The Bible tells us that we are created in the image of God - but as male and female, how is the image of God expressed in our genders? Is it scriptural to identify femininity in the nature of God? Have we created an image of God built on patriarchy? Is the church too feminine …and how does all this impact your relationship with God? On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests discuss God, femininity and the Church.
Elaine Storkey is a theologian, lecturer, broadcaster and Christian feminist. In 2020 she wrote a book titled ‘Women in a Patriarchal World’ which was based on her articles for Woman Alive magazine. She has been writing Bible Studies for Woman Alive for 25 years! Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/is-the-holy-spirit-the-female-part-of-god/19813.article
Sally Hope is a writer specialising in faith, feminism and domestic abuse. She is also the creator of the Always Hopeful Programme and author of the book No Visible Scars. Both are resources for Christian women who have experienced domestic abuse. You can find out more about Sally’s work at www.alwayshopeful.org.uk
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Elaine’s book ‘Meeting God In Matthew’
Sally’s book ‘No Visible Scars’
Find support at Restored https://www.restored-uk.org/
The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled ‘I did everything the right way but ended up with nothing. I feel so let down by God’
The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.
Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast
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43:49
Navigating Neurodivergence with Motherhood and Faith
Neurodivergence, motherhood and faith are a unique intersection which more Christians are navigating, as awareness grows of the genetics that can affect our learning. Many believers are involved in campaigning to remove the stigma in the Church. At the time of recording, this topic had become heavily politicised following the US President’s controversial comments about the cause of Autism.
Julie Williams is a writer and marketing specialist living in Cape Town, South Africa. She is a wife and mother to five children, and received an ADHD diagnosis at the age of 40. Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/i-am-a-christian-mum-of-five-and-i-just-found-out-i-have-adhd/16195.article
Ann Wilson is a diagnostic clinician for autistic adults, working for the NHS. She and her husband have two adult children, and their daughter was diagnosed with ADHD and autism at the age of 6.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Andrew Wilson’s book ‘The Life You Never Expected’
National Autistic Society - https://www.autism.org.uk/
The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: I want to leave my husband!
The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.
Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast
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How do you find a godly spouse?!
A recent study commissioned by the non-Christian dating platform ‘Tinder’, reported that more than 90% of single adults think ‘dating is more difficult than ever’.
We are in an era of a million online dating apps, and with that comes the risk of catfishing, banksying, ghosting and many more iterations of poor dating etiquette!
And, sadly, this list does not exclude Christians. But is it really as bad as it sounds?
*(On this episode we welcome our very first male guest to give his perspective!)
Tim Bechervaise is a photographer and freelance writer focusing on sports, culture and Christianity. Tim is also a copywriter for Open Doors UK & Ireland and currently lives with his wife just outside of London. Tim's article for Woman Alive on dating as a single man was published back in 2022 before he was married: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/im-a-single-christian-man-and-these-are-the-things-women-do-on-dating-apps-that-i-find-difficult/12754.article and connect with Tim on Instagram @tim_bechervaise
Cassandra Maria is an award-winning broadcaster, comedian and content creator based in Birmingham, and the programme manager of Premier Gospel.
Cassandra was also engaged (at time of recording, though she is now married) to her fiancé who she met through a dating app! You can connect with Cassandra on Instagram @cassvillle
The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: Should I church hop to find a husband?
The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.
Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast
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Are we still telling Christian women how to dress “appropriately”?
Throughout history what women wear has always come under scrutiny. This is the case both in wider society, and the Church! Whether it’s pressure to come to service in your “Sunday best” or other extremes of trouser bans and mandatory head coverings – many Christian women are still being told how to dress “appropriately”. On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests explore why this is still happening today, and what the bible says about modesty.
Hope Bonarcher is a native New Yorker, living with her Scottish husband and four children just outside Glasgow. She is a model, actress and singer. Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/what-the-world-views-as-liberal-sexuality-god-calls-bondage/19355.article and connect with Hope on Instagram @hopebonarcher
Dara Olagbami is an author, editor in chief and founder of Grace magazine, which combines faith, fashion and lifestyle. She is also the co-founder of Its Huntd – a digital members-only platform which offers exclusive luxury fashion items! You can connect Dara on Instagram @beingdara
The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: My in-laws are toxic!
The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.
Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast
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Even Christians can be mean girls!
On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests explore a topic that may surprise you - Christian “mean girls”! Although the Church is largely seen as a refuge, a house of prayer and even a hospital for the broken-hearted, sadly this isn’t everyone’s experience. For some of us, church congregations have been riddled with gossip, judgement, social exclusion, cliques and popularity contests. Kindness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, so why is this stereotypical high school culture going unchecked in Christian communities?
Shakira Peronet is a freelance copywriter and content creator. Originally from London, she now lives in Paris, after a Pandemic romance resulted in marriage. Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/im-a-repentant-mean-girl-i-used-to-feel-annoyed-when-church-friends-said-i-left-them-out-but-now-im-mindful-of-those-on-the-outskirts/13420.article and connect with Shakira on Instagram @shakirainparis
Jessica Stark is a social media influencer, broadcaster and writer, currently working at Premier Christian Radio as digital content lead. Originally from Scotland and now based in London, Jessica is also the daughter of Emma and David Stark, founders of the Global Prophetic Alliance and serves as a worship leader and prophetic minister. You can connect with Jessica on Instagram @j_e_s_s_i_c_a_h_o_p_e
The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: ‘I know what I want in a husband, but should I lower my expectations?’
The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.
Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast womanalive.co.uk/podcast
About Woman Alive | The podcast for Christian women
THE podcast for Christian women, talking real life and real faith. No topic is off limits as together we get closer to God, dig into the Bible and discuss what matters to women today.
Brought to you by Premier Woman Alive magazine. Join Tola Doll Fisher and guests for the podcast that gets Christian women talking.
Head to premier.plus for more Christian podcasts, radio, music and sermons.
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