Faithful Friday #7: The Good Shepherd
Why I Believe
Welcome to Faithful Friday. This week, we're reflecting on John 10:11-18, where Jesus declares, "I am the Good Shepherd." In a world filled with distractions, opinions, and constant noise, it can be difficult to recognize God's voice. Yet Jesus reminds us that He knows His sheep, cares for them deeply, and willingly laid down His life for them. The Good Shepherd doesn't abandon His flock when life gets difficult. He leads, protects, guides, and calls each of us by name. As you listen, consider this reflection question: Are you listening for the Shepherd's voice amid life's noise? After the...
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Yannick Hicks: From Cameroon to Calling
Why I Believe
What does it look like to build your life on faith… in the middle of constant change? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Yannick Hicks, man of faith, immigrant, and lifelong learner, to talk about identity, perseverance, and what it means to trust God through every transition. Originally from Cameroon, Yannick moved to the United States as a teenager, stepping into a completely new culture, environment, and way of life. From culture shock and uncertainty… to navigating high school, education, and career… to building a life in a place that once felt unfamiliar. His journey...
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Faithful Friday #6: Walking in the Light
Why I Believe
Welcome to Faithful Friday. This week, we're reflecting on John 8:12-20, where Jesus boldly declares: "I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Life often presents us with decisions, uncertainties, and challenges that tempt us to rely solely on our own understanding. Yet Jesus offers something greater—a light that guides our steps, reveals truth, and leads us closer to God. As you listen, consider this reflection question: Are you walking in God's light or relying on your own understanding? After the Scripture reading, you'll...
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Elzie Flendard: Things Happen For Me, Not To Me
Why I Believe
What if your story doesn’t have one defining moment… but a lifetime of quiet, consistent faith? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Elzie Flendard, podcaster, entrepreneur, husband, father, and man of faith, to talk about what it looks like to walk with God through every season of life. Elzie’s story isn’t built around a single dramatic turning point. Instead, it’s a series of moments, big and small, where he’s seen God’s hand guiding him, providing for him, and carrying him through. From growing up without his father… to building a life and family at a young...
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Faithful Friday #5: The Bread of Life
Why I Believe
Welcome to Faithful Friday. This week, we're reflecting on John 6:35-40, where Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life." In a world filled with distractions and endless demands on our attention, it's easy to feed our minds and hearts with things that leave us empty. Jesus offers something different. He offers Himself, the only One who can truly satisfy the deepest hunger of our souls. As you listen, consider this reflection question: What am I feeding my soul with each day? After the Scripture reading, you'll have an opportunity to pause for personal prayer and reflection before returning to...
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Lia Allen: The Moment I Almost Gave Up
Why I Believe
What if your life changed… in a single moment you almost didn’t survive? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Lia Allen, relationship marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and woman of faith, to share a story of hitting rock bottom and finding redemption on the other side. From the outside, Lia’s life looked successful. She was a business owner. A leader in her community. Someone others looked up to. But behind the scenes… She was struggling with addiction, emptiness, and a life that felt completely out of control. Until one moment changed everything. Driving down the road...
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Faithful Friday #4: Living Water
Why I Believe
Welcome to Faithful Friday. This week, we're reflecting on John 4:7-15, where Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well and offers her something far greater than water, living water. So often, we look to success, relationships, achievement, comfort, or distractions to satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Yet Jesus reminds us that earthly things will always leave us thirsty again. Only He can provide the living water that truly satisfies. As you listen, consider this reflection question: What am I using to satisfy a thirst that only God can fill? After the Scripture reading, you'll...
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Elaine Lankford: From Rock Bottom to Purpose
Why I Believe
What do you do when everything you’ve built… disappears overnight? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Elaine Lankford, Christian entrepreneur coach, founder, and leader, to share a powerful story of loss, identity, and discovering purpose through faith. Elaine’s life was thriving. A successful 16-year nursing career… leadership roles… a clear path forward… Until one afternoon in 2008, everything changed. Her practice was suddenly shut down. Her career was under investigation. Her father passed away. And her husband was diagnosed with cancer. All within a year. What...
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Faithful Friday #3: Bringing the Ordinary to God
Why I Believe
Welcome to Faithful Friday. This week, we're reflecting on John 2:1-11, the account of Jesus' first recorded miracle at the wedding in Cana. When a simple problem arose, Jesus took something ordinary, water, and transformed it into something extraordinary. Often, we bring God our biggest challenges but hold back the ordinary parts of our lives. Yet this passage reminds us that Jesus cares about every detail and can work through even the most ordinary circumstances. As you listen, consider this reflection question: What ordinary area of your life are you withholding from God? After the...
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Dr. Gabriel Warren: You’re Never Too Far Gone
Why I Believe
What if the faith you grew up with… isn’t the same faith you live as an adult? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Dr. Gabriel Warren, educator, former Division I athlete, and man of faith, to talk about identity, discipline, and what it really means to choose your faith for yourself. Growing up as a preacher’s kid in Alabama, Gabriel was surrounded by faith from the very beginning, revivals, church services, and serving in the community were a normal part of life. But like many, there came a point where he had to decide: Was this his faith… or just something he...
info_outlineWhat if everything you worked so hard for… still didn’t bring you peace?
In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Jill Cirillo, former corporate leader turned founder of Faith Meets Leadership, to talk about the shift from striving for success to surrendering to God’s purpose.
Jill spent over 20 years climbing the corporate ladder, checking all the boxes, achieving success, and carrying the weight of expectations.
But every Sunday night… the pressure hit.
The stress.
The overwhelm.
The question: Is this really what life is about?
That moment became the beginning of a deeper journey, not just believing in God, but actually living it out.
We talk about:
- The difference between saying you believe… and living like you do
- Letting go of striving, pressure, and external validation
- Learning how to truly build a relationship with God
- The “keystone habit” that changed everything
- How faith transforms leadership, family, and daily life
- Trusting God, even when you don’t have the full plan
Jill also shares powerful “God moments” that guided her to step away from corporate life and into her calling; bringing faith into business and leadership.
Her message is clear:
Belief isn’t just something you think…
it’s something you live.
If you’ve been feeling the pressure to do more, be more, or prove more, this episode will challenge you to pause, surrender, and realign your life with what truly matters.
You can reach Jill at Jill M. Cirillo | LinkedIn
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👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you.
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Remember, you don’t have to be perfect to be called.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to say yes.
God will meet you right where you are.