Episode 97: Body Image Challenge Artwork

You Were Made for More

Our hearts yearn for teenagers to know that they are valued, loved, and created for a purpose. Currently, our culture is feeding the younger generations so many lies – telling them that they are defined by what others say about them, how they perform, what they have to offer to others, or how they fit a certain image.

The Truth speaks of a completely different narrative. Our identities are found in one thing, and that one thing, changes everything: Jesus. That’s a POWERFUL, transformative statement. When this idea gets from our heads to our hearts it shifts how we live, what we believe, and how we do relationships with others. Our mission is to consistently speak about the abundant life that is freely offered to us because we have seen + believe that when teenagers know what they are worth AND whose they are, they will be more inclined to live for Jesus – following His commandments and walking in His ways. God says that you are valued, loved, and created for a purpose! That changes everything.

This podcast hosts conversations on tough, relational topics - while connecting relationships, identity, and the Gospel, in profound ways that encourage critical-thinking as we navigate the world around us, always pointing back to the hope that we have because... we were made for more.

Music Credit: Matt Stewart from the band Soldiers and Sons (Waynesburg, PA)Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialsoldiersandsons/

This podcast is a project of Abundant Life: You Were Made for More and Anglicans for Life.

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You Were Made for More

Episode 97: Body Image Challenge

September 29, 2025 • Sammie Gallo • Season 5 • Episode 8

0:00 | 18:04

This month's episode of the podcast is going to be formatted a little bit differently than our typical conversations. My prayer is that formatting an episode this way would challenge you to be vulnerable; find someone you trust to pray, ponder, and walk through this set of questions with you.

Here's the truth: the way we view our bodies is not a shallow, surface issue for the immature or the vain. The way we view our bodies is a deeply spiritual issue because our bodies are made by God, in the image of God, and they are where we encounter God for now.

Body image IS a deeply spiritual issue.

After listening to this episode, here is a list of questions to walk through in your small groups, with a mentor, or quietly and independently with God:

1) What do you believe are the leading causes of body image struggles for young girls in our culture today?

2) WHY is it vital that we answer the hard questions, like - do I like this body and will I respect this body?

3) Advice for parents trying to help a teenager who struggles with "bad" or negative feelings about her physical appearance? IE: Our daughter has a poor body image and a distressingly negative view of herself, but she won't talk about it. How do we bring this up without smothering her, alienating her or otherwise hurting our relationship?

4) What are practical ways to teach kids to honor and respect their bodies, without body shaming? Some examples that I've come to appreciate: eating healthy foods that make me feel good, taste good, and give me energy - prioritizing sleep and rest - being active every day - focusing on holistic health (physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being) more than just the physical.

Here are some resources we think will help to guide you in your conversations:

Lastly, if you don't have anyone to walk through these questions with - WE would love to do that with you. Send us an email at abundantlifeym@gmail.com to connect.

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