Elzie Flendard: Things Happen For Me, Not To Me

Faithful Friday #6: Walking in the Light

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 have an opportunity to pause for personal prayer and reflection before returning to pray the Our Father together. Scripture: John 8:12-20 Reflection Question: Are you walking in God's light or relying on your own understanding? This week, pay attention to the areas of your life where God may be inviting you to trust Him more fully. Ask Him to illuminate your path and guide your next steps. Thank you for joining me for Faithful Friday. #FaithfulFriday #WhyIBelievePodcast #LightOfTheWorld #John8 #ChristianPodcast #FaithJourney #Prayer #ScriptureReflection #TrustGod

Elzie Flendard: Things Happen For Me, Not To Me

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 age… to navigating financial hardship, health scares, and uncertainty… One belief has stayed constant: Things don't happen to him… they happen for him. We talk about: * Seeing God's hand in everyday life, not just major moments * Faith without a dramatic "rock bottom" story * Trusting God through financial struggles and uncertainty * A powerful moment of provision when everything felt impossible * A life-threatening health scare and divine intervention * Why perseverance matters more than perfection Elzie's perspective is simple, but powerful: Life won't always make sense. It won't always be easy. But if you keep going… God is there in every step. If you've ever wondered if your story is "enough" or struggled to see God in the ordinary—this episode will shift your perspective. You can reach Elzie Flenard III at Elzie Flenard III | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elzieflenard/] Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 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. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden [https://calendar.vonrudencc.com/discovery-call] 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS [https://vonrudencc.com/individual-coaching] 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.

Faithful Friday #5: The Bread of Life

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 pray the Our Father together. Scripture: John 6:35-40 Reflection Question: What am I feeding my soul with each day? This week, pay attention to what you're consuming, not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Ask God to help you hunger more for His presence than for anything this world has to offer. Thank you for joining me for Faithful Friday. Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 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. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden [https://calendar.vonrudencc.com/discovery-call] 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS [https://vonrudencc.com/individual-coaching] 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.

Lia Allen: The Moment I Almost Gave Up

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 with a plan to end her life… something stopped her. That moment became the beginning of a journey that would lead her to healing, faith, and freedom. We talk about: * Hitting rock bottom and choosing to ask for help * Addiction, shame, and the pressure to "have it all together" * The moment she truly accepted Jesus * Freedom from alcohol and drugs, and what that looked like * Learning to surrender daily (even when it's hard) * Walking through loss, hardship, and life's challenges with faith Lia also shares powerful moments of provision and answered prayers, reminders that even in the hardest seasons, God is present. Her story is raw, honest, and deeply hopeful. It's a reminder that no matter how dark things feel… no matter how far you think you've gone… You are not alone. And your story isn't over. You can reach Lia Allen at Lia Allen | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/liaallen/] Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 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. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden [https://calendar.vonrudencc.com/discovery-call] 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS [https://vonrudencc.com/individual-coaching] 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.

Faithful Friday #4: Living Water

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 have an opportunity to pause for personal prayer and reflection before returning to pray the Our Father together. Scripture: John 4:7-15 Reflection Question: What am I using to satisfy a thirst that only God can fill? This week, pay attention to the places where you find yourself searching for fulfillment. Ask God to help you draw closer to the source of living water that never runs dry. Thank you for joining me for Faithful Friday. Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 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. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden [https://calendar.vonrudencc.com/discovery-call] 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS [https://vonrudencc.com/individual-coaching] 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.