Join us Season 2, Episode 20 with our dear friend, Zanele Mutepfa-Rhone, as she shares her incredible story of resilience and strength. Growing up in Zimbabwe, Zanele learned the importance of community from her mother, whose teachings left a lasting impact on her faith. Despite the heart-wrenching loss of her mother at a young age, Zanele's journey is a testament to the power of faith, relationships, and perseverance. Zanele also opens up about her experiences growing up in an adoptive home, where she faced unique challenges and found unexpected blessings. Through these experiences, she learned profound lessons about resilience and belonging, discovering that family is not just defined by blood but by love and support. Zanele proudly embraces her heritage and roots, creating spaces of belonging through her focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. Tune in as we explore her life journey of spiritual growth, the transformative influence of her mother's wisdom, and the life-changing lessons learned along the way!

Key Takeaways:

* Zanele's early upbringing in Zimbabwe instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of community and strong relationships.

* The loss of her mother at a young age profoundly influenced Zanele's faith journey, leading her to embrace resilience and the unwavering belief in God's provision.

* The Book of Job played a pivotal role in Zanele's spiritual foundation, reflecting on themes of loss, replenishment, and unwavering faith.

* Zanele's story is a testament to the enduring power of faith, resilience, and the profound impact of strong familial bonds.

Zanele is married to the love of her life, Drae and currently lives in Portland, OR. Her career spans roles at Sesame Street, CNN, and a leadership position at Adidas, where she championed diversity and inclusion. Zanele spends her time developing innovative concepts for her consulting projects, traveling the world to learn about new cultures, providing opportunities for underrepresented talent, and building community. She is the founder of “Here To Stay” - a women’s speaker series celebrating the stories of change-making women in the world. Here To Stay is committed to championing women that are not only thought leaders in their fields of profession, but local pioneers with global impact. to empower women of color in driven by her commitment to DEI work and the enduring lessons from her mother.

To connect with Zanele and find out more about her incredible work, go to: https://www.brandzanele.com

Follow her on Instagram: @itszanele

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Season 2, Episode 19 discusses the real struggles of spiritual warfare, addiction, and the importance of facing our pain in order to heal. Ramonita and Erin candidly share their recent battles with spiritual warfare, highlighting the need for authentic vulnerability. They focus on the misconceptions of addiction and the way forward in order to heal. Drawing from their experiences and guest insights, they explore the major impacts of addiction and the significance of seeking connection and community in healing. Don’t miss this incredible episode that will leave you hopeful in whatever you are walking through.

Key Takeaways:

* Spiritual warfare is a real and challenging aspect of life that requires authentic vulnerability and reliance on God's strength.

* Addiction often stems from a desire to avoid pain, and healing begins by facing and feeling the pain rather than numbing it.

* Community, service, and connection play crucial roles in overcoming addiction and finding hope and healing.

* The opposite of addiction is not sobriety but connection, emphasizing the importance of relationships and support in recovery.

* Taking shortcuts to avoid pain only prolongs the healing process, highlighting the necessity of facing pain and seeking help and community for recovery.

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In episode 18, Jordan Rogers shares his powerful story of addiction, incarceration, and redemption. Growing up in a loving and supportive family, Jordan found himself drawn to drugs and alcohol at a young age. Despite multiple attempts at rehab and legal challenges, he struggled with addiction throughout his adolescence. It was during a period of incarceration that Jordan had a moment of clarity and realized he needed to address the deeper issues behind his addiction. He committed to healing and sought help through rehab and community. After his release, Jordan rebuilt his life, pursued education and career opportunities, and dedicated himself to helping others through their own recovery journeys. Jordan’s story reminds us that there is ALWAYS hope.

Key Takeaways:

* Addiction can stem from a variety of factors, including trauma, insecurity, and a lack of positive outlets.

* The justice system often fails to address the root causes of addiction and instead focuses on punishment rather than rehabilitation.

* Recovery is a lifelong journey, and it requires self-accountability, community support, and a commitment to healing.

* Healing from addiction involves facing and processing emotions rather than numbing them with drugs or alcohol.

* Sharing our stories and supporting others in their recovery can be a powerful tool for transformation and healing.

Jordan Rogers is a dedicated father, husband, and mentor who has dedicated his life to helping others through his own story of addiction and recovery. He has been sober for 21 years and has used his experiences to inspire and support others in their own journeys. Jordan is passionate about advocating for criminal justice reform and addressing the challenges within the justice system. He believes in the power of community and the transformative nature of sharing our stories.

To connect with Jordan, follow him on Instagram @jordanrogers

Or visit his website; https://www.jordanrogers.xyz

Connect with us!

Follow us on instagram @come.union

Subscribe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!