In this inspiring episode of Faith Over Addiction, host Tanya Gioia sits down with Monica Ocejo, a Mexican-born fashion designer, breast cancer survivor, and author of "Between Threads and Tortillas." Monica shares her powerful journey of transformation—from immigrating to the United States with dreams of becoming a renowned fashion designer, to facing a devastating breast cancer diagnosis at 40 with three young children, to losing her fashion business and reinventing herself in the most unexpected way: making tortillas.

Monica opens up about her struggle with the "you can do it alone" mentality and the profound moment she learned to surrender control to God. She discusses navigating grief, finding identity beyond career titles, and discovering that her true identity is as a child of God. Through laughter, friendship, and faith, Monica found joy even in life's darkest moments.

Whether you're facing illness, loss, career changes, or feeling stuck in grief, Monica's story offers hope and practical wisdom about taking small steps forward, embracing creative healing, and holding onto God's promises when life collapses. Plus, you'll hear the hilarious story of her first day making tortillas in heels and fancy dresses!

Key Points

• Surrendering Control
• Identity Beyond Achievement
• The Power of Grieving Well
• Finding Joy in Reinvention
• Living on Borrowed Time
• The Prodigal Son Principle
• Creative Healing
• Taking Small Steps
• The Collapse Before the Star
• Mexican Heritage and Faith

Resources and Links

Guest Information:

Book: Between Threads and Tortillas - Available on Amazon - https://a.co/d/hswL3YH

Free Gfit : Get this free list of Christian affirmations that spell out who you are in God – actual in God’s own words. Repeat these biblical affirmations and replace these truths with the lies currently in your head! - https://www.tanyagioia.com/affirmations

👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH

💻 Website - www.tanyagioia.com

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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tanya.gioia.9/

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Are you caught in the chaos of addiction, constantly cleaning up emotional, spiritual, and physical messes that aren't yours? Welcome to Faith Over Addiction, where faith meets real life. Hosted by Family Recovery Coach Tanya Gioia, this podcast is designed to offer Christian women hope, healing, and practical tools to navigate the challenges of loving someone with addiction.

Through biblical truths, heartfelt stories, and actionable guidance, you’ll learn how to set healthy boundaries, find peace in the mess, and reclaim your God-given identity. You don’t have to carry what was never meant to be yours. It’s time to shift from “this is happening to me” to “this is happening for me,” and let God transform the chaos into something that glorifies Him.

Every week, I’m here to encourage you, offer clarity, and remind you that as a daughter of the King, You Always Have Other Options (YAHOO). Together, we’ll embrace faith as the foundation, boundaries as the bridge to healing, and God’s truth as the ultimate guide to freedom, strength, and grace.

Blessings,

Tanya Gioia 🌸

🎵 Music Credit:

Track: Luz Solart

Artist: Luna Cantina

Album: Luz Solart

Released: 2024