In this episode, I share a personal story about a moment when the Holy Spirit used a complete stranger to speak hope into my darkest season. We talk about the nudges God gives us to pray, to speak life, and to slow down long enough to notice the needs in front of us. If you’ve ever hesitated when God prompted you to act, or if you’re walking through a heavy season yourself, this episode will remind you that God can use anyone and any moment to lift you up. No season is wasted when we follow his leading.

I grew up without cousins nearby. No family gatherings. No aunts or uncles dropping in. It was just our small family circle, and that was my normal. Looking back, I realize how much that shaped the way I saw connection and family.

Then I married Ruth, and her world looked completely different. She has cousins and aunts and uncles on both sides of her family, and they have always been close. They gather, laugh, share memories, and stay connected. Even now, she lights up when she is around them.

It was such a contrast to what I knew growing up, but it opened my eyes to something I want to share with you in this episode. Having good family is a blessing. It is a gift not everyone gets, and one that is easy to overlook until you realize how special it really is.

If you have good family, the kind that brings peace, laughter, and love, cherish them. Reach out. Call that cousin you have not talked to in years. Send a message to an aunt or uncle who has been on your mind. Life moves fast, and the time to reconnect is now.

Not every relationship is meant to be rebuilt, and it is important to keep healthy boundaries when needed. But if you have simply lost touch with someone good, do not wait too long to reach out. Family, when it is healthy and grounded in love, is one of God’s sweetest gifts.

Through marriage, I have come to see Ruth’s family as my own, and I am grateful. I may not have grown up with cousins or big gatherings, but I have gained that through her. It has reminded me that family does not always have to be by blood. Sometimes God weaves it into our lives through love, friendship, and marriage.

This episode is a simple encouragement to look at the people in your life who bring goodness, peace, and joy, and to thank God for them. Staying connected to good family is one of the best ways to honor the blessings He has placed around you.

Listen to The Gift I Never Had on Only for a Season with Mel Cruzado, available wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Only for a Season, Mel Cruzado speaks directly to men about one of the most overlooked marks of strength, knowing when to stay silent.

Real leadership in marriage isn’t about control or pride; it’s about respect, restraint, and protecting your wife’s dignity. Mel shares how true maturity shows up in the quiet moments when a man chooses patience over pride and privacy over public arguments.

Whether you’re newly married, a dad trying to model peace for your kids, or a man learning to love better in this season of life, this episode will challenge, encourage, and remind you what real strength looks like.

💭 “When you choose privacy over pride, you’re not hiding weakness, you’re showing strength.”

🎧 Listen now and let this message reshape how you lead, love, and communicate.

In this heartfelt episode, Mel shares the true story of how he and his wife Ruth went from newlyweds filled with dreams… to facing unemployment, bankruptcy, and fear — and how faith carried them through.

Laid off just three months after their wedding, Mel found himself questioning everything — his future, his purpose, and even God’s plan. But through every closed door, God was quietly working behind the scenes, preparing something greater than he could imagine.

From the factory layoffs at Ford and Republic Steel to the unexpected job at General Electric that changed everything, this story is a reminder that even in our darkest seasons, God’s timing is never late.

If you’re walking through uncertainty right now — wondering how it will all work out — this episode will encourage you to hold on, keep praying, and trust that your season will change.

🎙️ Listen to “Just Married - Just Laid Off” — a real story of faith, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness through life’s hardest seasons.

In this special episode, host Mel Cruzado shares the story behind Only for a Season — how years of hesitation and self-doubt gave way to obedience and purpose.

After nearly 38 years with GE Healthcare, Mel retired at age 60 and began reflecting on the many seasons of his life — as a husband of 46 years to Ruth, a father to Jennifer and Michele, and a grandfather to five. Through walks, prayer, and quiet reflection, he felt God nudging him to share how His hand had been faithful in every chapter.

Launched in March 2025 and inspired by Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, this podcast is a place for honest stories about faith, family, and the seasons that shape us. Whether you’re a young man finding your way, a father navigating new challenges, or someone praying for the men in your life, Mel’s hope is that you’ll hear something that reminds you — God is present in every season.

🎧 Every story has purpose. Every season matters.

In this episode of Only for a Season, Mel Cruzado reflects on the biblical command to honor our father and mother, and the promise of blessing that follows. Through practical encouragement, Mel shares what it means to love, respect, and involve our parents in our lives—whether through helping in times of need, making that phone call, or simply sharing time together. Discover how honoring our parents shapes our legacy, blesses future generations, and brings peace to our own hearts.

Hey listeners, just a heads up—this episode was brought to life using a professionally cloned version of my voice.

Hey friends, it’s Mel from Only for a Season. You know, sometimes the best life lessons don’t come from a classroom or a book — they come from the quiet wisdom of someone who loves you. In my case, it was my mom… and a little framed piece of embroidery with two ants carrying leaves. Sounds simple, right? But that gift has shaped the way I think about work, rest, and preparing for the future.

Join me as I share the story, and why the lesson of the ant might just change the way you approach your own season of life."

Hey listeners, just a heads up—this episode was brought to life using a professionally cloned version of my voice.

Mel reflects on the joy of becoming a young grandparent and the tender shift as grandkids grow into young adults. From sweet memories of toddler days to recent vacations with teens and graduates, this heartfelt episode is a reminder that while seasons change, the love and bond with our grandchildren can grow even deeper. A warm and encouraging message for grandparents in every stage.

Hey listeners, just a heads up—this episode was brought to life using a professionally cloned version of my voice.

In today’s episode, titled “ Married for Life,” host Mel Cruzado shares a deeply personal story from the early days of his marriage to Ruth. At just 19 years old, Mel faced a moment of fear, responsibility, and uncertainty—feelings many young husbands quietly carry.

Through honest reflection, timeless wisdom, and God’s Word, Mel offers insight for couples navigating financial stress and the challenges that test their commitment. Whether you're newly married or years down the road, this episode is a reminder that these hard seasons don’t last forever—and with faith and unity, you can come through stronger.

Hey listeners, just a heads up—this episode was brought to life using a professionally cloned version of my voice.

Welcome to Only for a Season, a podcast where host Mel Cruzado invites us into meaningful conversations about the shifting seasons of life, faith, and the unseen hand of God guiding us through it all.

In today’s episode, “Coincidence or Divine Intervention,” Mel shares a powerful story told to him by his granddaughter—about a car accident, a hidden tumor, and a miracle that could have easily gone unnoticed. Through gentle reflection and Scripture, he explores how what we often call coincidence may, in fact, be the unmistakable fingerprints of God.

So settle in, and let’s take a few moments to consider how God might be working—even in the detours.

Hey listeners, just a heads up—this episode was brought to life using a professionally cloned version of my voice.