Faith Conversations Podcast

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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)

Read the Gospel of John (NASB)

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

All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community. Listeners in Northern Virginia are welcomed at Burke Community Church.

Follow the show: @faithconversationspodcast

Sign up for updates: jessicacabrera.org/sign-up

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.

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.

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.

In this replay of the Faith Conversations Podcast from October 2025, Katie Hagan opens up about growing up in church, wrestling with how much religious hypocrisy is out there, and learning what it truly means to walk in a personal, surrendered relationship with God. From her early baptism to adult struggles with doubt, Christian culture, and social justice, Katie shares a candid and compelling story of how faith in Jesus has shaped her identity and values. 

What does the Bible say?

Micah 6:8 – What the Lord actually requires of us.

James 1:27 – What the Bible says religion is.

Romans 12:2 – Knowing God’s will

Isaiah 1:17 – Godly behavior

More Bible fun….

Mark 9:24 – I believe; help my unbelief!

Jeremiah 29:13 – You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Psalm 19:1 – The heavens declare the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 5:7 – We walk by faith, not by sight.

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 https://www.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 https://www.jessicacabrera.org/sign-up for updates and inspiration. 

In this special summer update, Jessica Cabrera shares why Faith Conversations Podcast is taking a short recording break, what listeners can expect over the coming weeks, and how God continues to work through every season of life. Learn why four unforgettable replay episodes can strengthen your faith, hear about exclusive guest update reels, and get a preview of three new solo episodes exploring the question, 'What should I do?' This encouraging update reminds listeners that remembering God's faithfulness can anchor us during seasons of uncertainty and deepen our relationship with Jesus.

Proverbs 3:5–6
Isaiah 40:31
Hebrews 10:23
Psalm 77:11–12

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 https://www.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. 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 communications https://www.jessicacabrera.org/sign-up for updates and inspiration.

What happens when you know about God but have never experienced a relationship with Him? In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera interviews Rosana Berquist, who shares her powerful journey from religious tradition to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Raised in a large Catholic family in Peru, Rosana learned moral values and religious practices but did not understand the Gospel or her need for a Savior. After moving to the United States, God used Christian friendships, personal heartbreak, and a life-changing encounter with His presence to reveal her sin, His grace, and the power of forgiveness. As God transformed her heart, He replaced bitterness with freedom, gave her a hunger for His Word, and showed her that true satisfaction can only be found in a relationship with Jesus. Rosana's story is a beautiful reminder that even when we are not pursuing God, He is faithfully pursuing us.

Related Bible Verses (NASB)

Romans 3:23

Ephesians 2:8-9

Ezekiel 36:26

2 Corinthians 5:17

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, now is the time.

Read the message of God’s good news

The importance of a Biblical faith community:

All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus and experience God through community.

To stay connected: Instagram | Facebook | Sign up

What happens when you stop running from God and begin searching for Him with your whole heart? In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera interviews Michelle Dillard, Women's Ministry Director at Burke Community Church. Michelle shares how a childhood prayer, seasons of rebellion, her father's stroke, the 2008 housing crash, and ultimately God's grace drew her into a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Through Scripture, confession, and the work of the Holy Spirit, Michelle discovered peace, joy, and purpose. Today she leads women toward Christ and reminds us that when we seek God with all our hearts, we will find Him.

Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB)

Romans 8:28 (NASB)

Philippians 4:7 (NASB)

Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB)

1 John 1:9 (NASB)

John 14:6 (NASB)

Michelle’s Childhood Prayer:

God make my life a little light
Within the world to glow;
A little flame that burneth bright
Wherever I may go.

God make my life a little flower
That giveth joy to all,
Content to bloom in native bower
Although the place be small.

God make my life a little song
That comforteth the sad,
That helpeth others to be strong,
And makes the singer glad.

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, now is the time.

Read the message of God’s good news

The importance of a Biblical faith community:

All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus and experience God through community.

To stay connected: Instagram | Facebook | Sign up

How do you trust God when life unfolds differently than you imagined?

In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera interviews Tiffany Royce, who shares how God faithfully guided her from simply believing in Him to experiencing a personal relationship with Him.

As Tiffany grew in her faith, God's Word and the Holy Spirit became a compass that directed her life. Through seasons of disappointment, unanswered prayers, infertility, and waiting, Tiffany learned that God's plans are often different than our own—but always good.

God eventually grew Tiffany's family through adoption, bringing four children into her life and revealing His faithfulness in ways she never expected. Today, Tiffany serves as the leader of Embrace Grace, a ministry that supports women facing unexpected pregnancies, and she can clearly see how God used her experiences to prepare her for His purpose.

Tiffany's story is a powerful reminder that God is at work even when we don't understand His plan. He wants to be known, He wants a relationship with us, and if we seek Him, we will find Him.

As Tiffany shares, once you see God, you can't unsee Him.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NASB)

Romans 8:28 (NASB)

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)

Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB)

Psalm 37:23-24 (NASB)

Ephesians 2:10 (NASB)

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, now is the time.

Read the message of God’s good news

The importance of a Biblical faith community:

All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus and experience God through community.

To stay connected: Instagram | Facebook | Sign up

How can Jesus transform a life marked by loss, addiction, trauma, and despair?

In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera interviews Michelle Burton, massage therapist at NOVA Body Mechanics, who shares her remarkable journey from a childhood filled with loss, instability, abuse, and addiction to a life transformed by the love, truth, and purpose found in Jesus Christ.

After losing her mother at just three years old and growing up in a home marked by chaos and brokenness, Michelle spent years searching for meaning and belonging. Although she encountered Christianity at various points throughout her life, it wasn't until a friend invited her to Bible study and gifted her a Bible that she began to understand who God truly is.

Through studying Scripture, attending Bible studies, and exploring apologetics, Michelle discovered that Christianity was not about blind faith. She could ask hard questions, seek truth, and find answers in God's Word. Most importantly, she came to understand that Jesus wanted a relationship with her.

God took years of pain, trauma, and despair and transformed them into purpose. Through His grace, Michelle received not only a new understanding of God, but a new heart, a new identity, and a new direction for her life.

This episode is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond God's reach. No matter your past, Jesus has the power to redeem, restore, and transform your life.

Ezekiel 36:26 (NASB)

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)

John 17:3 (NASB)

Romans 12:2 (NASB)

Psalm 34:18 (NASB)

Ephesians 2:4-5 (NASB)

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, now is the time.

Read the message of God’s good news

The importance of a Biblical faith community:

All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus and experience God through community.

To stay connected: Instagram | Facebook | Sign up

How do you find hope when life feels dark?

In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Jessica Cabrera interviews Marcella Oakley, a former detective, hostage negotiator, wife, mother, and friend of Rachel Noonan from the first episode of Faith Conversations.

Marcella shares how her grandmother helped her understand the importance of a personal relationship with God, how God carried her through her daughter's diagnosis with Cystic Fibrosis, and how she witnessed God's love through the loss of her mother. Marcella also shares a unique perspective on the existence of good and evil in the world from her years in law enforcement.

Through every challenge, Marcella learned to look for God's presence in the small things and trust that He is at work even in the darkness or when life feels out of control..

This episode is an encouragement for anyone walking through hardship. God is present in the darkness, and His love shines brightly when we learn to recognize Him at work around us.

John 1:5 (NASB)

Romans 8:28 (NASB)

Psalm 46:1 (NASB)

Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)

2 Corinthians 4:6 (NASB)

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, now is the time.

Read the message of God’s good news

The importance of a Biblical faith community:

All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus and experience God through community.

To stay connected: Instagram | Facebook | Sign up