One Year Since Faith Over Fear: The Day Everything Changed

Hey, it’s Ronai!

Today marks one of the most significant anniversaries of my life — the day I truly surrendered my heart to Christ. It was a year ago at Faith Over Fear, during an altar call led by Ray Higdon. Funny thing is… I didn’t even know what an altar call was at the time.

Ray invited anyone who hadn’t fully accepted Christ into their hearts and lives to do so if they felt called. I had always considered myself a Christian. I believed in God, prayed occasionally, and thought I was “good with God.” But that day, something shifted. The Holy Spirit spoke to me — clearly, directly, undeniably — and told me to really commit, to really accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

And so I did.

That moment changed everything.

A year later, I sit at my desk surrounded by five different translations of the Bible, holding my book (really His book) Faithfully Unleash Your Strengths in my hands. And all I can do is marvel — at the goodness of God, at His unwavering love for me, at the fact that He sent His Son, my Brother, to take my sins so that I could live again.

I am truly amazed.

God’s path for me hasn’t always been straight or easy, but it’s been divine. I’m so grateful for where He’s led me — and for the incredible people who have walked alongside me.

First and foremost, thank You, God, for never giving up on me. For walking me through the darkest valleys and being my guiding light, even when I couldn’t see or feel You. Thank You for loving me when I was unlovable, for redeeming every broken piece of my story, and for transforming my heart.

Thank you, Eddie Villa, for showing me how to unleash my strengths and guiding me as I wrote Faithfully Unleash Your Strengths. You’ve been a mentor, a friend, and the one who introduced me to Ray Higdon — which forever changed my life.

Thank you, Ray Higdon, for being a faithful servant of God and letting His light shine through you so brightly that it’s impossible to miss. Faith Over Fear didn’t just impact my life… it saved it.

Thank you, Shannon Roberts, for saying “yes” when I called and said, “God wants you to be my roommate at Faith Over Fear.” At the time, we had a surface-level friendship — more coach/client than true friends — and yet you said yes. That one yes turned into something so much bigger. You’ve become one of my dearest friends and partners in faith. I’m so grateful for our “Be the Light” journey together. I love you, friend!

Thank you, Tracy Back, for helping make it possible for me to even attend Faith Over Fear. Without your encouragement and generosity, I’m not sure I would have made it there.

And thank you, LeeAnn Mason. Your friendship, wise counsel, and technical expertise have been such a gift. As we’ve woven more and more faith into our partnership, I’ve watched God move in ways that continue to amaze me. You make everything we do better — from managing the behind-the-scenes tech that keeps me sane (because let’s be honest, I’m so much better with people than technology!) to jumping in as my guinea pig, my right hand, my “girl Friday” on every new adventure. I couldn’t do what I do without you, and I thank God constantly for bringing you into my life.

And thank you, Michael— my love, my partner, my husband of over 30 years. You have seen every version of me — through thick and thin, through every transformation and leap of faith. My dad was right: I picked the right man. I love you more deeply now than words can ever express. Thank you for letting me be me.

As I look back over this past year, one thing stands out above all else: God is faithful.

He was there when I was searching.
He was there when I was doubting.
He was there when I finally surrendered.

And He’s still here — guiding, refining, and revealing His purpose every step of the way.

To anyone reading this who feels distant from God, I promise you — He hasn’t gone anywhere. He’s right there waiting for your “yes.”

When you answer His call, your life will never be the same.

With love and so much gratitude

Ronai