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Without a doubt, we have had the most requests asking us to dive into friendships and the nuances behind making and keeping good friends here on the podcast. Insert our guest this week - Lea Sims! This lady brought some amazing insight on female friendship, why it's so important, how to make good friends and BE a good friend. You guys are going to LOVE what Lea has to say. We also talk about getting "un-stuck" in life, and a bit about her faith journey and how deconstruction has played a part. This episode is a bit longer than usual but it was too good to cut it down! Don't miss this conversation. ABOUT LEA: Lea Sims is a Christian author and teacher living in Jacksonville, Florida, who writes fiction books, study guides, and resources to help women find freedom, identity and purpose in their lives, ministries and careers. She has written two books, Running From Monday and Waiting On Tuesday. She has since spent 19 years in women’s ministry leadership, where she has followed the call of God on her life to rescue, teach, and equip women in the church—advancing that goal against the backdrop of an evolving global church, debates around the role and value of women in ministry, and the increasing need for female voices on critical theological issues. By day, she is the chief marketing officer for a global healthcare NGO, shaping narrative and brand messaging for an organization whose mission she is deeply passionate about. And at all times, she is a grateful daughter of God, wife, mom, grandmother, and friend. To connect with Lea: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lea.sims Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lea_sims/ --- RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Books: Dancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times, by Otis Moss III With Head and Heart: The Autobiography of Howard Thurman, by Howard Thurman Be The Bridge, by Latasha Morrison Fierce Love, by Rev Jacqui Lewis Theologizin’ Bigger, by Trey Ferguson Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope, by Esau McCaulley  Jesus and the Disinherited, by Howard Thurman Bonhoeffer's Black Jesus: Harlem Renaissance Theology and an Ethic of Resistance, by Reggie L. Williams ------ Book Clubs coming up: In March on Wednesday nights: Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for An Evolving Faith, by Sarah Bessey For all the info on this group and to sign up, go here: https://godandmygirlfriendsministries.org/online-book-clubs  --- Starting March 17th on Sunday nights: The Way of Integrity, by Martha Beck Join the FB group, The Deconstruction Zone for more info, or email Stacey at [email protected] for more details. God And My Girlfriends Ministries A non-profit ministry helping women flourish in their relationships with God and others.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Our special guest this week is Brandi Wilson. Marcia and Stacey talk with Brandi about her newest book, "Better Than Okay: Finding Hope and Healing after your Marriage ends". Brandi has managed to write the perfect handbook for handling life after loss, betrayal and heartbreak. But her advice isn't limited to divorce. What she learned and is sharing with us all now, is great advice for navigating any kind of grief and loss. Don't miss this inspiring conversation! Brandi Wilson is an author, coach, and speaker who has been in leadership for more than a decade at Leading and Loving It, a non-profit created to empower women to love life and ministry. Brandi has helped plant two churches and is passionate about walking alongside single moms and divorced women as they navigate parenting and life. Her latest book is Better Than Okay: Finding Hope and Healing After Your Marriage Ends. Brandi lives with her three sons in Nashville, TN. And you can find all about her and what she is doing at lovebrandiwilson.com. To connect with Brandi: Her website Her Instagram Her Facebook Order Brandi's book More about Brandi's coaching --- And in the girlfriend chat, Stacey and Marcia welcome Stacey's real life girlfriend, Roni Saulsberry for the first time to the podcast. We discuss social media usage, how much news is healthy to take in, and more.... Instagram post discussed in girlfriend chat  God And My Girlfriends Ministries A non-profit ministry helping women flourish in their relationships with God and others.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Our special guest this week is Amanda Held Opelt. Marcia and Stacey talk with Amanda about her newest book, "Holy Unhappiness: God, Goodness, and The Myth of The Blessed Life".  If you have ever wondered why life can seem so hard, even though you are trying your best to do everything "right", this episode is for YOU. Also, Juli-Maners Hood returns in the girlfriend seat and brings us a beautiful "good news" story that you don't want to miss! --- Amanda is an author, speaker, and songwriter. She writes about faith, grief, and creativity, and believes in the power of community, ritual, shared worship, and storytelling to heal even our deepest wounds. Amanda has spent 15 years serving in the non-profit and humanitarian aid sectors, and has written for Christianity Today, Premier Christianity, and 100 Days in Appalachia. She lives in the mountains of Boone, North Carolina, with her husband and two young daughters. To connect with Amanda: Sign up for her newsletter Amanda's official website Amanda's YouTube Amanda's Instagram Amanda's Twitter --- Juli's Good News Story TikTok like to see Grandma get surprised To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Our special guest this week is Danielle Shroyer. She is a spiritual director, author, speaker, and former pastor. She is the author of three books, most recently Original Blessing: Putting Sin in its Rightful Place.  In addition to her spiritual direction practice, she leads groups and retreats, creates spiritual formation resources, and serves as a dream work mentor for the Haden Institute. Danielle is a graduate of Baylor University and Princeton Theological Seminary and was a founding member of the emerging church movement. A 2nd Dan Taekwondo black belt and a yoga enthusiast, she and her husband Dan have two college aged children. They live in Dallas with their rescue dog and a patio of feral cats. In our conversation with Danielle, we discuss themes from her book, "Original Blessing: Putting Sin In Its Rightful Place" which was the 2016 Illumination Award Gold Medal winner for Theology. It's a fantastic book and we know you will learn so much from this conversation about Original Sin and how that theology came to be. To connect with Danielle: https://danielleshroyer.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle.shroyer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.g.shroyer https://www.beasoulninja.com/author/beasoulninja/ Also, in our girlfriend chat, we introduce our friend Amie, who shares a bit about her faith journey. Amie is open, vulnerable and authentic and we appreciate her willingness to share her story. You may find some of your own in hers as well. Don't miss it! Make sure you check out our new  GAMG Podcast Instagram, Facebook and YouTube pages so you can share your thoughts along with us. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegamgpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegamgpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegamgpodcast To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

 Our special guest this week is Pastor Trey Ferguson. Pastor Trey is a Miami-Dade County based minister, writer, and podcaster whose passions include jokes, justice, and Jesus. He’s the creator of New Living Treyslation–a podcast that retells and relates scripture in a modern vernacular–and a co-host of Three Black Men, a podcast where he muses on theology and culture with Sam Gay, Robert Monson, and a wide array of riveting guests. The author of Theologizin’ Bigger, Trey also writes and publishes regularly in his newsletter: The Son Do Move. When he’s not creating content, he can be found annoying his wife Jessica and their three children with his childlike sense of humor. To connect with Pastor Trey: www.pastortrey05.com Also, this week in our girlfriend chat segment,  we talk to Stacey's girlfriend, Danielle Wolbert about their women's ministry and Danielle's mission work in Haiti and Nicaragua. *If you would like to know more about Danielle's mission work or support her in her next mission trip, just go to www.thevine.co  --- To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

On our Season Four Premiere, Stacey and Marcia look back on a few of their favorite moments in Season Three and look ahead to what is coming up in Season Four. --- Mentioned in episode: Our brand new Instagram! Follow us for all the podcast news: @thegamgpodcast https://www.instagram.com/thegamgpodcast/ https://linktr.ee/thegamgpodcast Guests from Season 3 we mentioned: Marg Mowczko-- Marg's website: https://margmowczko.com/ Our interview with her: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unpacking-biblical-baggage-with-special-guest-marg/id1557667063?i=1000634590580 Judy Peterson-- Our interview with her: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-only-loves-wrong-people-w-judy-howard-peterson/id1557667063?i=1000637393155 Liz Jenkins-- Her website: https://lizcooledgejenkins.com/ Our interview with her: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nice-churchy-patriarchy-with-special-guest-liz/id1557667063?i=1000639037862 Guests coming up in Season 4: Trey Ferguson - https://www.pastortrey05.com/ Danielle Shroyer -- https://danielleshroyer.com/about/ Brandi Wilson -- https://lovebrandiwilson.com/ Stacey's FB Group, The Deconstruction Zone The Bible Project YouVerson Bible App To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Our special guest this week is writer, preacher and former college campus minister, Liz Cooledge Jenkins. Liz is the author of Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women’s Humanity from Evangelicalism. She lives in the Seattle area with her husband and their black cat Athena. Her writing can be found at Sojourners, The Christian Century, Christians for Social Action, Feminism and Religion, and Red Letter Christians, among other places; she also blogs at lizcooledgejenkins.com and Instagrams as @lizcoolj and @postevangelicalprayers. We talked with Liz about recognizing patriarchy in the church, how to confront it (or how to walk away from it), what discernment is, how women can find themselves in the stories of women in the Bible and much more. It’s an inspiring and encouraging conversation and I know you guys will love it. Be sure and pick up her book soon! To order her book: Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women's Humanity from Evangelicalism. And in the girlfriend seat this week is singer/songwriter/author, Staci Frenes. Staci joins Marcia and Stacey to reflect a bit on 2023 and shares some insightful questions to ask your family and friends around the holiday table this year. Staci Frenes Christmas CD “Light of Love” - https://stacifrenes.hearnow.com/light-of-love Staci Frenes book “Love Makes Room” - https://www.stacifrenes.com/ Resources mentions in the episode: Advent devotions: Kelli Gotthardt -— Waiting and Wonder Scott Erikson — An Honest Advent  Rev Benjamin Cremer — newsletter - https://benjamin-cremer.ck.page/profile God And My Girlfriends Ministries A non-profit ministry helping women flourish in their relationships with God and others.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

This week we welcome singer/songwriter, Juli Maners-Hood into the girlfriend seat for a chat about the holidays and life lessons from Dolly Parton. Our special guest is Amanda Waldron, Faith Deconstruction & Reconstruction Coach and Clinical Social Worker. Amanda talks to us about embodied faith as we experience deconstruction. She practices at the intersection of mental health, social work, and theology through coaching, consulting, and providing support to Christians and communities who are wrestling with big doubts and questions and hope to stay within the Christian faith while finding more ease and wonder in the process. Amanda is someone who encourages us to embrace questions as we travel on our spiritual journey, and to recognize that spirituality is always growing and changing. Through the changes we experience, how do we heal, and reimagine our connection with God? Tune in to hear more. Resources:  Check out Amanda’s FREE January Journaling Challenge at https://www.heyamandawaldron.com/challenge When you opt in to her email list, you receive an 8-page workbook Make Sense of Your Faith After Deconstruction.  Website: www.heyamandawaldron.com  Insta:  @heyamandawaldron Mentioned in this episode: Dolly Parton's America Rachel Held Evans book, Faith Unraveled -- aka "Evolving in Monkey Town" God And My Girlfriends Ministries A non-profit ministry helping women flourish in their relationships with God and others.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Our guest this week is Public Pastor and Theologian, Judy Peterson. (aka “Walking Pastor”). Judy once spent a year of her life walking across the United States on a spiritual quest. She has been the pastor of two different congregations, was the Chaplain of a University, has been an international speaker and now has her own non-profit called Haecceitas, Inc. Haecceitas is a philosophy that holds that each and every living thing is a once in eternity, irreplaceable, unrepeatable act of God and the mission of Haecceitas, Inc is to walk with others in such a way that they come to believe this is not only about themselves, but also about all of the people who are placed in their path.  To connect with Judy: Instagram: @walkingpastor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkingpastor In this episode: -In the girlfriend chat, Stacey and Marcia recap Thanksgiving, talk about AI/ChatGPT (it’s a hot topic so what IS it? and how can it be used?), how to re-connect with a friend you haven’t heard from in awhile, and ways to stay grounded during the craziness of the holidays. Interview with Judy Peterson: -Why Judy took a year to walk across the United States. -How to just “be” with God. -Not being afraid to expand your faith beyond the walls of churches/religion. -Can you be a Christian and not believe in hell? -Dealing with grief and loss during the holidays -The beauty of God’s feminine side -Why we need public pastors and how to support them. -We're all wrong, and it's alright Mentioned in this episode: To support Judy’s pastoral work by donating to Haecceitas, Inc.:  https://account.venmo.com/u/haecceitas To donate to the GAMG Single Moms Christmas Blessing Fund or find out how to nominate a Single Mom: https://bit.ly/47Gcx1U To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Our guest this week is writer, teacher, and spiritual director in training, Marie Griffith. Several years ago, Marie went through a season of untangling her faith from man-made traditions and came to know Jesus in a new way. She guides others in their spiritual formation, helps them know themselves and God better, and journeys with them through the stages of faith.  She earned an MA in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Friends University in May and paused her work toward an MDiv at Wesley Seminary while she completes her spiritual director training. To connect with Marie: https://spiritualdirectionwithmarie.com/ In this episode: 2:09 Finding real friendships online 6:46 Thanksgiving conversation 26:00 Introducing Marie Griffith 43:16 How do I find a Spiritual Director? 47:02 How do I prepare to meet with a Spiritual Director? 49:15 Do I pay a Spiritual Director? Resources: Grafted Life.org Leadership Transformations.org Books Mentioned: When Narcissism Come to Church by Chuck DeGroat Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction by Susan Phillips Holy Listening by Margaret Guenther  God And My Girlfriends Ministries A non-profit ministry helping women flourish in their relationships with God and others.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

On today's episode we have a fun girlfriend chat with singer/songwriter, Britt Savage. We talk about everything from The Golden Bachelor, escapism, and how we can all combat the feeling of hopelessness by doing small things to make the world a better place. Then, we have a wonderful conversation with biblical scholar and author/blogger, Marg Mowczko. She helps us break down the difference between egalitarianism and complementarianism, why 1 Timothy 2:12 doesn't mean women can't be in ministry, how women's roles have been diminished in some biblical translations and which translation she would recommend right now for us to use. It's a super informative conversation so don't miss it! --------- Marg Mowczko lives north of Sydney, Australia, with her husband. She has a theology degree from the Australian College of Ministries and a Master of Arts from Macquarie University with a specialization in Early Christian and Jewish Studies. For the past decade, Marg has hosted a blog at MargMowczko.com where she writes about the biblical basis for mutuality, or equality, between men and women in Christian marriage and in the church, and other related topics.  Find Marg on socials: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/margmowczko Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margmowczko1  Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/MargMowczko Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MargMowczko In this episode: 0:31 Introducing Britt Savage 5:42 The Golden Bachelor 12:28 Escapism TV 24:08 Introducing Marg Mowczko 32:02 Explaining Egalitarianism 36:37 Marg's favorite women in scripture 40:39 Breaking down 1 Timothy 2:12 47:48 The differences in Bible translations 1:00:47 Freeing women to do the work they are called to do 1:07:41 What's coming up next for Marg —————————— Selected Blog Posts:  1 Timothy 2: https://margmowczko.com/category/1-timothy-212/ Ezer kenegdo: https://margmowczko.com/tag/a-suitable-helper/ Phoebe: Deacon of the Church at Cenchrea https://margmowczko.com/phoebe-a-deacon-of-the-church-in-cenchrea-part-7/ Paul’s View of Women in Scripture: https://margmowczko.com/category/paul-and-women/ To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

This week, Marcia introduces Stacey to our listeners, and then Marcia and Stacey have a conversation with Celebrity Stylist Payton Dale.  Some topics discussed: (TW: eating/body disorders) — media manipulation — learning to love your body — the effects of purity culture/shame about our bodies — Snapchat dysmorphia  — dressing after the pandemic Payton Dale is a Nashville-based, body positive stylist with over a decade of experience in the fashion industry. Her work has been featured in numerous TV specials, music videos, magazines and commercials. She has over 170,000 followers on TikTok, (@thepaytonproject) -her own show also called The Payton Project on bspoketv, and she helps style so many artists not only here in Nashville but all over the US.  In 2017, she published a book to help women overcome their body insecurities— Hang Up Your Hang Ups: A Radical Guide To Healing Yourself Through Personal Style.  Payton lives in Nashville with her husband Tobin, and her shih tzu children, Arrow and Bo Diddley Dale.  To book a styling session, contact Payton here: https://www.thepaytonproject.com/ Follow Payton on socials: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepaytonproject?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepaytonproject Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepaytonproject Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYAgEp0GvMR8-3jR_qPIKaA —————————— In this episode: 1:22 Introducing Stacey Wynn 15:22 Introducing Payton Dale 17:27 Conversation with Payton Dale begins 55:52 What's next week ------------ RESOURCES MENTIONED: Stacey’s favorite podcasts: Harvard Business Review The New Living Treyslation Around the Circle The Enneagram Journey  Nomad The Bible For Normal People The Bible Project God And My Girlfriends Ministries A non-profit ministry helping women flourish in their relationships with God and others.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.To learn more about Stacey and her work: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez To learn more about God and My Girlfriends Ministries: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org