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Send us a Message As we wrap up our So Blessed series through Matthew 5, we're taking one final look at what Jesus teaches about the truly blessed life. Together, we've explored the Beatitudes, discovered our identity as salt and light, wrestled with Jesus' high calling for His followers, and seen our deep need for the grace He alone provides. In this final episode, we revisit the key truths from the series and look ahead to what comes next. Jesus didn't give us His words simply to admire them—He calls us to put them into practice. Through the picture of the wise and foolish builders, we're reminded that a strong faith is built by hearing His words and living them out. Whether you've walked through this study with a group, listened on your own, or are just joining us, this episode is an invitation to take the next step. Gather with others. Open God's Word together. Build your life on the solid foundation of Christ. Resources: Visit Brave Girls Gather for Bible studies, conversation guides, and discipleship tools designed to help women and girls grow closer to Jesus and each other. If this series encouraged you, share it with a friend and consider gathering a few women or girls to continue exploring Matthew 6 and 7 together. Let's keep building our lives on the Rock—together. Give to Brave Girls Gather

Send us a Message What do you do when someone hurts you, disappoints you, or feels impossible to love? As we come to the end of Matthew 5, Jesus gives one of His most challenging invitations yet: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  Together, we'll explore what "enemy" can look like in everyday life—not just the obvious examples, but the people we struggle with, avoid, resent, or feel opposed to. We'll also zoom out to see the bigger story of Scripture. Romans 5 reminds us that while we were still God's enemies, Christ moved toward us with love and grace. That truth changes everything about how we respond to the people who hurt us. We'll talk about forgiveness, prayer, healthy boundaries, and the temptation to retaliate, while keeping our eyes fixed on the character of God. And when we reach Jesus' challenging words, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect," we'll discover that the gospel doesn't leave us striving under impossible expectations. Instead, it points us to the perfect righteousness Jesus provides on our behalf. If you've ever wondered how to love difficult people without pretending the hurt didn't happen, this conversation is for you. Join us as we learn what it looks like to reflect the heart of God in a world that often encourages us to do the opposite. What relationship might Jesus be inviting you to place in His hands today? And if you want to keep studying, be sure to check out the So Blessed reading plan and our resources on Brave Girls Gather Give to Brave Girls Gather

Send us a Message When someone hurts you and everything in you wants to protect yourself… defend yourself… maybe even get even. Then Jesus says something that can stop us in our tracks: turn the other cheek. If you’ve ever wondered, Does this mean becoming a doormat? Ignoring sin? Pretending I’m not hurt? — you’re not alone. In this episode of So Blessed, we slow down in Matthew 5:38–42 and look at what Jesus is actually inviting us into. We begin with the familiar phrase, “an eye for an eye”—not as permission for revenge, but as God’s way of limiting harm and establishing justice.  At first glance, these words can feel impossible. But through the lens of the gospel, we begin to see something deeper. Jesus isn’t calling us to deny pain or accept abuse. He’s inviting us out of retaliation and into a different kind of strength—the kind He modeled at the cross. We talk honestly about forgiveness, mercy, boundaries, and what it looks like to acknowledge real hurt while refusing to let revenge write the story. Because mercy doesn’t erase truth, and forgiveness doesn’t automatically restore access or trust. And we make room for the moment many of us reach: Jesus, I cannot do this without You. That’s where the Holy Spirit meets us—gently reshaping our hearts, helping us see clearly, and leading us one faithful step at a time. We also share “Dig Deeper” passages for anyone wanting to keep studying throughout the week. Send this to a woman or girl walking through a hard relationship, subscribe, and leave a review so more women and girls can join the So Blessed journey. And if you want to keep studying, be sure to check out the So Blessed reading plan and our resources on Brave Girls Gather Give to Brave Girls Gather

Send us a Message Have you ever read Matthew 5 and quietly thought, I can’t do this? Friend… you’re not failing. You may actually be closer to the point than you realize. In this episode, we walk through Matthew 5:21–37 and sit with some of Jesus’ hardest teachings—anger, lust, divorce, honesty, and the places where outward obedience can hide an unchanged heart. At first, Jesus’ words can feel impossible. But what if that’s exactly the invitation? Jesus isn’t asking us to try harder or become better performers. He’s showing us that the life He calls us to cannot be produced apart from Him. He lovingly exposes what lives beneath the surface—not to shame us, but to draw us closer. We also talk about the labels we carry and the labels we place on others. The world teaches us to judge what we can see. Jesus looks deeper—to the heart. And if we’re honest, that’s often where shame tries to move in. Shame whispers: Hide. Pretend. Clean yourself up first. God must be disappointed. But the gospel says something completely different. Jesus is our Great High Priest. His righteousness is not earned—it’s received. We don’t run from God because of our sin; we run toward Him for grace, mercy, and help. We also make this practical through John 15:4–5 and giving God the space to show what it actually looks like to abide with Jesus through the Holy Spirit so fruit begins to grow—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And because transformation was never meant to happen alone, we encourage you towards brave community and intergenerational discipleship—the kind that reminds us we don’t have to carry our stories or our struggles by ourselves. Listen in, then tell us: What label are you ready to lay down? And how would living as forgiven change the way you see things this week? 🤍 And if you want to keep studying, be sure to check out the So Blessed reading plan and our resources on Brave Girls Gather Give to Brave Girls Gather

Send us a Message Obedience can feel like one of those church words that instantly makes your chest tighten. For some of us, it sounds restrictive. For others, it feels like a scoreboard we can never win. And for many of us, it stirs up guilt because deep down, we realize we can’t measure up. In this episode, we sit with that tension and let Jesus speak for Himself through Matthew 5:17–20 in the Sermon on the Mount. When Jesus says He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, He reframes our understanding of rules, holiness, and what the truly blessed life looks like. We connect this to the Beatitudes and the beautiful promise that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled—not by striving harder, but by coming to Jesus for what we could never produce on our own. We also walk through a powerful picture of sitting across from Jesus as He explains the cross, reminding us that the gospel was never meant to be a contract we uphold with our own strength. The image of Jesus washing feet makes it clear: receiving His love always comes before offering our effort. Grace first. Love responds. Obedience follows. Not as a payment plan.  Not as performance.  But as fruit. When grace becomes real in our hearts, obedience stops feeling like pressure and starts becoming the natural response of a heart. We close with a guided prayer to release performance and rest in what Jesus has already done, along with a simple dig deeper prompt and quiet time Scriptures from John 14:15 and Matthew 22:36–40. And if you want to keep studying, be sure to check out the So Blessed reading plan and our resources on Brave Girls Gather Subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review so more women and girls can grow closer to Jesus and each other. Give to Brave Girls Gather

Send us a Message We’re back in Matthew 5, walking through the final three Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount—peacemaking, persecution, and what to do when people say false things about you because of Jesus. If you’ve ever tried to do the right thing and still found yourself misunderstood, excluded, or talked about, you are not alone—and you are not failing the Christian life. In this episode, we talk about what biblical peacemaking really looks like. It is not pretending everything is fine or forcing resolution. It looks like listening first, seeking understanding, owning our part quickly, and pursuing reconciliation with humility. It means doing what we can to make peace without trying to control someone else’s response. And sometimes, even when you do all of that, peace is not received. That is where surrender, prayer, and wise counsel matter. We keep coming back to the beauty of intergenerational discipleship because God never intended for us to process conflict, rejection, and confusion alone. Sometimes the wisest thing we can do is bring our situation to a mature believer—someone who can help us see clearly, pray with us, and keep us rooted in both truth and love. Then we sit with Jesus’ words about persecution and being reviled and allow Him to reframe the pain. He does not dismiss the hurt, but He does invite us into a deeper perspective: sometimes rejection for His name is not evidence that something is wrong—it is evidence that we belong to Him. These hard moments can become holy places where the Holy Spirit grows perseverance, discernment, and even joy. We close with a quiet “connect with God” moment and two simple questions to carry into your day: God, what do You want me to know? And what do You want me to do? If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review so more women and girls can grow closer to Jesus and each other. You can find the So Blessed Bible App reading plan here.  Give to Brave Girls Gather

Send us a Message We’re back in Matthew 5, walking through the final three Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount: peacemaking, persecution, and being reviled when people say false things about you because of Jesus. If you’ve ever tried to do the right thing and still been misunderstood, excluded, or talked about, you’re not alone—and you’re not “failing” the Christian life. We talk about what biblical peacemaking really looks like: listening first, aiming for understanding, owning our wrongs quickly, and pursuing reconciliation without trying to force an outcome. We also name the hard reality that sometimes you can do all you can, and the other person still won’t receive peace. That’s where surrender, prayer, and wise counsel matter. We keep coming back to intergenerational discipleship because God never meant for us to process conflict, rejection, and confusion in isolation. Bring your situation to a mature believer who can help you see clearly, pray with you, and stay rooted in truth and love. Then we sit with Jesus’ words about persecution and being reviled and let them reframe the pain. Jesus doesn’t minimize the sting, but He does call us to a deeper view: these moments can mark us as His, and they can become places where the Holy Spirit forms perseverance, discernment, and even joy. We end with a quiet “connect with God” moment and two simple daily questions: God, what do You want me to know? And what do You want me to do? If this encouraged you, subscribe, share it with others, and leave a review so more women and girls can find us. You can find the So Blessed Bible App reading plan here.  Give to Brave Girls Gather

Send us a Message If you’ve been stuck in the loop of trying harder, doing more, and still wondering whether God is disappointed in you, this conversation offers a different way to breathe. We’re continuing our So Blessed series in Matthew 5, where Jesus invites us into the blessed life through the Beatitudes, not by performance, but by a transformed heart. Our hope is simple: you don’t just walk away with “good information” you experience real change as the Holy Spirit meets you right where you are.  We explore what it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness and why righteousness is best understood as right relationship with God and others. Instead of shaming ourselves when we fall short, we learn to turn toward God with honest prayers that reshape our thoughts, words, and actions. We also unpack mercy as uncommon kindness that tells the truth about sin without denying grace, giving us a healthier way to face our own sin and to see other people through compassion while still calling them higher.  Then we sit with one of the most freeing truths in the Sermon on the Mount: a pure heart is not something we can manufacture. Jesus raises the standard to highlight the good news of the gospel, that we are justified and declared not guilty through his death, burial, and resurrection. We close with a practical heart check you can do today, plus encouragement to build intergenerational relationships by processing with a more mature believer who can point you back to what is true.  If this encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a girl who’s tired of striving, and leave a review so more women and girls can find this Bible study through Matthew 5.  You can find the So Blessed Bible App reading plan here.  Give to Brave Girls Gather

Send us a Message Jesus uses one word over and over in the Gospel of Matthew 5: blessed. Not blessed as in lucky, comfortable, or admired for all the “right” reasons—but blessed as in a deep joy anchored in God’s salvation and favor, even when life hurts. We’re back in the So Blessed series, walking through the opening of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, letting Him challenge our cultural definitions of what it means to live a truly blessed life. We focus on the first three Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–5) and the people Jesus says the kingdom of heaven belongs to: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, and the meek. We talk about spiritual dependence and why being “poor in spirit” creates space for God to fill and reshape us. We also name the hard question many of us carry in grief: if I’m hurting, does that mean God is far? Jesus flips that fear with a promise of comfort that strengthens the soul. And we reframe meekness—not as weakness, but as strength under control.  Along the way, we share how to extend the conversation through the So Blessed study and conversation cards. If you want encouragement that’s practical, honest about suffering, and full of hope, press play—then subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more women and girls can find it. You can find the So Blessed Bible App reading plan here.  Give to Brave Girls Gather

Send us a Message “Blessed” is one of those words we all use, but Jesus refuses to let us keep shallow definitions. We at Brave Girls Gather are inviting you into the start of a new series through Matthew 5, the opening chapter of the Sermon on the Mount. If you’ve ever felt like faith is mostly about trying harder, chasing the next win, or looking for a sign that God is with you, Jesus offers a better foundation and it may flip your assumptions upside down. Be the Brave Ones podcast is the official podcast of Brave Girls gather. Our heartbeat: gather, grow, and go. Gather: because you weren't made to walk alone. Grow: allow Scripture to shape you, not just inform you. Go: take the brave step into discipleship, where transformation leads to multiplication.  In this first episode of the So Blessed series, we zoom out for context that makes Matthew 5 come more alive. In Matthew 4, Jesus launches his ministry with “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” and Luke 17 reminds us the kingdom doesn’t arrive in ways we can easily observe. That’s why we ask for spiritual eyes, and why Jesus teaches us how to build a “spiritual home” that stands firm when life gets shaky. We close with a simple declaration and a challenge to reach out and invite a sister to go through this study with you. Subscribe for the rest of the series, share this with a friend who needs courage, and leave a review so more girls and women can find it. What’s one way you’ve been defining “blessed” that you’re ready to hand back to Jesus?  Access tools and resources that go along with this podcast series! Give to Brave Girls Gather

Send us a Message In this episode, Mandie and Lauren are joined by the inspiring Bria Gilmore, a Christian life coach and discipleship pastor.   We explore the powerful story of the woman with the alabaster jar from Luke 7:36-50. Bria brings unique insights, helping us grasp the importance of discipleship, mentorship, and the transformative experience of encountering Jesus.  She shares her personal journey, the mission behind her ministry, Equip Her Inc., and how living out Jesus’ teachings can profoundly impact the next generation. The episode highlights the beauty of costly worship and challenges us to embrace a genuine relationship with Christ, free from religious performance. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and challenged! Connect with Bria Gilmore Check out our tools and resources! Give to Brave Girls Gather

Send us a Message We’re back for Episode 3!  Delaney takes a short break from the adventures of motherhood to join Mandie for a lively and inspiring conversation with college-age pastor Kaylee Shea Harvey. Kaylee shares her journey to faith, her commitment to biblical justice, and her role in church leadership. They chat about the significance of community, the joy of personal Bible study, and the transformative power of understanding God's love and justice through Scripture. The heart of the episode explores John 8:1-11, the powerful story of the woman caught in adultery’s encounter with Jesus! They dig into the contrasting reactions of the onlookers and Pharisees, shining a spotlight on Jesus's incredible mercy and His radical approach to redemption. The conversation underscores the importance of understanding Scripture to discern God's Truth from cultural norms. Mandie, Delaney, and Kaylee encourage listeners to engage with the Bible together, allowing its transformative power to reshape their lives. Tune in for a mix of heartfelt stories, spiritual insights, and inspiring conversation that will brighten your day & deepen your faith! Connect with Kaylee Shae Harvey through her website on IG Discover Brave Girls Gather Tools and Resources Access our donation page #FaithJourney #BiblicalJustice #ChurchLeadership #CommunityMatters #BibleStudyJoy #TransformativeScripture #John8 #WomanCaughtInAdultery #JesusMercy #Redemption #GodsLove #ScriptureTruth #InspiringConversation #DeepenYourFaith  Give to Brave Girls Gather

Send us a Message In the latest episode of our Seen Known Loved series, Mandie and Lauren dive deep into how Jesus sees us through the story of the Woman at the Well and continue exploring Psalm 139, reminding us of God’s unwavering presence even in our darkest moments. We’re thrilled to have Christian author Cally Logan join us for this conversation! She shares her personal journey of feeling truly known by God and discusses her new book, The Wallflower That Bloomed. Cally highlights that self-love must be rooted in God’s view of us and how this perspective enables us to love others more deeply. This episode highlights how Jesus shattered social and cultural barriers by engaging with the Samaritan woman, showing us another beautiful example of conviction over condemnation. Through His compassionate and truthful approach, we see how genuine transformation and powerful testimonies are born. As the episode wraps up, we reflect on how Jesus' actions were viewed by others and stress the importance of reaching out to those who feel alone and unseen! Don’t miss out—join the conversation, explore the Brave Conversation tool on our website, and check out our Spotify playlist to dive deeper into being seen, known, and loved by Jesus.  Help us forward the mission to see the next generation live our their faith with resilience and courage by making donation here Connect with Cally Logan Give to Brave Girls Gather

Send us a Message Join us for our new series as we share stories of faith, courage, and learning how to see ourselves through God's eyes rather than the perception of others.  This kickoff episode is particularly special as we welcome Amy and Abby from North Texas—a mother-daughter duo whose Christ-centered relationship offers valuable lessons on maintaining a close mother-daughter relationship grounded in biblical truth. The discussion includes a deep dive into the story of the woman with the issue of blood from Mark 5:21-34 - highlighting the woman's courage and faith, the crowd's indifference, and Jesus' compassionate acknowledgment and healing power. The conversation concludes with reflections and takeaways, encouraging you to focus on Jesus and trust in His plan despite life's challenges or rejection from others. Join us as we explore how knowing and being seen by Jesus transforms our lives, making us truly feel seen, known, and loved. Have a meaningful conversation of your own with the girls in your life using the Seen, Known, Loved Brave Conversation Tool! Download the Leader Guide and Convo Cards Give to Brave Girls Gather

Send us a Message Embark on this final episode of the Intersections series with us as we delve into conversation about the transformative impact of mentorship – relationships God uses to shape us, heal us, and propel us forward in faith.    Our special guests, Heather Cruz and Chelsea Rowley, inspire us with the story of their mentor-mentee relationship - how it got started and how it’s growing. Heather's commitment to faith within family life and Chelsea's boldness, creativity, and passionate pursuit of Jesus, including a vision for a traveling coffee trailer called Tabernacle Coffee, demonstrates how creating space for meaningful connection can weave spiritual growth and revival into our hearts and lives.  Their experience reminds us of the importance of shared faith experiences and the beauty of mentorship that strengthens us through life's ebbs and flows. In this conversation, we hear from Heather and Chelsea about the battle of loneliness we all face at times and the strength found in community and intergenerational relationships. We look at how these relationships sustain us, from the crossroads of Heather's almost empty nest to the story of Chelsea learning how to live out her faith. Together, we celebrate Jesus-appointed friendships, urging listeners to be bold in their faith and nurture these life-altering connections.  Join us at the table for this series finale, as we share not only our stories but also the tools we've crafted at Brave Girls Gather to help you cultivate joyous moments and meaningful connections with the girls in your own life. Grab a copy of Heather's book, Grace for Every Mom Get your AWESOME free gift Access our tools and resources Follow us on Instagram Join our Facebook group Give to our organization  Give to Brave Girls Gather