Podcast Summary: Confidence | Girls Gone Bible Released on March 29, 2025

Hosts:
Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma
Instagram: @angelahalili @ariellereitsma

Introduction

In the episode titled "Confidence," Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma delve deep into the concept of confidence from a faith-based perspective. They explore the differences between worldly and godly confidence, share personal journeys of self-worth and identity in Jesus, and provide insightful discussions on overcoming insecurities and embracing true confidence through humility and surrender.

1. Defining Confidence: Worldly vs. Godly

Timestamp: [05:26]

Angela opens the discussion by distinguishing between worldly confidence and godly confidence. She explains that worldly confidence is often based on external achievements, appearance, and accomplishments. In contrast, godly confidence is rooted in one's identity in Jesus and trusting in God's purpose and plan.

Angela [05:00]:
"Worldly confidence is something that we all strive for. It's measured by external standards and factors, whereas godly confidence has nothing to do with your external circumstance. It's all about finding confidence that's rooted in your identity in Jesus."

2. Personal Journeys: Overcoming Self-Worth Struggles

Timestamp: [07:15]

Arielle shares her personal struggles with self-worth, detailing how she once relied heavily on male validation and external achievements to feel confident. Through her journey with Girls Gone Bible, she discovered that true confidence comes from leaning on Jesus, especially in moments of weakness.

Arielle [07:15]:
"Having Girls Gone Bible was one of the most exposing things for me because I truly did not feel adequate... When I'm in a moment with Jesus and I'm out of all of my strength, He gives me that strength."

3. Rooting Self-Worth in Jesus

Timestamp: [16:18]

The hosts emphasize the importance of rooting one’s self-worth in Jesus rather than in worldly accomplishments or relationships. Angela reflects on how their worth is defined by the cross and Jesus’s sacrifice, not by personal accolades or external validations.

Angela [16:18]:
"Our worth is not about who we are or what we do or what we have or what we've accomplished, but it's in the one who redeemed us. The cross is proof of our worth."

4. Identity and Humility: Biblical Examples

Timestamp: [17:57]

Angela and Arielle draw parallels between their lives and biblical figures like David and Moses to illustrate how humility and reliance on God foster true confidence. They discuss how David, a humble shepherd, became a confident king through his faith.

Arielle [18:59]:
"David was just this little shepherd boy, and it shows that your confidence in how God can use you does not come from how successful you are, but from having a heart after God and being humble."

5. Mental Health and Confidence

Timestamp: [26:07]

Arielle opens up about her battles with obsessive-compulsive thinking and anxiety. She explains how her relationship with Jesus provided her with peace and confidence, transforming her mental health struggles into victories through faith and scripture.

Arielle [26:07]:
"Understanding his Word, the Bible, calmed my nervous system down and made me feel confident because I understood the enemy's lies about my worth."

6. The Role of Community and Support

Timestamp: [51:52]

Both hosts highlight the significance of surrounding oneself with a supportive community. They discuss how friends and like-minded individuals can reinforce one's confidence by speaking life and encouragement, especially during challenging times.

Angela [51:53]:
"When we're being attacked in the mind, push yourself to be around friends who can speak life into you. They can remind you of your worth and help you overcome negative thoughts."

7. Navigating Singleness and Self-Worth

Timestamp: [43:04]

Arielle addresses the struggles of singleness, emphasizing that self-worth should not be dependent on romantic relationships. She shares her journey of finding joy and confidence in her own relationship with Jesus, independent of her relationship status.

Arielle [43:04]:
"Your biggest fear should be not knowing how to be alone. If you can’t be on your own, you’re putting your identity into someone else, which leads to feeling empty and lost."

8. Embracing True Confidence Through Surrender

Timestamp: [64:48]

In the latter part of the episode, Angela and Arielle discuss how surrendering to Jesus daily fosters true confidence. They explain that confidence grows from recognizing one’s flaws and relying on Jesus’s strength, rather than self-mastery or accomplishments.

Angela [64:48]:
"Confidence is authority. When I speak scripture over myself, it fills me with the authority that I have in Jesus."

Arielle [73:21]:
"True confidence is surrendering every day, acknowledging that my life isn't mine, and trusting Jesus to work through me."

9. Biblical Insights and Practical Application

Timestamp: [67:24]

Angela reads a favorite Bible story about Moses, highlighting God’s unwavering support despite Moses’s insecurities. They use this story to reinforce the message that confidence comes from God's presence, not from self-reliance.

Angela [71:34]:
"God often doesn't answer our silly questions with reassurance about ourselves; He emphasizes His own power and presence, saying, 'I will be with you.'"

10. Closing Reflections and Call to Action

Timestamp: [73:21]-[75:15]

The hosts conclude by encouraging listeners to seek their confidence in Jesus, emphasizing that true self-worth and confidence come from a relationship with Him. They offer a prayer for those seeking to embrace this transformation and affirm their love and support for their listeners.

Angela [73:21]:
"If you've never given your life to Jesus and you're lacking confidence, peace, or joy, now is the perfect moment to invite Him into your heart."

Arielle [73:21]:
"Repenting daily and surrendering to Jesus is the path to true confidence. Let Him mold you into His image."

Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Angela and Arielle intertwine personal anecdotes with biblical teachings, offering a comprehensive exploration of confidence from a Christian perspective. They advocate for humility, self-respect, and a deep-rooted identity in Jesus as the foundations of true, enduring confidence. By sharing their vulnerabilities and triumphs, they provide relatable insights and encouragement for listeners seeking to build their confidence on a spiritual foundation.

Notable Quotes:

• Angela [05:00]:
  "Worldly confidence is measured by external standards and factors, whereas godly confidence has nothing to do with your external circumstance."

• Arielle [07:15]:
  "When I'm at my weakest, Jesus gives me the strength I need. That's true confidence."

• Angela [16:18]:
  "Our worth is in the one who redeemed us. The cross is proof of our worth."

• Arielle [26:07]:
  "Understanding the scriptures calmed my nervous system down and gave me confidence."

• Angela [64:48]:
  "Confidence is authority. When I speak scripture over myself, it fills me with the authority that I have in Jesus."

• Arielle [73:21]:
  "True confidence is surrendering every day, acknowledging that my life isn't mine, and trusting Jesus to work through me."

Conclusion

The "Confidence" episode of Girls Gone Bible offers a profound and heartfelt exploration of what it means to be truly confident from a Christian standpoint. By combining personal stories with scriptural wisdom, Angela and Arielle provide listeners with both inspiration and practical guidance to build their confidence upon the unshakeable foundation of their faith in Jesus.