Real Talk With Rachael Podcast

When motives go wrong, it’s an attack on our original design. This week our theme is Motives Restored from chapter 12 of my book, Image Restored. Therapist Thoughts: People are not born with core beliefs; they are learned. What core beliefs have you learned about your body that God would love to rewrite? Process: One of the best questions I’ve learned to ask that uproots the mold in my heart is this: “Why are you chasing what you are chasing?” Pray: Psalm 26:2, "Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind." Resource: The resource I recommend for all of these episodes is my book, Image Restored. (If you’ve already purchased the book, join the private community on the book page. We will email you free resources and printables you can use right away.) What's Your Body Trying to Tell You Quiz

This week our theme is Identity Restored from chapter 11 of my book, Image Restored. This chapter is about comparison and I felt God highlight this as an identity issue. When we are busy comparing ourselves to others, we fail to see who God created us to be. Three Rs to breaking a comparison yardstick: Recognize Repent Rejoice Therapist Thoughts: Body-checking is the habit of seeking (or avoiding) information about your body’s weight, shape, size, or appearance. A counselor can help if body-checking becomes problematic or interferes with your life, affects your eating habits, or becomes a way to control fear and anxiety about your body. When you find yourself body-checking, take a moment to check in with your heart and ask, "What am I looking for?" Process: Next time you compare, ask, what am I looking for? What is missing in my heart that makes it hard for me to celebrate others? Resource: The resource I recommend for all of these episodes is my book, Image Restored. (If you’ve already purchased the book, jo

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm talking with author (and certified laughing yoga coach) Ainsley Britain about her book Don't Date a BooBoo Dude. Ainsley is also a Podcast Host and Enneagram Coach, helping young adults embrace their confidence, date healthy, and discover their identity in Christ. With extensive training with Josh Shipp, SheSpeaks, and Your Enneagram Coach, she reaches young adults and spurs them on to healthy, God-filled relationships. Key Points from Our Conversation: Ainsley wrote Don't Date a BooBoo Dude from her experience of putting her worth in the hands of someone who abused her, although she wouldn't identify it as abuse until years later. Her abuser reinforced the lies about her identity that she already believed. Through counseling and prayer, she was able to recognize what was really happening. After doing the work of counseling, EMDR treatments, and spending time with God, she stopped over-apologizing, became more confident, and began asking for what she needed in relation

This week our theme is Worship Restored from chapter 10 of my book, Image Restored. This chapter is about idols, but I don’t think God wants to restore our idols. In fact, He wants to demolish them so worship can be restored. We are designed to worship, the question is to what or who are we worshipping? God detests anything that comes between Him and us. The temple falls when idols enter because we turn our hearts away from the Lord and worship a god that can never meet our deepest needs. Here’s the good news: God knew He would battle against idols to keep our hearts turned toward Him. This is just one more reason He sent Jesus to die for our sins. The answer to overcoming idols is letting Jesus access every area of our hearts. DON’T LET SHAME AND SECRETS KEEP YOU FROM RETURNING TO HIM TO REPENT OF YOUR SIN. Therapist Thoughts: Shame is often associated with “should” statements. This is one type of distorted thinking that affects our decisions. These “shoulds” can often lead us to the land of neglect or obses

So far in the Retored Series, we have covered truth, temple, union, hope, family, heart, mind, and emotions. This week our theme is Behaviors Restored from chapter 9 of my book, Image Restored. Therapist Thoughts: "The diet industry puts a lot of effort into trying to help people change their habits through willpower and behavioral modifications. This top-down approach can be helpful for some people, but many people end up disillusioned, chasing one diet fad after another, because behavior modification alone is like trimming the top of a weed without getting all the roots. In contrast, a bottom-up approach addresses the root issues below the surface. With this approach, we switch directions, stop, take a deep breath, and invite God to show us His view of our bodies to make space for behaviors that come from our Creator’s core beliefs." - Adapted from Dr. Shannon Crawford Questions I get asked about body image include, but aren’t limited to, the following: What’s a healthy weight for my body type? Is it okay t

This week on Real Talk with Rachael my friend, Anne Watson, is sharing her personal story of body image and bullying. Anne is a business strategy coach and the host of the Swayology podcast. She helps coaches and communicators think like a business so they can inspire like a boss by getting crystal clear about their niche and creating a transformational offer that gets results. She currently lives in the Dallas, Texas area. Key Points from Our Conversation: After getting bullied about her nose, Anne had surgery but quickly realized that changing herself didn't stop all the bullying. Years later, she realized that what actually earned her the respect she was looking for was standing up for herself and defending her boundaries. Anne's core belief became that she needed to change herself for people to be kind to her instead of God's truth that we are valuable and loved as we are. A true change came when Anne changed her perspective to be grateful that her body had faithfully served her despite how poorly she

So far in the Restored series, we have covered truth, temple, union, hope, family, heart, and mind restored. This week our theme is emotions restored from chapter 8 of my book, Image Restored. In this chapter, we discussed how emotions have a way of letting us know what’s happening in our hearts if we will stop long enough to listen. Emotions are not something we need to hide from, yet in order to stop and embrace them, we must normalize them. It’s all part of our divine design. We often avoid feeling out of fear that we can’t control our emotions. However, the more we practice feeling and expressing emotions, the more we give them an outlet to be expressed in a healthy way. Therapist Thoughts: When a client pinpoints an emotion she is experiencing, I often ask, “Where do you feel that emotion in your body?” Sit for a moment, take three deep breaths, scan your body from head to toe, and notice where you feel any emotion. Process: God, do I have an incorrect view of my emotions? What emotion am I feeling right

So far in the Restored series, we have covered truth, temple, union, hope, family, and heart. This week our theme is mind restored from chapter 7 of the book. In this chapter, we discussed the power of our thoughts and how they shape our lives. Where your mind goes, your life will follow. Learning to take my thoughts captive has been the single thing that has changed the trajectory of my life. I was in my 20s when I first learned I could choose what I meditate on. I began to “change the channel” of my thoughts and noticed every area of my life improved. As a counselor, I often use CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) to help people reframe negative thoughts. I shared those same tools in Image Restored so I hope you utilize them in every area of your life. When confronted with a defeating thought, ask: 1. What would I do if this defeating thought weren’t true? 2. What would I do if I weren’t afraid? Any thought that disempowers you is not from the Lord. If you want a renewed and restored mind, starts by submitti

This week on Real Talk with Rachael in talking with author Michelle Myers. Michelle is the co-founder of She Works His Way. She is the author of Conversational Commentary on Acts: Gospel Mission Then and Now, Conversational Commentary on Ecclesiastes: Wisdom to Live for Heaven While on Earth, She Works His Way: A Practical Guide for Doing What Matters Most in a Get-Things-Done World, and Famous in Heaven and at Home. You can listen to Michelle weekly with her best friend and ministry partner on the She Works His Way podcast. She and her husband, James, live with their three children in Asheville, North Carolina, where James is the central discipleship pastor at Biltmore Church. Key Points from Our Conversation: Anything we think will satisfy us outside of Jesus will disappoint us 100% of the time. Our sole purpose is to fear God and keep His commandments. The emptiest feeling isn't not getting what you think you need to be happy, it's getting what you wanted and realizing that the Lord is all you need. If yo

So far in the Restored Series we have covered truth, temple, union, hope, and family. This week our theme is family from chapter 6 of the book. In this chapter, we discussed how trauma affects our body image. It was never God’s original design for His children to suffer the level of pain we endure today. That’s exactly why He sent Jesus to bear our pain and shame on the cross. One thing I know for certain is that pain and suffering leave a mark on our hearts. But it doesn’t have to get the final word. Today, I feel God saying He wants to restore wounded hearts. When He restores something, it’s even better than it was before. It goes back to His original design, which is a heart both shaped and loved by Him. Process: Lord, what area of my heart do you want to restore today? This chapter’s Therapist Thoughts: “EMDR acts like a reset button for clients to reconnect to memories that once harbored intense feelings of shame, fear, and sorrow. The once-held belief that vulnerability is a weakness is replaced with gr

So far in the Restored Series we have covered truth, temple, union, and hope. This week our theme is family from chapter 5 of the book. In this chapter, we discussed how our family of origin impacted our body image. The purpose of looking at our family is not to cast blame, but rather, to get healing and look for anything we do or don’t want to pass along to the next generations. This chapter’s Therapist Thoughts: An inner vow is often a promise we make to ourselves after being hurt or losing trust in someone. Though it feels like protection, it often brings more harm and barriers in relationships. Watch for words like never in your vocabulary to detect an inner vow. As I prepared for today’s episode, I felt the Lord say there are two areas He wants to heal: 1. Family relationships 2. Inner vows you’ve believed or spoken. Even if your family doesn’t change, you have the power to draw a line in the sand and reclaim territory the enemy has wreaked havoc in for generations. Scripture: Isaiah 61:4, “The Lord rebu

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm chatting with author Rebecca George about her new book, Do the Thing. Rebecca is also a speaker and host of the popular podcast Radical Radiance. Her greatest joy is helping women pursue their passions in a way that builds God’s kingdom. In her free time, she loves running outside or trying a new recipe with Garth Brooks playing in the background. Key Points from Our Conversation: Rebecca felt called to write Do the Thing as an encouragement and tool to help women who feel their hearts stirred by God, but also find themselves held back by fear and point them to the truth - our job is obedience. God is in charge of the outcome. A calling is that thread you find running through different seasons of your life. It's the thing that stirs you to use your unique set of talents to impact the kingdom.  When God prompts us to quit something sooner than we anticipated, we can experience shame or guilt. But there is no condemnation in Him. The assignment may change, but your call

So far in the series we have covered Truth, Temple, and Union Restored. This week our theme is Hope Restored from chapter 4 of the book. The title of this chapter is “Structural Stories.” Here we discussed stories that have shaped our core beliefs and how we view ourselves and the world. Many of you listening today have stories you could share about the pain and heartache you’ve experienced that was not your fault. I am so sorry. As I prepared for today’s episode I sensed God wants to restore your hope. Scripture: Psalm 34:4-5 Therapist Thoughts: Journaling is a great way to process emotions and events. This practice can also help you notice themes in your life. If you find it hard to write long journal entries, try using bullet points instead. Process: What story in your life brings fear, doubt, or shame? Journal about it. Look to God for help.

We started the series with Truth Restored, then Temple Restored. This week our theme is Union Restored from chapter 3 of my new book, Image Restored. There are two areas of a restored union to address today: you and your body and you and God. A restored body starts with a restored union with God. Scripture: Genesis 3:7-9 2 Corinthians 6:16 Therapist Thoughts: Learn to listen to the messages your body sends through both pain and pleasure. Make a list of things that feel kind to your body, and implement them in your self-care routine. Process: What is your relationship with God? Is it time to restore union with Him? What is your relationship with your body? Would you call her a distant acquaintance, an enemy, or your best friend?

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm speaking with one of my mentors, Dr. Linda Hoover. Linda serves as the Executive Dean of Academics at The King’s University. As a licensed psychologist and ordained minister, she has a heart for empowering others to realize their God-given potential and purpose. Linda enjoys sushi dates with her husband, Jared, long walks, and cooking with her grandchildren. Key Points from Our Conversation: If you struggle to receive grace, ask God to allow you to see yourself as He sees you. If you can't absorb grace, it's difficult to be satisfied with who and where you are or reach your potential.  Rejoice in the good and give yourself space to make mistakes.  When God brings something before us, it's because He knows we're capable of dealing with it. We may not know what we're doing, but we can trust Him to know what He's doing. Developing trust in relationships is incremental, even in our relationship with God. You have to trust to trust; risk is required to experience something

My book, Image Restored, was released last week and I felt led to start a series about restoration. When I completed writing the book, God showed me that each of the chapter's themes applies to so much more than body image. While this series can be used to address body image struggles, I am going to share it in a way that you can apply it to ANY area of your life. You do not need a copy of Image Restored to follow along with this series but of course, I recommend it.  Last week, we started the series with Truth Restored. This week our theme is Temple Restored. Therapist Thoughts: Have you ever considered how the original sin involved food? Unlike other addictions, food cannot simply be avoided. Not if we hope to live! What a vicious hijack by the enemy to take something God intended to be a blessing and turn it into a source of struggle and shame. - Dr. Linda Hoover Scripture: Matthew 27:51 The temple restoration starts in our hearts. Our hearts within these bodies house the spirit of God wherever we go. We d

My book, Image Restored, was released last week and I felt led to start a series about restoration. When I completed writing the book, God showed me that each of the chapter's themes applies to so much more than body image. While this series can be used to address body image struggles, I am going to share it in a way that you can apply it to ANY area of your life. You do not need a copy of Image Restored to follow along with this series but of course, I recommend it. Let’s get started in chapter one, Truth Restored. Therapist Thoughts: Core beliefs are an individual’s central ideas about herself, others, and the world. These beliefs act like a lens through which every situation is seen, and they shape how a person sees the world. Harmful core beliefs lead to negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, whereas rational core beliefs lead to positive reactions. Scripture: Matthew 7:24–27 To stop ourselves from sinking, we must take the time to build our body image on a spiritual foundation of solid rock. Process

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm chatting with my friend and the founder of Revelation Wellness, Alisa Keeton. Alisa is a leading certified wellness professional with more than 20 years of experience. She is a wholehearted pursuer of God’s love and is dedicated to educating and inspiring people to live healthy and whole lives in Christ. After more than twenty-five years as a fitness professional, Alisa felt God leading her to bring fresh meaning to the world of health and fitness. At first, she resisted but eventually, she got on her knees, rolled up her sleeves, and followed His call. In 2011, Alisa launched Revelation Wellness, a nonprofit ministry that uses fitness to spread the gospel message and invites participants to become their whole selves, designed by God. The Revelation Wellness instructor training program equips and sends out “fitness missionaries” throughout the United States and around the world. At the same time, RevWell TV brings faith-based online workouts and resources to anyone with

Tomorrow marks the release day of my first book, Image Restored so in the episode of Talk Therapy, I'm talking about finishing what you start when you've already quietly quit.  This week, process these questions: What is God nudging me to finish? What is getting in the way of me finishing? Don't forget to grab my book and see the fruit of finishing what we started at ImageRestoredBook.com!

This month, we're in a series about attachments. We’ve already examined a few attachment types and why I addressed this topic in the introduction of my book, Image Restored. Then we discussed secure attachment to Christ and our call. Last week and this week, I felt led to give you a glimpse of the private Image Restored podcast, available to those who preorder the book. While the whole book aims to deepen your secure attachment to our Creator, I’ve selected a few chapters that I feel will encourage you to grow in your relationship with Him in a new way. This week we're digging into chapter 13 which discusses body image and finding security in God's beauty. As a bonus, we are giving downloads of the chapter coloring pages that line up with these episodes. To grab those, head to ImageRestoredBook.com, preorder the book, then input your receipt for access to all the goodies so you can use the therapeutic coloring sheet with today’s episode.