Ep. 283 — Raising Daughters who Have Courage to Overcome Obstacles with Kirthana Fanning

Courage is not the absence of fear—it’s choosing faith in the midst of fear. In this week’s episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, American Heritage Girls Executive Director and host Rachael Culpepper sits down with award-winning children’s author and content creator Kirthana Fanning to talk about raising daughters who have the courage to overcome life’s obstacles.  Kirthana brings years of experience as a writer, producer, and the creator of Read Believe Grow TV, a YouTube channel dedicated to helping children encounter God’s truth in engaging ways. In this conversation, she shares her passion for crafting faith-filled stories that equip the next generation with courage and resilience—qualities that girls desperately need in a culture that often tells them to shrink back or compromise their faith.  Through her beloved children’s book The Girl and Her Noble Steed, Kirthana paints a picture of bravery rooted in God’s promises. She and Rachael explore why courage must be understood through a Biblical lens, the unique challenges girls face today in standing boldly for their faith, and how parents can guide their daughters toward resilience by leaning on the truth of Scripture rather than cultural trends.  Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  Joshua 1:9 — “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Isaiah 41:10 — God strengthens and upholds His people.  2 Timothy 1:7 — “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”  Esther 4:14 — Courage to stand boldly “for such a time as this.”  Psalm 27:1 — “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”    This episode will encourage you, as a mom, to see the everyday moments of parenting as opportunities to nurture bravery in your daughter’s heart. You’ll walk away inspired to help her embrace a faith that stands firm in the face of fear—trusting that with God’s help, she can overcome every obstacle in her path.   To learn more about Kirthana Fanning and her books, visit kirthanajfanning.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. 

What makes an everyday hero? It’s not fame, recognition, or a grand stage—it’s a willingness to step into hard moments with faith and courage, even when fear is present. This week on the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dive into what it looks like for Christian families to raise daughters who are ready and willing to answer God’s call in both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances.  Drawing inspiration from the life of missionary Elisabeth Elliot, they unpack her powerful reminder: “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.” Through this lens, Rachael and Natalie explore how courage is cultivated bit by bit in everyday life—whether that’s a girl finding the bravery to stand up for a classmate, conquer stage fright, or speak out in the face of injustice.  You’ll also hear the Raising Godly Girls Minute from AHG Founder Patti Garibay, reminding parents that courage is internal and often unseen until a moment of decision comes. The hosts then reflect on real-life examples, including the inspiring story of an AHG Girl Member who risked her own safety to rescue sailors in danger—earning the prestigious AHG Lifesaving Award. These stories illustrate how small steps of obedience and trust in God prepare girls for moments when extraordinary courage is required.  Rachael and Natalie offer three practical ways to equip your daughter for courageous living: letting courage build through small challenges, doing a post-game recap exercise to reinforce victories over fear, and modeling humble prayers that show reliance on God’s strength. Together, these practices shape a girl’s heart and prepare her to become one of the everyday heroes God is raising up for His Kingdom.  As you listen, you’ll be encouraged to see courage not as a rare trait, but as a spiritual discipline—something that grows in your family’s life as you lean on God’s power, trust His timing, and walk in faith.  Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  1 Samuel 17  Judges 6–7  Exodus   Esther 1–4 (esp. Esther 4:14)  Acts 18   John 16:33   1 Samuel 17:45–50   This Week’s Reminders:  Courage builds bit by bit—every small victory matters.  A “post-game recap” helps your daughter recognize God’s faithfulness in action.  Humble, open-handed prayers prepare her to trust God with the unknown.  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. 

Every girl will face fear—whether it’s speaking up in class, standing up to a bully, trying something new, or stepping into leadership. But the true measure of courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s learning how to move forward with fear, leaning on God’s strength instead of shrinking back in doubt.  In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose tackle the topic of courage head-on, exploring how parents can help their daughters face giants with faith. Drawing from Scripture, personal stories, and AHG’s own legacy of raising strong, Godly women, they remind us that God doesn’t call our girls to avoid fear—He calls them to trust Him in the midst of it.  Rachael and Natalie reflect on what cowardice looks like in today’s culture, how trauma requires a gentle approach, and why resilience is best cultivated at home before our daughters step into the wider world. You’ll also hear how the AHG Program develops courage in girls through meaningful service, leadership, and discipleship opportunities—including the Stars & Stripes Award and sharing insight on the For Girls Like You program alliance.  Whether your daughter’s giant is stage fright, peer pressure, or self-doubt, this conversation will equip you to inspire her toward bravery, remind her that God has called her to hard and holy things, and show her that real courage means stepping forward—even when fear tags along.  Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  Deuteronomy 1:19–33   James 1:2–4   This Week’s Reminders:  Fear will always be present—but it doesn’t have to be in charge.  Resilience in your daughter grows when you model courage in your own life.  God equips girls not to avoid fear, but to lean into His strength when it comes.  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. 

Shame is one of the enemy’s most powerful tools—it twists mistakes into identity, leaving our daughters believing lies like “I’m not enough, I’ll never measure up, I’ll always be a failure.” Left unaddressed, those inner whispers can grow into heavy chains that shape how a girl views herself, others, and even God.  In this powerful conversation, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director and podcast host Patti Garibay is joined by Brittany Sawrey-Coulson, Licensed Professional Counselor and Director of Content at Trueface. With wisdom and compassion, Brittany unpacks the difference between guilt and shame, why negative self-talk begins earlier than we think, and how moms can model grace-filled authenticity that frees their daughters from shame’s grip.  Together, Patti and Brittany discuss practical ways parents can help girls replace lies with God’s truth, cultivate safe spaces for honest conversation, and anchor their worth in Christ—not in performance, appearance, or comparison. And if you’re a mom who wrestles with shame yourself, this episode offers hope for your own healing as well as guidance for breaking the generational cycle.  Shame doesn’t get the last word—Jesus does. Tune in and discover how to lead your daughter toward freedom, confidence, and a lasting identity rooted in Him.  Referenced Scriptures in this episode:  Romans 12:2   Proverbs 18:21   John 8:36   Learn more about Brittany and the ministry of Trueface at trueface.org.  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.

We’ve all heard it—those quiet but crushing words our daughters whisper to themselves: “I’m not good enough.” “I always mess up.” “I’ll never get this right.” This negative self-talk may sound small, but it carries weight, planting seeds of shame, doubt, and insecurity that can shape how a girl sees herself, her choices, and even her faith. The enemy uses these whispers to keep our girls bound in fear—but God has already spoken a louder, truer word over them.  In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden dive deep into the power of self-talk and how parents can help their daughters combat lies with the truth of Scripture. With honesty and humor, Melissa shares how her own inner critic can sometimes feel like it has a megaphone, while Rachael unpacks how shame twists identity and why parents must first model speaking life over themselves if they want to teach their daughters to do the same.  Together, they explore how negative self-talk isn’t just about careless words—it’s about the heart. Drawing from Proverbs and Romans, they remind us that the tongue has the power of life and death, even when it’s turned inward. And they offer practical, grace-filled ways to help your daughter silence her inner critic, from role-playing the lies as silly “characters” to journaling God’s truth, leaving hidden Scripture notes, and creating “Faith Snapshot” albums that capture moments of God’s goodness in everyday life.  This Week’s Reminders:  Catch the Lies Early: Teach your daughter to notice when her inner critic speaks and name the lies for what they are.  Replace Criticism with God’s Word: Equip her with truth-filled tools like Scripture, playlists, and affirmations that reflect her identity in Christ.  Empower Independent Truth-Telling: Encourage her to practice speaking God’s truth over herself, even when you’re not there.  Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  James 1:19  Proverbs 15:4  Proverbs 18:21  Romans 12:2  This episode will encourage you to see negative self-talk not as an impossible battle, but as an opportunity to guide your girl toward resilience and confidence rooted in Christ. By catching lies early, replacing them with God’s Word, and empowering her to practice truth-telling on her own, you can help her build a faith that isn’t shaken by whispers of doubt.  Discover more resources to raise confident girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.  Find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org. 

Shame has a way of whispering lies that drown out truth. For today’s girls, those lies are amplified by comparison, perfectionism, and a culture that magnifies flaws instead of celebrating God’s design. Left unchecked, shame doesn’t just shape how our daughters see themselves—it can entangle whole families in cycles of silence, generational sin, and negative self-talk. But as followers of Christ, we know shame doesn’t get the last word.  In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden step into one of the hardest yet most necessary conversations for parents: how to help our daughters battle shame with grace and truth. With vulnerability, Melissa shares how childhood trauma left her searching for comfort in all the wrong places—and how God’s faithful love brought freedom where shame once ruled. Rachael opens up about the weight of generational patterns and the importance of showing our girls that Christ’s redemption runs deeper than family history.  Together, they explore why negative self-talk is so powerful, how inherited shame can quietly shape a girl’s identity, and what it means for parents to model speaking God’s truth over their own lives. This episode also offers practical tools—from “lie detector” check-ins to truth journals and worship playlists—that help girls replace the “not enough” lies with the promises of Scripture. And woven throughout is the unshakable hope that God rebuilds what shame has broken, turning burdens into blessings for generations to come.  This Week’s Reminders:  Truth is the Antidote to Shame — Help your daughter identify lies and replace them with God’s Word.  You’re Her Coach, Not Her Constant Companion — Equip her with tools, but let her practice walking in truth on her own.  God Redeems Family Stories — Generational shame doesn’t define her future—Christ does.  Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  2 Timothy 1:7  Daniel 3  Romans 8:1  Isaiah 61:3 (beauty for ashes)  Ecclesiastes 1:9 (“nothing new under the sun”)  Moms, you’ll walk away from this episode encouraged not to fear these conversations, but to step into them with honesty, authenticity, and faith. Because when we teach our daughters to name shame and answer it with truth, we give them the confidence to live free in 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. 

Ep. 277 — Standing in the Gap: A Parent’s Prayer for their Prodigal Child with Dr. James Banks  Few things break a Christ-following parent’s heart more than watching a daughter walk away from her faith. In a culture where drifting and deconstruction are becoming all too common, it can feel overwhelming to know how to respond. Yet Scripture offers both hope and a blueprint: we serve a God who runs toward prodigals with open arms (Luke 15:20), and prayer is the bridge that can bring wandering hearts home.  In this powerful episode, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay welcomes Dr. James Banks—pastor, author, and devoted encourager of parents walking through prodigal seasons. With deep compassion and practical wisdom, Dr. Banks shares what it means to “stand in the gap” through prayer, how to show unconditional love without compromising truth, and why parents can persevere in hope even when change feels far away.  You’ll also hear practical encouragement for spotting early signs of drift, how to guard against despair, and why community and mentorship are lifelines for weary parents. If you’ve been praying for your prodigal daughter—or longing for strength to keep praying—this conversation will refresh your spirit and remind you that God is always at work, even when we cannot see it.  Discover how persistent prayer doesn’t just move prodigals closer to God—it transforms parents in the process.  Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  Luke 15:20  Romans 8:26–27  James 5:16  Psalm 126:5–6  Galatians 6:9  Learn more about Dr. James Banks and his ministry at jamesbanks.org.  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. 

Every parent has a story. For some, it’s a story of steady faith passed down through generations. For others, it’s a testimony of wandering, stumbling, and finding God’s grace in unexpected places. No matter which story you carry, your testimony is one of the most powerful tools God has given you to disciple your daughter.  In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose unpack the beauty and challenge of parenting through your own testimony. Natalie vulnerably shares about her years of struggle and redemption, while Rachael reflects on the grace of a “tame” testimony. Together, they remind parents that every story is a story of God’s faithfulness—and that sharing authentically with your daughter can point her to the goodness of Jesus in both the mundane and the miraculous.  You’ll hear a Raising Godly Girls Minute from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus, Patti Garibay, on why no testimony is “boring” when it highlights the steadfast love of God across generations. Plus, Rachael and Natalie offer practical encouragement for breaking off shame, funneling your fears through Scripture, and modeling the same Gospel that continues to transform your own heart.  Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  Micah 7:20  1 Corinthians 1:9  Romans 8:1  2 Corinthians 5:17  Matthew 3:8, 11  If you’ve ever wondered how much of your story to share with your daughter, or feared that your past disqualifies you from leading her in faith, this conversation will anchor you in truth: God uses every testimony for His glory, and your girl needs to see His story alive in you.   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. 

Every Christ-following parent dreams of raising a daughter who clings tightly to her faith. But what happens when she doesn’t? What if she begins to question, rebel, or even walk away from the truth you’ve poured into her?  In this week’s episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose step into one of the hardest realities of Christian parenting: the prodigal season. With honesty and grace, they talk about what it looks like to parent with firm love while keeping the door open with compassion and forgiveness.  Drawing from the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 and reminders throughout Scripture, Rachael and Natalie encourage moms to:  Address sin with truth and grace, not avoidance or outbursts.  Speak to their daughter’s identity in Christ, rather than letting her mistakes define her.  Pray persistently, trusting that God is faithful to pursue her heart even when she has turned away.  This conversation is both sobering and hope-filled. If you are in a season of heartbreak over your daughter’s choices, you’ll be reminded that you are not alone—and that God equips you with wisdom, love, and endurance to walk through it.  Because at the end of the day, your daughter’s story is still being written, and God is the author who never gives up on His children.  Scripture References:  Luke 15:11–32  John 8:11 (“Go and sin no more”)  Colossians 3:12  Matthew 5:14–16  Jude 1:1  1 Peter 5:6–7  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. 

Burnout isn’t just an adult problem—it’s showing up in the lives of our daughters at alarming rates. Between heavy academic loads, endless extracurriculars, and the pressure to be “perfect” online and in real life, girls today are carrying stress that leaves them weary in body, mind, and spirit.  On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Rachael Culpepper, Executive Director of American Heritage Girls, sits down with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, physician, international speaker, and bestselling author of Sacred Rest. Together, they unpack how burnout is shaping this generation of girls—and how moms can step in with both wisdom and grace.  Dr. Saundra shares practical ways to recognize the warning signs of burnout, the dangerous link between perfectionism and exhaustion, and why rest is not a luxury, but a God-designed necessity. Rachael and Dr. Saundra also explore the different kinds of rest beyond sleep—social, emotional, creative, and spiritual—and how each one can help restore your daughter’s resilience.  If you’ve ever wondered how to support your girl when she’s running on empty, this conversation will give you hope and direction. Because at the heart of it all is the reminder Jesus gives us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  Scripture References:  Matthew 11:28  Learn more about Dr. Saundra’s work at ichoosemybestlife.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.