Wonderfully Made WonderfullyMade

Scars are permanent. Whether they are physical, emotional, spiritual, or other, they are a perpetual part of us. They are reminders of the pain and suffering we have endured, and as such, can bring us shame, rejection, and pain. Allie Marie Smith interviews Dr. Michelle Bengtson about turning pain into purpose. They discuss the concept of scars and how they can lead to feelings of shame and fear. Dr. Bengtson shares her personal story of enduring physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational scars and how she found healing and purpose through her faith. They also explore the themes of redemption and the power of surrendering one's life to God. 
Takeaways
 
-Scars are the end result of the healing process after a wound has occurred, and they can be physical, emotional, spiritual, or relational.
-Scars can lead to feelings of shame and fear, which can isolate us and prevent us from living in our true purpose.
-God can use our scars to bring healing and purpose to our lives, and he offers forgiveness and redemption for our mistakes.
-It is important to be honest with God about our pain and to seek support from safe and understanding individuals.
-The book of Psalms provides comfort and validation for our emotions, and the story of Job reminds us that God can bring good out of our suffering.
-Surrendering our lives to God allows us to experience his love, forgiveness, and abundant life.
 
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In this conversation, Allie Marie Smith and Robin Ryan McDonald discuss the importance of optimal health in body, mind, and spirit. They emphasize that body size is not an accurate indicator of overall health and that grace-based decisions should be made to improve health. Robin shares her personal journey of struggling with body image and finding healing through nutrition. They discuss the impact of knowing one's worth and value on overall health and well-being. Robin provides practical tips for creating a grace-based healthy lifestyle, including staying hydrated, eating enough food, and getting outside for a 15-minute walk. She encourages every girl and woman to prioritize their health because they are precious and valuable.
 
Takeaways
 
-Body size is not an accurate indicator of overall health.
-Grace-based decisions should be made to improve health.
-Knowing one's worth and value has a positive impact on overall health and well-being.
-Practical tips for creating a grace-based healthy lifestyle include staying hydrated, eating enough food, and getting outside for a 15-minute walk.
-Every girl and woman should prioritize their health because they are precious and valuable.
 
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The dignity of girls and women is under attack. In this conversation, author, speaker and former model Jennifer Strickland talks about the dignity of womanhood and biblical womanhood. She talks about the cultural attack on womanhood, the power embedded in the name woman, and the role of women as life-givers and protectors. Jennifer shares her personal journey from being a former model to becoming a speaker and author dedicated to helping young women see their value and identity in God's eyes. They also address the current issues of gender confusion, the importance of speaking up and taking a stand, and the role of the church in addressing these issues. The conversation ends with a call to action for women to mentor and invest in younger girls and to be truth-tellers in a world that often distorts the true identity of women.
 
Takeaways
 
-Womanhood is under a cultural attack, and it is important for Christians to uphold the dignity of womanhood with clarity and compassion.
-The name woman carries power and meaning, as women are designed to bring life and uphold and stabilize mankind.
-Women have a unique role as protectors and guardians, warning of danger and bringing life-giving perceptions to their relationships.
-It is crucial for the church to address the issues of gender confusion and to stand up for the protection of vulnerable girls.
-Women have a responsibility to mentor and invest in younger girls, being truth-tellers and helping them understand their value and identity in God's eyes.
 
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Have you experienced trauma at the hands of others? Are you having a hard time healing and finding forgiveness? In this episode, Allie Marie Smith and guest Susannah Griffith discuss the topic of forgiving after trauma. They explore the intersection of Biblical forgiveness and trauma. They discuss the common ways girls and women have been traumatized, and the harmful ways forgiveness has been weaponized. They also discuss the importance of acknowledging and processing anger, the concept of trauma-informed forgiveness, and practical steps for healing and biblical forgiveness. The conversation emphasizes the importance of putting the survivor first and allowing them to heal at their own pace. If you have experienced trauma we hope this conversation will help you heal and move forward. 
 
Takeaways
-Trauma is an adaptive reality of how our bodies, emotions, and spirits seek to survive in a world shattered by circumstances outside of our control.
-Many girls and women have been traumatized by others, especially sexually.
-The Bible does not condone or require immediate forgiveness in cases of trauma.
-Anger is a valid emotion and can be part of the healing process.
-Trauma-informed forgiveness involves prioritizing the survivor's safety and well-being.
-Practical steps for healing and biblical forgiveness include seeking professional help, setting boundaries, and engaging in self-care.
 
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Do you ever experience emotions that leave you paralyzed and confused? In this conversation, Allie Marie Smith interviews Dr. Allison Cook about conflicting thoughts and emotions. Dr. Cook shares the core message of her book, 'I Shouldn't Feel This Way,' which focuses on naming and understanding complicated emotions. She emphasizes the importance of getting curious and compassionate with ourselves, as well as the process of framing and braving our emotions. Dr. Cook introduces the MEPS exercise as a practical tool for self-reflection and communication. She also discusses the concept of gaslighting ourselves and the need for self-compassion. The conversation concludes with a reminder of God's desire for healing and the importance of knowing our worth.
 
Takeaways
 
-Name and understand your emotions, especially the complicated ones.
-Get curious and compassionate with yourself, allowing for the coexistence of conflicting feelings.
-Practice the MEPS exercise (Mental, Emotional, Physical, Spiritual) for self-reflection and communication.
-Avoid gaslighting yourself and instead cultivate self-compassion.
-Remember that God desires healing for every part of you and that your healing journey is not selfish.
 
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Do you ever make progress in an area in your life only to self-sabotage? In this conversation, Dr. Alison Cook discusses the topic of self-sabotage and provides insights into why we undermine our own success and well-being. She explains that self-sabotage is like sabotaging someone else, but directed towards ourselves. Common ways women self-sabotage include procrastination, negative self-talk, and thinking traps. Women are particularly prone to self-sabotage due to guilt messages and societal expectations. Dr. Cook emphasizes the importance of getting curious and compassionate with ourselves, reframing negative self-talk, and taking small brave steps towards change.
 
Takeaways
Self-sabotage is when we consciously or unconsciously undermine our own success and well-being.
Common ways women self-sabotage include procrastination, negative self-talk, and thinking traps.
Women are particularly prone to self-sabotage due to guilt messages and societal expectations.
Getting curious and compassionate with ourselves is key to overcoming self-sabotage.
Taking small brave steps towards change can help break the cycle of self-sabotage.
 
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Get Allie's Book: “Wonderfully Made: Discover the Identity, Love, and Worth You Were Created For”
 
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