The Strong Women Podcast

Do you wonder if God will forgive that sin or heal that wound? The one that still haunts you? You’ll want to listen to today’s episode. After a dysfunctional family life, sexual abuse, and two abortions, God saved Sheri Friedman and led her on a long journey of healing. Sheri’s story reminds us that God redeems the darkest parts of our stories and frees us to offer His redemption to others.    Healed in Mercy  Agape Women’s Clinic  Colson Fellows  Rachel’s Vineyard  Unveiling Grace: The Story of How We Found Our Way out of the Mormon Church by Lynn K. Wilder  Let Justice Roll Down by John M. Perkins  Heaven by Randy Alcorn    Give today at colsoncenter.org/swoctober to receive your copy of What Do I Say When...? by Andrew and Christian Walker and a year-long subscription to the Identity Project.   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 anti-life lies do pro-life Christians believe? According to Riley Schneider, many Christians have subtle assumptions about children, parenting, and flourishing that contradict their pro-life convictions. And these lies are hindering the pro-life movement. As a young woman who faced death head-on, Riley is passionate about promoting life by advocating for unborn babies and parents in crisis. Tune in to hear her story and learn what Christians must do if we’re truly going to protect vulnerable lives in our anti-life culture. Voices for the Voiceless  Students for Life poll  Traction by Gino Wickman  Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling  Strong Women is a listener funded program from The Colson Center. To join our community of women who make this free program possible, visit colsoncenter.org/swmonthly. We are excited to officially invite you to the 2025 Colson Center National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, May 30 to June 1, 2025. Our theme this year is “Be the Church.” We talk a lot about the Church on Strong Women, because the Church is God’s plan A for restoring all things. In our day and age, it’s easy to think of the Christian faith only in individual terms. But God is not just saving individuals—He's making a People, the Church. And before the Church can do what we’re called to do, we must first understand who we are as the body of Christ. We'll explore that question this year, and hear from fantastic speakers like Rosaria Butterfield, Scott Klusendorf, Carl Trueman, and many others. So, come join us at CCNC 2025 and learn with the Church what it means to be the Church. For more details, or to secure your seat, go to colsonconference.org.  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

When Jullie and Matt Love opened The Well, their goal wasn’t just to serve great coffee, but to share the life Jesus promises in John 4:14. Through deep conversations and ongoing relationships, they’re making disciples in one of the most diverse and busy cities in the country. Tune in to see how their commitment to loving their literal neighbors over the long haul has transformed their community and family. Show Notes: The Well Coffee House: https://www.thewellcoffeehouse.com/  Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver  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 

How can the Church lovingly engage with the transgender movement? This week, Dr. Katie McCoy guides us through the complexities of gender ideology, celebrating the diversity between men and women, and exploring how Christians can effectively care for those affected by transgender ideology. Join us to understand the balance of truth and love in this challenging conversation.   Summit Ministries - https://www.summit.org/  Identity Project - https://identityproject.tv/  The Meaning of Sex – J. Budziszewski   Genesis of Gender – Abigail Favale  To Be a Woman: The Confusion Over Female Identity and How Christians Can Respond – Katie McCoy  Love Thy Body - Nancy Pearcey  Theology of the Body - Pope John Paul II  Our Bodies Tell God Stories - Christopher West  God and the Transgender Debate - Andrew Walker   When Harry became Sally – Ryan Anderson      No habit is neutral. To help you develop Christ-centered habbits, grab a free copy of Habits that Aim our Affections at colsoncenter.org/habits.   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     

“When our churches are ugly, it’s a bad witness.” That’s what this week’s guest believes—what do you think? Roberta Ahmanson is Christian, journalist, and art lover. Alongside her husband Harold, she advocates for Christians filling the world and the Church with beauty. Tune in to discover why art matters and why our sacred spaces should reflect the beauty of the Heavenly City.  Peter Bruegel artwork  Visual Commentary on Scripture  Image Journal: A Conversation with Roberta Ahmanson  Godshuizen in Bruges, Belgium  Ancient Christian Doctrine Series edited by Thomas C. Oden  Plutarch’s Lives  King and Emperor, A New Life of Charlemagne  Dana Stabenow's Kate Shugate series in Alaska    No habit is neutral. To help you develop Christ-centered habbits, grab a free copy of Habits that Aim our Affections at colsoncenter.org/habits.     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     

Päivi Räsänen, a former Finnish Minister of the Interior and a current parliamentarian known for her strong Christian beliefs, shares her powerful legal battles over free speech sparked by her biblical views on marriage. She reflects on her childhood faith and the decline of Christianity in Finland, discussing the tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ issues. Throughout her trials, she emphasizes resilience, the importance of community, and daily spiritual practices, offering insight into her journey of faith and the transformative power of sharing the truth.

Are you waiting for different circumstances to flourish in your faith? You don’t have to wait, because God is at work right where you are. Ruth Chou Simons, author of Now and Not Yet, reminds us that we can deepen our relationship with God even when we’re not yet where we want to be. Tune in for an encouraging discussion on seasons of waiting, freedom from striving, and resting in God’s grace. Show Notes:  Now and Not Yet: Pressing in When You’re Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More by Ruth Chou Simons When Strivings Cease: Replacing the Gospel of Self-Improvement with the Gospel of Life-Transforming Grace by Ruth Chou Simons Future Grace: The Purifying Power of the Promises of God by John Piper GraceLaced You Are What You Love: the Spiritual Power of Habit by James K.A. Smith   You Are a Theologian by Jen Wilkin and J.T. English No habit is neutral. To help you develop Christ-centered habbits, grab a free copy of Habits that Aim our Affections at colsoncenter.org/habits. In collaboration with Focus on the Family, we are excited to announce Lighthouse Voices returns on September 10 at 7pm Eastern. Lighthouse Voices is a livestreamed event series designed to help Christians navigate today’s cultural landscape with truth AND love.  We will be talking about Resilient Faith in a Digital World with Samuel James, author of the new book Digital Liturgies. Contrary to what we may think, technology isn’t neutral. The mindless act of scrolling on our phones and consuming digital content DOES something to us. It reshapes the way we relate to God and truth. James will highlight five ways digital habits have slowly starved our souls and will point us to the abundant life we can enjoy when we trade digital addiction for godly wisdom. This faith-shaping conversation will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. To attend via livestream or in person in Holland, Michigan, register for free today at 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     

Dependence invites us to experience greater joy in the Lord—and Joni Eareckson Tada’s life testifies to this joy. She joins us today to share the wisdom she’s gained through years of following Jesus. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and tune in to hear what God is teaching Joni about Himself in this season of life.    Show Notes:  Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves  The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown  Facing the Mountain by Daniel James Brown  Strong Women S1 E 3: Who We Are is Rooted With Joni Eareckson Tada No habit is neutral. To help you develop Christ-centered habbits, grab a free copy of Habits that Aim our Affections at colsoncenter.org/habits. In collaboration with Focus on the Family, we are excited to announce Lighthouse Voices returns on September 10 at 7pm Eastern. Lighthouse Voices is a livestreamed event series designed to help Christians navigate today’s cultural landscape with truth AND love.  We will be talking about Resilient Faith in a Digital World with Samuel James, author of the new book Digital Liturgies. Contrary to what we may think, technology isn’t neutral. The mindless act of scrolling on our phones and consuming digital content DOES something to us. It reshapes the way we relate to God and truth. James will highlight five ways digital habits have slowly starved our souls and will point us to the abundant life we can enjoy when we trade digital addiction for godly wisdom. This faith-shaping conversation will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. To attend via livestream or in person in Holland, Michigan, register for free today at colsoncenter.org/lighthouse.   Get free digital access to CCNC 2024 when you make a gift to the Colson Center by August 31st. Access includes all mainstage sessions from the conference, featuring speakers like Calvin Robinson, Cathy Cooke, Neil Shenvi and more. Every gift given will support the next three months of ministry, including brand new What Would You Say videos, Breakpoint forums and the ongoing production of Strong Women and Breakpoint. Ultimately, when you support these initiatives, you're helping us strengthen everyday Christians with courageous faith. To make your gift and get access to CCNC 2024 online, go to ColsonCenter.org/August.   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 

Christianity is exploding across India. For the last 25 years, Rebecca Stanley has participated in God’s work there through evangelism, church planting, and advocating for the vulnerable. Rebecca joins us in-studio to share how God is building His Church in India and bringing life and purpose to men and women on the fringes of society. Kairos Global Foundation  Kingdom Unleashed by Jerry Trousdale, Glenn Sunshine, with Gregory C. Benoit  The Unshakable Kingdom and the Unchanging Person by E. Stanley Jones Does the thought of voting stress you out—especially this year? Maybe the idea of political engagement as a Christian even feels hopeless. You’re not alone. You want wisdom, but the Bible doesn’t directly address voting, so what do you do?   To help you find clarity, stability, and wisdom for this year, we’ve put together a short, four-episode video series called “Why Vote? Courageous Faith in an Election Year.” Each video answers a different question about voting from a Christian perspective, including “What if I don’t like either candidate?” “Why vote if God is sovereign?” and more. You don’t have to give in to our culture’s political anxiety. Clarity and hope is possible- even in an election year. Get your FREE access to the “Why Vote?” video series at colsoncenter.org/whyvote. Get free digital access to CCNC 2024 when you make a gift to the Colson Center by August 31st. Access includes all mainstage sessions from the conference, featuring speakers like Calvin Robinson, Cathy Cooke, Neil Shenvi and more. Every gift given will support the next three months of ministry, including brand new What Would You Say videos, Breakpoint forums and the ongoing production of Strong Women and Breakpoint. Ultimately, when you support these initiatives, you're helping us strengthen everyday Christians with courageous faith. To make your gift and get access to CCNC 2024 online, go to ColsonCenter.org/August. 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

Grief, trauma, and shame thrive in the darkness—but honesty enables us to walk in the light of healing and freedom. Tune in for a story of redemption and healing from Anne Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne’s pretzels. More than a successful businesswoman, Anne is a woman of God who has walked through devastating loss and trauma and discovered the freedom that comes when we share our burdens with those who love us.        Show Notes:  Overcome and Lead by Auntie Anne Beiler  Transforming Trauma into Triumph by Shanea Clancy    The Rhythm of Home by Chris and Jenni Graebe    Does the thought of voting stress you out—especially this year? Maybe the idea of political engagement as a Christian even feels hopeless. You’re not alone. You want wisdom, but the Bible doesn’t directly address voting, so what do you do?   To help you find clarity, stability, and wisdom for this year, we’ve put together a short, four-episode video series called “Why Vote? Courageous Faith in an Election Year.” Each video answers a different question about voting from a Christian perspective, including “What if I don’t like either candidate?” “Why vote if God is sovereign?” and more. You don’t have to give in to our culture’s political anxiety. Clarity and hope is possible- even in an election year. Get your FREE access to the “Why Vote?” video series at colsoncenter.org/whyvote.   Get free digital access to CCNC 2024 when you make a gift to the Colson Center by August 31st. Access includes all mainstage sessions from the conference, featuring speakers like Calvin Robinson, Cathy Cooke, Neil Shenvi and more. Every gift given will support the next three months of ministry, including brand new What Would You Say videos, Breakpoint forums and the ongoing production of Strong Women and Breakpoint. Ultimately, when you support these initiatives, you're helping us strengthen everyday Christians with courageous faith. To make your gift and get access to CCNC 2024 online, go to ColsonCenter.org/August.   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