Today Jessica Hottle and I dig into the concept of trauma and how unhealed trauma can keep us stuck in body image issues. Whether it's trauma from a car accident or the mean girls in high school, or something much bigger that's shaped your life in unimaginable ways--underlying and unacknowledged trauma keeps us stuck in bondage believing lies about our worth. Jessica helps me unpack this through sharing her story.

Connect with Jessica here.

Support Compared to Who? here.

Take the Body Image Awareness Quiz here.

Today Jessica Hottle and I dig into the concept of trauma and how unhealed trauma can keep us stuck in body image issues. Whether it's trauma from a car accident or the mean girls in high school, or something much bigger that's shaped your life in unimaginable ways--underlying and unacknowledged trauma keeps us stuck in bondage believing lies about our worth. Jessica helps me unpack this through sharing her story. <a href="https://www.jessicahottle.com">Connect with Jessica here.</a> <a href="https://www.pateron.com/comparedtowho">Support Compared to Who? here.</a> <a href="https://www.comparedtowho.me/follow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Take the Body Image Awareness Quiz here.</a>

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

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&rsquo;s tired of measuring yourself by the world&rsquo;s standards? Have you tried to &ldquo;fix yourself&rdquo; with willpower, self-help, or even Christian clich&eacute;s&mdash;but still feel like you&rsquo;re falling short?Do you know the truth of God&rsquo;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&rsquo;s safe here.)
If you answered yes, then&nbsp;Compared to Who?&nbsp;is the show for you!
Each week, we tackle the real issues Christian women face&mdash;comparison, body image issues, performance pressure, insecurity, identity, spiritual maturity, and more&mdash;through a practical, grace-filled, gospel-centered lens. You&rsquo;ll find encouragement to trust God&rsquo;s Spirit, rest in His promises, and grow deeper in your walk with Christ.
I&rsquo;m Heather Creekmore&mdash;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&mdash;and start living free in Jesus.
Find out more about me and the ministry of&nbsp;Compared to Who?&nbsp;at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.improvebodyimage.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1758629449501000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0CbbfkEG9w0k4Z9QBqp5C5">https://www.improvebodyimage.com</a>
Want to join our podcast community on Facebook? Visit us here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1758629449501000&amp;usg=AOvVaw08LV1DuGuu8Nv6oa8m3RKp">https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024</a>

Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

Body Image & Trauma: Discovering Hope & Healing with Jessica Bottle

Ella Langley's country song "Be Her" describes a woman who seems to have it all figured out — grounded, secure, at peace — and an aching desire to become her. At first blush it sounds like a song about envying someone else. Yet, the lyrics aren't describing another woman; Langley sings about the version of herself she wishes she could become. In this episode, we use that ache as a lens on one of the sneakiest idols we build: not comparing ourselves to an influencer or a stranger, but to an idealized version of ourselves. It's a "her" that stays just out of reach. We talk about why that chase can never actually deliver peace, what Scripture says about being transformed into an image that isn't self-made. To have this kind of ache is human, but there's only one place the ache can be cured.

Key Scripture references:
1 Samuel 16:7 (man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart)
Romans 12:2 (do not be conformed, but transformed)
2 Corinthians 3:18 (being transformed into his image, from one degree of glory to another)
Colossians 3:3 (your life is hidden with Christ in God)
Ephesians 2:10 (we are his workmanship)

Discussion questions for listeners / community:
If you pictured your idealized self right now, what would she look like? What is she doing that you're not?
What peace or security do you think "becoming her" would actually give you? Name it specifically.
Where have you been conforming to a self-made image instead of letting yourself be transformed?
What would it look like this week to bring your ache for peace directly to God instead of to another round of self-improvement?

A note on the source material: This episode discusses themes and reported artist commentary about Ella Langley's song "Be Her" (from her 2026 album Dandelion) but does not reproduce song lyrics. Listeners are encouraged to listen to the song themselves for the full experience.

Links:

Join our next 40-Day Journey here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Check out Heather's books on body image, aging, and comparison here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image

 

Ella Langley's country song "Be Her" describes a woman who seems to have it all figured out &mdash; grounded, secure, at peace &mdash; and an aching desire to become her. At first blush it sounds like a song about envying someone else. Yet, the lyrics aren't describing another woman; Langley sings about the version of herself she wishes she could become. In this episode, we use that ache as a lens on one of the sneakiest idols we build: not comparing ourselves to an influencer or a stranger, but to an idealized version of ourselves. It's a "her" that stays just out of reach. We talk about why that chase can never actually deliver peace, what Scripture says about being transformed into an image that isn't self-made. To have this kind of ache is human, but there's only one place the ache can be cured.
Key Scripture references:
<ul>
<li>1 Samuel 16:7 (man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart)</li>
<li>Romans 12:2 (do not be conformed, but transformed)</li>
<li>2 Corinthians 3:18 (being transformed into his image, from one degree of glory to another)</li>
<li>Colossians 3:3 (your life is hidden with Christ in God)</li>
<li>Ephesians 2:10 (we are his workmanship)</li>
</ul>
Discussion questions for listeners / community:
<ol>
<li>If you pictured your idealized self right now, what would she look like? What is she doing that you're not?</li>
<li>What peace or security do you think "becoming her" would actually give you? Name it specifically.</li>
<li>Where have you been conforming to a self-made image instead of letting yourself be transformed?</li>
<li>What would it look like this week to bring your ache for peace directly to God instead of to another round of self-improvement?</li>
</ol>
A note on the source material:&nbsp;This episode discusses themes and reported artist commentary about Ella Langley's song "Be Her" (from her 2026 album&nbsp;Dandelion) but does not reproduce song lyrics. Listeners are encouraged to listen to the song themselves for the full experience.
Links:
Join our next 40-Day Journey here: <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge">https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge</a>
Check out Heather's books on body image, aging, and comparison here: <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image">https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image</a>
&nbsp;

Be Her: What Ella Langley's Song Reveals About Idolizing Our Ideal Selves

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/ee708468-db32-4f2c-be6e-b4a900f21c31/transcript

Today’s conversation explores the profound and transformative topic of DELIGHT—what it means to truly delight in God and, perhaps even harder to believe, what it means that God DELIGHTS in you.

Our special guest, Stephanie Rousselle of Gospel Spice, is a Bible teacher, author, and founder of the Gospel Spice ministry. With her signature warmth (and lovely French accent!), she unpacks how the Christian faith is meant to be both flavorful and vibrant—not bland, boring, or stale. You’ll learn why delight isn’t merely a fleeting feeling, but a spiritual reality you can awaken to, even in the hardest seasons of life.

In This Episode:


What is REAL delight?
Stephanie Rousseau explains how the French word "délice" weaves together both "delight" and "deliciousness," inviting us to taste and see the goodness of God (04:23).


The problem with vanilla testimonies:
Heather Creekmore shares how she used to think her story was “vanilla,” and how Stephanie  reframes the idea that every faith story is a reason for delight (05:45).


Eating disorders & delight:
Why is it so hard for many women to see deliciousness as a good gift from God? Learn how our relationship with food often mirrors our relationship with delight, shame, and God (06:43).


“Awaken Delight”—Satisfying Your Soul’s Longing for God:
Discover why Stephanie chose the phrase “awaken delight” and how this perspective moves us from duty to genuine enjoyment of God (10:53).


Does God really LIKE you?
We discuss how Scripture invites us to go beyond intellectual acceptance to heartfelt experience, resting in God’s unwavering delight in us—even on our worst days (18:21).


Moving from duty to delight:
Are you stuck in a checklist, “onward Christian soldiers” mindset with God? Stephanie Rousselle shares how awakening delight brings you from drudgery to vibrant, embodied relationship (15:41).


Practical steps & a special giveaway!
Find out about Stephanie’s new book, practical ways to apply delight to spiritual disciplines, and how to get her exclusive 5-day devotional & enter a giveaway for a beautiful jewelry prize (34:51).

Resources & Links:


Get your FREE 5-Day Devotional & enter the Giveaway:
Visit gospelspice.com/heather for your exclusive resource from Stephanie Rousselle and a chance to win jewelry created by survivors of human trafficking.


Order “Awaken Delight”
Stephanie Rousselle's new book, Awaken Delight: Satisfying Your Soul’s Longing for God, is available wherever Christian books are sold.**  (Amazon affiliate link -tiny portion of your purchase goes to support Compared to Who's ministry)
Join the 40-Day Journey here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge
Check out Heather Creekmore's books here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image

Key Takeaways:


God’s delight in you is not tied to your performance. He loves and enjoys you on your best and worst days.


Delighting in God isn’t something you force; it’s something you AWAKEN to.


Every story of coming to Jesus is DELICIOUS—never “vanilla” or boring.


Understanding delight can transform both your spiritual life and your everyday experiences—the sensory, the beautiful, and even the hard.

If you feel stuck in spirituality as duty, or if you wrestle with your sense of “delightfulness,” this episode is for you.

 

Today&rsquo;s conversation explores the profound and transformative topic of DELIGHT&mdash;what it means to truly delight in God and, perhaps even harder to believe, what it means that God DELIGHTS in you.
Our special guest, Stephanie Rousselle of Gospel Spice, is a Bible teacher, author, and founder of the <a href="https://www.gospelspice.com">Gospel Spice</a> ministry. With her signature warmth (and lovely French accent!), she unpacks how the Christian faith is meant to be both flavorful and vibrant&mdash;not bland, boring, or stale. You&rsquo;ll learn why delight isn&rsquo;t merely a fleeting feeling, but a spiritual reality you can awaken to, even in the hardest seasons of life.
In This Episode:
<ul>
<li>
What is REAL delight? Stephanie Rousseau explains how the French word "d&eacute;lice" weaves together both "delight" and "deliciousness," inviting us to taste and see the goodness of God (04:23).
</li>
<li>
The problem with vanilla testimonies: Heather Creekmore shares how she used to think her story was &ldquo;vanilla,&rdquo; and how Stephanie &nbsp;reframes the idea that every faith story is a reason for delight (05:45).
</li>
<li>
Eating disorders &amp; delight: Why is it so hard for many women to see deliciousness as a good gift from God? Learn how our relationship with food often mirrors our relationship with delight, shame, and God (06:43).
</li>
<li>
&ldquo;Awaken Delight&rdquo;&mdash;Satisfying Your Soul&rsquo;s Longing for God: Discover why Stephanie chose the phrase &ldquo;awaken delight&rdquo; and how this perspective moves us from duty to genuine enjoyment of God (10:53).
</li>
<li>
Does God really LIKE you? We discuss how Scripture invites us to go beyond intellectual acceptance to heartfelt experience, resting in God&rsquo;s unwavering delight in us&mdash;even on our worst days (18:21).
</li>
<li>
Moving from duty to delight: Are you stuck in a checklist, &ldquo;onward Christian soldiers&rdquo; mindset with God? Stephanie Rousselle shares how awakening delight brings you from drudgery to vibrant, embodied relationship (15:41).
</li>
<li>
Practical steps &amp; a special giveaway! Find out about Stephanie&rsquo;s new book, practical ways to apply delight to spiritual disciplines, and how to get her exclusive 5-day devotional &amp; enter a giveaway for a beautiful jewelry prize (34:51).
</li>
</ul>
Resources &amp; Links:
<ul>
<li>
Get your FREE 5-Day Devotional &amp; enter the Giveaway: Visit <a href="https://gospelspice.com/heather">gospelspice.com/heather</a> for your exclusive resource from Stephanie Rousselle and a chance to win jewelry created by survivors of human trafficking.
</li>
<li>
Order &ldquo;Awaken Delight&rdquo; Stephanie Rousselle's new book, <a href="https://amzn.to/468d6CI">Awaken Delight: Satisfying Your Soul&rsquo;s Longing for God, is available wherever Christian books are sold.**&nbsp;</a> (Amazon affiliate link -tiny portion of your purchase goes to support Compared to Who's ministry)
</li>
<li>Join the 40-Day Journey here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge</li>
<li>Check out Heather Creekmore's books here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image</li>
</ul>
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>
God&rsquo;s delight in you is not tied to your performance. He loves and enjoys you on your best and worst days.
</li>
<li>
Delighting in God isn&rsquo;t something you force; it&rsquo;s something you AWAKEN to.
</li>
<li>
Every story of coming to Jesus is DELICIOUS&mdash;never &ldquo;vanilla&rdquo; or boring.
</li>
<li>
Understanding delight can transform both your spiritual life and your everyday experiences&mdash;the sensory, the beautiful, and even the hard.
</li>
</ul>
If you feel stuck in spirituality as duty, or if you wrestle with your sense of &ldquo;delightfulness,&rdquo; this episode is for you.
&nbsp;

Awaken Delight: Embracing a "Delicious" Life with Jesus featuring Stephanie Rousselle

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/1fefd39e-dc7a-43f9-b09c-b4a90145f4ef/transcript

Have you heard it or said it? Maybe your body image issues are "your thorn in the flesh." It sounds comforting, but is it actually true? In this episode, we take a close look at what Paul's thorn in 2 Corinthians 12 actually was — and wasn't — and see how body image issues are different than the situation Paul discusses there. We'll also talk about how recognizing that your body image issues aren't your "thorn in the flesh" may be some of the most hopeful news you get, because then there's a cure for them. And, it's all found in scripture!

Key Scripture references:
2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (the thorn in the flesh)
Colossians 3:5 ("greed, which is idolatry")
Colossians 3:9–10 (put off the old self, put on the new)
Romans 6:14 (sin shall not be your master)
1 John 1:9 (confession and cleansing)
2 Corinthians 5:17 (new creation)

Discussion questions for listeners / community:
Have you ever described your body image struggle as "your thorn"? How did that framing shape whether you expected it to change?
Try praying both prayers from this episode — the confession prayer and the contentment prayer. Which one actually named what's true for you?
What would it look like this week to bring one specific piece of body-image idolatry into the light through honest confession?

Timestamped Guide to Episode

00:00 Exploring body image and faith

03:38 Addressing body image issues

09:41 Biblical thorns and grace

12:21 Idols in Modern Christian Culture

16:32 Understanding body image issues

19:00 Inviting women to join workshop

22:16 Admitting struggles and seeking help

27:39 Choosing the right prayer

28:45 Dealing with aging and grace

A note: This episode distinguishes disordered body worship (idolatry) from genuine physical affliction (illness, disability, medical conditions). Listeners walking through the latter should be pointed toward lament and grace, not confession — this episode is specifically addressing the worship-pattern many of us have around appearance and worth.

Links:

Heather's best-selling Christian books on body image, aging, and comparison: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image

Join us on the next 40-Day Journey in September. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

 

Have you heard it or said it? Maybe your body image issues are "your thorn in the flesh." It sounds comforting, but is it actually true? In this episode, we take a close look at what Paul's thorn in 2 Corinthians 12 actually was &mdash; and wasn't &mdash; and see how body image issues are different than the situation Paul discusses there. We'll also talk about how recognizing that your body image issues aren't your "thorn in the flesh" may be some of the most hopeful news you get, because then there's a cure for them. And, it's all found in scripture!
Key Scripture references:
<ul>
<li>2 Corinthians 12:7&ndash;10 (the thorn in the flesh)</li>
<li>Colossians 3:5 ("greed, which is idolatry")</li>
<li>Colossians 3:9&ndash;10 (put off the old self, put on the new)</li>
<li>Romans 6:14 (sin shall not be your master)</li>
<li>1 John 1:9 (confession and cleansing)</li>
<li>2 Corinthians 5:17 (new creation)</li>
</ul>
Discussion questions for listeners / community:
<ol>
<li>Have you ever described your body image struggle as "your thorn"? How did that framing shape whether you expected it to change?</li>
<li>Try praying both prayers from this episode &mdash; the confession prayer and the contentment prayer. Which one actually named what's true for you?</li>
<li>What would it look like this week to bring one specific piece of body-image idolatry into the light through honest confession?</li>
</ol>
Timestamped Guide to Episode
00:00 Exploring body image and faith
03:38 Addressing body image issues
09:41 Biblical thorns and grace
12:21 Idols in Modern Christian Culture
16:32 Understanding body image issues
19:00 Inviting women to join workshop
22:16 Admitting struggles and seeking help
27:39 Choosing the right prayer
28:45 Dealing with aging and grace
A note:&nbsp;This episode distinguishes disordered body worship (idolatry) from genuine physical affliction (illness, disability, medical conditions). Listeners walking through the latter should be pointed toward lament and grace, not confession &mdash; this episode is specifically addressing the worship-pattern many of us have around appearance and worth.
Links:
Heather's best-selling Christian books on body image, aging, and comparison: <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image">https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image</a>
Join us on the next 40-Day Journey in September. Learn more here: <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge">https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge</a>
&nbsp;

Body Image Issues Aren't Your Thorn —They're Something the Gospel Can Actually Cure

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/e4588570-aa3b-4fec-8dea-b4a900f208ac/transcript

Body Image & Trauma: Discovering Hope & Healing with Jessica Bottle

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Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

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