Why I Believe

Michelle Von Ruden
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Why I Believe is a faith-centered podcast sharing real stories of transformation, modern miracles, and lived encounters with God. Through a blend of solo reflections and honest conversations with others whose lives have been changed, host Michelle Von Ruden creates a safe, welcoming space for curiosity, questions, and faith rediscovery. This podcast exists to bring people closer to God, whether you're just beginning your journey, rebuilding after distance, or seeking to strengthen your relationship with Him. Rooted in Matthew 5:16, Why I Believe shines light through authentic stories so God may be glorified, and hearts may be drawn closer to Him.

  1. 3h ago

    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 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 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS 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.

    27 min

  2. 5d ago

    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 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS 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.

    2 min

  3. Jun 24

    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 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 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS 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.

    28 min

  4. Jun 19

    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 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS 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.

    3 min

  5. Jun 17

    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 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 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS 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.

    30 min

  6. Jun 12

    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 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS 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.

    3 min

  7. Jun 10

    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 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 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS 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.

    34 min

  8. Jun 5

    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 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS 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.

    2 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Why I Believe is a faith-centered podcast sharing real stories of transformation, modern miracles, and lived encounters with God. Through a blend of solo reflections and honest conversations with others whose lives have been changed, host Michelle Von Ruden creates a safe, welcoming space for curiosity, questions, and faith rediscovery. This podcast exists to bring people closer to God, whether you're just beginning your journey, rebuilding after distance, or seeking to strengthen your relationship with Him. Rooted in Matthew 5:16, Why I Believe shines light through authentic stories so God may be glorified, and hearts may be drawn closer to Him.

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Von Ruden
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Why I Believe