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Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women — Christianity
Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

The go-to podcast for Christian women who want to grow stronger in their faith and stop living stuck in comparison!

Are you a Christian woman who’s tired of measuring yourself by the world’s standards? Have you tried to “fix yourself” with willpower, self-help, or even Christian clichés—but still feel like you’re falling short?Do you know the truth of God’s Word, yet struggle to believe it in your daily life?

Bonus: Have you ever wished you could just pray your struggles away in an instant? (Your secret’s safe here.)

If you answered yes, then Compared to Who? is the show for you!

Each week, we tackle the real issues Christian women face—comparison, body image issues, performance pressure, insecurity, identity, spiritual maturity, and more—through a practical, grace-filled, gospel-centered lens. You’ll find encouragement to trust God’s Spirit, rest in His promises, and grow deeper in your walk with Christ.

I’m Heather Creekmore—best-selling author, speaker, and follower of Jesus. After decades of chasing approval and perfection, I discovered that true freedom only comes through surrendering to Him. Now I help women like you exchange striving for peace, insecurity for identity, and comparison for confidence in Christ.

Every episode is packed with relatable stories, biblical truth, and honest encouragement to help you stop living stuck—and start living free in Jesus.

Find out more about me and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com

Want to join our podcast community on Facebook? Visit us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024

Latest Episodes:

Are You Anxious About Food, Clothes, and Body? Matthew 6 Jul 11, 2023

Show notes

In today's short, "7 Minutes of Scripture" replay we look at Matthew 6:25-34. This familiar passage in the Bible is where Jesus tells us not to worry. His instruction isn't generic. Notice, He tells us not to worry about a few specific things: food, drink, and clothing. What? Isn't this what this whole show is about? Body image fear?

Here are a few key points about body image fear and fears around our food as we look at the instruction from this passage:

We believe fear keeps us safe--safe from health issues or safe from negative opinions of others, but this is just one of fear's lies.
Fear tells us that we need it to keep us safe, we need to stay "worried" about our bodies so we don't "let ourselves go."
Fear sometimes looks like control and the fear of man (approval) so fear makes a triple play in the arena of body image and food.
Dieting, food rules, restriction, control, and body image stress are all a prison where we sit in a cell with the door open. We can have freedom, we simply have to take steps of faith (they can be small) to get out.

If you're ready to stop feeling afraid of all things related to your body image and your food, I hope you'll commit this passage to memory! Body image fear does not have to be your prison.

Lay Down Your Body Image Fear

Here's the text for Matthew 6:25-34 from the ESV (look it up for yourself so you can follow along).

Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Be Anxious

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[a] 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Ready for Christian body image coaching? Visit: www.comparedtowho.me

Want to learn more about our sponsor, Classical Conversations? Visit: www.classicalconversations.com/comparedtowho

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do You Deserve to Wear Shorts? Unpacking Why We Don't Feel Worthy Jul 07, 2023

Show notes

Do you deserve to wear shorts? Today's summer replay was inspired by Mindy Pickens' brilliant post from a few years ago, "Do You Deserve to Wear Shorts?". In today's show, Heather Creekmore talks through this hot summer topic unpacking the question: What makes one "worthy" to wear shorts? Heather digs into why we get stuck believing that our legs must stay hidden inside jeans and leggings, even when the temperature soars. If you've ever worn pants to the beach or pool ... or if you've ever declined an invitation to an event because shorts would be expected-- this show's for you! Here are some things to check out if you like what you hear.

Nick Vujicic ministries

Staff Sergeant. Johnny Joey Jones leg's meme.

Today's show is sponsored by Classical Conversations. To learn more about this great homeschooling program, visit: www.classicalconversations.com/comparedtowho

Ready for Christian body image coaching? Learn more at www.comparedtowho.me or schedule a free ten minute coaching consultation!

Are we email friends yet? Join the Compared to Who? email list and get the free, 5 day body image challenge. Join at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do You Long to Be Hot or Holy? Striving for Holiness in a World That Wants Us to Be Hot Jul 04, 2023

Show notes

Today's show is a replay of one of the most popular shows of last year. Even if you've already listened, it's a great reminder and encouragement for all of us to remember what it is we are truly called to pursue. Do you want to be hot or holy?

Like me, you may struggle not to have your answer be: I want to be both! Yet pursuing a better body can often precede our priorities over pursuing Christ-likeness.

Longing for beauty isn't something to be ashamed of. We've been programmed to believe that our value is based on our appearance or connected to how we look. It takes a lot of faith and trust in God to break free from the world's economy of beauty. On today's show, we talk about how shifting our greatest pursuit to holiness instead of the culture's definition of beauty can transform our lives and feel the freedom in Christ that we long for. If you struggle with wanting to be hot more than you want to be holy, today's show is for you!

Here's where we go today as we discuss pursuing being hot or holy:

How do we truly desire to be more like Jesus?
How do we free ourselves from the mindset that an improved physical appearance gives us the most value?
Does Hot or Holy have to be a choice?
How do we focus on making our hearts more beautiful when culture tells us our greatest need is a better body?
What does Jesus really ask of us in the arena of pursuing holiness?
The Catholic Litany of Humility - and its amazing reminders of how to lay down our desires to pursue recognition, glory, praise and worship for ourselves in order to keep our focus on worshipping Jesus.
Erin Todd's "A Former Dieters Prayer for Humility" - Erin does an amazing job re-writing the original to speak to each of the issues we face in the body image/dieting/wellness realm. Print it somewhere you can read it daily!

Today's show is sponsored by Classical Conversations. Learn more about this great homeschool program at: https://www.classicalconversations.com/comparedtowho

Are we email friends yet? Join the 5 Day Body Image Freedom Email Challenge here: https://comparedtowho.me

Have you read Compared to Who? Check it out and start reading free, here: https://comparedtowho.me/compared-to-who-book-for-christian-women-on-body-image/

Ready for some extra support on your journey to body image freedom?

Do you want to believe you are more than a body but still feel stuck? Struggling with the hot or holy paradigm? Check out Heather’s coaching options. Learn more here: https://comparedtowho.me/christian-body-image-coaching-insecurity-confidence-gospel/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Peaceful Pursuit of Purpose: Featuring Rebecca George Jun 30, 2023

Show notes

Today Heather talks to her friend, author and podcast host Rebecca George. Rebecca is a pastor's wife, speaker, author, and podcaster who has been a runner most of her life. Today Heather and Rebecca talk about how Rebecca's relationship with running has taught her things about her body image and goal setting. They also discuss the pressures of social media, the importance of finding rest, and discovering one's purpose and calling. Heather and Rebecca share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate the pressure of social media and the importance of grace in the pursuit of self-discipline.

Check out Rebecca's Etsy shop (with the cute earrings Heather mentioned), here: RadicalRadianceStore

Listen to Heather's appearance on Rebecca's show here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/075-living-a-comparison-free-life-with-heather-creekmore/id1484726102?i=1000507700414

Check out Rebecca's podcast here: https://www.radicalradiance.live

Check out her new book here: "Do The Thing" Book (Amazon affiliate link- a tiny portion of your purchase goes back to the ministry)

Learn more about coaching:

www.improvebodyimage.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Going Verse By Verse on What the Bible Says About Gluttony Part 2 Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

The June 16th episode on gluttony caught many listeners by surprise, so today Heather revisits this topic to go even deeper into what the Bible says about gluttony. Heather delves into the topic of gluttony again and provides listeners with tools to think critically about what it means according to Scripture, not bloggers or internet pundits.

Today Heather discusses how the Church has historically used manmade created lists of virtues and vices but how it's crucial to interpret them in light of God's word. She also questions how our interpretations of scripture have been influenced by diet culture and encourages listeners to have conversations with their spiritual leaders about this topic, with their Bibles open.

Here are some of the resources referenced in today's show:

Listen to part one on Gluttony here: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/what-is-gluttony-really-what-the-bible-really-says

John Cassian's 8 Vices: https://www.wenorthodox.com/forum/on-spiritual-life/on-the-eight-vices-st-john-cassian-c-ad-360-c-435

Some interesting thoughts on Evagrius Ponticus and John Cassian from a Catholic priest: https://desertfathers.blogspot.com/2014/02/mysticism-evagrius-ponticus-and-john.html

Deuteronomy 21:18

Today's episode is sponsored by Classical Conversations. Learn more at: www.classicalconversations.com/comparedtowho

Have you subscribed to the Compared to Who? show? Do so on your favorite podcast app!

Ready for Christian body image coaching? Learn more at: comparedtowho.me

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

4 Things to Do In Bad Body Image Day, Week, or Season Jun 23, 2023

Show notes

Host Heather Creekmore shares what to do when you have a bad body image day or week where you just feel really bad about your body. Heather shares from a recent experience having her own "body image flare up" and how she handled it. The episode also covers topics like grieving our past or ideal bodies, recognizing vulnerability to body image attacks, and creating resources to prevent spiraling out of control when you're struggling. Heather describes how body image issues are often connected to other pain in life talks in depth about her struggle with body dysmorphia, feeling confused about her true size and appearance, has looked over the years. The episode also discusses how societal constructs perpetuated by media and advertising contribute to the idea of a perfect body being the key to happiness. Heather also shares different tactics the enemy uses to tempt a person and how we can help ourselves and others avoid making things worse and spiraling out of control. Join the conversation to gain insight into how to cope with a tough day in the body image battle.

Are you ready for Christian body image coaching? Learn more or grab a ten minute coaching consult for free at:www.improvebodyimage.com or www.comparedtowho.me

Today's episode is sponsored by Classical Conversations. Learn more at: www.classicalconversations.com/comparedtowho

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Why I Want to Try Ozempic: What You Need to Know if this Weight Loss Drug Tempts You Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

Have you been following the Ozempic or Wegovy weight loss drug trends that are skyrocketing in our culture? It seems like it may be the "miracle solution" every dieter has dreamed of. It's not a pill, but a shot that you can take that seems to melt the weight right off. In today's show we're going to talk about what these drugs really do to the body, what the side effects are (and there are a lot of them), and how they may not actually address the real issues behind body image issues that connect to weight.

Here are some of the important data points from today:

Wegovy/Ozempic are semaglutide that mimic the GLP-1 Hormone to help lower your blood sugar and suppress your appetite and slows your digestion.
You still have to diet and exercise to lose weight on these drugs.
There are so many potentially dangerous or lifestyle devastating side effects of these drugs, it's important to understand the physical costs of these drugs.
There may also be a risk of all the side effects that come with calorie restriction, aside from and along with the side effects of the medication. Here are the episode I did with Tracy Brown on the effects of disordered eating and eating disorders on our bodies. Did Your Dieting Hurt Your Body? Feat. Tracy Brown and Stomach, GI Tract Issues That Connect to Dieting & Disordered Eating
These drugs are also expensive, especially if you don't have diabetes or another condition where insurance will help pay for it.
Weight loss can't fix eating disorders, trauma, or body image issues. Check out this USA Today article: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/04/02/downside-weight-loss-medication-side-effects-big-pharma/11464954002/
What "Ozempic Face" is and how it's being "fixed" and how this proves that weight loss alone doesn't fix our body image issues.
From the USA Today piece linked above: "In the longest study, lasting 68 weeks – about 16 months – weight loss plateaued and started to climb again by the end, suggesting people's bodies had acclimated to the drugs."
If what is most dangerous for most of us, health wise, is weight cycling, not necessarily having a higher weight, is Ozempic/Wegovy the healthiest option?
How hard it is to watch people melt away the weight with weight loss drugs, but remember that it costs something and may not last. It certainly can't solve the issues of the heart around our body image issues, envy, or even struggles with our worth.
**Updated 6-22: An Ozempic provider reached out to me to clarify that these drugs can be helpful for women who have truly struggled at higher weights with healthy habits and need intervention and inspiration to pursue a different lifestyle. She has seen it be effective in these cases and believes the side effects may be more nuanced than presented on the pharmaceutical company's website. This podcast is not intended for medical advice, please consult your physician.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What is Gluttony, Really? What the Bible Really Says About Gluttony Jun 16, 2023

Show notes

Today Heather digs into the topic of gluttony. So many of us have been taught in the church that gluttony equals overeating. We've felt shame, guilt, and stress as we've tried to not be "gluttonous" in the way we've related to food. And, in that desire and pursuit of not committing this sin, we've been co-opted by the myths and rules of diet culture. We've learned that going back for seconds or enjoying Thanksgiving dinner is gluttony. But, does the Bible really connect gluttony to food and our enjoyment of it? Does the Bible really say that gluttony is eating more calories than we need? Does God really watch every bite we eat waiting for us to cross the line into gluttony when we eat? You'll be surprised by all the helpful, Biblical truth in this episode as we dig in to what the Bible really says about gluttony.

Main Takeaways from this Episode:

The enemy has held us in guilt and shame and condemnation around Gluttony according to a standard that is not the Bible standard at all.
If you're trying to do intuitive eating and it feels uncomfortable because your body keeps telling you you're hungry and you're eating more than you used to eat, that is not gluttony.
Gluttony is about your heart, not about what's on your plate.

Helpful resources:

But What About Gluttony by Kevin DeYoung

Philippians 3:17-19

Today's episode is sponsored by Classical Conversations. If you're looking for a great way to homeschool your children in community with other Christians, check out Classical Conversations. Visit: www.classicalconversations.com/comparedtowho for more information.

Are you ready for Christian body image coaching? Learn more at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Is Food Really Your Idol? A Test to Discover Your Real Relationship with Food Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

Heather Creekmore tackles the issue of food idolatry and how it relates to body image. Idolatry is a tricky topic, and many women who wrestle the body image idol may secretly desire to label food as an idol too. Heather asks listeners to carefully consider several questions in the form of an "idols test" to see where if food is really their idol, or if it's something else.

Here are some key topics covered in today's episodes:

Introduction to body image idolatry among women
Discussion on how women may shift their focus from body image to food as an idol, especially for those with eating disorders
Link between food as an idol and the desire to improve one's body
Heather Creekmore's suggestion to consider what one cannot live without beyond physiological needs
The potential confusion around food being on the idol list
Discussion on fear around food and the topic of gluttony
Heather Creekmore's personal experience with disordered eating and society's influence on food habits
Fear of losing something being an indicator of an idol
Determining the difference between physiological need and food idolatry
Lack of understanding about the physiological effects of restriction and disordered eating
Idea that finding satisfaction in food is not bad, but ultimate satisfaction cannot be found in it
Discussion on spending a lot of time thinking about food and potential physiological connection.

Ready for Christian body image coaching? Learn more at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Are you interested in homeschooling? Learn more about our sponsor, Classical Conversations at: www.classicalconversations.com/comparedtowho

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Help! I'm Aging! Coaching Call with Ruth Harper, RD Jun 09, 2023

Show notes

Today we explore the uncomfortable changes women go through as they age. We discuss how perimenopause and menopause are not talked about enough in society and how there is a movement to normalize aging. And, Heather gets an exclusive coaching session from Ruth Harper, a registered dietitian and intuitive eating coach.

Through the coaching time, Heather and Ruth talk about naming the feelings we have towards our changing bodies, how shame can feel heavy in certain parts of the body, and how connecting with what the body is experiencing can help provide ministering. This discussion on embracing the changes that come with aging will encourage and uplift you!

Connect with Ruth Harper at: www.nourishmentor.com

Learn more about Classical Conversations at: www.classicalconversations.com/comparedtowho

Ready for Christian body image coaching? Learn more at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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