Raising Godly Girls
Episode 445

What is a Girl’s ‘Civic Duty’ in our Modern Age?

What does “civic duty” actually mean—and would your girl know how to answer if you asked her? In a culture where words like citizenship, responsibility, leadership, and service can feel increasingly distant from everyday life, Christian parents have an important opportunity to help their daughters understand what it means to faithfully steward the place God has given them. 

On today’s Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden unpack the difference between civic duty and civic responsibility and explore why both matter when raising girls with a Biblical Worldview. From obeying the laws of the land to voluntarily stepping into leadership and service, Rachael and Melissa help parents connect everyday citizenship with a deeper calling to seek the good of their communities. And as Veterans Day approaches, they consider how honoring those who have served can become a practical lesson in sacrifice, responsibility, and love of neighbor. 

You’ll also hear a Raising Godly Girls Minute from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay on respecting veterans—and the powerful question every parent should be ready to answer: “What do we do now, Mom?” Rather than stopping at gratitude, families can turn that gratitude into action by attending Veterans Day events, participating in flag ceremonies, serving veterans, listening to their stories, praying for veterans and their families, and looking for meaningful ways to serve within their own communities. 

But civic responsibility requires more than knowing how to be a good citizen. Rachael and Melissa talk about helping girls understand the purpose of laws and government, the importance of civic literacy, and the Biblical tension that arises when human laws conflict with God’s Word. They also explore what it looks like to prepare a girl for the sacrifice, courage, training, and perseverance that leadership requires. Whether God calls her to military service, public leadership, community service, or simply faithful citizenship in her everyday life, your girl can learn that leadership is not about gaining power or a platform—it’s about following God’s lead and serving others well. 

Raising Godly girls means preparing them not only to know where they live, but to understand how they can faithfully serve where God has placed them. This week, help your daughter see citizenship through a Biblical Worldview—and begin building the courage, wisdom, responsibility, and willing heart she’ll need to lead well. 

Two Things to Remember: 

• It’s good to obey the law of the land, but connect your girl’s identity as a Christ-follower to why we are called to live responsibly as citizens. 

• If your girl steps into leadership—or even military service—build her courage and faith, because leadership involves risk and sacrifice. God can use a willing life to bless others. 

Scriptures Referenced: 

• Jeremiah 29:7 

• John 15:13 

Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.  

Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org. 

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