What if simply seeing a godly man love, serve, and pray for a woman could change what she believes is possible for her own future? In this episode of the Help Her Be Brave Podcast, Amy Ford and Cristie Penn explore how understanding God’s design for men and women can shape identity, relationships, fatherhood, and the way we support women and families facing unexpected pregnancies.
Amy Ford welcomes Cristie Penn, a speaker, author, and relationship coach who has spent more than 30 years encouraging individuals and families through biblical truth, practical wisdom, and authentic connection. Cristie has a passion for helping people discover who they are in Christ and build healthy, life-giving relationships.
Cristie shares how her own perspective on men changed after more than 35 years of marriage. Through studying Scripture, she began to recognize how cultural messages had influenced the way she viewed men. Learning to understand men through God’s design changed the way she approached her own marriage and relationships.
One of the most memorable stories from the episode comes from an Embrace Grace Princess Day. A young mom who had experienced abuse from her baby's father watched a godly man serve women and pray for them. She had never seen a man pray for a woman before. Seeing that example gave her a new picture of what she could hope for in a future husband—a reminder that healthy relationships can sometimes begin with simply seeing a different way modeled.
Amy and Cristie also discuss identity in Christ, healthy masculinity, young fathers, mentoring young men, godly fatherhood, and the Church’s role in helping men and women understand who God created them to be. They talk about the importance of speaking life, modeling healthy relationships, and doing the deeper heart work that can help build stronger foundations for individuals, families, and communities.
This conversation is especially relevant for anyone walking alongside young mothers and fathers through Embrace Grace, Embrace Legacy, church mentorship, or personal relationships. When women and men are reminded of their identity and value, they can begin to see themselves and one another differently. No woman should have to navigate an unplanned pregnancy alone. The Church can be a place where women and families encounter compassionate support, healthy relationships, and people willing to walk beside them.
The hope of this conversation is simple: understanding who God created us to be can change the way we love, lead, serve, and relate to one another. Sometimes a new beginning starts with someone being willing to see another person clearly—and speak life into who God says they are.
Cristie Penn is a speaker, author, and relationship coach with a passion for helping people discover who they are in Christ and build healthy, life-giving relationships. For more than 30 years, she has encouraged individuals and families through biblical truth, practical wisdom, and authentic connection.
Cristie is the author of Keys for Us, a resource that can be used for small groups and church studies focused on understanding identity and relationships.
Find a place of belonging in a support group for moms with unexpected pregnancies or single, young moms and dads.
