In this Summer Throwback episode of Priorities on Purpose, Melissa Batt sits down with licensed Christian therapist, author, and podcast host Rachael Gilbert for an honest conversation about body image issues, insecurities, and the old wounds that shape the way we see ourselves.

Rachael’s book, Image Restored: Tear Down Shame and Insecurity to Experience a Body Image Renovation, is more than a book—it’s an interactive journey toward healing. Together, Melissa and Rachael unpack the connection between trauma and body image struggles, how painful comments and experiences become part of our “body image timeline,” and why healing is possible when we invite God into those broken places.

If you’ve ever wrestled with shame about your body, carried insecurities from childhood, or felt stuck in destructive thought patterns, this episode will give you hope and direction.

Be sure to go back and listen to Part 2, where Melissa and Rachael continue this powerful discussion with practical tools for breaking free.

Key Takeaways:

• [00:02] - Welcome & Introduction Melissa introduces Rachael Gilbert and her book Image Restored, setting the stage for a vulnerable and hope-filled conversation.

• [06:10] - Beyond the Surface of Body Image Issues Why body image struggles are rarely about appearance alone—they often tie back to trauma, shame, and insecurity.

• [13:40] - The Body Image Timeline Rachael explains how identifying moments from childhood and adolescence can reveal the root causes of body image issues.

• [20:25] - Trauma’s Lasting Impact How both big and small traumas—whether comments, experiences, or abuse—shape the way women view themselves.

• [28:50] - Breaking Cycles for the Next Generation Melissa shares how her own healing is changing the way she parents and why this work matters for our daughters too.

• [36:15] - Therapy, Safety, and Courage Rachael shares wisdom on finding a safe, trauma-informed therapist and why healing requires bravery.

• [44:00] - Closing Melissa wraps up Part 1

Could your insecurities be holding you back? Find out now by taking my free quiz: https://melissabatt.com/unstuck-quiz

📖 Grab Rachael’s book Image Restored today—it’s an interactive guide to freedom and healing!

Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching with Melissa here: www.melissabatt.com/breakthrough-coaching

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissabatt.com

• Grab an Unstuck Session: https://melissabattcoaching.myflodesk.com/unstucksession/checkout

In this Priorities on Purpose throwback episode, Melissa Batt sits down with Pastor Kevin Moore—someone who made a lasting impact on her ministry journey over 20 years ago—to talk about leadership, discipleship, and the importance of protecting your health and home life while serving.

They cover the tension between ministry, work, and family, why some seasons call for stepping back, and how to recognize when your life is out of alignment. Pastor Kevin shares practical tools like his life wheel analogy, his “life lanes” system, and the irreplaceable vs. replaceable mindset shift that can help you set boundaries without guilt.

Whether you’re in full-time ministry, volunteering at your local church, or just juggling too much in life, this conversation will challenge you to serve from a place of health—not burnout. Get ready to take notes and walk away with practical ways to protect what matters most.

• [00:01] – Introduction to Pastor Kevin Moore Melissa shares how Kevin gave her one of her first ministry opportunities and the impact his leadership had on her life.

• [06:00] – Servant Leadership vs. Dictatorship Kevin explains why true leadership always starts with serving and valuing people over tasks.

• [16:34] – Replaceable vs. Irreplaceable A powerful story about realizing that work and ministry roles are replaceable, but your role at home is not.

• [22:01] – The Life Wheel Analogy Why keeping God at the center and tying every area of your life to Him helps maintain balance and avoid burnout.

• [26:34] – Signs You’re Out of Balance How frustration toward people can signal you need rest, Sabbath, and boundaries.

• [33:03] – When to Serve and When to Step Back Recognizing seasons to be served vs. seasons to serve, and how to take a healthy break without disconnecting from church.

• [36:50] – Getting Unstuck with Life Lanes Kevin’s 5-lane approach to identifying what you want, setting boundaries, and saying no with confidence.

🌟 If you’re ready to reset your priorities, reclaim your time, and protect what matters most, join my free 5-day Operation Reset workshop! You’ll get daily training, a printable workbook, and practical tools to help you create healthy boundaries and avoid burnout. melissabatt.com/operation-reset

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: https://melissabattcoaching.myflodesk.com/unstucksession

In this special Summer Throwback episode of Priorities on Purpose, you’ll hear a portion of Day One from my Operation Reset Workshop—a free 5-day training designed to help you reclaim your time, realign your priorities, and start living with intention, peace, and purpose.

We’re diving deep into the reality of survival mode—how it sneaks up on us, why it keeps us stuck, and the powerful steps you can take to shift into living fully in the purpose God created you for.

I’ll walk you through reflective questions Jesus Himself asked in Scripture (“What do you want?”) and show you how identifying your dreams, values, and priorities is the foundation for building the life you long for. This is your invitation to get honest about what matters most, stop living on the hamster wheel, and begin dreaming again.

🎯 If you’re ready to stop just existing and start living a life that reflects your deepest values, today’s episode will give you the reset you’ve been craving.

• [00:02] - Welcome & Summer Throwback Introduction Why I’m sharing Day One of the Operation Reset Workshop and how you can access the full 5-day experience.

• [02:05] - Why Knowing Your Priorities Matters How identifying what truly matters impacts your time, boundaries, and daily decisions.

• [05:10] - The “Shipwreck” Analogy How life’s disruptions push us into survival mode and create unhealthy coping mechanisms that become long-term habits.

• [12:45] - Jesus’ Question: “What Do You Want?” Why God cares about your dreams and how to bring them honestly before Him—even if you’re unsure what they are.

• [18:20] - The 10-Year Perspective Exercise How imagining your life and relationships a decade from now can guide the choices you make today.

• [25:00] - The “Why” Exercise How asking yourself “why” (at least seven times) reveals the deep, emotional drivers that will keep you focused when distractions come.

• [31:00] - Final Encouragement & Looking Ahead to Day Two Why being intentional shortens the time you stay in survival mode and what to expect next in the workshop.

🌟 Ready for Your Own Reset? 🌟 Get the full Operation Reset Workshop (all five days + printable workbook) for free here: www.melissabatt.com/operation-reset

🔥 Need accountability to follow through? Upgrade to VIP for 14 days of personal coaching, voice memo check-ins, and encouragement from me: Operation Reset VIP Upgrade

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissabatt.com

• Instagram: @melissabattofficial

In this unfiltered Summer Throwback episode of Priorities on Purpose, Christian Life Coach and Faith Mentor Melissa Batt opens up about a painful trigger that uncovered a deep, hidden fear—and how God used it for healing.

If you’ve ever questioned whether your pain is spiritual warfare, discipline, or the result of fear creeping in, you’re not alone. Melissa vulnerably walks through what started as a moment at church and ended with a powerful revelation in her quiet time with God.

This episode is for the woman who feels stuck in fear, misunderstood, or unsure whether she’s being attacked or lovingly corrected by God. It’s real talk on how the fear of being misunderstood can keep you in hiding—and how God gently calls us out of it to heal and restore.

Key Takeaways:

• [00:00] - Unedited, Unfiltered, Uncomfortable Why Melissa felt God prompting her to share this episode before she felt fully ready.

• [01:58] - Triggered by a Church Message How one sermon unearthed a deep emotional reaction—and what it revealed about hidden fears.

• [04:05] - Not Offended, Not Convicted—Just Misunderstood The powerful distinction Melissa makes between offense, conviction, and emotional triggers.

• [08:24] - Getting to the Root of the Fear How God showed her that a decades-old fear was still shaping her reactions today.

• [17:34] - Journal Reflections & Biblical Healing Melissa shares raw journal entries, Scripture from Joel and Ezekiel, and how God lovingly corrected her.

• [24:38] - Oversharing, Fear of Man, and Control Why the fear of being misunderstood often leads to oversharing—and how God is shifting her approach.

• [31:09] - God's Discipline Is Love A powerful reminder that sometimes, God sits us down—not to shame us, but to realign us.

🎯 Grab the free resource that’s helping women clear mental clutter and take back their time. Download Operation Reset now and start moving in the direction God is calling you: 👉 https://melissabatt.com/operation-reset

🛠️ Need personal help working through your own fears or mental roadblocks? Book a special 60-minute Unstuck Session and walk away with clarity and next steps tailored just for you. 👉 https://melissabattcoaching.myflodesk.com/unstucksession

In this Summer Throwback episode of Priorities on Purpose, we go way back into the vault to revisit a powerful message from 2023. Christian Life Coach Melissa Batt shares a deeply vulnerable story about speaking at her church—an experience that stirred up old insecurities, perfectionism, and a desire for validation.

If you've ever felt nervous doing something new, wondered if you’re “good enough,” or wished you could show up more polished and confident—this one’s for you. Melissa opens up about what it really looks like to say yes in faith even when you don’t feel ready, and how God uses our courage, not our perfection, to make an impact.

This episode is packed with wisdom for women who are tired of waiting until they feel “qualified” and ready to start doing the things God is calling them to do. Because guess what? You don’t have to feel ready to be obedient.

• [00:02] - Behind-the-Scenes of Speaking at Church Melissa shares her experience battling nerves and the pressure to “perform” while speaking at her church—and how her insecurities showed up in unexpected ways.

• [06:45] - Chasing Validation vs. Obeying God God reveals a deeper message: You’re not called to impress, you’re called to show up and be real. There’s power in showing up messy.

• [10:40] - When Your Weakness Inspires Someone Else What you see as insecurity or not being ready may be the very thing that encourages someone else to take their next step.

• [13:15] - The Stress of Doing Something New From dance recital prep to flying solo—Melissa shares everyday examples of why we need to normalize asking for help and not knowing what we’re doing right away.

• [18:25] - Let Go of the Pressure to Arrive You don’t need to appear as though you have it all together. Growth happens when you’re willing to start scared and learn as you go.

• [22:10] - Eyes on Jesus, Not the Distractions or the Outcome A reminder that walking in obedience means trusting God with the process, not waiting to feel confident or polished first.

🌟 Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or stretched too thin? If you know something needs to change but you’re not sure where to start—Operation Reset is for you. This free 5-day workshop will help you reclaim your time, realign your priorities, and create space for what truly matters.

🎯 Join here: melissabatt.com/operation-reset

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissabatt.com

• Instagram: @melissabattofficial

In this powerful Summer Throwback episode of Priorities on Purpose, Christian Life Coach Melissa Batt opens up about one of her longest-standing insecurities—her broad shoulders—and the beautiful, redemptive work God did through them.

What started as a physical insecurity became a sacred moment of purpose when Melissa helped care for her dying grandmother. This story is not just about body image; it’s about every woman who has ever felt “too much” or “not enough.”

Melissa shares how God can use what we try to hide, even the parts we wish were different, for His glory and for the healing of others. Get ready for a vulnerable, hope-filled reminder that nothing in your story is wasted.

If you’ve ever struggled with insecurities, body image, or feeling like your weaknesses disqualify you, this episode will speak straight to your heart.

• [00:02] - Welcome & Real Talk About Insecurities Melissa shares how God began healing deep-rooted insecurities, including those tied to her physical appearance and mental health struggles.

• [03:47] - Naming the Lies We Believe She reflects on the lies she told herself for years—about worth, value, and being seen—and how God began rewriting those false narratives.

• [06:10] - The Insecurity That Held Her Back: Her Shoulders Melissa opens up about decades of hiding her broad shoulders, only to realize God had a purpose for them she couldn’t have imagined.

• [11:58] - The Sacred Moment That Changed Everything Melissa recounts the moment her dying grandmother felt safe and secure—because of the very thing Melissa always tried to hide.

• [17:36] - Praying for Gentleness and Receiving Unexpected Purpose God used this experience to grow gentleness in her and reveal how He uses every detail—even the ones we dislike—for His plan.

• [21:24] - From Shame to Surrender Melissa encourages listeners to stop hiding their insecurities and begin surrendering them to God, knowing He can use them for good.

• [25:12] - Let the Tears Fall & Let the Healing Begin Tears are not weakness. Melissa invites listeners to stop holding their breath, let themselves feel, and let God start the healing process.

Is your insecurity holding you back? You’re not alone. Let's chat about it. Reach out to Melissa today at melissabattcoaching@gmail.com

• Website: melissabatt.com

• Instagram: @melissabattofficial

In this special summer throwback episode of Priorities on Purpose, Christian Life Coach Melissa Batt dives into the deeper reason so many women feel disconnected from God—and what to do about it. If you've been overwhelmed, exhausted, and struggling to hear God's voice, you're not alone… and you can get back on track.

Melissa shares personal reflections from a sugar fast and how it opened her ears to spiritual clarity like never before. She unpacks four powerful reasons you might be spiritually stuck—and reveals what it means to truly get your house in order (hint: it’s not just about your physical home).

This episode will challenge and encourage you to examine your relationship with God, your daily distractions, and your willingness to speak up when He nudges you. It's time to break survival mode, quiet the noise, and get back to the voice of truth.

Key Takeaways:

• [01:08] - How Fasting Helps You Hear God Melissa shares how a 21-day sugar fast clarified her connection with God—and why fasting isn’t about God speaking more, but you listening better.

• [04:17] - The Prophetic Gift You Might Be Ignoring How a podcast episode with Christy Wright helped Melissa recognize a spiritual gift she had been hesitant to name.

• [08:28] - Why God Is Calling You to Speak Up Now It doesn’t start on a stage—it starts in private obedience. Melissa shares how God is inviting His daughters to use their voices in new ways.

• [10:40] - 4 Spiritual Concerns God Revealed Melissa outlines four reasons so many Christians can’t hear from God: noise, lack of time with Him, insecurity, and misplaced priorities.

• [17:21] - Is Your Wagon Exposed? A deep dive into the “circle the wagon” metaphor—what it means to get your life, home, and heart in order before spiritual attack hits.

• [23:47] - Jeremiah’s Insecurities and Yours Melissa connects her story (and yours) with Jeremiah’s calling—and what it looks like when God equips you to speak boldly even when you feel unqualified.

• [29:30] - What Walls Are Missing in Your Life? The four “walls” God showed Melissa—faith, finances, health, and home—and why ignoring them leaves you vulnerable to distraction and attack.

• [33:17] - Are You Pointing People to Jesus? Melissa challenges you to evaluate how you show up online and in person—and whether your life reflects the hope and clarity you’ve been given.

Feel like there's never enough time to do what matters most?

Download my free guide: Take Your Time Back—with 8 quick questions and 15 practical tips to help you find focus, margin, and peace.

melissabatt.com/take-your-time-back-guide

Ready to start rebuilding the walls in your life with someone in your corner? Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching:

melissabatt.com/breakthrough-coaching

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissabatt.com

• Instagram: @melissabattofficial

In this powerful summer throwback episode of Priorities on Purpose, Christian Life Coach Melissa Batt shares her personal journey of learning to speak up—even when it’s uncomfortable, costly, or feels completely out of character.

God-sized dreams often require God-sized courage. But what if the first step isn’t starting something new… it’s using your voice in small, obedient ways? Melissa opens up about the fears she had to overcome (hello insecurity, fear of judgment, and people-pleasing), the spiral of silence that holds so many women back, and the reminder that not speaking up can actually become a sin of omission.

She also shares a humbling real-life moment where she got it wrong—and what God showed her through it.

If you’ve ever felt like you were meant for more but stayed silent because of fear, doubt, or discomfort, this episode will remind you that your voice matters—and your obedience is part of the breakthrough.

Key Takeaways:

• [00:02] - Speaking Up When It’s Scary Melissa reflects on the first time she felt God telling her to speak up—and why it terrified her.

• [02:58] - Fear of Being Seen & Judged Why using your voice often feels risky, especially for those who’ve been overlooked or wounded.

• [05:10] - The Spiral of Silence How silence can unintentionally normalize things that go against truth, and what it means to break that cycle.

• [07:21] - You Are Worthy of the Calling Encouragement for the woman who doesn’t believe her voice matters (spoiler: it does).

• [13:24] - From Small Acts to Big Obedience Melissa shares how the early steps of obedience gave her courage to speak up in much harder situations later.

• [14:12] - When Silence Becomes a Sin Scriptural reminders (James 4:17, 1 John 4) of what God expects from us when using our voice.

• [18:50] - Counting the Cost & Preparing for the Call The importance of positioning yourself to obey God, even when the stakes are high.

• [21:09] - Why Melissa Left Direct Sales The behind-the-scenes story of leaving her successful business to pursue a heavier calling.

• [22:25] - When Speaking Up Goes Too Far A vulnerable moment of conviction and real talk about the fine line between boldness and drama.

• [26:42] - Speak Up. Let It Out. Be Stripped. Melissa shares a journal entry outlining three key seasons God led her through: using her voice, releasing emotions, and shedding false identity.

Could your voice be the very thing that brings breakthrough? Find out what’s holding you back by taking this free quiz: melissabatt.com/unstuck-quiz

Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching here: melissabatt.com/breakthrough-coaching

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissabatt.com

• Instagram: @melissabattofficial