Hey Difference Makers! Host recently @loriadams-brown had an eye-opening chat with Amy and Rob Dixon about their empowering new children's book, Penny Preaches. As someone who grew up in a faith tradition without visible female leadership, this book resonated deeply. Grandmas reading this book are tearing up realizing how healing this representation would have been. Amy and Rob share the inspiration behind creating a children's book tackling gender barriers in ministry. We discuss the importance of early exposure and modeling in shaping expectations.
Key takeaways include:
The impact of seeing female leadership roles normalized from a young age
How hurtful it is when gifted young girls are discouraged from pursuing ministry
The value of an open, two-way relationship with God - for children too! I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Does this book inspire you like it did me? Let me know in the comments.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Discover how children's books on gender equality in ministry can shape young minds and foster inclusive beliefs.
Explore the powerful impact of representation in children's literature on shaping perspectives and values.
Uncover the essential role of women in faith communities and the positive influence they bring.
Learn how healing through inclusive storytelling can promote empathy and understanding in young readers.
Understand the benefits of early exposure to diverse leadership roles for children's personal and professional development.
Our special guests are:
Amy Dixon, a children's book author with a passion for representation and inclusion in literature, has authored several picture books and a middle-grade novel. Her work in publishing, editorial, and marketing at Starry Forest books and IVP Kids has given her a well-rounded perspective on children's literature. Amy's dedication to creating stories that inspire and empower children is evident in her collaborative effort with her husband, Rob Dixon, in writing a book that promotes gender equality and diverse leadership for young readers. Rob is the author of Together in Ministry and teaches at Fuller Seminary and Fresno Pacific University. Their joint project, Penny Preaches, reflects Amy's commitment to initiating conversations about gender dynamics in faith communities at an early age, fostering an environment of understanding and acceptance.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction to the World of Difference podcast
00:01:31 - Introducing Amy and Rob Dixon
00:05:34 - Inspiration for "Penny Preaches"
00:08:54 - Importance of Representation
00:11:55 - Shaping Children's Gifts and Attributes
00:13:15 - Importance of Female Leadership in the Church
00:14:27 - Penny's Relationship with God
00:15:48 - Women's Call to Ministry
00:18:49 - Gender Equality in the Church
00:22:57 - Impact of Female Representation
00:27:15 - Challenging Gender Norms in Christianity
00:28:36 - Generational Change in Empowerment
00:28:54 - Urgency for Change
00:30:04 - Inclusivity of Boys in Empowerment
00:32:08 - Inspiring Little Girls and Boys
00:40:19 - Gratitude for the Community
00:40:53 - Support and Connection
00:41:24 - The Power of Being Present
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
To purchase the book Penny Preaches by Amy and Rob Dixon, visit Innovarsity Press or any major book retailer.
Connect with Amy Dixon on her website amydixonbooks.com for more information about her work and to stay updated on her latest projects.
Follow Amy Dixon on Instagram at @amydixonbooks for engaging content and updates on her writing and publishing journey.
Join the Patreon community at www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference to access exclusive episodes with guests like Amy and Rob Dixon, as well as other thought-provoking content and discussions.
Take a moment to practice self-compassion and self-care. Remember that you matter and your healing journey is important.
Connect with me here:
* https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com
* https://www.linkedin.com/company/aworldofdifference/
* https://www.twitter.com/@awodpod
* https://www.youtube.com/@aworldofdifference
* https://www.facebook.com/A-World-of-Difference-613933132591673/
* https://www.instagram.com/aworldof.difference
* https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference
