240: God's Good Gift of Sex with Francie Winslow
In this week’s episode we’re talking about how we view sex as Christians and what role it plays in our marriage and in our lives as women. Francie Winslow teaches about ditching duty for pleasure, embracing desire and appreciating the way God designed our bodies for intimacy. It’s a refreshing, and timely, message as we approach Valentine’s Day this week. Francie has 6 children so she knows all about busy schedules and feeling “too tired.” She shares ways that she creates space and desire for intimacy in her very full life. Come listen to this open and honest conversation about reframing the narrative around sex.
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240: God's Good Gift of Sex with Francie Winslow
EPISODE BLOG
Hello, dear readers. As we approach Valentine's Day, a day often synonymous with expressions of love and intimacy, I find it an opportune moment to delve into a topic close to my heart yet often shrouded in silence in Christian circles: the gift of sex within marriage. My journey into understanding and appreciating this divine gift was profoundly influenced by Francie Winslow, whose insights I had the pleasure of exploring in a recent discussion.
Discovering the Divine in the Intimate
I stumbled upon Francie's work quite by accident, or perhaps it was divine intervention. Her bold approach to discussing sex as a God-given gift caught my attention. Francie, a mother of six and the host of the Heaven In Your Home podcast, brings a refreshing perspective to the conversation around sex and intimacy in Christian marriages.
From Duty to Delight
Our discussion began with Francie sharing her unexpected journey into talking about sex and intimacy. She didn't aspire to become a voice in this space but found herself propelled by God's healing and guidance. Francie's early experiences, like many of us, were framed by a "don't do it" approach to sex before marriage, which left her navigating the transition to marital intimacy without a roadmap.
Francie's exploration led her to a profound realization: sex isn't merely a physical act or a duty to fulfill. Instead, it's a divine gift intended for mutual joy and connection within marriage. This shift from viewing sex as a duty to embracing it as a pleasure-filled, God-ordained part of marriage was revolutionary.
Embracing Our Bodies as Temples
A significant portion of our conversation revolved around the importance of understanding and appreciating our bodies. Francie emphasized how God designed our bodies for intimacy and pleasure, challenging the often dualistic mindset that separates the spiritual from the physical. By learning to appreciate and care for our bodies, we open ourselves up to a more fulfilling sexual relationship within marriage.
The Ripple Effect of Intimacy
Francie also touched on the broader impacts of a healthy sexual relationship, discussing how it benefits not just the couple but their family and community. She highlighted the health benefits of sex, including stress relief, improved emotional connection, and even physical health benefits.
Anchoring Our Lives in God's Design
As our discussion drew to a close, Francie shared some practical tips for couples looking to deepen their intimacy. She stressed the importance of intentionality, communication, and creating space for connection. One of the most striking suggestions was the idea of "hotel dates" - setting aside time away from the distractions of home life to focus on each other.
Reflecting and Acting
This conversation with Francie Winslow served as a powerful reminder of the beauty and depth of God's design for sex within marriage. As we celebrate Valentine's Day, let's remember to cherish and nurture this divine gift, recognizing its potential to strengthen our marriages, enrich our families, and reflect God's love more fully.
To those looking to explore this topic further, I highly recommend diving into Francie's work, particularly her Heaven In Your Home podcast, where she continues to share insights and encouragement for couples on this journey.
As we reflect on the divine gift of sex, let's approach our relationships with intention, gratitude, and an openness to God's transformative love. Here's to a Valentine's Day that celebrates not just the idea of love but the profound, God-given connection that can flourish in the sacred space of marital intimacy.
Resources and Programs
Thanks for listening! Have a healthy and blessed week!