20. From Trauma to Testimony: Shannon Zaragoza’s Story of Faith and Redemption

In this powerful and redemptive episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, host Jessica Cabrera sits down with Shannon Zaragoza to explore her courageous journey of faith after childhood trauma. Shannon opens up about growing up in a non-Christian home and enduring five years of sexual abuse by her stepbrother—experiences that left lasting emotional and spiritual scars.

But Shannon's story doesn’t end in darkness. Through a life-changing altar call and the relentless pursuit of God, she found healing, restoration, and a renewed sense of purpose. With raw honesty, she shares how obedience to God, time in His Word, and community support helped her overcome the weight of shame and learn to trust again.

Whether you've experienced trauma or are walking alongside someone who has, Shannon’s testimony will remind you of the unwavering faithfulness of God—and the hope that is always possible in Him.

Listen now for a story of honest pain, supernatural grace, and life-changing transformation.

If you would like to connect with Shannon and learn more from her, please follow her on Instagram @victims4transformation.

Bible Verses:

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Isaiah 55:8-9 – God’s ways are higher than our ways.

Galatians 6:9 – Let us not grow weary in doing good.

New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John.

Do you want a relationship with God too?

If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus' offer – a gift, not by works – to be restored to the original design for your life, which is a relationship with God (on earth and in heaven after physical death), now is the time. There is an article in Jessica's Engage Faith Column that will help you understand who He is, who you are, what choice you have, and what happens when you make the decision. Visit https://www.jessicacabrera.org/column/what-is-the-message-of-the-gospel to read the message of God's good news for mankind and to find a sample prayer that you can pray today. 

The importance of a Biblical faith community:

All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community. Listeners from the Northern Virginia area are welcomed at Burke Community Church and anyone seeking an online church service can find one here. We are not designed to be alone; we’re designed for a community of faith. 

To stay connected: Follow the show on Instagram @faithconversationspodcast and sign up for Jessica's Engage Faith communications https://www.jessicacabrera.org/sign-up for updates and inspiration.