From Rebellion to Relationship: Michelle Dillard’s Story of God’s Grace

From Rebellion to Relationship: Michelle Dillard’s Story of God’s Grace

What happens when you stop running from God and begin searching for Him with your whole heart? In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera interviews Michelle Dillard, Women's Ministry Director at Burke Community Church. Michelle shares how a childhood prayer, seasons of rebellion, her father's stroke, the 2008 housing crash, and ultimately God's grace drew her into a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Through Scripture, confession, and the work of the Holy Spirit, Michelle discovered peace, joy, and purpose. Today she leads women toward Christ and reminds us that when we seek God with all our hearts, we will find Him. RELATED BIBLE VERSES  Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A13&version=NASB] Romans 8:28 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NASB] Philippians 4:7 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A7&version=NASB] Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A22-23&version=NASB] 1 John 1:9 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+1%3A9&version=NASB] John 14:6 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A6&version=NASB] Michelle’s Childhood Prayer: God make my life a little light Within the world to glow; A little flame that burneth bright Wherever I may go. God make my life a little flower That giveth joy to all, Content to bloom in native bower Although the place be small. God make my life a little song That comforteth the sad, That helpeth others to be strong, And makes the singer glad. New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John&version=NASB] Do you want a relationship with God too? If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus’ offer—a gift, not by works—to be restored to the original design for your life, now is the time. Read the message of God’s good news [https://jessicacabrera.org/column/what-is-the-message-of-the-gospel] The importance of a Biblical faith community: All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus and experience God through community. To stay connected: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/faithconversationspodcast] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/faithconversationspodcast] | Sign up [https://jessicacabrera.org/sign-up]

When God Writes a Different Story: Tiffany Royce on Trusting God's Plan

How do you trust God when life unfolds differently than you imagined? In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera interviews Tiffany Royce, who shares how God faithfully guided her from simply believing in Him to experiencing a personal relationship with Him. As Tiffany grew in her faith, God's Word and the Holy Spirit became a compass that directed her life. Through seasons of disappointment, unanswered prayers, infertility, and waiting, Tiffany learned that God's plans are often different than our own—but always good. God eventually grew Tiffany's family through adoption, bringing four children into her life and revealing His faithfulness in ways she never expected. Today, Tiffany serves as the leader of Embrace Grace, a ministry that supports women facing unexpected pregnancies, and she can clearly see how God used her experiences to prepare her for His purpose. Tiffany's story is a powerful reminder that God is at work even when we don't understand His plan. He wants to be known, He wants a relationship with us, and if we seek Him, we will find Him. As Tiffany shares, once you see God, you can't unsee Him. RELATED BIBLE VERSES (NASB) 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+1%3A3-4&version=NASB] Romans 8:28 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NASB] Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+3%3A5-6&version=NASB] Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A13&version=NASB] Psalm 37:23-24 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37%3A23-24&version=NASB] Ephesians 2:10 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A10&version=NASB] New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John&version=NASB] Do you want a relationship with God too? If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus’ offer—a gift, not by works—to be restored to the original design for your life, now is the time. Read the message of God’s good news [https://jessicacabrera.org/column/what-is-the-message-of-the-gospel] The importance of a Biblical faith community: All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus and experience God through community. To stay connected: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/faithconversationspodcast] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/faithconversationspodcast] | Sign up [https://jessicacabrera.org/sign-up]

From Despair to Purpose: How Jesus Transformed Michelle Burton’s Life

How can Jesus transform a life marked by loss, addiction, trauma, and despair? In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera interviews Michelle Burton, massage therapist at NOVA Body Mechanics, who shares her remarkable journey from a childhood filled with loss, instability, abuse, and addiction to a life transformed by the love, truth, and purpose found in Jesus Christ. After losing her mother at just three years old and growing up in a home marked by chaos and brokenness, Michelle spent years searching for meaning and belonging. Although she encountered Christianity at various points throughout her life, it wasn't until a friend invited her to Bible study and gifted her a Bible that she began to understand who God truly is. Through studying Scripture, attending Bible studies, and exploring apologetics, Michelle discovered that Christianity was not about blind faith. She could ask hard questions, seek truth, and find answers in God's Word. Most importantly, she came to understand that Jesus wanted a relationship with her. God took years of pain, trauma, and despair and transformed them into purpose. Through His grace, Michelle received not only a new understanding of God, but a new heart, a new identity, and a new direction for her life. This episode is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond God's reach. No matter your past, Jesus has the power to redeem, restore, and transform your life. RELATED BIBLE VERSES (NASB) Ezekiel 36:26 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+36%3A26&version=NASB] 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5%3A17&version=NASB] John 17:3 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17%3A3&version=NASB] Romans 12:2 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A2&version=NASB] Psalm 34:18 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34%3A18&version=NASB] Ephesians 2:4-5 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A4-5&version=NASB] New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John&version=NASB] Do you want a relationship with God too? If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus’ offer—a gift, not by works—to be restored to the original design for your life, now is the time. Read the message of God’s good news [https://jessicacabrera.org/column/what-is-the-message-of-the-gospel] The importance of a Biblical faith community: All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus and experience God through community. To stay connected: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/faithconversationspodcast] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/faithconversationspodcast] | Sign up [https://jessicacabrera.org/sign-up]

Hope in the Hard Places: Marcella Oakley’s Story of Faith, Love, and Perspective

How do you find hope when life feels dark? In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera interviews Marcella Oakley, a former detective, hostage negotiator, wife, mother, and friend of Rachel Noonan from the first episode of Faith Conversations. Marcella shares how her grandmother helped her understand the importance of a personal relationship with God, how God carried her through her daughter's diagnosis with Cystic Fibrosis, and how she witnessed God's love through the loss of her mother. Marcella also shares a unique perspective on the existence of good and evil in the world from her years in law enforcement. Through every challenge, Marcella learned to look for God's presence in the small things and trust that He is at work even in the darkness or when life feels out of control.. This episode is an encouragement for anyone walking through hardship. God is present in the darkness, and His love shines brightly when we learn to recognize Him at work around us. RELATED BIBLE VERSES (NASB) John 1:5 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A5&version=NASB] Romans 8:28 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NASB] Psalm 46:1 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+46%3A1&version=NASB] Isaiah 41:10 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+41%3A10&version=NASB] 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4%3A6&version=NASB] New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John&version=NASB] Do you want a relationship with God too? If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus’ offer—a gift, not by works—to be restored to the original design for your life, now is the time. Read the message of God’s good news [https://jessicacabrera.org/column/what-is-the-message-of-the-gospel] The importance of a Biblical faith community: All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus and experience God through community. To stay connected: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/faithconversationspodcast] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/faithconversationspodcast] | Sign up [https://jessicacabrera.org/sign-up]

More Than Going to Church: How Baby Steps of Faith Changed Jan Smith’s Life.

In this heartfelt episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera interviews her mother, Jan Smith, about her journey from growing up in church, to drifting away from God, and ultimately rediscovering a personal relationship with Jesus. Jan shares how, even during seasons when she was not living for God, she could still see His protection and guidance in her life. A life-changing Walk to Emmaus retreat helped open her eyes to the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus, and over time, Jan grew in faith through mentorship, prayer, and daily friendship with God. This episode highlights the power of spiritual mentorship, the beauty of taking baby steps in faith, and the reality that we never know who may be impacted by the way we live out our relationship with God. RELATED BIBLE VERSES (NASB) John 15:13–16 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A13-16&version=NASB] Proverbs 27:17 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+27%3A17&version=NASB] Galatians 6:9 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A9&version=NASB] Psalm 119:105 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A105&version=NASB] Philippians 1:6 (NASB) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+1%3A6&version=NASB] NEW TO THE BIBLE? READ THE GOSPEL OF JOHN [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John&version=NASB] Do you want a relationship with God too? If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus’ offer—a gift, not by works—to be restored to the original design for your life, now is the time. Read the message of God’s good news [https://jessicacabrera.org/column/what-is-the-message-of-the-gospel] The importance of a Biblical faith community: All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus and experience God through community. To stay connected: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/faithconversationspodcast] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/faithconversationspodcast] | Sign up [https://jessicacabrera.org/sign-up]