What do you do when your life changes in a single moment… and everything you planned is gone?

In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Julie Raque, speaker, business consultant, and single mother, to share a deeply personal story of loss, resilience, and faith through life's hardest seasons.

At just 29 years old, Jule became a widow overnight after her husband was killed in a car accident, leaving her to raise two young children on her own.

What followed wasn't immediate strength or clarity…
it was survival.

Hour by hour. Day by day.

Julie shares what it really looks like to walk through grief while still showing up for life, and how faith carried her, even when she didn't fully realize it at the time.

We talk about:

• Navigating loss while raising young children
• What survival mode really looks like (and why that's enough)
• Letting go of needing to have it all together
• How faith shows up, even when you don't feel strong
• The long journey from grief to healing… and eventually thriving

Julie's story is a powerful reminder that strength doesn't always look like confidence.

Sometimes…
strength is simply getting out of bed.

If you're walking through a hard season, feeling overwhelmed, or wondering how to keep going—this episode will meet you right where you are.

You don't have to have it all together.
You just have to take the next step.

You can reach Julie at Julie Raque | 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.