Faith Conversations Podcast

Jessica Cabrera
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Christianity

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. 6d ago

    What Does It Really Mean to Be Blessed?

    We often say we're blessed when life is going well. Maybe we've received an unexpected opportunity, experienced financial success, or enjoyed a season of health and happiness. But what does it really mean to be blessed? And is it possible to be deeply blessed even when life is difficult? In this solo episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera explores the biblical meaning of blessing through Psalm 1:1–3 and Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. Drawing from her experiences growing up in the American South and living in Latin America, Jessica examines how our cultural understanding of blessing can differ from what Scripture teaches. When Jesus declared the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and those who are persecuted to be blessed, He challenged conventional ideas about what makes a good life. Rather than pointing to wealth, comfort, or worldly success, He revealed the extraordinary blessings available through the kingdom of God. Jessica also unpacks the beautiful imagery of Psalm 1, where a blessed person is compared to a tree planted beside streams of water—deeply rooted, continually nourished, and producing fruit in its season. What if living a blessed life has less to do with your circumstances and more to do with your relationship with God? Whether you're experiencing a wonderful season or walking through difficulties, discover how being rooted in God's Word can lead to a life of deep contentment, spiritual strength, and flourishing—regardless of what is happening around you. Key Takeaway A blessed life isn't defined by comfort, status, or the absence of hardship. True flourishing comes from being rooted in God's Word, following His wisdom, and receiving the blessings of His kingdom in every circumstance. Related Bible Verses Five passages to explore (NASB): Psalm 1:1–3 (NASB) — A blessed life rooted in God’s instruction; a tree planted by streams of water. Matthew 5:3–12 (NASB) — Jesus’ Beatitudes: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, and others He calls blessed. Psalm 119:24 (NASB) — God’s testimonies are our delight and counselors. John 15:4–5 (NASB) — Abiding in Christ is the source of lasting fruitfulness. Jeremiah 17:7–8 (NASB) — Those who trust in the Lord are like trees planted by water. 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...

  2. Oct 20

    When Your Dreams Take a Different Path: Joanna Horst's Journey of Faith

    What happens when the dreams you have for your life take a different path than you expected? From a young age, Joanna Horst dreamed of becoming a pediatrician. Growing up in a Christian home, she developed a deep love for children, especially those with significant medical needs. But when the time came to pursue her dream, the path ahead looked very different from what she had imagined. In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Joanna shares how her relationship with God shaped her decisions about education, marriage, motherhood, and career. Guided by Proverbs 3:5–6, she learned to trust God with her ambitions, even when following Him meant setting aside her own plans. What began as a career in neonatal nursing eventually led Joanna into healthcare leadership, where she earned a doctorate in nursing practice and became the chief nursing officer of a children's hospital. Along the way, she discovered that God's calling wasn't simply about where her career would take her. It was about faithfully serving Him in every season, whether caring for vulnerable children, raising her family, or leading others with compassion and integrity. Joanna's story is an encouraging reminder that God's plans don't always unfold on our timeline. Sometimes the path we never expected becomes the very place where we see His faithfulness most clearly. If you've ever wondered whether your dreams have been forgotten or struggled to trust God with the direction of your life, this conversation is for you. Key Takeaway God's faithfulness isn't measured by how quickly our plans unfold. Joanna's journey shows how trusting Him in each season can shape a life of meaningful service at home and at work. Related Bible Verses Proverbs 3:5–6 (NASB) — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart”… Psalm 37:5 (NASB) — “Commit your way to the LORD”… Ephesians 2:10 (NASB) — “For we are His workmanship”… Colossians 3:23 (NASB) — “Whatever you do, do your work heartily”… Philippians 1:6 (NASB) — “He who began a good work in you”… 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. We are not designed to be alone; we're designed for a community of faith. To stay connected: Follow the show on

  3. Oct 13

    A Life She Never Imagined: Jeanette Shaw on God's Faithfulness

    What does life look like when God becomes the center of your home—and your everyday life? Jeanette Shaw knows what it's like to live on both sides of that question. Growing up in a difficult household where faith wasn't part of family life, Jeanette was a rebellious teenager who seemed to be heading down a destructive path. But an unexpected invitation to a church retreat introduced her to Jesus, and her life began to change in ways she never could have imagined. Years later, Jeanette's life looks remarkably different. She and her husband have built a home where prayer, Scripture, and dependence on God are woven into everyday life. But getting there hasn't been without challenges. In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jeanette shares the joys and struggles of building a blended family, including the painful early years when her stepsons resisted accepting her into their lives—and how God eventually transformed those relationships into something beautiful. She also shares her remarkable journey to motherhood. After experiencing a miscarriage and years of infertility, Jeanette and her husband pursued an unexpected path: embryo adoption and surrogacy. Their daughter was born in May 2020, during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, in circumstances that Jeanette sees as another beautiful example of God's provision and faithfulness. Throughout her story, Jeanette returns to one central truth: God has been faithful through every season of life, including the unexpected blessings, difficult challenges, and moments when she couldn't see what He was doing. From a childhood without faith to a family that now seeks God together, Jeanette's story offers a glimpse of what it can look like to build a life centered on a relationship with Him. And perhaps the most beautiful part of her testimony isn't any single blessing or answered prayer. It's the unmistakable joy she experiences simply from knowing God. As Jeanette puts it, “It's just so good to know God.” Key Takeaway A relationship with God can transform not only an individual life but the atmosphere of a home. Through blended-family challenges, infertility, and an unexpected path to motherhood, Jeanette's story reflects the faithfulness of God and the joy of walking with Him daily. Related Bible Verses 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB) — “If anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation.” Psalm 100:5 (NASB) — “For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting.” Proverbs 3:5–6 (NASB) — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart.” Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NASB) — “You shall teach them diligently to your sons.” Psalm 34:8 (NASB) — “Taste and see that the LORD is good.” 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

  4. Oct 6

    There Must Be More: How a Baby’s Birth Led Jane Fuller to Search for God

    Jane Fuller was in her 30’s before she met Jesus. Raised in a home where the guiding message was simply to “be good,” Jane learned to work hard, perform and achieve, but God wasn't part of her life. As a young professional, an unexpected pregnancy threatened the future she envisioned for herself as a young Army officer, so Jane made a choice to control the outcome. But the choice she made left her feeling dead within. Then, years later, she gave birth to a son. Looking at this perfectly formed new life, Jane suddenly knew there had to be something more than what she could see. She describes it as glimpsing “the face of God” in the face of her baby. That moment awakened something in her and launched a three-year search for God. The search wasn't a straight line. Jane explored different beliefs and wrestled with questions she had never considered before. But along the way, God placed people in her path who invited her to church, surrounded her with worship, opened the Bible with her and ultimately introduced her to Jesus. And as Jane began to understand who God was, she reflected on the painful places in her own story—including the shame and emptiness that loomed over her from her choices earlier in life. Through Scripture, Christian community and a post-abortion Bible study, Jane began to experience healing and understand grace – this concept had been foreign to her as someone accustomed to earning acceptance. There is a powerful thread of redemption woven throughout Jane's story. Out of darkness and emptiness, God used the birth of her son to awaken her to the wonder of life and begin drawing her toward Himself. And ultimately, her search led her to Jesus—the Savior who Himself entered the world as a baby. In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jane shares what happened when she followed that first stirring of curiosity and went looking for God, how His Word transformed the foundation of her life, and why she believes you don't need to have all the answers to begin seeking Him. Sometimes faith begins with a simple realization: There must be more. Key Takeaway You don't have to have all the answers before you begin seeking God. Jane's story shows how God can use a single awakening to draw us toward Himself—and how the search for truth can ultimately lead us to the grace, healing and relationship found in Jesus. Related Bible Verses Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) — “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Isaiah 55:10–11 (NASB) — “So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me empty.” Ephesians 2:8–9 (NASB) — “By grace you have been saved through faith ... it is the gift of God.” Psalm 34:8 (NASB) — “Taste and see that the LORD is good.” Matthew 17:20 (NASB) — “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed...” 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...

  5. Sep 29

    Don't Miss Out: Kelly Stiles on Discovering Who God Really Is

    Knowing what Christianity looks like is different from knowing the God at the center of the faith. Growing up, Kelly Stiles lived between two very different worlds. During the summers she spent with her dad, she knew how to look the part—carrying her Bible, going to church and camp, and doing what she thought a Christian should do. But the rest of the year, Kelly was living a very different life. By her late teens, she had begun what she describes as a 20-year season in the wilderness, carrying anger toward God and largely living on her own terms. Then, during a painful divorce, everything came crashing down—and Kelly knew she was scared to live her life without God. At first, she returned to Him with what she calls a “white-knuckled faith,” afraid of God's judgment and overwhelmed by the things she had done wrong. But as she continued to pursue Him, Kelly began discovering who God really is. She encountered His grace, patience, kindness, protection and love. The God she once feared became the God in whom she could rest. As Kelly studied Scripture and learned more about God's character, He also began reshaping some of the distorted ideas she had carried about Him since childhood. Today, Kelly jokes that she still struggles with FOMO—fear of missing out. But now it has a deeper meaning. She doesn't want to miss anything God has for her, and she doesn't want anyone else to miss the life, grace and relationship found in knowing Him. In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Kelly shares her journey from knowing what Christianity looked like to discovering the God at the center of the faith—and why she believes even our doubt, anger and questions can be brought honestly to Him. Key Takeaway Knowing what Christianity looks like is different from knowing the God at the center of the faith. As Kelly discovered who God really is—His grace, character, love, and faithfulness—her fear gave way to rest, and now she doesn't want anyone to miss the relationship and life found in knowing Him. Related Bible Verses Psalm 34:8 (NASB) - "Taste and see that the LORD is good." Matthew 11:28-29 (NASB) - "Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Exodus 34:6 (NASB) - "Compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in faithfulness and truth." Psalm 139:11-12 (NASB) - "Even the darkness is not dark to You." Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) - "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." 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: ...

  6. Sep 22

    Beauty from Ashes: Amber Waldrop's Journey from Brokenness to Joy

    Amber Waldrop's joy is unmistakable. But behind that joy is a story of deep pain, destructive choices, grace, and redemption. Amber grew up in an Air Force family that was always involved in church. In second grade, she first recognized her need for a Savior, and she spent the years that followed trying to live as she thought a Christian should. But when suffering came - including a painful violation of trust by someone she should have been able to trust - Amber carried the hurt alone. For years, she tried to fix what was broken on her own, and the pain she held inside eventually contributed to a destructive path. But God never let her go. As an adult, Amber began to understand the depth of God's grace and the redemption Jesus offers. Scripture became real as she recognized how much she had been forgiven and how completely Jesus understood her suffering. She discovered that because Christ lived in her, her pain did not have to have the final word. Through Him, she could forgive, show mercy, love the unlovable, pray for her enemies, and begin walking the long road of restoration. Amber also began to see herself differently - not simply as someone trying to be a good Christian, but as a beloved daughter of God. What once felt broken and destructive became a place where God could bring beauty from ashes. In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Amber shares how God pursued her through pain, restored what was broken, and taught her to see herself through the eyes of her Creator. Her joy today isn't the result of a life without suffering. It comes from knowing she is deeply loved by the God who redeemed her story. Amber leaves us with a powerful question: What are you holding against God - and are you willing to lay it down so you can experience a relationship with Him? Key Takeaway God can bring beauty from the places in our lives that feel most broken. Amber's story shows that joy is not the absence of suffering; it can grow from knowing we are deeply loved, fully forgiven, and being restored by a God who never lets us go. Related Bible Verses Isaiah 61:3 (NASB) - "A garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning." Psalm 147:3 (NASB) - "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Romans 8:38-39 (NASB) - "Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God." Ephesians 1:7 (NASB) - "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings." 1 John 3:1 (NASB) - "See how great a love the Father has given us, that we would be called children of God." 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...

  7. Sep 15

    God's Gentle Pursuit: Uyen Dang's Journey from Believing in God to Knowing Him

    Uyen Dang believed in God from childhood. She experienced the love of Jesus through the church that welcomed her Vietnamese refugee family to South Carolina, accepted God into her heart after her father's death, and later recognized her need for Jesus as Savior. But it would take years - and heartbreak - for Uyen to understand just how personal a relationship with God could be. In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Uyen shares the story of what she now calls "God's gentle pursuit." From losing her father at nine years old and wrestling with resentment, to navigating the expectations of her Vietnamese culture, searching for love and belonging through relationships, and eventually reaching the end of herself, Uyen can now see how God was patiently drawing her closer all along. A broken relationship eventually led Uyen to Psalm 139, where she encountered a God who knew her completely, saw her even in the darkness, and wanted more than the parts of herself she thought were acceptable to give Him. She began to discover that following Jesus wasn't only about salvation or going to church - it was about being known, loved, guided, and accompanied by God in everyday life. Jessica and Uyen also unpack what a personal relationship with God actually looks like: encountering Him through Scripture, recognizing His involvement in the details of our lives, experiencing Him through biblical community, and discovering that we were never meant to follow Jesus alone. If you've ever wondered what Christians mean when they talk about "having a relationship with God" - or you've believed in God but wondered whether there could be something more - Uyen's story offers a beautiful invitation: seek Him. He wants to be known. Key Takeaway God's pursuit is personal and patient. Uyen's story shows that faith is more than believing God exists or knowing about Him; He invites us to know Him personally, bring Him all of ourselves, and experience His presence through Scripture, prayer, and biblical community. Related Bible Verses Psalm 139:1–18 (NASB) — "You have searched me and known me." Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) — "And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." James 4:8 (NASB) — "Come close to God and He will come close to you." John 10:14 (NASB) — "I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me." Hebrews 10:24–25 (NASB) — "Let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds..." 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 en...

  8. Sep 8

    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....

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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.

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