Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

Do you ever feel like joy is just out of reach? Is it something you have to work for, fake, or wait for some future version of yourself to finally experience? Heather Creekmore gets it—and she’s opening up in this episode with honesty about her own struggles to feel true joy, even while doing “all the right things” as a Christian.
In this episode, Heather Creekmore shares her journey through perfectionism, body image battles, and chasing joy through achievements, life changes, and even motherhood, only to find that joy can’t be manufactured through striving, positivity, or “arriving.” What actually blocks our joy, and how do we finally break free?
You’ll hear:
The difference between happiness and joy—why this matters more than you might think

The three big “joy blockers” and how they can sneak into anyone’s life (even when you know all the right answers!)

Vulnerable storytelling about wrestling with body image, marriage, and motherhood, and what happens when joy doesn’t show up as you hoped

Practical, faith-based strategies for actually growing in joy—no matter what your circumstances

Encouragement to stop chasing “just over yonder” happiness and instead, rest in the truth of where joy is really found

A free resource just for you: The “Obsessed to Blessed” mini-course at improvebodyimage.com/obsessed-to-blessed, helping you bookend your search for joy and freedom from body image struggles

Whether you’re feeling joyless, weighed down by shoulds, or just yearning for something real and lasting, this conversation is a hug for your soul and a nudge towards real hope. If you’re ready to stop comparing and start living, this episode is a must-listen.
Resources Mentioned:
Free Mini-Course: “Obsessed to Blessed” – learn more and sign up at improvebodyimage.com/obsessed-to-blessed

Work with Heather and her team to find your joy. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-courses-and-coaching
Don’t miss out—press play and rediscover the joy that’s closer than you think!

Subscribe, share, and join the community as we break free from comparison and uncover the joy that lasts.
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In this incredibly raw and hope-filled episode, actress Jen Lilley (Hallmark Channel, Great American Family, Days of Our Lives, The Artist) sits down with host Heather Creekmore to share the full story behind her 15-year battle with bulimia—and how faith, grace, and the power of honesty led her toward freedom.
You may know Jen Lilley from her cheerful Christmas movies and bubbly TV roles, but behind the scenes, she silently struggled for years with an eating disorder. In this conversation, she doesn't hold anything back. Jen bravely walks us through her childhood, the devastating origins of her eating disorder, and the shame-filled secrecy that followed her well into adulthood—even after launching a successful career in Hollywood.
But this is not just a story about struggle—it's about healing and truth. Jen opens up about the flawed advice and myths she encountered about eating disorders, the power of spiritual conviction over mere willpower, and the crucial turning point when she allowed herself to trust God fully with her recovery. She shares the deeply personal moment she finally brought her struggle into the light with her husband—and how that act of vulnerability ushered in a new season of hope and healing.
Listeners struggling with their own cycles of shame, secrecy, or body-image battles will find comfort, challenge, and encouragement in Jen's passionate, faith-filled story. This episode also explores practical wisdom for those walking through recovery, the essential difference between conviction and shame, and how to trust God even when it feels impossible.
If you’re ready for a conversation packed with honesty, grace, and actionable hope—listen in as Jen and Heather go deep, get real, and remind us that freedom is possible, no matter how long you’ve struggled. Jen Lilley's story of her 15-year battle with bulimia will encourage your faith and help you find your own healing and recovery through Jesus.
**Why Listen?**
- Hear the *real story* behind Jen’s journey through bulimia—far beyond Hollywood glitz
- Find hope and faith-based encouragement for overcoming shame and secret struggles
- Learn about the difference between conviction and shame—and why it matters for true healing
- Be inspired by Jen’s hard-won lessons: how vulnerability and trust can unlock your path to freedom
Don’t miss this episode—it could be the reminder you or a loved one needs that hope and healing *are possible*.
**Resources Mentioned**
- Jen’s new devotional: Wake Up Your Faith (amazon affiliate link -tiny portion of your purchase supports this ministry)
- 40-Day Journey at improvebodyimage.com
Tune in now and share this powerful conversation with someone who needs it!

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are AI images fooling you? They're everywhere. Perhaps you saw all those cute "candy cane" body suit photos and thought, "That looks fun." Or, maybe you posted one yourself! In this thought-provoking episode, Heather Creekmore unpacks the rise of AI-generated photos and their profound impact on how we see ourselves—and each other. What started years ago as a debate over Photoshop has now exploded into a world where anyone can create altered, “flawless” images of themselves in a matter of seconds. But the effects go far beyond just looking different in pictures. These doctored images are changing our brains, our body image, and even our spiritual health. Heather shares what happened when she created a bunch of AI photos of herself, including her hilarious results.
What You’ll Hear
The Evolution from Photoshop to AI:
Heather Creekmore reminisces about early discussions on Photoshop and magazine covers—and how AI has made “perfect” images accessible to everyone, not just celebrities and models.

Personal Experiment with AI Headshots:
Hear about Heather’s own journey using an AI headshot generator, the surprising (and sometimes hilarious) results, and the unsettling emotional triggers that come with seeing an altered version of yourself.

The Science Behind How Images Affect Us:
Learn how the brain processes images, why filtered photos are so convincing (even when we know they're fake), and how repeated exposure to “perfect” bodies rewires our brains to set unrealistic standards.

Real Dangers: Snapchat Dysmorphia and Beyond:
Explore the rise in people seeking cosmetic procedures to look like their filtered selfies, and understand why AI-generated “ideal images” up the stakes for comparison, perfectionism, and dissatisfaction.

Spiritual Implications:
Heather dives deep into the spiritual cost of chasing AI perfection, discussing body image idolatry, why you were purposefully designed by a loving Creator, and the difference between being designed vs. manufactured.

Practical Tips to Beat Comparison:
Walk away with actionable advice, from mindful scrolling to curating your social media feed, setting screen time limits, and turning to prayer when you're tempted by those idealized images.

Memorable Quotes
“Now you can actually have an image of yourself to worship.”

“Our brains know these images are fake, but our hearts still hurt as if they’re real.”

“You’re not a red Solo cup. You’re not manufactured. You’re uniquely designed.”

"Are you worshipping a perfect image, or are you worshipping a perfect God?"
Helpful Links
40-Day Body Image Journey:
Feeling stuck in comparison and body obsession? Join Heather Creekmore’s quarterly 40-day journey for Christian women at improvebodyimage.com (look for the “40 Day Journey” tab).

Related Resources:
See the photos! Find this episode on YouTube or visit the blog, here.
Listen to more episodes on faith and body image

Find the 40-Day Body Image Workbook * (Amazon affiliate link. Tiny portion of your purchase goes to support this ministry.)


Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and felt “less than,” or if you’re curious about how AI might be affecting your mental—and spiritual—health, this episode is for you. Heather Creekmore reminds us that our value isn’t found in a perfectly curated image, but in the unique design given to us by God.
Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave a review.
Thanks for listening! Remember: Stop comparing and start living.
Follow Heather Creekmore on Instagram and YouTube for more encouragement on faith, body image, and comparison-free living.
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you ready to kick off your year by finally pursuing health goals—without sacrificing your spiritual well-being in the process? In this powerful episode, Heather Creekmore shares her two most effective coaching tips to help you transform your journey toward better health. If you sometimes feel stuck between your desire to improve physically and the need to stay spiritually rooted, this episode will speak directly to your heart.
You’ll also hear Heather unpack the difference between coaching and counseling, and why the approach she uses at Compared to Who? is so unique—especially when it comes to body image, food, and faith. She explains how her biblically grounded, practical coaching can change how you approach your goals, your mindset, and your motivation.
Tune in to discover:
The questions that can radically shift your motivation for pursuing health goals

The truth about accountability—and who you’re really listening to on your journey

The practical, grace-filled approach that can help you break free from shame and comparison

Don’t miss these tips—they could change everything about the way you set and chase after health goals this year! Listen now and be inspired to seek true wellness that includes your whole self.
Ready for a new perspective? Press play, and get ready to stop comparing and start living!
Learn more about the 40-Day Body Image Journey and find resources mentioned in the episode at improvebodyimage.com
If this is the year you’re longing for real breakthrough, this episode is a must-listen!
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We have so much information about health, our bodies, and what will make us feel better, coming at us from every direction. If you're ready to finally hear the truth, this episode is for you. Today, host Heather Creekmore welcomes coaching client Tephanie, and Compared to Who? team member, Christian body image coach, Tara, for a moving conversation about finding real freedom from body image struggles. This episode dives into what it’s really like to join the 40-day Body Image Journey, take the next step into group coaching, and experience transformative, Christ-centered growth alongside women in all stages of life.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Tephanie’s Story: Tephanie courageously shares how body image issues impacted her life for years—from feeling like the “heavier friend” as a child, to trying diets after marriage, and always believing thinness was the key to worth and happiness.

The Power of Community: Listen as Tephanie describes overcoming her fears about group coaching, opening up in a safe space, and discovering that she wasn’t alone in her struggles.

What Coaching Looks Like: Coach Tara explains how every woman shows up nervous, but together they create a sacred, honest place where transformation happens.

Lasting Change: Tephanie reflects on how the journey shifted her mindset—from constant comparison and shame, to living with gratitude and serving as a positive role model for her family.

Behind the Scenes: You’ll also get a peek into the structure of the coaching programs (the 40-day journey, Body Image Freedom Framework, Attunement Reset), how each builds on the last, and the real “magic” that’s only possible through Christ-centered community.

Key Takeaways:
There is no “magic formula” for body image freedom—true peace comes from seeing yourself as God sees you.

You’re not alone; women of every age and stage struggle with body image, but healing happens in safe, supportive community.

Change is possible, even if you’ve felt stuck for years—the journey may be ongoing, but God’s freedom is real and available for you, too.

Ready for Your Own Journey?
Visit improvebodyimage.com to join the next 40-Day Body Image Journey or try the free “Obsessed to Blessed” mini course here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/obsessed-to-blessed
Connect with Us:
Subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you.

For more episodes and resources, visit Compared to Who? Podcast or visit the Compared to Who? website at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Special Thanks:
Thank you to Tephanie for bravely sharing her story and to Tara for her wisdom and compassion.
Are you ready to stop comparing and start living? Hit play and be encouraged—real women find real freedom here.
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.