Raising Godly Girls

Memorial Day is more than a long weekend—it is a sacred invitation to remember. 

 

In this special episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Natalie Ambrose welcomes Tim Barton of WallBuilders to explore the deeper meaning behind Memorial Day and how Christian families can approach patriotism with both gratitude and responsibility. In a culture where love of country can sometimes feel politically charged or divisive, this conversation offers a balanced, Biblically grounded perspective on Christian citizenship. 

 

Together, they reflect on lessons from America's history, the faith convictions that shaped our nation's founding principles, and why the freedoms we enjoy today were purchased with profound sacrifice. Tim shares practical ways families can honor fallen military heroes this Memorial Day weekend—helping daughters understand that freedom is not merely a right to enjoy, but a responsibility to steward with humility, courage, and compassion. 

 

As parents, we are shaping the next generation of women who will live as citizens of heaven while engaging faithfully in their earthly communities. This episode will equip you to raise girls who are grateful for liberty, mindful of sacrifice, and committed to living out their faith with conviction and grace. 

 

 

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: 

 

John 15:13 


Romans 13:1–7 


Micah 6:8 


1 Peter 2:16–17 



Matthew 5:14–16 


 

 

To learn more about Tim's work at wallbuilders.com 

 

Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.

What does it look like for neighbors to truly come together—linking arms, sharing life, and building something meaningful right where God has placed them? 

In this special Memorial Day–focused episode of Raising Godly Girls, Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden shift the conversation away from the noise of cultural division and toward something far more powerful: Christ-centered community. Because while patriotism can stir strong opinions, this episode invites families to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. 

You'll be reminded that as believers, our identity is anchored first in Christ. We are citizens of Heaven before anything else—and from that foundation, we are called to steward our roles in our neighborhoods, communities, and nation with joy, humility, and purpose. 

In this week's Raising Godly Girls Minute, Patti Garibay offers a timely word on unity in a divided world. As girls grow up hearing conflicting messages from media and culture, parents have the opportunity to guide them toward a Gospel-rooted perspective—one that prioritizes peace, love, and truth over anger and division. 

This episode also brings practical, meaningful ways to live this out during Memorial Day weekend. From simple acts like raising flags with intention to opening your home in hospitality, you'll discover how everyday moments can become sacred opportunities to connect, honor, and reflect God's heart in your community. 

Because even in a fractured world, unity is still possible—and it often starts right on your front porch. 

 

Three Things to Remember 

Put up the Christian flag and the American flag as a visible reminder of your love for God and gratitude for your country.  


Let your home become a gathering place. Hospitality can be a powerful bridge to connection and community.  


Honor the Lord and the moment with reverence and gratitude. Take time to pray, reflect, and remember the deeper meaning of Memorial Day.  


 

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode 

Psalm 33:12  


Romans 8:31 


 


Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.  

Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.

As Memorial Day approaches, many families begin to reflect on what it truly means to love and honor our country. In this meaningful episode of Raising Godly Girls, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden step into a timely and sometimes complex conversation: how do we raise daughters who hold both a deep love for God and a healthy, grounded appreciation for their country? 

From heartfelt memories of national unity in the days following 9/11 to personal traditions like placing flags on veterans' graves, this episode invites moms to consider how patriotism is formed—not just in grand gestures, but in quiet, intentional discipleship moments at home. 

You'll hear wisdom from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay in this week's Raising Godly Girls Minute, where she reminds us that patriotism and faith are not at odds—they can beautifully coexist when rooted in truth. By guiding our girls through both the triumphs and the trials of our nation's history, we help them develop a deeper, more honest understanding of what it means to be a Godly citizen. 

Rachael and Melissa also offer practical encouragement for navigating today's cultural noise—where opinions about patriotism can feel loud and divided. Instead of fear or confusion, this episode points families toward peace, gratitude, and Biblical clarity. You'll be reminded that while conflict has always been part of the human story, God's design is rooted in peace—and our daughters can be active participants in bringing that peace into their communities. 

Whether it's through conversations around the dinner table, participating in Memorial Day traditions, or serving those who have sacrificed for our freedom, this episode equips you to disciple your daughter with both conviction and compassion. 

 

Two Things to Remember: 

God's design is peace—even in a world where conflict exists, your family can reflect His heart in your home and community.  


Honoring the fallen this Memorial Day helps ensure their sacrifice is remembered and valued for generations to come.  


 

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: 

John 15:13  


Galatians 5:22–23  


Genesis 1–2 


 

Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.  


Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.

For many Christian women, vocational ministry is both a calling and a weight they carry daily. In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Melissa Bearden is joined by ministry leader, speaker, and author Melissa Mashburn for an honest and hope-filled conversation about sustaining ministry without succumbing to burnout or performance culture. 

 

Together, they explore the unique pressures faced by working women and moms in ministry settings, where faith, leadership, family, and expectations often collide. Drawing from New Testament Scripture, personal experience, and pastoral wisdom, Melissa Mashburn helps listeners reframe calling through the lens of faithfulness rather than productivity. 

 

This episode also speaks directly to parents who are raising girls in ministry environments. The conversation offers guidance on how to model healthy rhythms of work, rest, and obedience—so the next generation learns to pursue calling with joy, resilience, and trust in Christ, not exhaustion or striving. 

 

If you've ever felt stretched thin by Kingdom work or wondered how to balance ministry and family without losing your soul, this encouraging conversation will remind you that Jesus invites His servants not only to labor—but also to rest. 

 

Scriptures Referenced in this Episode: 

Philemon 1:1-3 


Colossians 3:23 


Colossians 2:8 


 

 

For more information on Melissa Mashburn's work, visit melissamashburn.com 

 


Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.    

 

Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.

In this heartfelt episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Melissa Bearden and Natalie Ambrose open an honest, encouraging conversation about what it means to walk in vocational ministry as a woman—especially in the midst of motherhood. Whether your work happens inside the home, within the Church, or out in the world, this episode reminds you that your calling is deeply seen, eternally significant, and worthy of intentional stewardship. 

Melissa shares her personal journey from serving in women's and children's ministry to stepping into a full-time vocational role—offering a powerful glimpse into how God often weaves together passion, gifting, and season to shape a calling. Together, Melissa and Natalie explore the evolving language around "career" versus "vocation," encouraging listeners to release identity tied to titles and instead embrace the sacred spaces God has entrusted to them. 

As the conversation unfolds, the realities of ministry life come into focus—its unpredictability, emotional weight, and the constant pull to give more. Through the Raising Godly Girls Minute, listeners are reminded that even Jesus modeled the necessity of stepping away to rest, pray, and reconnect with the Father. For the woman in ministry, Sabbath isn't optional—it's essential. 

This episode also offers practical, Biblical encouragement for maintaining joy and sustainability in your work. From rejecting the "just a mom" mindset to modeling integrity and dependence on Christ, Melissa and Natalie challenge working moms to reframe their daily efforts as acts of worship. And perhaps most importantly, they remind us that our daughters are watching—learning how to approach work, calling, and faith by the example we set. 

No matter your season, this conversation will meet you with grace, truth, and a renewed vision for what it means to serve the Lord through your work. 

Three Things to Remember: 

God uses us in every corner of His Kingdom—both inside and outside the home.  


Sabbath rest is not optional; it is essential for a sustainable life of ministry.  


Lasting joy in your work flows from a life of integrity and alignment with God's truth.  


Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: 

Psalm 77  


Romans 12:15  


Mark 2:27 


 Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.  


Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.