Faith Conversations Podcast

Jessica Cabrera

The Faith Conversations Podcast brings people of faith to the table for honest, authentic conversations about personal faith journeys and what it is like to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus. Each episode highlights powerful testimonies, explores God’s character, and shares personal stories from the Christian experience — offering encouragement, hope, and advice for those who are curious, questioning, or struggling with their faith. Conversations cover topics such as finding peace, overcoming loneliness, facing health diagnoses, battling anxiety, healing from grief, strengthening relationships, surrendering control, and trusting God through uncertainty and life’s toughest challenges. Whether you’re seeking God for the first time or deepening your walk with Him, the Faith Conversations Podcast invites you to pull up a chair, be encouraged, and discover the beauty of a life rooted in Christ.

  1. 2d ago

    Getting Right with God After 9/11: Karen Baker's Story of Faith at the Pentagon

    Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, Karen Baker shares how surviving the attack on the Pentagon became the catalyst that led her to a saving faith in Jesus. Karen had been seeking God since childhood, but for years she thought following Him required choosing the right denomination, understanding religious rules, or fitting into a formal structure. Then 9/11 changed everything. Karen was working inside the Pentagon on September 11, only one corridor away from where American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building. In the aftermath, her work in media relations brought her alongside people grieving unimaginable loss. She watched as people turned to God not only for comfort, but for strength, guidance, and help with everyday life. Her own mortality became very real, and so did her need to get right with God. One year later, on the first anniversary of 9/11, Karen was baptized in the Pentagon chapel built at the site of the attack - publicly declaring her faith in Jesus on the very ground where tragedy had transformed so many lives. In this special episode honoring the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Jessica Cabrera talks with Karen about finding Jesus after tragedy, discovering that faith is about following Him rather than a denomination, and the lessons she has learned through 25 years of walking with God. Karen's story is a powerful testimony that God is present even in our darkest hours, continually seeking us, guiding our steps, and bringing beauty from ashes. Key Takeaway The tragedy of 9/11 awakened Karen to her mortality and her need for a Savior, but tragedy did not have the final word. Twenty-five years later, her story testifies that God meets us in our darkest circumstances, draws us into a personal relationship with Him, and can bring beauty from ashes. Related Bible Verses Isaiah 61:1-3 (NASB) — "He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted..." / "Giving them a garland instead of ashes..." Psalm 46:1-3 (NASB) — "God is our refuge and strength, A very ready help in trouble." John 14:6 (NASB) — "I am the way, and the truth, and the life..." Romans 10:9-10 (NASB) — "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved..." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB) — "Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding." Listener Resources & Next Steps New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John. 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, which is a relationship with God, now is the time. There is an article in Jessica's Engage Faith Column that will help you understand who He is, who you are, what choice you have, and what happens when you make the decision. Visit What Is the Message of the Gospel? to read the message of God's good news for mankind and to find a sample prayer that you can pray today. The importance of a Biblical faith community: All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community....

  2. Sep 1

    When Life Knocks You Down: Lauyren Lewton’s Story of God’s Faithfulness

    What happens when life knocks you down and you realize you can’t get back up on your own? In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera talks with Lauyren Lewton about a faith journey that moved from seeing Christianity as a list of rules to discovering a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Lauyren found herself at her lowest point in life as a mom when she lost her marriage and her job in the same season. With no clear way out and a growing realization that she was not in control, she turned to God in humility, prayer, Scripture, and Christian community. Lauyren shares how God met her in that difficult season, strengthened her through the prayers of others, provided a better job that enabled her to support her children, and eventually opened the door for her to serve other women through a ministry for single moms. Her story is a powerful reminder that when life knocks us down, God is faithful to meet us there. As Lauyren has learned to submit her plans and desires to Him, she has discovered a deeper relationship with God and the security of knowing that nothing can separate her from His love. Key Takeaway When life brings us to the end of our own strength and control, God meets us in the pit and invites us to depend on Him. Through surrender, prayer, Scripture, and Christian community, He can lift us up, deepen our faith, and even redeem our hardest seasons into opportunities to serve others. Related Bible Verses Psalm 40:1–3 (NASB) Romans 8:38–39 (NASB) 1 Peter 5:6–7 (NASB) Proverbs 3:5–6 (NASB) 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NASB) Listener Resources & Next Steps New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John. 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, which is a relationship with God, now is the time. There is an article in Jessica's Engage Faith Column that will help you understand who He is, who you are, what choice you have, and what happens when you make the decision. Visit What Is the Message of the Gospel? to read the message of God's good news for mankind and to find a sample prayer that you can pray today. The importance of a Biblical faith community: All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community. Listeners from the Northern Virginia area are welcomed at Burke Community Church, and anyone seeking an online church service can find one there as well. We are not designed to be alone; we're designed for a community of faith. To stay connected: Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @faithconversationspodcast and sign up for Jessica's Engage Faith commu...

  3. Aug 25

    What Should I Do? When I Don't Know the Right Thing to Do

    How do you make a wise decision when you genuinely don't know what the right thing to do is? In the final episode of the What Should I Do? series, Jessica Cabrera shares a personal story about planning a much-needed vacation during a season of financial uncertainty—and discovering that God cares about even the ordinary decisions we face. As Jessica and her husband prayed for wisdom, unexpected obstacles, disappointing news, and surprising generosity revealed something profound: God's guidance isn't always dramatic, but it is often deeply personal. If you've ever prayed, "Lord, I honestly don't know what the wise thing to do is," this episode will encourage you to seek God's wisdom, trust His timing, and discover how faithfully He directs those who depend on Him. Key Takeaway When we genuinely don't know the wise decision, God invites us to depend on Him instead of ourselves. He often guides us through ordinary circumstances, teaching us that seeking His wisdom is more important than having all the answers. Related Bible Verses (NASB) James 1:5 Psalm 37:5 Proverbs 3:5–6 John 15:4–5 Proverbs 16:9 Listener Resources & Next Steps New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John. Read Jessica's Engage Faith article: What is the Message of the Gospel? All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community. Listeners from Northern Virginia are welcomed at Burke Community Church. Stay connected: Engage Faith Sign-Up

  4. Aug 18

    What Should I Do? When Two Good Things Compete

    How do you choose when both opportunities are good—but one calls you to seek God's kingdom first? In the second episode of the What Should I Do? series, Jessica Cabrera shares the unexpected story of two opportunities that collided at the exact same moment: a unique career opportunity and a ministry opportunity she had spent years praying God would provide. Neither opportunity was wrong. Both were meaningful. But through prayer, Scripture, and honest reflection, Jessica realized God wasn't simply asking her to choose between two good opportunities—He was inviting her to examine what she treasured most. If you've ever wrestled with competing priorities, wondered how to discern God's direction, or struggled to seek first the Kingdom of God when life presents more than one good path, this episode will encourage you to trust God's leading and discover how He uses ordinary decisions to shape extraordinary faith. Key Takeaway Sometimes God doesn't ask us to choose between good and evil. He asks us to choose what we treasure most. As we seek His kingdom first, He lovingly reshapes our desires and teaches us that no earthly opportunity compares to walking closely with Him. Related Bible Verses (NASB) Matthew 6:21 Matthew 6:33 James 1:2–5 James 1:13–15 Matthew 6:19–21 Listener Resources & Next Steps New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John. Read Jessica's Engage Faith article: What is the Message of the Gospel? All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community. Listeners in Northern Virginia are welcomed at Burke Community Church. Stay connected: Engage Faith Sign-Up

  5. Aug 11

    What Should I Do? When I Want to Control the Outcome

    What do you do when two good opportunities compete—but choosing one requires trusting God? In the first episode of the What Should I Do? series, Jessica Cabrera shares a deeply personal story about a decision involving her son's future that unexpectedly became a test of her own faith. When an exclusive football showcase conflicted with a long-awaited Young Life camp, Jessica found herself wrestling with a question many of us face: Do I really trust God to accomplish His purposes, or do I believe I need to control the outcome? Through the story of Abraham, the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, and practical lessons from everyday life, Jessica explores how God lovingly exposes the subtle ways we place our confidence in achievement, recognition, and security instead of Him. If you've ever struggled to surrender control, feared missing an opportunity, or wondered how to discern God's leading when both options seem good, this episode will encourage you to trust the One who already knows your future. Key Takeaway Sometimes the greatest act of faith isn't choosing between right and wrong—it's trusting God when two good opportunities compete. Following God often means surrendering the outcomes we desperately want to control and believing His plans are better than our own. Related Bible Verses (NASB) Psalm 20:7 Matthew 6:33 Genesis 22:1–18 Matthew 16:26 1 Peter 5:8–9 Listener Resources & Next Steps New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John. 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, which is a relationship with God, now is the time. Read Jessica's Engage Faith article: What is the Message of the Gospel? All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community. Listeners from Northern Virginia are welcomed at Burke Community Church. Follow @faithconversationspodcast on Instagram and Facebook and sign up for Engage Faith communications: Sign Up

  6. Aug 4

    Restore. Rebuild. Rise: Kristen Stockton’s Journey (Replay)

    If you would like to connect with Kristen, CLICK HERE and she will send you a welcome email with a link to take her free assessment and you’ll get access to a 10% discount on her new book “When Strength Isn’t Enough”. What happens when shame keeps you from drawing near to God—and how do you find your way back? In this replay of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera interviews Kristen Stockton, who shares her journey from striving and self-reliance to experiencing God’s restoring grace and love. After facing emotional, financial, and relational challenges, Kristen realized shame had been keeping her distant from God. Through Scripture, community, and a renewed understanding of God’s grace, she discovered she didn’t need to earn His love—she already had it. Now, Kristen helps lead women toward restoration, encouraging them to draw near to God to restore, rebuild, and rise. Related Bible Verses (NASB) Romans 8:1 (NASB) Psalm 34:18 (NASB) Ephesians 2:8–10 (NASB) Hebrews 4:16 (NASB) Romans 8:28 (NASB) Colossians 2:7 (NASB) New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John (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 a relationship with God, now is the time. Read more here: 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. Listeners in Northern Virginia are welcomed at Burke Community Church. To stay connected Follow the show: @faithconversationspodcast Sign up for updates: jessicacabrera.org/sign-up

  7. Jul 28

    Spirit-Led Journey – Marissa Eyon (Replay)

    In this replay from May 2025, Marissa shares how the Holy Spirit ignited a craving to level up her relationship with God and inspired the unscripted path her life has taken. Through illuminating encounters and tangible affirmations, Marissa’s journey testifies what happens when faith leads the way.  If you would like to know more about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life, you may read John 14:16-27. Do you want a relationship with God too? If you have never made the choice to accept God's offer – a gift, not by works – to be restored to the original design for your life - relationship with God for eternity (on earth and in heaven after physical death), now is the time. Here's a message that will help you understand who He is, who you are, what choice you have, and what happens when you make the decision. The importance of a Biblical faith community: All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through relationship and community. Listeners from the Northern Virginia area are welcomed at Burke Community Church and anyone seeking an online church service can find one here. “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 12:12 Just like a body can’t function if it’s all an eye or a hand, the community thrives when everyone contributes in their unique way. We are not designed to be alone; we’re designed for a community of faith.  Podcast music composed by Joseph Little and recorded by John Sessums.

  8. Jul 21

    Is This All There Is? How God Redefined the Good Life for Matt Rampey (Replay)

    What happens when the version of the “good life” you’re chasing leaves you empty? In this replay of Faith Conversations from January, Matt Rampey shares his honest journey from chasing pleasure, popularity, and freedom on his own terms to discovering the true freedom found in Jesus Christ. Matt's life was shaped by partying, unhealthy addictions, and a relentless pursuit of approval—until everything came crashing down. After losing his girlfriend, his best friend, and having a hidden addiction exposed, Matt hit rock bottom and began asking the deeper questions: Who am I? What am I chasing? Is there more to life than this? In that place of brokenness, Matt picked up a Bible his dad had given him and began seeking truth—exploring multiple world religions while testing the claims of the Bible. Over time, Matt became convinced that Jesus is real, that the God of the Bible is the one true God, and that God’s definition of the good life leads to freedom that is not temporary, but eternal. Today, Matt’s story is a powerful reminder of God’s steadfast love, grace, and faithfulness—and the promise that if you seek Him, you will find Him. Related Bible Verses Jeremiah 29:12-13 - Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Psalm 34:8 - Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. John 8:36 - So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of God proves true; John 1:17 - For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John. 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, which is a relationship with God (on earth and in heaven after physical death), now is the time. There is an article in Jessica's Engage Faith Column that will help you understand who He is, who you are, what choice you have, and what happens when you make the decision. Visit jessicacabrera.org/column/what-is-the-message-of-the-gospel to read the message of God's good news for mankind and to find a sample prayer that you can pray today. The importance of a Biblical faith community: All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community. Listeners from the Northern Virginia area are welcomed at Burke Community Church and anyone seeking an online church service can find one here. We are not designed to be alone; we’re designed for a community of faith. To stay connected: Follow the show on Instagram @faithconversationspodcast and sign up for Jessica's Engage Faith communications jessicacabrera.org/sign-up for updates and inspiration.

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About

The Faith Conversations Podcast brings people of faith to the table for honest, authentic conversations about personal faith journeys and what it is like to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus. Each episode highlights powerful testimonies, explores God’s character, and shares personal stories from the Christian experience — offering encouragement, hope, and advice for those who are curious, questioning, or struggling with their faith. Conversations cover topics such as finding peace, overcoming loneliness, facing health diagnoses, battling anxiety, healing from grief, strengthening relationships, surrendering control, and trusting God through uncertainty and life’s toughest challenges. Whether you’re seeking God for the first time or deepening your walk with Him, the Faith Conversations Podcast invites you to pull up a chair, be encouraged, and discover the beauty of a life rooted in Christ.