The Beauty of Becoming: The Single Ladies Podcast

No voice has a greater influence over you than the narrative you speak to yourself.What we continue to say about ourselves and our singleness is what we'll eventually believe to be true... even if it's not what God has said.So today in the season finale, we're diving into 5 of the most common lies we've said–and have even believed–as women in this time of singleness.It's time to trade in the lies for God's truth. :)

As singles, we've all been on the receiving end of the unsolicited advice, comments, and clichés that are meant to be helpful, but often end up being hurtful instead.In today’s episode, we’re unpacking some of the things singles hear all the time, and we're replacing them with the truth of what God says about you and the season you’re in.So let’s share a few laughs as we revisit some of the advice we know all too well. 🫠

Any (good) relationship expert will tell you communication is key. Not just the easy, lighthearted conversations... but the difficult, honest ones, too.So why have we been taught to hold it all in when it comes to God?In today’s episode, we’ll talk about the biblical practice of lament... what it looks like to bring our grief, confusion, and unanswered questions to God, and how honest prayers in hard seasons are actually a sign of faith that can draw us closer to Him.Thank you for joining me as we discover the beauty of becoming together!

Can I just say the thing everyone thinks but no one ever talks about??Creating a life you actually like is really hard work! We stress out about whether or not we’re doing enough and whether we're making the most of this season of singleness.Then, we experience all of this pressure (from ourselves and from others) about what life "should" look like... so we begin building lives for how they look instead of how they feel. But what could our lives look like if we didn’t live buried beneath all of this pressure? What if God has given us this time not to build up this giant resume of accomplishments and experiences… but to dig deep to discover who we really are and to create a life authentic to that? My heart for this episode is to check in with you and ask, are you building a life that’s authentic to the real you, or are you building the life you think you “should”? Are you designing your life from a place of intentionality, or are you making decisions from the fear of missing out? And I'll be sharing some ways to check in with yourself to make sure you're creating a life you *actually* like. :)

We've all experienced the "Not Yet" seasons.They’re the times when God has closed a door in an area of your life, but He hasn’t given you any direction on what’s next. And it brings feelings of uncertainty about the future, about what God’s doing–or if He’s even doing anything at all. Today, I’d like to share some stories from the Bible that have been speaking to me lately, and dive into how we can respond in our own lives when we face these times of navigating through the “not yet.” Thanks for joining me as we discover the beauty of becoming. 

Ever feel like your spiritual life is like one of those interstate highways that's always under construction? Like God is forever working on something in you... addressing behaviors, patterns, or attitudes to help you grow.Well, today's conversation is all about giving ourselves the grace to grow in times like these. Seasons of stretching and of growth—of working through these areas in our lives with God— aren’t always fun or easy to navigate; but with some shifts in our perspectives, we can learn to see these seasons as God’s kindness towards us, and preparation for what’s to come. So thank you for joining me as we discover the Beauty of Becoming, together.

Have you ever had so many challenges hit you at once that it felt like you were just trying to keep your head above water? When all you want is one piece of good news—just one thing to finally go right—only to be met with more difficulties or disappointments?In today’s conversation, we'll be talking about how to walk through these kinds of seasons with authenticity–how we can shift our perspectives to both acknowledge the difficulties we're facing while also seeing the good still around us. So thank you for joining me as we discover the Beauty of Becoming, together.

When it comes to seeing God's promises fulfilled in your life... how much of that process is up to Him and how much is up to you? Today we're talking about how we can partner our faith with God's promise in a tangible way that leads to breakthrough; whether that's breakthrough in your promise or breakthrough in your perspective.Thanks for joining me as we discover the beauty of becoming together! 

If we're honest... we've all experienced an area of our lives that feels like a desert. Dry. Unfruitful. Hopeless. It's easy to keep praying for something when you see movement in the right direction. But what do we do in the times when nothing seems to change—or even worse—they seem to be heading in the opposite direction?In today's episode, you're coming with me on a journey from my missions trip to Brazil, and I'm sharing what the Lord showed me about faith in the middle of a landfill.Got your passport handy? Vamos! ✈️😉

When you've been believing + praying for something for so long—and you still haven't seen an answer—it's easy to wonder, "Does God really care about this as much as I do?" In today's episode, I share the story of one of my biggest life updates since the end of Season 1. I believe when we share our stories of breakthrough, it can become the catalyst for bringing breakthrough in another person's life (Revelation 12:11, anyone?! 🙌🏼) .Maybe the thing you're praying + hoping for looks different than mine... but the God who so beautifully answered my heart's cry is the same God who desires to answer your's, too. And no, my answered prayer wasn't a husband. 😂 At least not yet, anyways. 💁🏻‍♀️

Did you know cramping, mood swings, clotting, and pain are actually NOT a part of a healthy menstruation cycle?! Instead, they're your body's way of indicating that something's off and needs your attention. If you're like me and you've experienced these (or other) PMS symptoms, or if you're wanting to have a family one day, I encourage you to listen to this episode!In today's conversation, we talk about all things menstrual cycle and fertility health. From what the heck is actually going on during the menstruation cycle, to what a healthy and unhealthy cycle looks like, to fertility cleanses and more!This is a great topic to start off the New Year and to end Season 1! Follow me on social media @Whitney McDermott where I'll be announcing the launch of Season 2. A little bit about today's guest...Kara loves to learn and use that knowledge to help people. She is happily married to Damon and has two wonderful children Isabella, and Joshua. As a midwife, lactation consultant, and functional health coach, she is passionate about helping women in every season of health from creating a beautiful cycle, to fertility, pregnancy and postpartum. She finds joy in empowering her clients with the tools they need to nourish and support their bodies. She is owner of Vibrant Health and Healing where she provides remote health coaching to women.Learn more about Vibrant Health here.

“God wastes nothing, He just gets you ready.”In seasons of waiting, it’s not hard to see everything we’re lacking. But what would change in our hearts and lives if we began to see these waiting seasons as an invitation from God? An invitation to partner with Him on adventures we never could’ve dreamt of ourselves. Adventures God uses to shape us into the best versions of ourselves and to reveal His greatest desires for us.My friend and guest, Kara Zick, said “Yes” to partnering with God in her season of singleness, and today we get to hear about the practicality of what partnering with God can look like and how we can use our waiting seasons to prepare us for what’s to come. Kara loves to learn and use that knowledge to help people. She is happily married to Damon and has two wonderful children Isabella, and Joshua. As a midwife, lactation consultant, and functional health coach, she is passionate about helping women in every season of health from creating a beautiful cycle, to fertility, pregnancy and postpartum. She finds joy in empowering her clients with the tools they need to nourish and support their bodies. She is owner of Vibrant Health and Healing where she provides remote health coaching to women.Learn more about Vibrant Health here.

It's that time of the year again... food comas, family gatherings, and holiday parties. If  we're not careful, we'll be so busy "doing" that we forget to enjoy the moment. To make time for the people + the things that matter most. As single women, the holidays can come with a variety of emotions as we try to navigate them the best we can. Today, I give you my most tried + true tips on making this the best holiday season you've ever had. There may be less than two months left of 2022 filled with long to-do lists and packed schedules, but don't miss the amazing things God still has in store for you in the remaining weeks just ahead!

Jesus started a women's empowerment movement.The first time the Gospel was preached was by a woman. Her name was Saint Photini, but you may know her as the "woman at the well."Jesus advocated for Mary (the sister of Martha) to sit at his feet and learn theology in a culture where women weren't seen as worthy of being educated.The first revivalist was a woman by the name of Mary Magdalene after Jesus Christ's resurrection.Apostle Paul acknowledged Junia as a female apostle and Phoebe as a deacon. The early church met and worshipped in the homes of many respected women.If you've ever wondered how Jesus feels about women, take a listen to today's episode. I'm joined by my sister, Alicia, as we finish our conversation with author Donna Howell of The Handmaiden's Conspiracy. We talk about the women Jesus knew and the women He empowered, and what this means for us as Christian women today. You don't want to miss this!You can purchase your copy of The Handmaiden's Conspiracy here on Amazon.

God brings those He loves into greater maturity. If you feel like you're in a place where God is growing, stretching or challenging you, rest in the assurance it's because He's helping you reach your fullest potential in Him!As we finish up our conversation with Pastor Andrew on the Divine Progression of our relationship with God, he reminds us to never be satisfied with where we're at in relationship with Jesus. Satisfaction is the enemy of intimacy, and it will prevent us from accessing the deeper places of God.If you're longing to know Jesus in a more intimate way, take a listen to today's episode!

Growing up in the church, I remember feeling so conflicted about the calling on my life. I felt a drawing  to lead and teach in ministry, but there was just one little problem: I'm a woman. And in the teachings of many of the churches I attended growing up, a woman leading and teaching in the church was strictly unbiblical. Why? Because of Paul's writings in 1 Corinthians 14 and 1 Timothy 2. So the question for me became, "Did God make a mistake in my life, or is there more behind these verses than what I'm being taught?"This led me on a journey of studying deeper into the writings of Paul, which eventually led me to a book written by my friend, Donna Howell, titled "The Handmaiden's Conspiracy: How Erroneous Bible Translations Obscured the Women's Empowerment Movement STARTED by JESUS CHRIST." In today's conversation, I'm joined by my sister, Alicia, and author, Donna Howell, to dive deeper into the theology of these verses and what the Bible really says about women and our roles within the family and the church.This is a conversation you won't want to miss!You can purchase your copy of The Handmaiden's Conspiracy here on Amazon.

Did you know there’s a progression when it comes to our relationship with God? As we grow closer to Him, everything begins to change: our perspectives, our understanding, our actions, and a deeper revelation of who we really are because of Jesus.In part 1 of today’s conversation, Pastor Andrew Hall introduces us to this progression that takes place as we keep saying “yes” to God. He reminds us that God is doing strategic things in our lives to prepare us for the mighty work God has called us to...  but it’s a progression. It’s His time, His way, His blueprint, and His alignment. If you’re ready to learn what this progression looks like in your own life, take a listen to today’s episode on the Beauty of Becoming! 

Whether it's a natural seed or a spiritual seed, what you carry is worth fighting for. In the wake of the recent overturning of a federal law, guest Letica Wiley shares the importance of protecting the life God put within you... whether that's a child, a dream, an education, a business, or a calling. As she shares her life story, you'll be encouraged that it's never too late and you're never too far gone to fight for what God has put within you. You can order Letica's new book by visiting https://www.leticawiley.com.

What's been your definition of what true contentment looks like lived out? If you're like me, maybe you've thought contentment looks like being happy with your circumstances all of the time. That you no longer feel what I like to call the "difficult emotions" - frustration, worry, grief, anger, loneliness, or sadness- when you think about where you are or what has or hasn't happened yet. It wasn't until the last year or two that I discovered this definition of contentment I've believed my entire life couldn't be any further from the truth.Join me today for Part 2 of my conversation with licensed therapist, Robyn Taft, as we talk about how true contentment is found in the paradox of feeling the "difficult emotions" yet trusting that you are currently living in God's best plan for your life. If you're ready to discover what true, godly contentment looks like lived out practically, take a listen to today's episode!

Have you ever struggled to find a healthy balance between feeling your emotions and being controlled by them? If so, you're not alone. Our emotions were created to be helpful indicators of what's going on in and around us, but sometimes they can just begin to feel like too much.In today's conversation, returning guest and licensed therapist, Robyn Taft, talks to us about how to find the balance we've always wanted when it comes to our emotions and how they can be the very tools that lead us to living a fulfilled life.

It doesn't matter why you're single, how old you are, or what your experiences have been... dating isn't for the faint of heart!! On today's episode, returning guest, Debbie Short, and I share a funny and vulnerable conversation as we hold nothing back about what it's like to date as a 20-something who's never been married and a 60-something who's found herself single again after a beautiful 40-year marriage. You might be surprised at just how similar all of our experiences are as we courageously take steps in search for love and how the truths we've discovered along the way can apply to each of our situations.If you're ready to laugh, hear your heart cry, and just have some good ol' girl talk... take a listen!

Have you ever kept a secret because of the guilt and shame you felt buried underneath? A secret that you feared might tear apart relationships or cause people - or God Himself - to reject you if they knew the real you or what you've done?Today's guest, Jill Jamieson, shares her testimony of living in the bondage of secrets for years until she experienced God's beautiful redemption as He helped her bring those secrets to light. Beginning with being introduced to pornography as a little girl, Jill's life took a turn she never would have anticipated; but as she pursued the God who never stopped pursing her, He led her to a life of freedom, forgiveness and grace that she never knew was possible. A life He has in store for all of His daughters no matter how dark their secrets. *Disclaimer*Due to the sensitive nature of this content, this episode is not suitable for young ears or possibly for those who have experienced sexual trauma and may find this content to be triggering.Resources:- Secrets of the Little Green-Eyed Girl - by Jill Jamieson - Covenant Eyes - Finding freedom from pornography- Covenant Eyes Resources 

Ever wanted something so badly that you settled for something less just to have that desire fulfilled? 🙋🏻‍♀️ I think we've all done this in some area of our lives. Don't get me wrong - it's a natural, human tendency to want to fill a desire in any way we can when we have the power to do so. But how does this pattern impact us when it comes to dating? On today's episode, I'm joined by my big sister, Alicia McDermott-Yanik, as we talk about dating for purpose instead of dating from loneliness. She shares the beautiful story of how God radically transformed her life on a missions trip, and how she knew from that moment on, she'd have to date for the call that was on her life instead of the loneliness for companionship.You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll be inspired by Alicia and Jim's beautiful love story. I pray this is the encouragement you need to stay strong and hold out for the amazing relationship God has in store for you as you date for purpose.

Waiting never feels like the best part of life. And if given the opportunity, I think most of us would skip right past the times of waiting to get straight to the goal. But what if I told you the "end-goal" was never the most important part of our journeys? What if this entire time, we've been missing the whole point of waiting? Overlooking the most precious gifts God has ever wanted to give us?In today's episode, I share a vulnerable and encouraging conversation with my guest and author of "The Wait Will Not Be Wasted," Lauren Walton. We get real about how we've felt in various waiting seasons of our lives, and how God has met us in the spaces to lead us to a more fulfilling life than we ever could have imagined.If you're feeling frustrated as you wait for a desire of your heart to come to fruition, take a listen to our conversation!You can purchase your copy of "The Wait Will Not Be Wasted" by visiting: http://laurenlianne.com

In a culture that idolizes self-sufficiency, have you noticed we all still have this innate desire within us to be known, to be seen, and to be loved? In the midst of the isolation we've all experienced these last few years, we've realized more than ever it's not good for us to be alone. A part of the human existence is to need one another, and being in relationship fills that need. So how do we find our community and build life-giving friendships that will fulfill this God-given, innate desire within us?Today's guest is one of my best friends and the girl I call the "queen of community," Kacie Freeman! She's been one of the greatest examples in my life of what it looks like to put yourself out there, build a godly community, and thrive in friendships. We'll cover why we need community, what godly community looks like, and practical steps on how to build it in our lives starting today! 

Rejection is a difficult, messy part of life that can cause us to question who we are and what we were created to do. It can leave us reeling with questions in our hearts like, "Am I worthy of love and acceptance?" We've all experienced the pain of rejection at various times in our lives and will likely face it again. So how do we process through the rejection and become secure in who God has called us to be?Today's guest and my friend, Robyn Taft, dives deep into her powerful testimony of experiencing rejection by family and peers, and how God has stepped in and redeemed her story. As a licensed therapist, she now helps others process through brokenness and discover who God has created them to be. If you're ready to process through the pain of your past (or current) rejection and become secure in your calling, take a listen to this episode!

As single women, we've probably heard the word "contentment" more times than we'd care to admit. It's in most conversations about singleness. It's a chapter in the singles' books we've read. It's what our pastor encourages us to find in the sermon series on relationships. But how can we truly find contentment when life hasn't turned out like we hoped it would? Today, my dear friend, Erin-Rae Peace, joins the conversation to talk about what contentment is (and is not) in singleness. We talk about the things no one ever told us about contentment... like how you can be content and still be sad some days that you have dreams unfulfilled. That grief and contentment can coexist. Or that your faith isn't weak because you still have hard days. Or how contentment isn't just for singles, but something every person must know how to find in every season of life.So if you're ready to discover what true contentment is and what it can look like in your life, take a listen to this episode!

God is pouring out the Spirit of Esther over His daughters, and soon we're going to realize that, just like Esther, we were born for such a time as this! Today, a father of mine in the faith, Pastor Andrew Hall, releases a POWERFUL prophetic word God gave him for all of the ladies who will be listening to this episode! And trust me when I say, YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!!!God is declaring through this word that He's  bringing us into a new season, out of a place of bondage, insecurity, of feeling inferior and not being used in the church, and He's raising us up into a new place where He's going to change our condition, then change our position. Receive the encouragement, love, and identity the Father wants to give you during this episode. Become a part of The Beauty of Becoming community by joining my email list here: http://eepurl.com/hUfsEz

Have you ever wished you could pray to God about a certain circumstance or situation in your life and hear His direct response? We know we can look to His written Word (the Bible) for answers and direction, but what about the things the Bible doesn't talk about?? Things like: Should I go back to school? Should I rent an apartment or buy a house? Should I get married or stay single? Do I buy this car or that one? While the Bible gives us overall truths on how to conduct our lives and manage our relationships and finances, it doesn't necessarily address every single decision we're faced with... and that's where learning to hear His voice through Holy Spirit comes in!The Bible says we've been given the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead (Romans 8:11), and as Christians, that means He's living within us! God is constantly speaking through His Spirit and confirming it in His written Word and in the world around us... we just have to learn how to tune in to His frequency! Today my guest, Debbie Short, and I will dive in to the topic of how we've learned to hear God's voice and how you can, too! And you might just find it's easier to do than you think. 

On this pilot episode, I share a little bit about my story and the journey that led me to start this show for single women pursuing Jesus, their purpose and healthy relationships! Part of that story is the revelation God gave me about His daughters He's raising up to be like the Psalm 1:3 tree whose leaf never withers and bears fruit in EVERY season. If you want to be one of those daughters, listen to this episode and subscribe to this show! I'll be posting new episodes every other Tuesday.