What if God is speaking… and we're just not listening?

In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Marianne Callaghan; wife, mom, and Director of Faith Formation, to talk about what it really looks like to move from simply knowing your faith… to truly living it.

Raised in the Catholic Church, Marianne always had faith, but it wasn't until later in life, through marriage, motherhood, loss, and personal surrender, that her relationship with God became real and deeply personal.

From struggling with infertility and loss to walking alongside families in their faith journeys, Marianne shares how God has shown up in both the hardest and most beautiful moments of her life.

And then… there's the moment she can't explain away.

While in prayer, Marianne asked God (through the Blessed Mother) to bring peace to her son. That same night, without knowing her prayer, her son experienced that exact message.

We talk about:

• The difference between knowing faith and owning it
• How suffering can deepen, not weaken, your relationship with God
• The power of prayer and learning to truly listen
• Why community is essential in your faith journey
• Practical ways to begin building a relationship with God
• How God still speaks… if we're willing to hear Him

Marianne's story is a powerful reminder that faith isn't just something you inherit…

It's something you choose, grow into, and live out daily.

If you've ever wondered how to hear God's voice, where to start, or how to deepen your faith, this episode will meet you right where you are.

You can reach Marianne at mcallaghan@smsrcatholic.com

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.

What happens when your life changes overnight… and nothing goes according to plan?

In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Kelly Melcher; wife, mom of two (with one on the way), and woman of faith, to share a story of unexpected diagnosis, shifting identity, and learning to trust God in the middle of uncertainty.

Shortly after getting engaged, Kelly lost her vision and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, completely changing her day-to-day life and future plans.

From losing independence to navigating marriage, motherhood, and an invisible illness, Kelly had a choice:

Become bitter… or become better.

She chose faith.

We talk about:

• Living with an invisible illness and loss of control
• How her diagnosis strengthened, not weakened, her faith
• Navigating marriage through "for worse" before the wedding
• Trusting God when life doesn't follow your plan
• Finding joy and gratitude in the middle of uncertainty
• Why perspective changes everything

Kelly's story is a powerful reminder that even when life doesn't go the way you expected…

It can still be good.

If you're walking through something unexpected, difficult, or out of your control, this episode will meet you right where you are.

You can reach Kelly at kmelcher20@gmail.com

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.

What if the things people said about you… were never true to begin with?

In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Kiersten Schlough; designer, photographer, youth leader, and woman of faith, to talk about identity, healing, and learning to see yourself the way God does.

Kiersten's journey began with bullying in middle school, feeling like she didn't fit in, and struggling to understand who she was. That struggle only deepened as she was later diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia, making school even more challenging and leaving her questioning her intelligence and worth.

But that wasn't the end of her story.

Through faith, scripture, and learning to pray even for those who hurt her, Kiersten began to rebuild her identity, not based on what others said, but on what God says.

She also shares about experiencing church hurt, the pain of walking away from a place she once loved, and how God met her in that healing process in unexpected ways.

We talk about:

• Bullying and struggling to fit in
• Learning disabilities and redefining intelligence
• Praying for those who hurt you (even when it's hard)
• Navigating church hurt and finding healing
• The power of forgiveness and letting go
• How God uses even painful seasons for growth and purpose

Kiersten's story is a powerful reminder that your identity is not defined by your past, your pain, or other people's opinions.

It's defined by who God says you are.

If you've ever questioned your worth, struggled to belong, or needed healing from past hurt, this episode will speak directly to you.

You can reach Kiersten at Kiersten Schlough (Ziegler) | 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.