The Strong Women Podcast Colson Center

You and I are not machines. We are trees. That’s just one of the beautiful observations in Joy Clarkson’s latest book, You Are a Tree: And Other Metaphors to Nourish Life, Thought, and Prayer. Joy joins us this week for a delightful conversation about metaphors and how they deepen our understanding of the human experience, including love, sadness, creativity, and even our own humanity. 
 
Plough Quarterly 

You Are a Tree: And Other Metaphors to Nourish Life, Thought, and Prayer by Joy Clarkson 

Heavenly Participation: The Weaving of a Sacramental Tapestry by Hans Boersma  

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck 

Shakespeare poem, Sonnet 116 

Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry 

A Series of Unfortunate Events series by Lemony Snicket 

Daniel Deronda by George Eliot 

The Marriage Question: George Eliot's Double Life by Clare Carlisle 

Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane by Andrew Graham-Dixon  

Secrets of God: Writings of Hildegard of Bingen translated by Sabina Flanagan  

 

We’re able to produce Strong Women and make it available for free thanks to the support of listeners like you. You make it possible for more women and girls to step out of shallow definitions of womanhood and into strong womanhood in Christ. We’re approaching the end of our fiscal year at the Colson Center, which is a critical time for raising support for the upcoming year of ministry. To support the production of the Strong Women podcast in the coming year, would you consider making a gift to the Colson Center by June 30? You can make your gift today at colsoncenter.org/swclarity. 

Do you or people you care about need help answering tough questions about sexuality, gender, and identity? Cut through the confusion with the Identity Project. This digital platform features over 150 videos from vetted experts addressing topics like same-sex attraction, parenting, pornography, transgender ideology, sexual health, marriage, and a theology of the body. Experts include apologist Sean McDowell, child safety advocate Maria Keffler, psychologist Andrew Sodergren, and former transgender-identifying author and speaker Laura Perry Smalts. Get a free, 24-hour trial to explore the entire library of videos at identityproject.tv.  

The Strong Women Podcast is a product of the Colson Center which equips Christians to live out their faith with clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Through commentaries, podcasts, videos, and more, we help Christians better understand what’s happening in the world, and champion what is true and good wherever God has called them.  Learn more about the Colson Center here: https://www.colsoncenter.org/  

Visit our website and sign up for our email list so that you can stay up to date on what we are doing here and also receive our monthly journal: https://www.colsoncenter.org/strong-women 

 Join Strong Women on Social Media:  

https://www.facebook.com/StrongWomenCC 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/strongwomencommunitycc/ 

https://www.instagram.com/strongwomencc/ 

https://linktr.ee/strongwomencc 

Laura Perry Smalts spent nine years rejecting God and chasing a different "gender identity." Despite Laura’s social, hormonal, and surgical attempts to become a man, the promises of gender ideology proved to be lies. In the face of her anger and hatred of God and the Church, God miraculously broke through Laura’s heart with loving conviction and compassion. Tune in to hear her incredible journey and learn how to persevere in Christlike love toward loved ones embracing gender ideology. 
 
Eden's Redemption 

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis 

God, Sex and Marriage by Juli Slattery 

Love Thy Body by Nancy Pearcey 

God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew 

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom 

As Christians, we’re called to love God with all our minds, and be transformed by the renewal of our minds. Without a mind that’s shaped by God’s Word, we’ll struggle to champion the truth, beauty, and goodness of God’s Kingdom in this time and place. To address this problem, Michael Craven, Vice President of Equipping and Mobilization at the Colson Center has written a brand-new, free e-book called The Christian Mind: Its Necessity to Christian Relevance and Renewal. It’s a primer on developing a thoroughly Christian mind for the sake of the Kingdom. If you want a more robust faith that actually shapes how you live in the world today, or if you’re wondering why cultivating a Christian mind really matters, you should read this book. You can grab your free copy by going to colsoncenter.org/book.    

The Strong Women podcast exists to display the beautifully diverse ways God invites and equips women to participate in His story, encouraging us to step out of shallow definitions of womanhood and into the freedom of strong womanhood in Christ. Strong Women is a listener-funded program from the Colson Center that is only available for free because it has already been paid for by hundreds of listeners like you. To support the ongoing production of Strong Women, visit colsoncenter.org/give today.    

The Strong Women Podcast is a product of the Colson Center which equips Christians to live out their faith with clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Through commentaries, podcasts, videos, and more, we help Christians better understand what’s happening in the world, and champion what is true and good wherever God has called them.  Learn more about the Colson Center here: https://www.colsoncenter.org/  

Visit our website and sign up for our email list so that you can stay up to date on what we are doing here and also receive our monthly journal: https://www.colsoncenter.org/strong-women 

Join Strong Women on Social Media:  

https://www.facebook.com/StrongWomenCC 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/strongwomencommunitycc/ 

https://www.instagram.com/strongwomencc/ 

https://linktr.ee/strongwomencc 

Sometimes we forget how radical and powerful God’s grace is. This week’s guest, Toni McFadden, has not forgotten. Toni travels the country to speak about abortion, promote healthy sexuality and relationships, and advocate for the unborn. After Toni had an abortion in high school, God transformed her life through radical salvation, healing, and a new calling. Her life testifies to how Jesus forgives our sin and redeems our stories. 
 
Toni’s Website  

Redeemed: My Journey After Abortion by Toni McFadden or at https://tonimcfadden.com/ 

Campus Crusade for Christ (Now Cru) 

Forgiven and Set Free: A Bible Study for Women Seeking Healing after Abortion by Linda Cochrane  

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis  

Live Action 

March for Life 

Pro Love Ministries and Love Line 

On the Threshold of Hope: Opening the Door to Healing for Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Diane Mandt Langberg  

“Remembering Pro-Life Trailblazer Mildred Jefferson,” Feb 4, 2020 Commentary from The Heritage Foundation  

 

Strong Women listeners, the Colson Center is accepting applications for the Colson Fellows program Class of ‘25, until June 30th. This flagship program takes participants on a ten-month journey into the study of the Christian life and worldview. Why? Because Christians need to understand the entire biblical story so we can properly order our lives and the world around us in a way that rightly relates to us God, self, others, and creation. You can expect to deepen your relationship with Christ, gain clarity in your calling, develop practical skills and wisdom, and join a powerful network of commissioned Colson Fellows around the globe. Ultimately, you’ll be equipped to make an impact for God’s Kingdom right where he has placed you. To learn more and apply before the June 30th deadline, go to www.colsonfellows.org. Please note, tuition increases $50 for all applications submitted after June 5, so submit your applications soon!     

The Strong Women podcast exists to display the beautifully diverse ways God invites and equips women to participate in His story, encouraging us to step out of shallow definitions of womanhood and into the freedom of strong womanhood in Christ. Strong Women is a listener-funded program from the Colson Center that is only available for free because it has already been paid for by hundreds of listeners like you. To support the ongoing production of Strong Women, visit colsoncenter.org/give today.   

The Strong Women Podcast is a product of the Colson Center which equips Christians to live out their faith with clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Through commentaries, podcasts, videos, and more, we help Christians better understand what’s happening in the world, and champion what is true and good wherever God has called them.  Learn more about the Colson Center here: https://www.colsoncenter.org/  

Visit our website and sign up for our email list so that you can stay up to date on what we are doing here and also receive our monthly journal: https://www.colsoncenter.org/strong-women 

Join Strong Women on Social Media:  

https://www.facebook.com/StrongWomenCC 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/strongwomencommunitycc/ 

https://www.instagram.com/strongwomencc/ 

https://linktr.ee/strongwomencc 

Living with unmet longings often feels like suffering. Rachel Miller knows, from experience, that our longings confront us with an opportunity to struggle toward God and community, rather than away from them. Her latest book is When It Hurts to Hope: Honest Conversations about Living with Unmet Longing. She joins us this week to talk about wrestling with longings and desires, and correcting the bad theology that worsens our suffering. 
 
Rachel’s Website 

When It Hurts to Hope, Honest Conversations About Living with Unmet Longing by Rachel Miller 

The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan 

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 

Emma by Jane Austen 

 

As Christians, we’re called to love God with all our minds, and be transformed by the renewal of our minds. Without a mind that’s shaped by God’s Word, we’ll struggle to champion the truth, beauty, and goodness of God’s Kingdom in this time and place. To address this problem, Michael Craven, Vice President of Equipping and Mobilization at the Colson Center has written a brand-new, free e-book called The Christian Mind: Its Necessity to Christian Relevance and Renewal. It’s a primer on developing a thoroughly Christian mind for the sake of the Kingdom. If you want a more robust faith that actually shapes how you live in the world today, or if you’re wondering why cultivating a Christian mind really matters, you should read this book. You can grab your free copy by going to colsoncenter.org/book.   

Strong Women listeners, the Colson Center is accepting applications for the Colson Fellows program Class of ‘25, until June 30th. This flagship program takes participants on a ten-month journey into the study of the Christian life and worldview. Why? Because Christians need to understand the entire biblical story so we can properly order our lives and the world around us in a way that rightly relates to us God, self, others, and creation. You can expect to deepen your relationship with Christ, gain clarity in your calling, develop practical skills and wisdom, and join a powerful network of commissioned Colson Fellows around the globe. Ultimately, you’ll be equipped to make an impact for God’s Kingdom right where he has placed you. To learn more and apply before the June 30th deadline, go to www.colsonfellows.org. Please note, tuition increases $50 for all applications submitted after June 5, so submit your applications soon!    

The Strong Women Podcast is a product of the Colson Center which equips Christians to live out their faith with clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Through commentaries, podcasts, videos, and more, we help Christians better understand what’s happening in the world, and champion what is true and good wherever God has called them.  Learn more about the Colson Center here: https://www.colsoncenter.org/  

Visit our website and sign up for our email list so that you can stay up to date on what we are doing here and also receive our monthly journal: https://www.colsoncenter.org/strong-women 

Join Strong Women on Social Media:  

https://www.facebook.com/StrongWomenCC 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/strongwomencommunitycc/ 

https://www.instagram.com/strongwomencc/ 

https://linktr.ee/strongwomencc 

 

What is motherhood all about? Elizabeth Schlueter helps us perceive the beautiful truth about motherhood amid cultural extremes. She joins us this week to challenge common myths about motherhood and cast a Christian vision for the beauty of self-giving love and sacrifice. Whether you're married or single, raising children or not, you’ll be encouraged to form a virtuous life centered around sacrificial love and committed relationships. 
 
Canavox.com 

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain  

Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be by Timothy P. Carney  

Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft 

Ethics and Public Policy Center 

Hallowed Be This House: Finding Signs of Heaven in Your Home by Thomas Howard  

Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization by Brad Wilcox 

As Christians, we’re called to love God with all our minds, and be transformed by the renewal of our minds. Without a mind that’s shaped by God’s Word, we’ll struggle to champion the truth, beauty, and goodness of God’s Kingdom in this time and place. To address this problem, Michael Craven, Vice President of Equipping and Mobilization at the Colson Center has written a brand-new, free e-book called The Christian Mind: Its Necessity to Christian Relevance and Renewal. It’s a primer on developing a thoroughly Christian mind for the sake of the Kingdom. If you want a more robust faith that actually shapes how you live in the world today, or if you’re wondering why cultivating a Christian mind really matters, you should read this book. You can grab your free copy by going to colsoncenter.org/book.  

Join us May 14 at 7pm Eastern for Lighthouse Voices with Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, co-authors of The Deconstruction of Christianity. Faith deconstruction is a growing movement influencing churches and drawing believers from the solid ground of biblical truth. At this event, Alisa Childers and Tim Barrnett will help us understand what deconstruction really is, why it’s influencing so many, and how the Church can help those who are wrestling with their faith. You’ll be equipped with practical tools to counter the influence of deconstruction and pursue those who are veering toward it. This free event will be held in-person in Holland, Michigan and online via livestream. To RSVP and claim your spot today, go to colsoncenter.org/lighthouse.   

The Strong Women Podcast is a product of the Colson Center which equips Christians to live out their faith with clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Through commentaries, podcasts, videos, and more, we help Christians better understand what’s happening in the world, and champion what is true and good wherever God has called them.  Learn more about the Colson Center here: https://www.colsoncenter.org/  

Visit our website and sign up for our email list so that you can stay up to date on what we are doing here and also receive our monthly journal: https://www.colsoncenter.org/strong-women 

Join Strong Women on Social Media:  

https://www.facebook.com/StrongWomenCC 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/strongwomencommunitycc/ 

https://www.instagram.com/strongwomencc/ 

https://linktr.ee/strongwomencc 

Megan Donahue grew up in a Mormon family whose roots reach all the way back to the founding of Mormonism. Though she sincerely believed as a child, she was discouraged from thoroughly investigating what she had been taught. Eventually, Megan’s beliefs unraveled as she grappled with long-held questions and the burden of works-based religion. Through the mess of doubt, she stepped away from everything she had ever known and asked God to show her the truth. She joins us this week to tell her story of leaving Mormonism and learning to trust Christ. 
 
Who Is Jesus?: A Bible Study on the “I AM” Statements of Christ LifeChange Bible Study Series by The Navigators 

Strong Women Podcast Episode 19. How the God of Truth Pursues Us: A Story Out of Mormonism with Sandra Tanner 

Shurley English Homeschooling materials 

Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder 

Little Miriam of Galilee by Edith Martin  

Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions by Arthur Bennett  

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff with Your Family: Simple Ways to Keep Daily Responsibilities from Taking Over Your Life by Richard Carlson 

Jeanne Robertson American humorist 

 

As Christians, we’re called to love God with all our minds, and be transformed by the renewal of our minds. Without a mind that’s shaped by God’s Word, we’ll struggle to champion the truth, beauty, and goodness of God’s Kingdom in this time and place. To address this problem, Michael Craven, Vice President of Equipping and Mobilization at the Colson Center has written a brand-new, free e-book called The Christian Mind: Its Necessity to Christian Relevance and Renewal. It’s a primer on developing a thoroughly Christian mind for the sake of the Kingdom. If you want a more robust faith that actually shapes how you live in the world today, or if you’re wondering why cultivating a Christian mind really matters, you should read this book. Again, it’s called The Christian Mind. You can grab your free copy by going to colsoncenter.org/book.  

Join us May 14 at 7pm Eastern for Lighthouse Voices with Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, co-authors of The Deconstruction of Christianity. Faith deconstruction is a growing movement influencing churches and drawing believers from the solid ground of biblical truth. At this event, Alisa Childers and Tim Barrnett will help us understand what deconstruction really is, why it’s influencing so many, and how the Church can help those who are wrestling with their faith. You’ll be equipped with practical tools to counter the influence of deconstruction and pursue those who are veering toward it. This free event will be held in-person in Holland, Michigan and online via livestream. To RSVP and claim your spot today, go to colsoncenter.org/lighthouse.  

The Strong Women Podcast is a product of the Colson Center which equips Christians to live out their faith with clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Through commentaries, podcasts, videos, and more, we help Christians better understand what’s happening in the world, and champion what is true and good wherever God has called them.  Learn more about the Colson Center here: https://www.colsoncenter.org/  

Visit our website and sign up for our email list so that you can stay up to date on what we are doing here and also receive our monthly journal: https://www.colsoncenter.org/strong-women 

Join Strong Women on Social Media:  

https://www.facebook.com/StrongWomenCC 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/strongwomencommunitycc/ 

https://www.instagram.com/strongwomencc/ 

https://linktr.ee/strongwomencc