence. From the father’s role in guiding and anchoring faith, to the Titus 2 calling for women to mentor the next generation, their conversation is a clarion call for every believer to show up, stay present, and speak life across generational lines.  Whether you feel overlooked as an older mentor, hesitant as a younger parent, or simply burdened for your daughter’s future, this episode will encourage you to take practical steps toward bridging the divide. Because when one generation commends God’s works to another, His mighty acts echo far beyond our lifetimes.  Referenced Scripture:  Psalm 145:4 — “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”  Titus 2:3–5 — The call for older women to disciple younger women.  Deuteronomy 6:6–9 — Teaching God’s Word diligently to the next generation.  Learn more about Kate and Mike’s ministry and resources at katebattistelli.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 culture where communication is constant but true connection feels scarce, today’s teens are navigating pressures unlike any generation before them. From endless scrolling to viral slang, it can seem like their world is unreachable for parents, grandparents, and mentors. But here’s the good news: the deepest needs of teen girls haven’t changed. They still long for trusted relationships, authentic guidance, and meaningful time with the people who care most about them.  In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose unpack how to build bridges with teens who live in a tech-saturated world but crave in-person connection. With warmth and humor, they share real-life stories about the balance between “relating” to teens and “leading” them into maturity—and why authenticity matters more than trying to keep up with every trend.  You’ll also hear from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, who brings clarity to how girls actually flourish in their friendships. Drawing from both research and Scripture, she reminds us that teens thrive in communities that echo the early church—gathering, serving, and growing together in Christ-centered relationships.  Practical wisdom flows throughout this conversation: consistently showing up in your girl’s world, asking deeper questions that fuel her faith, and admitting when you don’t have all the answers. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or mentor, this episode will encourage you to lead at the “speed of trust” and invest in relationships that last beyond the moment.  Referenced Scripture:  Acts 2:42–47 — Early church community life.  Deuteronomy 6:4–9 — Teaching God’s Word to the next generation.  Titus 2:3–5 — Mentoring and discipling across generations.  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.  

Bridging the gap between generations isn’t just about understanding slang—it’s about building trust, opening doors for discipleship, and creating a shared language of faith. In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose take a lighthearted (and sometimes hilarious) look at the “Gen Z Bible,” then turn the conversation toward a much deeper truth: God is doing something unprecedented among today’s youth.  With Gen Z leading the largest surge of faith growth in modern history, the question for parents, mentors, and leaders is clear—will we be ready to connect, disciple, and walk alongside them as they lead? Drawing from Titus 2 and 1 Timothy 3, Rachael and Natalie unpack three key principles for empowering the next generation of Godly leaders: training them well, passing down wisdom, and modeling a lifelong learner’s heart.  Along the way, you’ll hear practical ways to:  Understand your daughter’s “lingo” without trying to be “one of the kids”  Recognize and nurture her leadership gifts without skipping the necessary training  Build bridges between generations in your family, church, and community  Encourage girls to embrace discipleship—both giving and receiving it  This episode will make you laugh, challenge your perspective, and inspire you to engage with the young leaders God is raising up in this generation.  Referenced Scripture:  Psalm 23 (paraphrased in Gen Z Bible reading)  Deuteronomy 6:4–9  Colossians 4:15  1 Timothy 3:2–13  Titus 2:3–5  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. 

Cancel culture has become one of the most defining—and divisive—features of our modern world. For parents raising daughters, the stakes are high: one wrong post, one unpopular opinion, and she could face public shaming or social exile. How do we raise girls who remain unshaken in their Biblical convictions while leading with love, grace, and resilience?  In this episode, Rachael Culpepper is joined by journalist, author, and cultural commentator Billy Hallowell for a powerful conversation on equipping girls to stand firm in Christ in the face of cultural pressure. Together, they unpack how cancel culture distorts the concepts of accountability and forgiveness, why the Gospel offers a radically different response, and what practical tools parents can give their daughters to navigate the digital world with discernment.  You’ll hear how to:  Teach your daughter to speak truth boldly without fear of rejection  Model healthy boundaries while practicing Biblical forgiveness  Guide girls through social media pressures with confidence in their identity in Christ  Use cultural moments as teachable opportunities about redemption and grace  Introduce apologetics in a way that equips—not intimidates—young believers  Referenced Scripture:  Isaiah 5:20  2 Corinthians 5:17–20  Matthew 5:43–48  Romans 14:1–12  If you’ve been wondering how to raise a girl who can stand strong in her faith in a culture quick to “cancel,” this episode will encourage, challenge, and equip you for the journey.   Learn more about Billy Hallowell at billyhallowell.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. 

Cancel culture seems to demand that we choose sides—cutting off, calling out, and canceling others with little room for redemption. But what does a Gospel response look like? How do we teach our daughters to stand firm in their faith without returning fire with fire?  In this Thursday episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dig deep into how the divide created by cancel culture can be reconciled—not through compromise, but through Christ. Rooted in the ministry of reconciliation described in 2 Corinthians 5, this episode explores what it means to be a peacemaker in a polarized world and how to help your daughter hold truth and grace in tension.  From toddler playground scuffles to teenaged social dynamics, cancel culture is showing up in your daughter’s life earlier than ever. But instead of teaching her to cancel back, this conversation invites you to cast a different vision—one that prioritizes empathy, identity in Christ, spiritual maturity, and prayer for those who oppose her.  You’ll walk away with:  A Gospel-centered framework for responding to cancel culture  Real-life language to help your daughter approach conflict differently  3 practical jumping-off points to move her from canceling to reconciling  AHG resources like GRIT with Grace that equip girls to practice Biblical unity in their everyday relationships  As American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay reminds us in this week’s Raising Godly Girls Minute, our differences are not a threat—they are an opportunity to celebrate the body of Christ in its fullness. Unity doesn’t mean sameness; it means choosing love in the face of division.  Scripture References:  Genesis 6 – God grieves humanity’s wickedness  Isaiah 5:20 – “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil...”  2 Corinthians 5:17–20 – Ministry of reconciliation  Romans 14:1–12 – Unity in the body despite differences  Matthew 5:43–44 – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”  Revelation 7:9 – A vision of heaven’s diversity: every tribe, nation, and tongue  2 Timothy 1:7 – Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline  Our girls don’t need to be cultural chameleons—they need to be Gospel lights. Teach her to lead with conviction, but love like Christ.  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 boycotts trend by the hour and social media justice can render someone “canceled” overnight, Christian parents are left wondering—how should we respond? In this insightful and deeply relevant episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose step into the emotionally charged topic of Cancel Culture with clarity, nuance, and a Biblical lens.  Rather than being driven by reactionary outrage, Christians are called to be rooted in grace, truth, and discernment. The conversation explores the dangers of modern Cancel Culture—doxing, boycotting, and outrage cycles—and contrasts them with the radical love and reconciliation found in Christ. Rachael and Natalie ask: What does it look like to live out a Grace Culture in a canceling world? And how do we teach our daughters to pursue peace, seek justice, and reflect the heart of Jesus in the face of public pressure?  Listeners will appreciate the honesty of personal stories, Biblical insights, and encouragements to step away from knee-jerk reactions and instead stand firmly on their identity in Christ. With wisdom from the Raising Godly Girls Minute by American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, this episode reminds us that we are uncanceled by God—and that truth has massive implications for how we love others.  Scripture References:  Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Ephesians 2:4–5 – “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…”  Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”  Micah 6:8 – “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”  Whether you're trying to navigate social media, lead your family in integrity, or disciple your daughter through cultural confusion, this episode offers an anchored, grace-filled vision for Christian living in divisive times.    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. 

Parenting in today’s world is not for the faint of heart—and emotional intelligence may be one of your most powerful, overlooked tools in raising a resilient, Christ-centered daughter.  In this insightful conversation, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay sits down with Christ-centered leadership coach and author Vic Clesceri to unpack how Emotional Intelligence (EI) transforms the way we parent. From managing our own triggers to modeling self-awareness and empathy, Vic helps us see parenting not as a performance—but as a spiritual practice rooted in grace, surrender, and intentional growth.  You’ll hear about:  What Emotional Intelligence actually is—and why it matters for moms and dads  How subtle "saboteurs" like perfectionism, fear, or the need for control undermine our parenting  Tools and daily practices to help you lead your daughter with emotional clarity and Biblical compassion  Whether you’re in the trenches of toddlerhood or navigating the teen years, this episode offers hope and clarity. God is with you, and He has equipped you to parent with wisdom, peace, and purpose.  Be encouraged: Emotional Intelligence isn't a secular parenting trend—it’s a Biblical call to be transformed from the inside out so we can reflect Christ more fully to our children.  Learn more about Vic’s leadership work at themanagementsherpa.com  Take the free Saboteur assessment referenced in the episode at positiveintelligence.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.