In this episode, I’m opening up about a truth many of us experience but rarely admit out loud: you can believe in Jesus long before you learn how to follow Him.For years, I believed in God, but I still lived life on my own terms. I convinced myself that His grace meant I could keep doing what I wanted while expecting Him to clean up the mess. I wasn’t rejecting God, I just wasn’t surrendering to Him.And if I’m honest, that’s where a lot of believers get stuck:
we believe, but we don’t yet obey.In this episode, I share my own journey through that gap between belief and discipleship, and the hard, humbling, beautiful process God walked me through as He taught me how to follow Him.I talk about:✨ The real difference between believing in Jesus and following Him
✨ Why grace isn’t permission to stay the same
✨ How the narrow road actually gets harder the closer we get to God
✨ Why God sometimes withholds what we pray for
✨ The danger of receiving a blessing before we’re ready
✨ How God uses hard seasons to refine our character
✨ Tangible steps that helped me move from belief to obedienceMy prayer is that this episode meets you exactly where you are.
Maybe you’re believing but still learning how to follow.
Maybe you're struggling to surrender certain areas of your life.
Maybe you’re wrestling with unanswered prayers or a difficult season.Wherever you are, give yourself grace.
Belief is the beginning, but following is where transformation begins.Recommended Scriptures:

• Matthew 16:24
• Romans 12:2
• Matthew 7:14
• Philippians 1:6
• James 2:17

Takeaways:

• Belief is the starting point, not the finish line

• God prepares us before He promotes us
• Surrender is a daily choice
• Your walk doesn’t have to be perfect to be real
• God meets you exactly where you are

What do you do when God asks you to step into something that looks smaller than what you’ve done before? When your ego says, “This doesn’t make sense,” but your spirit knows, “This is where God is leading me”?
In this deeply personal episode, Nancy Ruffin opens up about the fear, ego, and faith behind her God + Goals workshop, a workshop that didn’t sell out like her others, yet became the most powerful one she’s ever led. Through her honest storytelling and spiritual insight, Nancy reveals what happens when you stop chasing numbers and start chasing obedience.
This episode is a reminder that success isn’t found in the spotlight, it’s found in surrender. If you’ve been wrestling with fear, doubt, or uncertainty about where God is calling you next, this conversation will reignite your faith and give you the courage to say yes to God’s plan, even when it stretches you.
Tune in to discover how letting go of control opens the door to God’s greatest work in your life.

From a young girl growing up in Irvington, New Jersey in a faith-filled Catholic home, to a teen mom determined to rewrite her story, Monica Castaño’s journey is one of resilience, redemption, and relentless faith.In this powerful conversation, Monica opens up about the pain of her father leaving when she was just 14, the struggles of surviving an abusive relationship, and the strength it took to walk away and rebuild her life for her daughter. She shares how God met her in the midst of it all, leading her from heartbreak to healing, from survival to success.Now a Regional Manager at Labcorp, Vice President of the 100 Hispanic Women NJ Chapter, and a fierce advocate for women and her community, Monica’s story reminds us that God can use every broken piece to build something beautiful.If you’ve ever questioned your worth, your purpose, or God’s plan for your life, this episode will remind you that no matter where you start, grace can always lead you home.

From a young girl growing up in Irvington, New Jersey in a faith-filled Catholic home, to a teen mom determined to rewrite her story, Monica Castaño’s journey is one of resilience, redemption, and relentless faith.In this powerful conversation, Monica opens up about the pain of her father leaving when she was just 14, the struggles of surviving an abusive relationship, and the strength it took to walk away and rebuild her life for her daughter. She shares how God met her in the midst of it all, leading her from heartbreak to healing, from survival to success.Now a Regional Manager at Labcorp, Vice President of the 100 Hispanic Women NJ Chapter, and a fierce advocate for women and her community, Monica’s story reminds us that God can use every broken piece to build something beautiful.If you’ve ever questioned your worth, your purpose, or God’s plan for your life, this episode will remind you that no matter where you start, grace can always lead you home.

What does it mean to have faith that doesn’t break, even when life does?In this week’s episode of The Woman of Faith Podcast, host Nancy Ruffin sits down with Luisa Aponte Rodriguez, wife, mother of two, philanthropist, and President of 100 Hispanic Women NJ.Luisa’s journey is one of courage and conviction: from years of struggling to conceive to finally holding her children in her arms, to leading efforts that raise scholarship funds for young Latinas pursuing higher education. Through every season of uncertainty, her faith in God never wavered.In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• How to hold onto hope when God’s timing feels delayed
• Why faith is the anchor that sustains us in uncertain times
• How serving others can strengthen your own walk with God
• Practical ways to build unshakable faith in everyday life

If you’re in a season of waiting, wrestling, or wondering what God is doing, Luisa’s story will remind you that His promises are true and His presence never leaves.Tune in now and be encouraged to trust God even when the path ahead feels unclear.Connect with Luisa on Instagram here: www.instagram.com/luisaraponte

What happens when fear meets faith at the operating table? In this powerful episode of The Woman of Faith Podcast, host Nancy Ruffin sits down with author and mother of six, Martha Palmer, to unpack her extraordinary journey from depression, anxiety, and trauma to spiritual breakthrough and purpose.After battling lifelong mental health struggles and facing her most terrifying pregnancy yet, Martha surrendered everything to God and what followed was nothing short of miraculous. From surviving multiple surgeries and over 30 blood transfusions to writing three faith-filled books, Martha's story is a living testament to God’s mercy, healing, and grace.🌟 In this episode, you'll hear:

• How Martha learned to seek God in the middle of fear and uncertainty
• The spiritual encounter that changed the way she prayed and lived
• What it means to be truly transformed by faith
• Why surrendering to God is the beginning of breakthrough

Whether you're walking through a valley or waiting for a sign, this episode will remind you that God is always with you and that your greatest pain can become the foundation of your greatest purpose.🎧 Tune in and be inspired to believe, trust, and surrender.
Connect with Martha on Instagram here

Change is never easy, but every season of transition carries divine purpose. In this premiere episode of the new season of the Woman of Faith Podcast, Nancy shares her own summer of work, rest, and family fun, including a memorable family vacation, before reflecting on the deeper lessons found in nature’s shift from summer to fall.Just as the trees release their leaves to make way for new life, God invites us into seasons of release, rest, and renewal. These transitions may feel uncomfortable or uncertain, but they are often the very places where God is preparing us for what’s next.What you’ll take away from this episode:How to release what no longer serves you so you can step into the new thing God is doing.Why it’s vital to rest in God’s timing, even when you don’t see immediate results.How to renew your faith for what’s ahead, trusting that God is making a way even in the unknown.Whether you’re navigating a career change, a shift in family life, or a quiet season of waiting, this conversation will remind you that transitions are not endings, they are sacred beginnings.Tune in and be encouraged to embrace the season you’re in, trusting that God is with you in every shift.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we’re diving deep into the stories of women in the Bible—women with broken pasts, difficult circumstances, and unlikely beginnings, yet God still chose them to do His kingdom work. From Mary Magdalene to Rahab, their transformations remind us that no one is beyond God’s grace.But this isn’t just about them—it’s about us, too. I get real and vulnerable as I share two personal testimonies of how God’s protection covered me in ways I can’t explain: the time one of my poor choices left me stranded miles away from home and had to hitchhike and the terrifying moment when my husband and I were saved from what could have been a deadly car accident. These experiences remind me that even with my own broken past and poor decisions, God is using me to share His word and bring others closer to Him.Walking the narrow road isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. In this episode, we’re unpacking:

• How God redeems and transforms lives, no matter where we’ve been
• Why perseverance and endurance are essential for our faith journey
• How to stay aligned with God’s will, even when life tries to pull you off course
• Practical ways to find your way back when you feel lost or under attack

No matter your past, no matter your struggles, God’s grace is bigger. His love is relentless. And He is calling YOU higher. Tune in for some encouragement, biblical wisdom, and a reminder that God is always moving in your life—even in the moments when you least expect it.

🎧 Listen now and be reminded that you are chosen, called, and covered by God’s grace! #WomenOfFaith #GodsGrace #FaithJourneyPurchase your Church Girl Conference Ticket Here: https://trinitynewyork.churchcenter.com/people/forms/905487USE CODE NANCY20 to receive a 20% discount
Join the Church Girl Affiliate Program Here: ⁠https://trinitynewyork.churchcenter.com/people/forms/905487⁠

In this episode of The Woman of Faith Podcast, we explore the power of faithfulness and the dangers of turning away from God. When we stay committed to Him, we position ourselves for His favor, protection, and victory. But when we turn away—whether out of pride, complacency, or fear—we face the consequences of walking outside His will.In 2 Chronicles 12 & 13, we see two kings with very different outcomes. Rehoboam abandoned God’s ways and suffered loss, while Abijah stood firm in faith and saw victory—even when the odds were stacked against him. Their stories are a mirror for us today. Are we standing firm in our faith, or are we allowing the distractions of life to pull us away from God?In this episode, we’re breaking down the rewards of faithfulness, the dangers of spiritual complacency, and how we can stay anchored in God through every season. Plus, I’ll share some real-life examples and self-reflection questions to help you apply these lessons to your own journey.📌 Press play now and let’s get into this word! And if this episode blesses you, share it with someone who needs it!
SELF-REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• Have I become spiritually complacent?
• Have I faced consequences for turning away from God?
• Am I relying on my own strength or on God’s?
• What steps can I take today to renew my commitment?

What does it mean to stay true to your faith while navigating the world of fashion, social media, and influence? How do you hold onto God’s promises when the pressures of success and personal challenges try to shake your foundation?In this episode of The Woman of Faith Podcast, I sit down with Junytza "JuJu" Pagan, a fashion and beauty influencer, working professional, mom, and, most importantly, a woman of faith. JuJu opens up about her humble beginnings growing up in the Bronx, how having little taught her to do more with less, and how that creativity has shaped her journey as an influencer. She also shares her faith walk as the only Christian in her family, what her relationship with God has looked like over the last 15 years, and how she’s trusted His plan—even when it didn’t make sense.We also dive into:
✨ Faith Over Fashion – How God revealed that her influence would expand beyond beauty and style
✨ Letting Go – Releasing relationships that no longer align with God’s purposeJuJu’s journey is a testament to God’s faithfulness, and her story will inspire you to trust Him more, embrace your authenticity, and walk boldly in your calling.
🔎 Self-Reflection Questions:

• In what areas of my life can I lean into my faith more to help guide my decisions?
• How can I remain authentic to who God has called me to be, even when faced with pressure or external expectations?
• What is one practical step I can take this week to balance my faith, my work, and my personal life more effectively?

📢 Call to Action:
If this episode speaks to you, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with a friend, leave a review, and tag @iamnancyruffin and @juju.stylez on Instagram with your biggest takeaway.🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!#FaithAndFashion #TrustGod #Authenticity #SpiritualGrowth #WomanOfFaithPodcast