Elaine Lankford: From Rock Bottom to Purpose

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.

Elaine Lankford: From Rock Bottom to Purpose

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 followed wasn't immediate clarity… It was a valley. We talk about: * What it feels like to have your identity tied to your career, and lose it * Walking through seasons where nothing seems to move forward * Why trials aren't punishment, but often redirection * Learning to lean into faith instead of running from it * How God can repurpose your pain into purpose * Building something new from what feels like nothing Elaine also shares the moment that changed everything, when she felt called to "go home and raise up my daughters," leading her into coaching, entrepreneurship, and eventually impacting women not just in the U.S., but around the world. Her story is a powerful reminder: Sometimes the breakdown… is actually the beginning. If you're in a season where things feel uncertain, heavy, or completely off track, this episode will meet you right where you are. You can reach Elaine Lankford at Elaine Lankford | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-lankford/] 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 #3: Bringing the Ordinary to God

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 Scripture reading, you'll have an opportunity to pause for personal prayer and reflection before returning to pray the Our Father together. Scripture: John 2:1-11 Reflection Question: What ordinary area of your life are you withholding from God? This week, pay attention to where God is showing up in your daily life. You may discover that He is already at work in places you least expect. 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.

Dr. Gabriel Warren: You're Never Too Far Gone

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 inherited? In college, Gabriel began to drift, caught up in the pressures, distractions, and lifestyle that many students experience. But after recognizing a growing void and remembering the promises he made to himself, he made a decision to return—and this time, it was personal. We talk about: * Growing up in a faith-filled household and what that really looks like * The difference between inherited faith and chosen faith * Navigating college life, pressure, and identity * Recognizing when you've drifted, and how to come back * The importance of community and having the right people around you * How to live your faith out loud in everyday life Gabriel also shares powerful moments where God showed up, from earning a college scholarship to unexpected "God winks" that shaped his life, including meeting his wife in the middle of a storm. His message is simple, but powerful: You are never too far gone for God to reach you. If you've ever felt lost, disconnected, or unsure where you stand in your faith, this episode will remind you that you can always come back. You can reach Dr. Gabriel Warren at Dr. Gabriel Warren | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgabrielwarren/] 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 #2: Come and See

Welcome to Faithful Friday. This week, we're reflecting on John 1:35-39, where two disciples hear John the Baptist identify Jesus as the Lamb of God and choose to follow Him. When Jesus notices them, He asks a simple yet powerful question: "What do you seek?" Their response leads to an invitation that still echoes today: "Come and see." As you listen, consider this reflection question: What is Jesus inviting you to discover about Him? 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 1:35-39 Reflection Question: What is Jesus inviting you to discover about Him? As you go through the week, keep your eyes open for where God is showing up in your life and where He may be inviting you to take the next step in your faith journey. Thank you for joining me for Faithful Friday. 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.