Latest / Daughters of Armor / Episode 01: Who Is A Daughter of Armor?

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Episode 01: Who Is A Daughter of Armor? · Daughters of Armor

• Who Is a Daughter of Armor?: Hello, Coach Nikita. Hello. I am so excited. This is episode one of Daughters of Armour. And I don't think I've shared with you the evolution of my podcast, have I? No. No. Okay, so I gotta I gotta share that because some of my audience may be new andor this is they're joining us for the very first time. So let me give you a little bit of a history. Of how Daughters of Armor evolved. So I would say, my goodness, maybe three years ago or four, my first podcast was called The Get Crystallized Show. And Get Crystallized was actually coined by my clients at the time. So we're talking f seven, eighteen years ago, seventeen, eighteen years ago. I was a fitness manager at a big box gym and a personal trainer and I taught classes. And so whenever a client would finish a session with me or one of my classes, and I I didn't even know this, I would just hear them speak to each other and be like, I just got crystallized. And I thought it was the coolest thing. I'm like, get crystallized. So like I got a hotmail account and I called it get crystallized. my god.com. And then years later it stuck around and I would they they basically invented that term. You need to put that on a t-shirt. I do, right? Get crystallized. and then I yeah, so then I decided to start my podcast. It would be called The Get Crystallized Show. So this is about, I think, yeah, three years ago-ish. And at the time, Get Crystallized encompassed, Getting healthy, it did have quite a few guests, but it was really focused, I guess, secular fitness, if you wanna call it that. And then as it's it's interesting because my podcast parallels with my faith walk. Because when I think about when I launched Get Crystallized, I don't think I was saved, actually. So yeah, now that I think about it, I wasn't saved. So the way that I taught about faith. fitness was in a secular way in that my faith I think my faith walk at that point was I mean I believed in God. I was a practicing Catholic at the time but I did not have a personal relationship with the Lord. And it's funny because now that I speak out loud, it reflected in my work. And it reflected in my podcast. Cause how I taught it was just all about looking good, feeling good, losing weight, all the typical things, you know, that that is surrounded when it comes to weight loss. And then I was saved this, it would be a decade ago. So one or two years later, I'm now a baby Christian. And The Get Crystallized Show evolved into Fit Beyond 40. So for my Spotify litter listeners or on Apple Podcasts, I think actually even on our YouTube channel, you'll see actually that's a cool thing to look back at because you'll see how it has evolved. Literally. Literally, because it's there. Then when we evolved into Fit Beyond 40, now it was all about faith, fitness, and family. And I had three coats. Co-hosts in Fit Beyond 40. So get Chris Ali's show was just me. Fit Beyond 40. I had three co-hosts, which was my cousin, Nicole, who had her own really amazing story with her faith walk. She was married to a pastor, divorced. It was she she she definitely had her storms and tribulations, and she came out of that. I mean, God's sovereign hand was on her on her journey. So her and I, when she was on as my co-host, we focused on faith. And then my husband, Coach Nelson, was on with me and we spoke about family. And then one of my coaches who worked for me for many, many years and really good friend, one of my besties, Coach Janae, we talked about fitness. So again, it was interesting because now the faith kind of was was More important to me as a baby Christian. I am now a born-again Christian. I am now saved, and it's interesting how it evolved. Again, it paralleled with as I was deepening my relationship with the Lord, my faith and God in my life was now moving up the priority list because he was there, but not, I'll admit, was not number one. He was becoming He was yes. He was becoming the center. Yes. And so the more I deepened my relationship with him, the more that I dug into the word and was now active with the church and you know, i in in and serving in ministries. Yes, he as my faith grew and my relationship deepened, he was now climbing up the ladder of my Priority list. Now today, Daughters of Armour, I can honestly say he's number one in my life. God is number one. I you and I share that same belief and share that same love. We both can say honestly that God is first, even more even above our own husbands, even above our families, our careers, he's number one. In which hence the Daughters of Armour podcast was birthed. And a little backstory, you know, being in the health and fitness industry, for those who are maybe new listeners, the Holy Spirit had been knocking on my heart, I would say, the past honestly, I would say the three years. This was maybe mid-pandemic. And I was running my health. Which is interesting. Which is interesting. That's the story for a lot of people. Right. It's like how it's amazing how the Lord used the pandemic to filter. He used it as a filter. And when I was running my health and fitness business online, the Holy Spirit revealed to me through my pastor at the time, Pastor Robbie Simons in at Hope. in Oakville, there was a sermon where there was something that Pastor Robbie shared. And through that the Holy Spirit was saying to me, Your your business needs to evolve. He God is number one in your life, but he needs to be number one even in your business. And I was like, well what does that even mean? Like How? I'm in the health and wellness d industry. Like how does that even how does that even make sense? Which is extremely secular. Counterculture, right? And so when that seed was planted at that sermon, I remember sharing it with my husband. and I even had a business at coach at the time who was not Christian. even some friends Who were helping us with trying to grow my online business, they were Christian, but it seems like the advice that I was getting was, no, don't do that. It's too niche. You might turn away or turn off a lot of women because I was focused on serving women. And it's it's interesting because as I reflect. You know, I would be doing these three, four, five day online launches to try to share with women my mission, how I serve women, how my team and I transform lives, yes, through weight loss. But it wasn't until you were actually in my program did you know that I was God fearing, that Christ was the CEO of my company, that I actually offer Bible studies in, but that was behind closed doors. I was never public. Yeah. With it. Yeah. And so there was kind of like this fear like, do I actually go all in and say, okay, Lord, I'm gonna hand you my business, do with it what you will. And, you know, in my particular business, how I would serve women, yes, we had the nutrition component, yes, we had the fitness component. But what a pillar that I had for the longest time. even in my brick and mortar before the pandemic, I owned a a brick and mortar for seven years. I also had a life coaching component. And that life coaching component, obviously secular, the way that I helped my women came from a place of using tools like neuro linguistic programming. life coaching, like secular books, books by like Mel Robbins and Brendan Brashard and you know Tony Robbins and you know, a list of these motivational gurus. Basically like how to become your best self. Self. Yes. Yeah. And I and I and I feel like when the Holy Spirit was knocking on my heart through that sermon, through Pastor Robbie, he was saying In a way, that was the the the seed that was planted, like I I understand that you've been serving women, but you've literally been helping them with a band-aid. You haven't been getting to the root. It's like weeding by just cutting off the flower and not pulling out the roots. And I was like, huh, I didn't I didn't understand, but I also saw, I mean, we've helped hundreds of women. I could see that yes, they were losing weight, but and yes, we were helping with their mind quote unquote mindset, but the root of the problem wasn't being healed. Yeah. Right? Yeah. And so fast forward, I'm like, okay, Lord, so what does this and I met you like a year ago in our in our church and small group and I shared that with you. It's been a year. It has it's been a year. Right? Do you remember me sharing at small group? Okay, the Lord is literally deconstructing my business right now. And I don't know what is happening, but he's literally breaking it down, if not the way that I looked at it, maybe it's not as violent, but it felt like when Jesus flipped over the tables at the temple because he's like, What are you doing? You You you're s you're you're selling this and that and this is a sacred place. And I felt like in a in a in a similar way, the Lord was like flipping over my business and be like, What are you doing? This is not how you really help and serve women because you are putting a band-aid over the heart, because that is actually the problem. It's the heart and you're you're not Helping them in the way that will really help them heal and transform and draw them to me. Yeah. So in a sense, just correct me if I'm wrong, because most women, I included, will use something like fitness as a form of escape. So it's like, what are you escaping from? Right. So in a way, you were almost enabling them. in that escape. Yes. Because it was more of a life coaching business. Yes. With fitness mixed in there. Even though at that point you were Christian, you are Christian. Yes. But you didn't know how to converge the two. Yes. So you still had sort of one foot in both worlds. Yes. And you didn't really have the the the tools or the resources. Like you did, you had the word, you have a relationship with God. but the the resources to be able to help these women correct. Get to the root of the issue, which is the heart. Yes. was it was there, but it wasn't You didn't know how to do it. No, no, not at all. And so prayer and just like questioning, like, Lord, you are deconstructing my business. And even I was being convicted because I would teach life coaching tools, and I was like, Kff, something's missing right now. And I might sprinkle in some scripture, but I'm like, this is this is not. the way and I didn't know it. I knew it, but I didn't know it, if that makes any sense. So when I when I remember asking for prayer in our small group and I was like, girls, I don't know what is happening with my business right now, but I feel like the the Lord's tossing or turning the tables. I don't know how I'm supposed to serve these women, but I know that what I'm currently doing is not the way he wants me to and I need clarity. Can you help me? Can you pray for me? Because he's revealing it to me, but it's not clear. It's still foggy. And so I we have a a member in our small group, and she shared that she was a biblical counselor. And I was like, What's that? Right? I'm like, what is that? And I remember w one small group, just our small talk after we're done, and she starts sharing with me. That it was a three year process, that it's really intense. And she even shared a little bit about a one-on-one coaching session that she had, which I could resonate with because I was having these one-on-one sessions with my ladies, but it was a life coaching perspective, but not not completely biblical. So I was hearing what she was saying and I was like, it's like a light went off. And I'm like, There's such a thing as biblical what is this? Right? And it's funny because at the church that I used to go to, they call it soul care. And I didn't but I didn't understand that it was the foundation was through biblical counseling. And that's how they cared for the soul. That's how they cared for the heart. Was these these this ministry, they were certified biblical counselors that were That was a part of the church that I used to go to. And now meeting one of our ladies, it was, it was, it was like a yeah, a light switch went off. I'm like, I think this is it. And so did my research and now my husband and I, we've we've completed our first year out of three. And it's it's intense. Yep. And I'm like, wow, you really want me to go to school? I'm almost 50 Lord, I'm back at school. Are you serious right now? But he's like, You asked. How do you do it? I'm showing you the way. And I'm like, okay, okay, Lord, I get it. And but the the really cool thing is through this process, Daughters of Armor was revealed to me because Fit Beyond 40. Yes, there was this faith component to it, but Daughters of Armor really, I feel like encompasses having a your health, your life. Because we think as, you know, we're both we're both personal trainers. We're both, you know, health coaches, but we're also Christian. And we know now Because we've given our life to Christ, given our life to Christ includes our health. Yeah. And so Daughters of Armor is literally, and I I and I just want to read this definition because it's so important for us and this podcast. A daughter of armor is a woman who knows her identity isn't found in a number on the scale, the size of her genes. or the opinions of the world, or even an the opinion of herself, she is a daughter of the Almighty King. And that's and that is how the Lord has revealed to me why I have been serving, yes, in a good way, but not the right way. And I and that's where I'm so blessed and honored and humbled to have you, my sister in Christ, as this is One I look at this podcast as fulfilling the great commission. It's a way to share the truth. We and I'm gonna read our mission here. We believe that getting healthy isn't just physical, it's spiritual warfare. And together, you and I, including future guests that I will have, we're gonna have honest conversations about faith, fitness, food freedom, relationships, mindset, leadership. And we're gonna learn how to discern the voice of God in every area of our life. I think the the anchoring scripture is from First Corinthians 10 31, which is so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, and whatever includes everything, all things including our health, do it all for the glory of God. And so I am just so excited for our journey together. I'm excited. For the topics that we're gonna cover for the fitness myths that we're gonna debunk for sharing our testimony. So I'd love to now that I've shared with you the evolution of of how Daughters of Armor has been birthed, I'd love for you to share like what does it mean? I mean you are a daughter of armor and what what does that mean to you? That's like it's that's a it's a deep question. To be a daughter of Armour isn't just merely to believe that God exists. It's being brought into his family through Jesus Christ. Amen. being reconciled to a God that I was separated from because of sin. Yes. And being adopted into his family. I can call God Abu Father, which is a very intimate term mm and it is all because of Christ's sacrifice for me. Mm-hmm. So When God sees me, He sees the perfect righteousness of His Son. Yes. It's nothing that I have done or can that I can do. Mm-hmm. it is purely because of Christ. Mm-hmm. So to be a daughter of Armor, it's it's being a daughter who is deeply loved, mm-hmm, who's been adopted into his family, mm-hmm, who is no longer under the penalty of sin. And it is someone whose identity is now found through and in Christ and not in the things of this world. Yes, in Christ alone. I think for the woman that is listening, as you said, being adopted into And and we're we are now we have an inheritance waiting for us daughter That is how the Lord looks at us as his precious daughter who is fearfully and wonderfully made, whether we have 10, 20, 100 pounds to release, you know, and and it is a journey. We'll talk about that and we'll talk about respecting our vessel, but regardless, as a daughter of the Almighty King, he loves us, that agape love unconditionally. It is our worth. It is not a man who completes us. It is not being able to fit in our skinny jeans that makes us happy. It's not even the reflection in the mirror. It's not even our husbands telling us that we're beautiful. It's that we are the daughter of the Almighty King. Yeah, we're his children. Yes. His children. Yes. Yes. It's like that relationship is It's so much different than our earthly relationships with our parents because those relationships are not perfect. Yeah. Those relationships are finite. Whereas God loves us with his perfect love. And he disciplines us with his perfect love. Yes. And we'll talk about that too. Cause sometimes it's hard when we're being disciplined Because when you really think about, like I'm I'm a parent, I discipline my son because I love him. Right? I'd actually be afraid if we weren't being disciplined. Hebrews talks about what it means for God to discipline those he loves. And for God not to discipline. Yes. So there's there's an actual goodness in that that like you said, we don't see it as good during that discipline. Of course. It's not like a physical discipline. It's that conviction from the Holy Spirit. Yes. Yes. it's It's a situation that we might be going through where there is turmoil. A hundred percent. But it's to sanctify us. Because the whole goal of this earthly life on this side of eternity is to become like his son. Yes. Exactly. That is the ultimate goal. Yeah. And each each season of discipline helps us to become more like him from one degree to the next. Right? Like we're literally clay in his hands. And I and it it it's It's so hard when you're in the thick of it and we both know it. But it's like we have that's where that again, that peace that surpasses all understanding, that reminder, as Paul says, it's a momentary affliction and we all have a version of a unique thorn in our side and it's so that it is to remind us that we are his daughter. We're not we're not the parent, right? We don't know better, even though a lot of the times we act like we do, he knows better. I just want to briefly touch upon that armor because we live in a broken, sin-cursed world. The second we wake up, the enemy is working really hard to separate us and a daughter of armor, meaning We have been blessed with those six pieces of spiritual armor to protect us because the enemy is real. He is working really hard and is so deceitful and sneaky. And he cre and we'll talk about this. He creeps into music, into social media, into even people we love, even our workplace, even the things that should bring us joy, the the enemy can use. And The armor helps us discern, helps us again, walk out this faith in full trust of God's plan, reminding us that his sovereign hand is on all of it, because the enemy loves to mini manipulate us and use fear to his advantage and anxiety and worry and stress, but the armor protects us. Yep. And that's what a daughter of armor is. And so if you know, if there are new listeners and old listeners, I I pray that this podcast will perhaps maybe there are blinders on your eyes, maybe there's some spiritual blindness and deafness that I pray that the Holy Spirit uses this podcast to reveal to you the truth. That If maybe you are a Christian and your walk is currently maybe lukewarm or maybe you've experienced some church hurt and you're forgetting who you are in Christ. I hope you're listening and I'm I'm praying that the Holy Spirit uses this to speak into your heart. 'cause I want us to be raw and I know we will. I want us to be real. Our testimonies are really ugly in a way. Because but beautiful. Because I mean we were we were definitely we were sinful and still are, but it's different now in that with the Holy Spirit living in this vessel, we can hear Well, and our our desires have switched too. Priority. Yeah. So yes, we we have we have God who lives with us, who lives in us, through his spirit. and that doesn't mean that, you know, some of our desires might may not may or may not be sinful. Yeah. But our desire to be obedient to the Lord overpowers being obedient to the world. Yeah. Although that can also be a big struggle. But that's why we got sisters. That's why we have sisters to keep us accountable. We have an amazing church. Amazing. with a pastor and with leaders who do preach from time to time, who preach the word faithfully. Amen. God fearing husbands. And God fearing husbands. Who lead our households. Who lead our households, yes. And I mean that's all God's grace. Amen. Right? Mm-hmm. but I just wanted to touch on something too, like just daughter of armor, like what is that what does that mean? Like 'cause there's there's so many layers to it. but the beautiful thing is is that we are we are protected by Christ and we are equipped to stand firm. Mm-hmm. against temptation, fears, lies, and spiritual attack. But that is why it's also crucial in our daily walks that we Have God's word control our emotions and our thoughts and not our circumstances. Yes. Which is also hard to do. A hundred percent. Especially when, like you said earlier, we're in the thick of something. We don't see the outcome. We're so focused on ourselves in that in that moment, in that situation. We don't see God actually shaping us. Yes. I just and well, God is shaping us. So God is shaping us. There you go. Not the world. God is shaping us. God is shaping us. And that was the missing piece. Like I look at how I used to serve women with a health, fitness, and mindset. God shaping us is the glue to those puzzle pieces. And this is why now Daughters of Armor exists. Yeah. That's so good. That's so good. Okay, well, I'm excited. I'm so excited for what's to come. There's not a lot of podcasts that I am aware of that that touch on topics like this. Like there are more and more women, I think, today, that are infused with fitness. Yes. There's a few more Christian Fitness influencers, I guess. Influencers that I do follow. And a lot of their content is amazing. And I think it's especially as Christian women in the fitness industry, there isn't a lot of it is so secular. You're being pulled in two different directions how do we converge fitness and Christianity in a way that glorifies amen and honors God and doesn't idolize it. So th this is where I would love to invite our listeners in the audience that if you have any questions, it could be, yeah, fitness, faith all of the things. How do we glorify God in all things? I want to invite them off the bat to put your questions in the comment box. And if you haven't subscribed, make sure you do. You don't want to miss an episode because we the topics and the guests that we're gonna have are are are going to just I think really open up some eyes. so make sure that if you have any questions to go ahead and type that in the comment box. And so to To wrap this up, again, so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. And that's exactly what this podcast aims to do. We are going to glorify God in all things with nutrition, with fitness, with family, with with our mindset, with our workplace. We're gonna have conversations that encompass all of it but making sure that it glorifies God. as my sister in Christ as a daughter of armor. I'm praying that this podcast Will bless a lot of women who may be lost or who are looking to deepen their relationship with the Lord or who are just like you said, they want to converge or want to understand how do I glorify God in my fitness, in my health. 'Cause maybe they've been battling for decades and it's it's a secret battle maybe. And we're gonna teach them how the six pieces of spiritual armor can help them once and for all become healthy from the inside out, become physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. Mm-hmm. So if with that, I will close us in prayer if that's okay. Yeah. Father God, we come before you humbly. We want to thank you for who you are. You are a good, good father. You are sovereign. You are omniscient, omnipresent. And your sovereign hand is on all of this, including this podcast. You have revealed yourself to me. You, through the Holy Spirit, have convicted me to serve women, to join forces with my sister in Christ, Nikita, to serve and glorify you in all things, Lord God. And throughout this podcast, we will teach and learn and abide and coach women on how. That this healthy journey requires putting on the six pieces of spiritual armor, that we have to walk out every day wearing the shoes of peace, to remember who we are by putting on the belt of truth, by protecting our heart with the breastplate of righteousness, carrying the shield of faith at all times. Remembering and being grateful by putting on the helmet of salvation and fighting the enemy and rebuking him with the sword of the spirit. Lord God, this is a gift, this armor that you have blessed us with. We are blessed with a gift of health. This vessel houses the Holy Spirit. And we want to thank you and glorify you in all that we do. All that we eat and drink and whatever we do, Lord, we are here to glorify you. So thank you in advance for what is to come, and for the souls that will be blessed, and for the seeds that we will plant. Lord God, may your will be done. All of this I pray in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen. Amen.