The Role of Confession in Healing: Featuring (Auntie) Anne Beiler
This deeply moving episode of Compared to Who? features Anne Beiler, the original creator of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, as she shares her powerful personal story of trauma, loss, and ultimately, healing. Host Heather Creekmore guides a vulnerable discussion on the profound role confession plays in emotional and spiritual recovery, especially after devastating events. What’s Inside: Anne's humble beginnings growing up Amish and lessons on hard work that later inspired Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. The tragic loss of her young daughter and how this event marked the beginning of her struggle with spiritual confusion, grief, and “the life of pretense.” Anne Beiler honestly recounts the pain and consequences of being taken advantage of by a pastor, the isolation of living with secrets, and the burden of shame and guilt. The breaking point: how years of carrying trauma and secrecy led her to the brink, and how her journey shifted the moment she bravely confessed the truth to her husband. Practical steps and biblical wisdom around confession, including Anne Beiler's “new view of confession” based on James 5:16—confessing faults to one another as a path toward true healing. The three types of confession: Anne identifies as keys to lasting freedom: private (bedside) with God, journaling, and verbal confession to another trusted person. Encouragement and actionable advice for anyone carrying burdens, trauma, or secrets: You are not meant to walk alone. Key Takeaways: Confession is not just about admitting wrongdoing; it’s about reclaiming connection, authenticity, and health—spiritually, mentally, and physically. Secrets and shame fester in isolation, but openness (even when terrifying) is the beginning of transformation and hope. Healing from trauma often requires courage to take responsibility, to stop blaming others, and to believe you’re worthy of freedom and forgiveness. The body truly does “keep score”—emotional pain can manifest physically, but light begins to pierce the darkness the moment you step into honesty and connection. Resources Mentioned: James 5:16 and 1 John’s call to “walk in the light as He is in the light” Book recommendation: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk (Amazon affiliate link) Connect & Learn More: Find more about Anne Beiler, one of the WeShare ambassadors, and her advocacy for healing and wholeness. Looking for an alternative to traditional health insurance? Visit weshare.org/heather for a free quote and exclusive enrollment benefits. Final Encouragement: If you are struggling with secrets, shame, or trauma, let today be the day you take a courageous step. Find someone to connect with, be brutally honest about your pain, and embrace the freedom that comes from confession and community. **This episode was part of a paid partnership with WeShare: Healthcare by UHSM. Visit: weshare.org/heather for a free quote or to learn more about this Christian healthshare company. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Fear of Weight Gain & Other Little Everyday Fears: How to Trust God With Our Fears
Are you tired of letting fears—big or small—shape how you live and see yourself? In this powerful wrap-up to our "Fear Free Fall" series, Heather Creekmore tackles one of the most common (and sneaky) fears: the fear of gaining weight. But that's just the beginning. This episode goes deep, unearthing all the little day-to-day worries that seem so normal… until you realize they’re holding you back. Heather asks tough questions: Where do our fears about weight really come from? Are our fears about gainign weight about health…or worth? What does the Bible actually teach about bodies, value, and holiness—and are we prioritizing “taking care of our temple” over what God specifically asks of us? Heather shares surprising biblical truths, eye-opening cultural stories, and practical steps to trade fear for faith—even if your fear is “just how I am.” Whether you find yourself obsessing over the scale, or caught in smaller worries that never seem to quit, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective and actionable advice. Don't miss Heather’s candid encouragement and the very real invitation to find freedom, trust, and joyful expectancy… starting today. 🔗 Referenced Episodes: What Is Gluttony (And What Isn’t)? The Daniel Fast: Surprising Truths ✨ If you’re interested in further steps, check out Heather’s 40 Day Body Image Workbook, or join an upcoming group for community encouragement. Ready for less comparison and more joy? Hit play and start living free from fear! For more helpful resources and to join Heather’s weekly email, visit improvebodyimage.com. And if this episode helps you, leave a review and share it with a friend—it makes all the difference! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Fear of Gluttony: Why Defining Gluttony as Overeating Misses the Point
What is gluttony really? If you’ve ever worried about overeating, obsessing about food, or wondered whether enjoying that extra slice of cake is a spiritual failure, this episode is for you. Best-selling author and host Heather Creekmore dives deep into the true heart behind gluttony—exploring why our modern definitions miss the mark and how diet culture and church culture have distorted our understanding. Heather reframes gluttony, drawing on biblical insight, church history, and thought-provoking examples from C.S. Lewis and Tim Keller. She challenges the idea that gluttony is simply about having seconds or what’s on your plate and asks powerful questions about cravings, control, and where we derive our satisfaction. Plus, Heather explores how misplaced fears about food can keep us stuck and why true freedom comes from surrender—not self-denial. Whether food has become a source of stress or you’re striving for perfect control, this conversation will open your eyes to new ways of understanding your desires and finding satisfaction. Ready to rethink gluttony and experience food freedom? Listen now for practical encouragement, spiritual wisdom, and a fresh take you won’t want to miss! Episodes Mentioned: What Does the Bible Actually Say About Gluttony? (Heather references this episode where she goes through the whole Bible on this topic) Craving Jesus vs. Craving Food (with Erin Todd) More on body image: The 40 Day Body Image Workbook Tim Keller's sermon on Gluttony: The Case of Achan For links and more resources, visit improvebodyimage.com or find Heather’s books on Amazon! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Faith Over FOMO: Biblical Truths for Contentment in a Comparison World
In this encouraging episode of the Compared to Who? podcast, host Heather Creekmore delves deep into the ever-present fear of missing out—aka FOMO. As part of the “Fear Free Fall” series, Heather unpacks the spiritual roots of FOMO, exploring how it impacts our faith, contentment, and even our relationship with God. Heather explains that FOMO isn’t just a modern phenomenon brought on by social media; it goes back as far as the Garden of Eden. Through honest reflection and biblical truth, she challenges listeners to consider whether FOMO is really about doubting God’s goodness and wondering if He’s holding out on us. You’ll learn: Why FOMO can reveal a lack of “little faith” in your daily life The connection between social media envy and spiritual insecurity How the story of Adam and Eve perfectly illustrates our struggle with FOMO Why God’s timing isn’t the same as God’s favor, and what that means for you The myth of competition and the futility of trying to “win” at life through comparison How to stop chasing others’ dreams and dig into your unique, God-given calling What true abundance and blessing really look like—and how it differs from what social media promises Heather encourages listeners to stop focusing on someone else’s life and instead trust that God’s plan for YOU is personal, intentional, and truly satisfying. If comparison has kept you feeling “less than,” this episode offers authentic hope and practical gospel wisdom to help you stop comparing and truly start living. Resources & Links: Heather Creekmore’s Website & 10 Days of Encouragement The Book: The Comparison Free Life Coaching with Heather Creekmore Connect with Heather: Instagram Facebook If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and help others find gospel-based encouragement! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Confronting the Fear of Suffering: Finding Faith in Uncertain Times
Struggling with the fear of suffering, control, and uncertainty? In this powerful episode, Heather Creekmore dives deep into why so many women wrestle with the need to avoid pain—especially when it comes to body image, health, and the quest for comfort. Discover the spiritual roots that drive our desire for control and comfort, learn how suffering can actually point us to God rather than away from Him, and hear the inspiring true story of how suffering transformed Tara’s life. Heather doesn’t shy away from tough questions: Are we trusting in our own ability to avoid discomfort, or are we open to what God can do through seasons of pain? With honest reflection, practical encouragement, and biblical wisdom, this episode explores how surrender can play a vital role in your faith journey—and how God can use suffering for a greater purpose. Plus, Heather shares resources to support you, details about the upcoming In His Image conference in Dallas, and ways to connect for ongoing encouragement. Ready to find hope in unexpected places and finally stop fearing suffering? Hit play and discover the freedom that comes with faith beyond your circumstances. Mentioned in this episode: Improve Body Image resources In His Image conference (Dallas, Texas) Previous episodes about the fear of rejection and body image. Connect with Heather and the team by visiting: www.improvebodyimage.com and find out how you can get coaching, join one of our courses or groups, check out Heather's books and Bible reading plans, and so much more. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
About Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women
The go-to podcast for Christian women who want to grow stronger in their faith and stop living stuck in comparison!
Are you a Christian woman who’s tired of measuring yourself by the world’s standards? Have you tried to “fix yourself” with willpower, self-help, or even Christian clichés—but still feel like you’re falling short?Do you know the truth of God’s Word, yet struggle to believe it in your daily life?
Bonus: Have you ever wished you could just pray your struggles away in an instant? (Your secret’s safe here.)
If you answered yes, then Compared to Who? is the show for you!
Each week, we tackle the real issues Christian women face—comparison, body image issues, performance pressure, insecurity, identity, spiritual maturity, and more—through a practical, grace-filled, gospel-centered lens. You’ll find encouragement to trust God’s Spirit, rest in His promises, and grow deeper in your walk with Christ.
I’m Heather Creekmore—best-selling author, speaker, and follower of Jesus. After decades of chasing approval and perfection, I discovered that true freedom only comes through surrendering to Him. Now I help women like you exchange striving for peace, insecurity for identity, and comparison for confidence in Christ.
Every episode is packed with relatable stories, biblical truth, and honest encouragement to help you stop living stuck—and start living free in Jesus.
Find out more about me and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com
Want to join our podcast community on Facebook? Visit us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024
Listen to Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women, ZOE Science & Nutrition and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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