Sydney isn’t just an athlete. She’s a woman. And like every woman stepping into this sacred, terrifying, beautiful season, she deserves to be seen, heard, and protected in the labor room.

The truth is, not every woman is. And for Black women in America, the statistics are not just alarming — they are unacceptable.

According to the CDC, Black women are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. Not slightly more likely. Three to four times. And research confirms that quality of healthcare — or the lack of it — is one of the factors driving that number. Studies show that reports of mistreatment, racism, and discrimination are highest among Black women when dealing with healthcare providers. Women have reported feeling unheard, overlooked, and dismissed at the very moment they needed someone to show up for them the most.

This is not just a healthcare crisis. For the woman of faith, this is a call to war — before you ever walk through those hospital doors.

Here are three things you can do right now.

1. God Cares About Your Child More Than You Do — Talk to Him About It

Before you mapped out your birth plan, before you picked a name, before you even took the test — God knew.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you.” — Jeremiah 1:5 (NKJV)

That verse wasn’t just written for Jeremiah. It was written for the child growing inside of you — and for the one you haven’t conceived yet. God has already been acquainted with your baby. He already has a plan. And that means He is not caught off guard by any complication, any diagnosis, or any moment where the machines start beeping, and the room fills with tension.

But here’s what He wants from you: your prayers. Not just in the hospital. Now.

Pray that God moves through your labor room before you get there. Pray over your medical team — that He fills them with wisdom, strategy, and focus. Pray that the right nurses are assigned to you. Pray that the right doctor walks through the door. Pray that every hand that touches you is guided by something greater than their training.

And if you’re not pregnant yet — this still applies to you. Prayers get stored in heaven. Every time you lift up your future pregnancy, your future labor, your future child, you are building spiritual equity that will be drawn on when it’s your time. You don’t have to wait until you’re in the delivery room to invite God into the process. Start now.

2. Treat Your Body Like the Temple It Is — From Day One

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV)

Let’s be honest — pregnancy cravings are real, and nobody is here to guilt you about the pickles and ice cream. But here’s what the research tells us: the healthier you are going into labor, the better your body can respond to what labor demands of it.

And labor demands a lot. Let’s not sugarcoat it — you are pushing another human being out of your body. That is one of the most physically intense events your body will ever experience. Your cardiovascular system, your muscular strength, your nutritional reserves — all of it gets called on in that room.

As an athlete, you already understand what it means to prepare your body for peak performance. You don’t show up to a championship undertrained. Labor is no different. The nutrients you put in, the movement you maintain, the rest you prioritize — these are not just wellness choices. They are acts of stewardship over the temple God entrusted to you.

This is especially critical for Black women, whose risk for birthing complications is compounded by systemic health inequities that already exist in the healthcare system. You cannot always control what happens in the room. But you can control how you prepare your body before you get there. Nutrition, prenatal care, hydration, movement, and mental health are not luxuries — they are your armor.

Honor the temple. Not just for you. For the life growing inside of it.

3. Write Out Prayers Specifically for Labor Day

The enemy does not take days off — and he certainly does not take a break during some of the most vulnerable moments of a woman’s life. Pregnancy and labor are spiritually significant, and for the Christian woman, warfare is a very real part of the journey.

But so is God’s presence. And the more you invite Him in before labor day arrives, the more anchored you will be when it does.

Don’t wait until something goes wrong to cry out to God. Don’t wait until the room gets quiet in the wrong way, or until a nurse’s face shifts, or until fear grabs you by the throat. Partner with God now. Write out specific prayers — for your medical team, for your body, for your baby, for peace in the room, for the wisdom to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

Isaiah 58:6 reminds us that God’s heart is to “loose the bonds of wickedness and to undo the heavy burdens” (NKJV). The burden of fear going into labor should not be yours to carry alone. The anxiety of walking into a system that has historically not shown up for women who look like you — you do not have to carry that alone either.

Write the prayers. Speak them out loud. Put them on paper and tuck them in your hospital bag. Let your partner, your doula, your mother, your sister know how to pray with you and for you. Build a wall of prayer around that labor room long before you check in.

You are not just a patient. You are a woman covered by God, carrying a life He already knows by name. Walk into that room like you know it.

Based on original research by Mya K. Douglas, Liberty University 2025. Adapted for editorial use by Girls Anthem Magazine.

Three weeks ago, we started with a number: 48%.

Nearly half of female student-athletes are dealing with overwhelming anxiety. And the support systems built around them — the ones they were supposed to be able to trust — weren’t built for them.

We talked about the pressure to “suck it up.” The barriers. The schedules that leave no room. The faith that keeps getting squeezed out by the grind.

And then we talked about what the research actually points toward: a community that sees your whole self. Mind, body, and spirit. At the same time.

That’s The Girls Anthem Locker Room.

Six weeks. Discipleship. Mental wellness tools. Community with athletes who get it. Faith as the foundation, not a footnote.

This is your last call for the August cohort.

💛 Investment: $199

📅 Starts: August

👟 Who it’s for: All athletes. Seriously — all of you.

If you’ve been reading along these past four weeks and something keeps pulling at you, that’s not a coincidence. You were made for community. You were made to be held up, not just pushed forward.

Enroll now by clicking below.

Join Cohort Now

Not ready for the cohort yet? That’s okay too.

Starting in September, our Girls Anthem membership launches — and if you sign up, you get two weeks free, then just $27/month after that. It’s the ongoing community, the resources, the space — without the intensive commitment. Join our email list by subscribing below to stay up to date when it’s live.

More details coming soon. Just know: there’s a way in for everyone.

🎙️ The Locker Room Podcast is on all platforms. Come hang with us between now and August — we’ve got episodes dropping that will speak right to where you are.

Listen Here

Thank you for being here. This whole series was built on real research, real data, and a real conviction that you deserve more than what the system has been offering. We’re building something different. Come be a part of it.

— Based on original research by Mya K. Douglas, Liberty University, 2026. Adapted for editorial use by Girls Anthem Magazine.

To read the full blog post from all four weeks in one flow, click here:

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Here’s something that showed up in the research that stopped me in my tracks.

The pressure of college athletics was so intense that it was directly affecting students’ ability to maintain their religious commitments. The grind was pulling athletes away from one of their most powerful sources of support.

Not because they stopped believing. Because there was no structure holding space for both.

That’s the problem. And it’s exactly what needs to change.

Research on courage, attachment to God, and mental well-being found meaningful connections between a student-athlete’s relationship with God and their ability to manage difficult mental health moments. This isn’t just a feel-good spiritual take — it’s in the data.

But knowing that faith matters and having a program that actually delivers it are two very different things.

Scripture gives us the blueprint:

That’s not just Sunday morning language. That is exactly how athletic communities and faith communities should function for you. Tenderhearted. Courteous. Of one mind. Showing up — not just when you’re winning, but when you’re in the training room with no words left.

The Girls Anthem Locker Room is built on this. Six weeks of discipleship, community, and practical mental wellness tools — woven together because we believe your spiritual health and your mental health are the same conversation.

Enrollment for the August cohort is now open. Spots are limited.

Investment: $199 Duration: 6 weeks Who it’s for: All female athletes. All backgrounds.

Register Today!

Don’t wait until you’re running on empty to decide you deserve support. Check out what Maleah and Avery from our first cohort had to say.

Based on original research by Mya K. Douglas, Liberty University, 2026.

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As female athletes, we’re taught to push through pain, manage pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and keep moving no matter what. While resilience is important, there comes a point where every athlete encounters something that training alone cannot fix. Anxiety. Loneliness. Identity struggles. Burnout. Fear of failure. The pressure to perform. The pressure to look a certain way.

And while sport psychology has made tremendous strides in helping athletes navigate these challenges, research suggests another resource that deserves attention: faith.

Across multiple studies, researchers found connections between religiosity, lower anxiety levels, greater life satisfaction, stronger support systems, improved mental well-being, and gratitude. While faith is often viewed as something athletes turn to before competition, the research suggests it may influence much more than game-day performance.

Faith Can Carry What Performance Cannot

Every athlete eventually experiences a season where hard work isn’t enough.

Maybe it’s an injury.

Maybe it’s losing a starting position.

Maybe it’s realizing your best effort didn’t produce the outcome you hoped for.

Researchers found that athletes with higher levels of religiosity reported lower anxiety levels and greater life satisfaction. They also found that female athletes reported higher anxiety levels than their male counterparts, highlighting some of the unique pressures women face in sport.

This doesn’t mean female athletes who have faith never struggle with anxiety. It means they may have another place to turn when pressure begins to mount.

For many athletes, faith provides a foundation that remains steady regardless of wins, losses, scholarships, statistics, or playing time. Prayer becomes more than a pregame routine. Scripture becomes more than something quoted on social media. Faith becomes a source of stability when circumstances feel uncertain.

Because sometimes the thing carrying you through the season isn’t your confidence. It’s your trust in God.

You Weren’t Created to Do This Alone

Athletics can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be isolating.

Many female athletes carry burdens that few people ever see. The pressure to perform. Academic responsibilities. Social expectations. Body image concerns. Family obligations. Future career decisions.

The research repeatedly highlighted the importance of support systems.

One study found that religiosity and peer support were both connected to athlete anxiety levels. Researchers even suggested that athlete development should include support that extends beyond physical training and skill development.

That’s important because female athletes need spaces where they can simply be human.

Faith communities, mentors, teammates, coaches, and trusted friends often provide encouragement during difficult seasons. They remind athletes that their value isn’t tied to a scoreboard, a scholarship, or a performance review.

Healthy support systems don’t just help athletes perform better.

They help them live better.

Gratitude Changes Your Perspective

Female athletes spend a lot of time focusing on what still needs improvement.

A faster time.

More playing time.

A stronger body.

A better performance.

A bigger opportunity.

While growth is important, constantly focusing on what is missing can become exhausting.

Researchers studying collegiate athletes found that gratitude toward God was associated with improved mental well-being and lower levels of loneliness.

Think about that for a moment.

Gratitude doesn’t change your circumstances overnight. It changes how you view them.

Instead of obsessing over what hasn’t happened yet, gratitude allows athletes to recognize what God is already doing. It creates space to appreciate growth, relationships, opportunities, and lessons that often get overlooked while chasing the next achievement.

That’s especially important during seasons when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Your Identity Has to Survive the Final Whistle

At some point, every athlete faces the same reality.

The season ends.

The game ends.

The scholarship ends.

The career ends.

And when that happens, one question remains:

Who are you without your sport?

Researchers found that religion influenced athletes’ emotional experiences before competition and contributed to their overall well-being. They also noted that athletic demands sometimes created tension with religious commitments, revealing how important faith was in many athletes’ lives.

For female athletes, this matters because identity can become deeply attached to performance.

When your identity is rooted entirely in your sport, every setback feels personal. Every mistake feels permanent. Every loss feels devastating.

Faith offers a different foundation.

It reminds us that we were daughters before we were athletes.

Before the awards.

Before the championships.

Before the recruiting process.

Before anyone knew our names.

God already knew who we were.

And that identity doesn’t disappear when the season does.

A Final Thought

Research continues to suggest that faith may play a meaningful role in an athlete's well-being. From anxiety management and emotional support to gratitude, community, and identity, spirituality appears to influence much more than performance.

Faith is not simply something female athletes turn to when things go wrong.

For many athletes, it becomes the foundation that helps them navigate pressure, setbacks, success, and everything in between.

Because long after the final whistle blows, your relationship with God will still matter.

Enjoyed this article?

Download the companion report, She Runs with Endurance — and Faith, a research-based resource exploring what studies reveal about faith, anxiety, gratitude, support systems, and athlete well-being.

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The Locker Room Podcast launches Friday, July 3rd. Check out the trailer below.

Join us as we explore faith, identity, mental health, performance, and what it means to thrive as a female athlete beyond the game.

The Locker Room Podcast

Based on original research by Mya K. Douglas, Liberty University, 2025. Adapted for editorial use by The Locker Room.

Can we talk about something that nobody in the athletic world wants to admit?

A female rugby player in a recent study described what happened when she was having anxiety attacks before games. Her coaches’ response? “Suck it up or sit out.”

If that hits close to home, I need you to know: you did not deserve that. And you are not alone.

Here’s what researchers actually found when they studied the barriers female athletes face when seeking mental health support:

The real list looks like this:

• Nobody taught you what burnout vs. depression actually looks like

• Asking for help feels like showing weakness — especially when you’re supposed to be the strong one

• The resources available weren’t designed with your experience in mind

• Your schedule leaves zero room for weekly therapy appointments

• You worry about who else will find out

And when institutional support falls short? Athletes are building their own informal networks just to survive. That burden should not be on you.

Here’s what I love about what scripture says in the middle of all this:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

That rest isn’t passive. It’s the kind of deep, soul-level exhale that no performance bonus or championship ring can give you. And it’s available right now — not after the season. Now.

The Girls Anthem Locker Room exists to create the space the system hasn’t built yet. Six weeks. Community. Faith. Tools you can actually use.

The August cohort registration is open. Investment: $199. All athletes welcome. All backgrounds welcome. All you need is a willingness to show up.

Register Today

Check out our promo video that includes testimonials from our first cohort!

Based on original research by Mya K. Douglas, Liberty University, 2026.

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You’ve been working out consistently.
You’ve been eating healthier.
You’ve been trying to steward your body well.

And yet, when you look in the mirror, you still may not see the transformation you expected.

Maybe you wanted to lose 20 pounds. Maybe you hoped to fit into a certain dress by the holidays. Maybe you thought by now your body would look completely different.

If that’s you, I want to encourage you: your fitness journey is not failing just because it doesn’t look the way you imagined externally.

Sometimes a fitness journey can look complicated on the outside while something beautiful is happening on the inside.

1. Remember the Real Goal

The goal of your fitness journey is not ultimately about being a size two or having a flat stomach.

Yes, those things may be nice aesthetically, but they are not the deepest purpose.

The real goal is health and stewardship.

As women of God, we are called to take care of the bodies God has entrusted to us so we can effectively run the race He has set before us. That means we need to start measuring success differently.

Instead of asking:

• “Do I look thinner?”

• “Why don’t I look like her?”

• “Why hasn’t my body changed enough?”

Maybe we should ask:

• “Is my blood work healthy?”

• “Am I stronger than I used to be?”

• “Do I have more endurance?”

• “Am I taking care of myself faithfully?”

A flat stomach may look good in pictures, but being healthy enough to fulfill your purpose matters far more.

If you can walk up stairs without getting winded, that’s a win.
If your lab results are improving, that’s a win.
If your body is functioning better than before, that’s a win.

Health is deeper than appearance.

2. Protect Your Heart From Comparison

One of the quickest ways to become discouraged on your journey is by constantly comparing yourself to other people online.

There’s nothing wrong with following fitness creators who inspire you. Seeing someone’s discipline and consistency can motivate you.

But there’s a difference between inspiration and comparison.

The moment fitness content starts making you despise your own progress, it’s time to guard your heart.

Social media often shows curated results without revealing the full story:

• What did they look like years ago?

• What resources do they have?

• What genetics do they have?

• What editing or posing is happening behind the scenes?

You do not need to follow every fitness trend or every fitness guru.

Sometimes wisdom looks like simplifying your routine, staying consistent, and asking God for direction instead of chasing every viral method.

Consistency will always take you further than comparison.

3. Keep Showing Up — But Give Yourself Grace

A healthy lifestyle should not feel like punishment.

Too many people approach fitness with guilt, shame, and extreme restriction. But sustainable health requires grace.

That may look like:

• Making small changes instead of drastic ones

• Swapping out certain meals a few days a week

• Eating cleaner most of the time without obsessing

• Enjoying your favorite snacks in moderation without condemning yourself

Perfection is not the goal.

Grace matters.

You can pursue health while still enjoying life. You can work out consistently while also being kind to yourself in the process.

And honestly, confidence does not come from reaching a certain size.

Real confidence comes from identity.

When you know who you are in Christ, you stop believing your worth is tied to a number on a scale. You stop needing external perfection to feel valuable.

You begin to show up fully as yourself — whether that means wearing makeup or not, dressing up or showing up naturally.

Confidence rooted in identity will always outlast confidence rooted in appearance.

4. Ask God for Divine Strategy

One of the most overlooked parts of health and fitness is inviting God into the process.

But why would we leave Him out of an area He understands better than anyone?

He created your body.
He knows your frame.
He knows what is healthy for you specifically.

Romans 12:1 reminds us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.

That means our health journey should be spiritual stewardship, not just aesthetic pursuit.

Instead of copying everyone else’s goals, ask God:

• What does health look like for me?

• What habits should I focus on?

• What is a healthy weight for my body?

• What strategy works for the life You’ve called me to live?

Not everyone is built the same.

Some people are naturally slim. Some people are naturally curvier. Some are naturally athletic. Some are naturally thicker-framed.

And there’s freedom in accepting how God designed you.

You may never have the frame of the women you see online — and that’s okay.

The goal is not to become someone else.
The goal is to steward yourself well.

Final Encouragement

Your fitness journey does not have to mirror the world’s version of fitness.

As believers, our focus should not be obsession, vanity, or comparison.

Our focus should be:

• health

• stewardship

• discipline

• grace

• wisdom

• and godliness

Scripture says in 1 Timothy 4:8:

“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things…”

Exercise matters. Health matters. Taking care of yourself matters.

But your identity, your purpose, and your eternal value matter more.

So keep showing up.
Keep honoring your body.
Keep giving yourself grace.
Keep asking God for wisdom.

And remember: just because your journey looks complicated doesn’t mean God isn’t working.

Did you check out our other article on why I learned to love my stomach bulge? You can check it out here:

https://www.girlsanthemmag.com/p/why-my-stomach-bulge-is-something

Want to dive deeper? Join the Girls Anthem Library!

If you are looking for a community that helps you honor God with your entertainment and daily life, we would love to welcome you into the Girls Anthem Library on Ream. As a member, you unlock my full catalog of Christian romance, unlimited 2025 magazine access, weekly devotionals, exclusive monthly short stories, and monthly Zoom meetups with me!*

*Please note: The library includes my independent catalog and does not include books published through Black Legacy Publishing or Kindle Unlimited titles.

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Nearly half of female college athletes are dealing with overwhelming anxiety right now.

Let that sink in. Not “some.” Not “a few.” 48%.

And 28% are struggling with depression. These aren’t just statistics — these are your teammates. Your training partners. Maybe you.

For too long, the research on athlete mental health barely included women who look like many of us. Most studies before 2021 focused primarily on white athletes. The experiences of Black female athletes, and honestly, the real, lived experiences of all female athletes navigating pressure, identity, and faith, were missing from the conversation.

That’s changing. I’ve been in the research, and what’s coming out of it is something a lot of us already knew in our gut:

Studies show that a student-athlete’s relationship with God has meaningful, measurable connections to their ability to manage anxiety and depression. But here’s the gap: almost no athletic programs offer anything structured around this. A chapel service once a semester is not a program. A passing mention of prayer in a wellness meeting is not support.

That’s exactly why I built The Girls Anthem Locker Room — a 6-week faith-intensive designed specifically for athletes who are ready to stop grinding alone and start building from the inside out.

Over the next few weeks, I’m breaking down what the research actually says — about the pressure you’re under, the barriers in your way, and why faith belongs at the center of your mental health strategy.

And if you’re already ready to go? Enrollment for the August cohort is now open. You can register below. Spots are limited. This is where grit meets grace…

Register Now

🎙️ ALSO — The Locker Room Podcast drops July 3rd on all platforms. The trailer is live now. Go find us wherever you listen and hit subscribe so you don’t miss episode one.

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Based on original research by Mya K. Douglas, Liberty University, 2026.

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I’ve spent the last six years trying to determine what’s going on with my stomach. As someone who has had an ectopic pregnancy at nineteen, I’m realizing that it’s more important for me to focus on health than numbers, but I can’t lie. Seeing that bulge can be discouraging. Especially when you know you’ve put in the work. Dove’s 2024 Beauty Report found that 68% of women still feel pressure to look slim or thin, and 64% feel pressure to have a small waist. The struggle is real, and it’s bigger than just us.

So, I wanted to encourage my sisters in Christ out there who feel like their workouts don’t matter much since the number on the scale stays the same, and they still can’t wear a dress without Spanx. I wanted to share some of my personal journey as it pertains to why I focus on health and fitness as a part of my beauty routine, and how learning to love my bulge has made me feel more beautiful.

1. I eat healthy, 3 meals a day, with healthy snacking in between. My baseline is good. While I do snack on chips, Chick A Boom popcorn, and a slice of cake from time to time, for the most part, I’m about 85-90% clean eating. From my breakfast to my snacks, I don’t eat processed foods, I make sure I’m getting my vitamins from food (not just supplements), and I drink nothing but water. I can only control my diet. I’ve come to embrace something very valuable: As long as my internal reflects my efforts, I can’t worry about the other stuff. Sure, I’d love to wear a dress without worrying about which Spanx brand is best, but I don’t trip over it because I know I do the work.

2. I work out 3-4 times a week. I do GrowwithJo and combine that with walking when able. Even Jo’s 10-minute workouts can kick your butt, so trust me when I tell you, between resistance training, walking, and other HIIT workouts she offers, I am consistent, and I sweat. I can’t let the fact that my core doesn’t look like hers, or anyone else’s, for that matter, stress me out. I try to work out at least 30 minutes per day, with at least two days of walking if possible.

3. I am confident in what people don’t see. I’ve heard it all my life, “Girl, if I could just have your confidence.” The truth is, I don’t always feel confident; however, I am confident in what people don’t see. I know I’m kind, loving, and loyal. I know that I’m healthy, mind, body, and spirit. This helps me to be confident all around. The things people can’t see – my heart, my mind, my spirit, and my soul – are what I’m confident in. I remember when I did a virtual mother/daughter tea in 2020. The young lady who was the guest speaker for Gen Z texted me to go over particulars. When everything was situated, she called me. I asked her if everything was okay, and she said, “Yes. I just wanted to hear your voice.” I was confused but didn’t mind. After the call, what God dropped in my spirit blessed me. He said, “Mya, your presence is soothing to people. Own that.” It wasn’t about cockiness; it was Him reminding me that what I needed to invest in the most was my spirit. Looks may draw someone in, but the spirit keeps them around. This applies to love and friendship.

For me, if I know I’m stewarding my body well, I can’t get caught up in what my stomach looks like. I know I have clean gut health because I take care of my body. I take supplements as guided by the Holy Spirit, and I make sure I’m getting my yearly physical. When that bloodwork comes back clean, I know I’m doing something right. I also take into consideration that perimenopause affects Black women very heavily. The cortisol and stress levels of dealing with that as a forty-one-year-old woman alone can be a lot. I keep the stress down and take care of what I can control.

Even with all the videos and articles about how to fix a hormonal belly, I’ve tried it all (with wisdom). I eat what they suggest, which is already a part of my diet in most cases, and I do the workouts. This is why I’ve rested in the fact that as long as my weight is the number God gave me (ask Him for yours), I’m at peace.

And for my single ladies? God has already assured me that my future hubby will love me just the way I am. I encourage you to embrace that truth for yourself as well.

What are some of the things you’ve struggled with when it comes to this area of your life? How are you going to embrace your bulge from here on out?

June Update: As of the publishing of this post, I am doing intermittent fasting. I eat two meals a day, both with a protein and two vegetables (or I do a huge salad with tuna/shrimp as one meal) between 12 and 8 pm. I’m enjoying it a lot. I still do my workouts 3-4 days a week.

Want to dive deeper? Join the Girls Anthem Library!

If you are looking for a community that helps you honor God with your entertainment and daily life, we would love to welcome you into the Girls Anthem Library on Ream. As a member, you unlock my full catalog of Christian romance, unlimited 2025 magazine access, weekly devotionals, exclusive monthly short stories, and monthly Zoom meetups with me!*

*Please note: The library includes my independent catalog and does not include books published through Black Legacy Publishing or Kindle Unlimited titles.

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If you’ve been part of the Girls Anthem community for any amount of time, you already know — everything I do, I do it with purpose. This is no different.

I’ve been quietly building something, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you.

Welcome to The Reader’s Cove — my new library on Ream where faith, story, and community all come together in one place.

Here’s what’s waiting for you inside:

✔️ Full library access — Christian and African American romance you can feel good about reading

✔️ Girls Anthem Magazine (2025) — the full color PDF, the way it was always meant to be experienced

✔️ Weekly devotionals — audio and written

✔️ Exclusive monthly releases — short stories, novelettes & more

✔️ Monthly Zoom meetups with me!

All of that for just $10/month.

You’ve been rocking with Girls Anthem, and I wanted you to have access to this before it goes public on June 1st. This is my way of saying thank you for showing up.

Come on in, sis. There’s a seat at the table for you. 💕

🔗 https://reamstories.com/girlsanthemlibrary

Please note: Library does not include titles published through Black Legacy Publishing/Kindle Unlimited.

With love,

Mya Kay

I’m working on something new, and I’d love your input. I’m in the early stages of launching a nail brand rooted in one thing — healthy nails first, beautiful color second.

Before I go any further, I want to make sure I’m building something that actually serves women like you. That’s where this quick survey comes in. It covers nail habits, salon experiences, and thoughts on nail health and treatments.

It takes less than 5 minutes and means the world to me.

https://forms.gle/fNvaPgreu4q6gMNk7

Thank you for always showing up for me. It doesn’t go unnoticed. 🩷

Mya Kay

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I told you there was more to come, and I meant it.

As Girls Anthem steps into its next season, so does my literary journey. My newest novel, The War in His Heart, is releasing on June 2nd, and before I make any big announcements, I wanted to come to you first.

I’m building a small, intentional group of readers to be part of this with me, not just supporters, but partners. People who show up the way they’d want someone to show up for them. And I thought of you.

Here’s what you get as an accepted member:

• First access to excerpts, behind-the-scenes moments, and announcements before anyone else

• The first three chapters of The War in His Heart — free — as a thank-you for joining

• A real seat at the table as we build toward June 2nd

And here’s what I need from you:

• Share content when I drop it: covers, teasers, announcements

• Leave an honest review on Amazon and Goodreads on or around release day

• Show up the way you’d want someone to show up for you

If this sounds like something you want to be part of, just hit reply and let me know. I’ll follow up with a short application so we can make it official. The cover drops May 19th. The book releases June 2nd. This is only open to 10 people, so reply quickly if you’re interested.

In Christ and with love,

Ya Girl, Mya Kay

P.S. The literary membership I teased in my last email? This is just the beginning. Check out the sneak peek of the cover reveal for The War in His Heart below. 🖤

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Wow. It’s been two years since God had me relaunch Girls Anthem when I returned home to Philly. In April 2024, we brought back our Girls Anthem prayer line, and I watched God move powerfully over the course of four months. Then, in November 2024, God had me launch Girls Anthem Magazine, and after seven beautiful, printed issues and thirteen months of our digital magazine, God put it on pause and told me to shift back to sending weekly emails after my winter break.

I had no idea that the one I sent last Monday would be the last one. Last Sunday, as I sat in my prayer closet, God spoke to me about the two fish and five loaves (John 6:1-15). He made it clear that I was in a season of multiplication, but for me to access it, I would have to give Him what is already in my hands. It’s ironic how our last devotional was on the unexpected shift, and here it is, I’m experiencing another one.

The beauty in this shift is that there’s more to come for Girls Anthem. While I can’t share the details, I can share this tidbit:

Girls Anthem Media is a dynamic media company committed to uplifting women and girls by providing content that inspires them to pursue their destinies without compromising their souls. Rooted in the faith-based ministry founded by Mya Kay in 2019, and expanding upon the mission of the Girls Anthem Magazine launched in 2024, our goal is to venture deeper into the media space, creating impactful television and film content that brings viewers closer to Christ while entertaining them.

We are also launching a literary membership later this spring for email list subscribers that will focus on the books by your very own, Mya Kay.

So, this isn’t the last time you’ll hear from us. Just in this way. There’s so much more to come for Girls Anthem, but for me to lean into this new level, I must step back and prepare for it. One of the biggest mistakes Christian entrepreneurs make is being afraid to step back so that God can launch them forward. You can’t fear missing sales, followers, or even opportunities just because you’re in an inactive season that God has called you to.

Building takes work, and we must build God’s way. Read Exodus 31 and the book of Nehemiah to see why doing it God’s way often means preparing behind the scenes, where nobody is clapping, and no cameras are documenting the journey.

Please take this hiatus to browse the archives, share with family and friends, and purchase issues of the print magazine. We have over 100 articles that you can enjoy. What didn’t hit in one season may resonate in this one.

I want to thank you for trusting me with your spiritual journey and for believing in what Girls Anthem stands for. Please pray for Girls Anthem during this transition as we prepare to come back stronger than ever.

In Christ,

Ya Girl, Mya Kay

P.S. It took a lot for me to write this without crying, so know that these words carry weight. Love you deep.

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As I got on the plane, I felt defeated. Here it was: I had done everything God asked me to do, only to end up going back home to Philly. Don’t get me wrong, I love my city, and being with my family means a lot. But from all the dreams and downloads God had been giving me over the last couple of years, Dallas was supposed to be my next move. So, imagine my surprise when, on July 18, 2023, I found myself boarding a plane from Atlanta to Philly.

I was headed back home to a room after losing my apartment. Confused, hurt, and even a little depressed, I headed home. What I didn’t realize was that my niece, Quiana, would end up having her baby five months early, literally twelve days after I arrived home. Over the next five months, my family and I prayed for baby Zhuri, believing that she would get to come home, completely healed. She’d gone through a lot, between brain surgeries and different procedures after being born at only one pound and twenty-one ounces.

She came home on December 24, 2023. Our Christmas miracle.

That’s when it hit me. While the shift was unexpected, I would end up colliding with a beautiful moment in my destiny. Shifting can lead to colliding when it’s God’s will. I’ve been home for almost 3 years, and in that time, baby Zhuri has grown to a healthy 25 pounds. I get to spend weeks at a time with her, and God strengthened my relationship with my niece, Quiana (her mother).

Also, during this time, my mother and I have drawn closer. I’ve healed on a deeper level, and I’ve been able to rest. If you know anything about my story, you know that I’ve lived in several different cities and even another country over the last fifteen years. While I will always go where God sends me, it can be tiring leading a nomadic lifestyle (fyi: I didn’t choose this path).

Lastly, I’ve grown closer to God than I have ever been. I studied His word on a deeper level, my prayer language has strengthened, and I know how to lean into worship, during the good times and the bad.

Unexpected shifts can be frustrating, especially when God tells you what’s next and you prepare for it, only for Him to pivot you in a way that you weren’t expecting. It hurts because even if you initially didn’t want to do it, you start getting excited about it. While Texas was never on my mind, I began to get excited about the idea of living in Dallas (and I’m still moving there, it just didn’t happen when I thought it would).

So, what do you do when delays come, shifts happen, and pivots out of your control take place? My prayer is that you don’t complain but ask God what’s next. Let Him guide you into the truth about your situation, instead of creating your own narrative. Be open to hearing the new strategy for that season. This doesn’t mean He’s changed His mind about the promise, but He may have changed His methods. I’m still moving to Dallas—He’s just taking me a different route.

And I get to enjoy seeing my great niece grow up while I’m waiting. This April, we’re doing the March for Babies walk with baby Zhuri, as we prepare to celebrate her 3^rd birthday in July. God has moved mountains, and we are forever grateful for her.

As we close out this month’s theme, please take the time to donate to Quiana and Zhuri’s March for Babies fundraising page. No amount is too small. I’ve seen God do miracles in her life, and I know He’ll do one in yours as well.

So, trust God in the shift, don’t despise the pivot, and walk with the confidence that God has you right where He needs you.

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Ya Girl,

Mya Kay

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We’ve talked about two types of grief so far - grieving the unexpected life and grieving the unexpected promise. Today, we’re going to talk about one that we’ve all experienced, and in some cases, back-to-back. It’s grieving the unexpected loss.

In 2017, we found my mother’s brother dead. Unexpected is an understatement. What really hit for us was that in 2013, we lost my grandmother in August. In August of 2015, the day before my birthday, my Uncle Bob passed. Then, in August 2017, we lost my Uncle Ronald. My mother was finishing radiation treatments for tongue cancer. Here it was, we should’ve been celebrating a huge blessing (and we were), but it happened at the same time as a loss that I still can’t put into words today.

Grieving is hard, and nothing hurts worse than losing someone unexpectedly. This isn’t to say that death isn’t hard, but the difference in being prepared for it versus it sneaking up on you is great.

One of the things I’ve learned through loss is that grief doesn’t follow a schedule. It doesn’t move neatly from one stage to the next. Some days you’re okay, and other days a memory, a song, or even a smell can bring everything rushing back. But in the middle of that process, there were a few things that helped me keep moving forward.

1. Cry when you need to.

Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is let the tears fall. We don’t have to pretend to be strong when our hearts are breaking. God is near to us in those moments.

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18 (NKJV)

Your tears are not wasted. God sees them, and He meets you right there in the middle of your pain.

2. Be real with God by asking “why.”

Contrary to what some of us heard growing up, asking God questions isn’t disrespectful. It’s honest. The Bible is filled with people who cried out to God when they didn’t understand what was happening.

God isn’t afraid of our humanity. He can handle our questions, our confusion, and even our frustration. We may not always like or understand the answer, but we can bring our hearts to Him exactly as they are.

3. Surrender to the process of grieving without guilt.

Don’t let anyone rush your process or try to “Bible” your pain away. Healing doesn’t come from pretending that everything is fine. Grief takes time, and everyone walks through it differently.

Give yourself permission to feel what you feel. God is patient with us as we heal, and we should extend that same grace to ourselves.

4. Find creative ways to work through your grief.

For me, that outlet has been writing. As an author, writing has become very therapeutic. It allows me to process emotions that are sometimes hard to say out loud. Putting words on paper helps me release things that would otherwise stay bottled up.

For you, it might be journaling, painting, music, prayer walks, or simply talking with someone you trust. However it shows up, don’t suppress the process—express it.

If you’re walking through grief right now, I want you to know this: you’re not alone, and this season will not last forever. The pain is real, but so is God’s presence in the middle of it.

Scripture reminds us:

“Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.”
— Matthew 5:4 (NKJV)

And one of the most comforting promises is this:

“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.”
— Psalm 145:18 (NKJV)

If grief has been heavy for you lately, take a moment today to breathe, to pray, and to give yourself grace. God is closer than you think, even in the quiet moments where the pain feels the loudest.

With love,

Mya Kay

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This one might be hard for many of us to digest. Why? Because most of us don’t want to admit that we may be waiting for something that we didn’t ask for. Deep down, you may have learned to desire it because God does give us the desires of our hearts, but initially, you didn’t realize what He had for you would cost so much.

I’m that girl. I remember when a former friend of mine was on dating apps. God told me to connect with her and become an accountability partner for our waiting season. So, she deleted the apps, and over the next two years, we prayed, fasted, and warred together as we believed God for our mates. The difference is, she wanted it badly. For me, it was an option.

Full transparency: Up until about 2018, I only wanted marriage to have legal sex, within the confines of Biblical marriage, not for love.

But since then, I’ve actually become more romantic. I went from listening to Beanie Sigel to listening to Kem (iykyk). What happened to this hardcore, North Philly girl who was so guarded? I was being transformed into the woman my husband would need and love.

And there’s nothing wrong with that. I can’t wait to meet him. But I would be lying if I said I’ve wanted to throw in the towel a bunch of times. I used to have a motto that I came up with in 2012. It was “Millions before marriage”. Well, imagine my surprise when God tells me that my marriage will come with the millions, and not the other way around. It would be something we built and earned together. Ouch.

I’ve been frustrated, to say the least. Many of the doors God has shown me are doors that I can’t walk through without my husband. I feel like it’s so unfair. Why can’t I build some success before he comes? God finally told me to grieve. Grieve the unexpected promise that I didn’t ask for. Similar to Mary, another woman we love from the Bible is Esther.

Esther was an orphan who, I’m sure, appreciated that the chance to become Queen would mean family, inheritance, and status. But the idea of putting her life on the line for a whole nation wasn’t on her bucket list. Yet she was chosen by God because He knew her history of loss and shame made her the perfect candidate for this assignment. The promise of being a wife and Queen of a nation came with threats, a heavy assignment, and an even bigger aftermath if things didn’t work out the way she hoped.

Like Esther, I chose to accept the assignment of being a wife. I’ve realized in the last several years that God isn’t just preparing me for a healthy marriage, but for an assignment that will help us advance the kingdom. When my husband comes, I will be prepared for the love, challenges, and warfare because I submitted to the process that I didn’t quite understand.

What promise or assignment did God give you that you didn’t ask for? Even if it’s something exciting, that doesn’t mean that there’s no room to grieve the unexpected blessing.

Reply and let me know what came to your mind when you read this. We can grieve together, friend. Let’s pray together while I wait to hear from you:

Father, help my sister to lean into grieving the blessing that she is waiting on. If she’s already stepped into it, help her to lean into her humanity. I pray she understands that being grateful doesn’t mean she can’t feel overwhelmed. I pray she allows herself to lean into your love on the days she gets weary in the wait, or weary with the weight. Help her to trust You as You stretch her to fill the need of this season. I pray for comfort and times of refreshing in Your Presence. In Jesus name, Amen.

Worship Song: Thy Will by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family

Ya Girl,

Mya Kay

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Happy March! I appreciate your patience as I sat at God’s feet, listened for His instructions, and rested. With that, we’ll be focusing on themes every month moving forward. Each devotional will tie to that theme. This month’s theme is Grief. Let’s dive right in!

Grief of the Unexpected Life

What happens when we set out to pursue our goals and dreams, only to be disrupted by God—and what He tells us looks totally different from what we had in mind? Well, isn’t that exactly what happened to Mary in Luke 1? She’s visited by the angel Gabriel, who informs her that she has been highly favored by God and chosen to carry the Savior, who would one day save His people from their sins.

While most of us may not have had an angel appear to tell us what God’s plans are, if you’ve spent any amount of time with God over the last few years, I’m sure you’ve realized that what you had in mind and the path you’re currently on are vastly different.

As we explore the theme of grief this month, I wanted to consider the ways we experience grief that aren’t always tied to the loss of a person. Sometimes, it’s the loss of the life we thought we’d have.

I thought I would be a pediatrician, at least ten years into my career by now. Instead, I’m an author, publisher, and ministry leader. Definitely not what I had in mind. I also didn’t think that at 41 I’d still be waiting on marriage and children, though I’m not pressed about it. I also didn’t think I’d be returning to school to pursue a doctorate when what I originally wanted was to be a doctor. Isn’t it funny how God’s plan works? Sometimes the desire was from Him all along, but He takes us a different way so our gifts are maximized and His glory is undeniable.

This week, I want you to study Luke 1 and, as you do, insert yourself into the text. Oftentimes, we don’t see ourselves as highly favored by God because it feels like He’s punishing us when our lives look different than what we expected. Here’s the thing: favor usually shows up when the odds are stacked against us, not when we’re already in favorable conditions. Otherwise, there would be no need for favor.

I want you to take a look at where you may be missing God’s favor because it’s not showing up in your wants. Ask God where He gave you a desire, but you’ve overlooked it because it didn’t unfold the way you imagined. And lastly, ask God to send you an Elizabeth in this season. As 2026 unfolds, the enemy will continue to highlight all the ways your friends’ dreams are coming true while yours aren’t. He’ll lie and say following God isn’t worth it. News flash, enemy: we don’t follow God for our dreams to come true. We follow Him because He’s worthy.

In this season, you may need someone to walk with you who is carrying something similar to you. Elizabeth was carrying John the Baptist when Mary visited her. In fact, the angel tells Mary that Elizabeth is in her sixth month when he appears to her. When Mary goes to see Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps with joy at the sound of Mary’s voice. Those are the kinds of people you need walking with you right now. That way, the grief of the unexpected life can not only be carried alongside someone who gets it, but also nurtured the way God intends.

Can I pray over you?

Father, lift my sister in Christ during this hour. She’s struggling to understand how any of what’s happening in her life right now fits her dreams and goals. Even if she agrees with Your will, the way things are unfolding isn’t happening the way she desired. Wherever she finds herself, strengthen her faith. Help her to have serious cry-out sessions with You, where she doesn’t have to fake the funk but gets to air it all out with You. Then give her the grace to pursue what You’ve placed in front of her while grieving the unexpected life. For those waiting on things You promised, help them grieve the unexpected timeline and remember that the God who made the promise is the God who intends to fulfill it when the earth needs it most. Help her dance in Your love while waiting for things to make sense. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Worship Song: Another Surrender by Woman Evolve Worship

It’s hard to believe, but Fumbled Your Heart is turning 10 years old! This book was born not just from imagination but from vulnerability and deep reflection. Over the past decade, it has touched hearts, sparked conversations, and reminded women everywhere of the power of honesty, healing, and hope.

I’d love for you to join me on Thursday, 2/26/26, for a special anniversary evening featuring:

• 💬 A heartfelt author talk

• 📖 A live reading

• ✍️ A book signing

As part of Soul Entertainment, I want to help women make choices that nurture their hearts and minds. This night is more than a celebration—it’s an invitation to explore stories that matter, to witness truth, and to leave inspired.

Come be part of this milestone. Together, we’ll celebrate ten years of love, lessons, and meaningful storytelling. Check out the flyer below! If you can’t make it, please share with your friends and family!

As many of you know, back in December, I shared that I was planning a summit for Gen-Z women. Around that same time, a few things happened that truly broke my heart—and I realized this vision was going to be harder than I expected.

I won’t lie… I wrestled with whether I should pause it, change it, or walk away entirely. But I knew God wasn’t telling me to cancel. He also wasn’t giving me a clear “next step.”

So in January, I fasted.

Not asking God what to do next.
Not asking Him to fix anything.
Just choosing to focus on Him—nothing else.

At the end of that fast, I was about to register for a virtual conference when something clicked. I remembered a prayer I had prayed months earlier: “God, could the Called Generation Summit be virtual?”

And I felt Him remind me so clearly:
“I didn’t forget. But I want you to do it for female athletes. You can do something for all Gen-Z women later.”

For those of you who are newer to the Girls Anthem family, you may not know that I run a six-week cohort for female athletes called The Locker Room—a space where athletes learn to root their identity in Christ instead of performance, pressure, or approval.

And now, that vision is becoming something more.

On April 11th, we’re bringing The Locker Room Conference to life—a virtual conference for female athletes, hosted live on Zoom and accessible from anywhere.

This conference is for athletes who are hungry for more than stats, highlights, and applause. It’s a space where faith meets sport, identity meets purpose, and athletes are invited to show up fully—on and off the field.

✨ What the event includes:
• Main stage keynote sessions
• Interactive breakout rooms and activities
• Mental health resources
• Bible study strategies for athletes
• Prayer rooms
• An exclusive VIP experience with limited spots

🎟 Ticket Options (Limited Availability):
• General Admission – $25 (all-day access to the full conference)
• VIP Experience – $100 (includes everything above + exclusive small-group access)
• Post Access – $20 add-on (recordings and resources after the event, available only to attendees)

🎟 Only 85 total spots available
• 70 General Admission
• 15 VIP

Tickets officially go on sale this Saturday, but as always, you’re hearing about it first.

If you know a female athlete—middle school, high school, college, pro, or former—or if you’d like to sow into one by purchasing a ticket on their behalf, this conference is for them.

Here’s our website link for viewing. This way, you can save the link later for easy access.

https://girlsanthemmedia.info/lockerroomconference

Thank you for walking with me, trusting the process, and believing in what God is building through this community. I can’t wait to see what He does next.

Lastly, we are looking for virtual volunteers for this event, so if you’d like to volunteer, please reply to this email.

With so much gratitude,

Mya Kay

P.S. We’ll be back in March with fresh articles and devotionals. Can’t wait.

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I’m so excited to finally share something that’s been on my heart for a while now—the Girls Anthem Book Club is officially here!

As women of faith, we all know how important it is to be mindful of what we pour into our minds and spirits. Sometimes we just want a good story, a healthy escape, and meaningful connection—without getting lost in overly sexualized romance, dark themes, or content that doesn’t honor God. This book club was created for exactly that reason.

Girls Anthem Book Club is a Christian, women-only reading community rooted in faith, sisterhood, and intentional conversation. We’ll be reading clean romance, Christian fiction, and Christian non-fiction—books that uplift, encourage, and spark real discussion while staying aligned with our values.

A few things to know:

• 📖 The club is hosted by a published Christian author (me!), and we’ll begin by reading and discussing my own books—giving you behind-the-scenes insight and direct engagement with the author.

• 💻 Meetings are interactive and held on Zoom, designed for women who enjoy thoughtful discussion and active participation.

• 🤍 This is a space for encouragement, accountability, and genuine connection—where your voice matters.

• It’s only open to 20 women, so join TODAY!

Our first meeting is Saturday, February 21st, at 6:00 PM EST.
We’ll be reading Storms of Love, and I ask that you read the first two chapters before our discussion. The book can be found on Kindle Unlimited and is also available in print via Amazon.

If you’ve been craving community, faith-filled conversations, and stories that refresh your spirit instead of pulling you away from it, I would love for you to join us.

👉 Join the Girls Anthem Book Club here:
https://bookclubs.com/girls-anthem-book-club/join/

I truly believe God meets us even in the pages we turn—and I can’t wait to read, reflect, and grow together.

With love,
Mya Kay 🤍
Founder, Girls Anthem Book Club

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I wanted to share a gentle update as we move into this year together.

I’m entering a dedicated season of fasting, prayer, and listening this month, and during this time, it’s become clear that rest and margin are necessary as I prepare for several transitions ahead—personally, professionally, and academically. This pause is intentional and rooted in a desire to receive fresh direction and clarity from God as I steward what comes next for Girls Anthem.

Because of this, I won’t be releasing new written features for the online magazine during this season, and the podcast will resume once interviews and recordings are aligned and ready. Girls Anthem is still very much alive; this is simply a quieter period of preparation rather than active publishing.

In the meantime, you’re always welcome to explore the Girls Anthem archives, which remain available and filled with conversations and stories that continue to speak. Past print issues are also available to order, and I’ll include the link below for anyone who would like to revisit or collect them.

Thank you—truly—for your presence, patience, and support. I’m deeply grateful for this community and for your grace in this season. When it’s time to return with new work, it will be with renewed vision and intention. And regardless of what’s ahead, thank you for walking alongside Girls Anthem.

With gratitude and grace,
Mya Kay

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