Negative thoughts can feel relentless, especially in a dressing room, in front of a mirror, or anywhere body-image fears get loud. But today Heather Creekmore explains why simply telling yourself to “take your thoughts captive” often doesn’t work.

In this episode, Heather explores 2 Corinthians 10:5 and clarifies that taking thoughts captive isn’t thought suppression, positive thinking, "Jedi mind tricks," or a battle of willpower. The deeper issue is often the belief beneath the thought.

In this episode


Why taking thoughts captive is not step one 02:19


What “captive” means in the context of spiritual warfare 03:54


How negative body-image thoughts can reveal doubts about God’s character 04:23


Why trying to suppress thoughts can make them feel even more persistent 07:26


The difference between a thought arriving and choosing to dwell on it 08:00


How hidden beliefs shape recurring negative thoughts 08:39


What “I believe, help my unbelief” has to do with thought battles 13:03


Why confession and knowing God’s character come before taking thoughts captive 19:32


How bringing secret struggles into the light can help expose lies 22:26

What to Do Before Taking Thoughts Captive:


Get honest about what’s underneath the thought. A thought like “I look horrible in this dress” may be connected to a deeper fear of being rejected or unworthy of love. 


Confess the lie and the unbelief beneath it.


Remember who God is by searching Scripture for specific truth about His character.


Invite trusted people to speak truth with grace and help bring the struggle into the light.


Take the thought captive once it has been exposed as a lie and brought under the truth of God’s Word.

Learn more about Heather Creekmore's books and programs here: https://www.heathercreekmore.com

Join the 40-Day Journey or one of Heather's coaching groups at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com

 

Negative thoughts can feel relentless, especially in a dressing room, in front of a mirror, or anywhere body-image fears get loud. But today Heather Creekmore explains why simply telling yourself to &ldquo;take your thoughts captive&rdquo; often doesn&rsquo;t work.
In this episode, Heather explores 2 Corinthians 10:5 and clarifies that taking thoughts captive isn&rsquo;t thought suppression, positive thinking, "Jedi mind tricks," or a battle of willpower. The deeper issue is often the belief beneath the thought.
In this episode
<ul>
<li>
Why taking thoughts captive is not step one 02:19
</li>
<li>
What &ldquo;captive&rdquo; means in the context of spiritual warfare 03:54
</li>
<li>
How negative body-image thoughts can reveal doubts about God&rsquo;s character 04:23
</li>
<li>
Why trying to suppress thoughts can make them feel even more persistent 07:26
</li>
<li>
The difference between a thought arriving and choosing to dwell on it 08:00
</li>
<li>
How hidden beliefs shape recurring negative thoughts 08:39
</li>
<li>
What &ldquo;I believe, help my unbelief&rdquo; has to do with thought battles 13:03
</li>
<li>
Why confession and knowing God&rsquo;s character come before taking thoughts captive 19:32
</li>
<li>
How bringing secret struggles into the light can help expose lies 22:26
</li>
</ul>
What to Do Before Taking Thoughts Captive:
<ol>
<li>
Get honest about what&rsquo;s underneath the thought. A thought like &ldquo;I look horrible in this dress&rdquo; may be connected to a deeper fear of being rejected or unworthy of love.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Confess the lie and the unbelief beneath it.
</li>
<li>
Remember who God is by searching Scripture for specific truth about His character.
</li>
<li>
Invite trusted people to speak truth with grace and help bring the struggle into the light.
</li>
<li>
Take the thought captive once it has been exposed as a lie and brought under the truth of God&rsquo;s Word.
</li>
</ol>
Learn more about Heather Creekmore's books and programs here: https://www.heathercreekmore.com
Join the 40-Day Journey or one of Heather's coaching groups at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com
&nbsp;

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

Why Taking Thoughts Captive Isn't Step One: How to Actually Defeat the Negative Thoughts

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/f808d090-6d93-44ed-bb2b-b4cd00ede3a0/transcript

You replay the conversation, reread the text 100 times, re-analyze the comment, Google the symptom, or fixate. The loop promises that if you think hard enough, you can prevent the bad outcome and finally feel safe. But Heather Creekmore explains that the real issue usually isn’t the topic of the thought. It’s the grip it has on your brain. Overthinking often reveals a deeper desire for control and safety, especially when life feels uncertain.

In this episode:


Why overthinking can feel productive, responsible, or even spiritual at 06:08


How body-image obsession can become an attempt to control one small part of life when everything else feels uncertain at 08:38


Why telling yourself to “stop thinking about it” usually doesn’t work at 12:10


What Martha’s story teaches about setting down the need to hold everything alone 


How to exchange a posture of control for a posture of trust 


Why obsessive thoughts grow stronger in isolation 
Five ways to interrupt the loop - and none of them sound like "just stop thinking about it."
A super practical, physical practice for surrender you can start using today!

Mentioned in this episode:


The final 40-Day Journey starts Monday, September 14th. Join here. Replays are available for missed sessions or if you're learning about it after 9/14/2026.


Heather Creekmore’s upcoming book, Did I Say the Right Thing? and a Million Other Micro Fears That Keep Christian Women Stuck, which she says launches in February and is available for preorder on Amazon. (Amazon affiliate link)


Meditate on 1 Peter 5:7, casting anxieties on God because he cares for you.

You replay the conversation, reread the text 100 times, re-analyze the comment, Google the symptom, or fixate. The loop promises that if you think hard enough, you can prevent the bad outcome and finally feel safe. But&nbsp;Heather Creekmore explains that the real issue usually isn&rsquo;t the topic of the thought. It&rsquo;s the grip it has on your brain. Overthinking often reveals a deeper desire for control and safety, especially when life feels uncertain.
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>
Why overthinking can feel productive, responsible, or even spiritual at 06:08
</li>
<li>
How body-image obsession can become an attempt to control one small part of life when everything else feels uncertain at 08:38
</li>
<li>
Why telling yourself to &ldquo;stop thinking about it&rdquo; usually doesn&rsquo;t work at 12:10
</li>
<li>
What Martha&rsquo;s story teaches about setting down the need to hold everything alone&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
How to exchange a posture of control for a posture of trust&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Why obsessive thoughts grow stronger in isolation&nbsp;
</li>
<li>Five ways to interrupt the loop - and none of them sound like "just stop thinking about it."</li>
<li>A super practical, physical practice for surrender you can start using today!</li>
</ul>
Mentioned in this episode:
<ul>
<li>
The final 40-Day Journey starts Monday, September 14th. <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge">Join here.</a> Replays are available for missed sessions or if you're learning about it after 9/14/2026.
</li>
<li>
Heather Creekmore&rsquo;s upcoming book, <a href="https://amzn.to/4hoOegu">Did I Say the Right Thing? and a Million Other Micro Fears That Keep Christian Women Stuck,</a> which she says launches in February and is available for preorder on Amazon. (Amazon affiliate link)
</li>
<li>
Meditate on 1 Peter 5:7, casting anxieties on God because he cares for you.
</li>
</ul>

Overthinking, Obsessing, and the Real Reason You Can’t Stop Thinking About It

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/2222a086-7ddf-41e3-a051-b4c500f87f26/transcript

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

Why Taking Thoughts Captive Isn't Step One: How to Actually Defeat the Negative Thoughts

Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

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Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

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