By: Johana Rodriguez

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans." 

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

I'm Johana Rodriguez, and I have the joy of serving as your Women's Ministry Coordinator at the Suncoast Location of Grace Family Church.

You’ve probably seen me on Sundays outside on the courtyard pavers, during the week at Married Life or Beautiful Moms, or serving with our incredible Suncoast Zone elementary ministry, pouring into the next generation of world changers. I’ve also loved connecting with many of you through our neighborhood groups throughout the semester.

I was born in Cali, Colombia and immigrated to the States at the age of 10, due to political conflicts in my country. Even then, God was quietly building a foundation of trust in my heart—one that would sustain me through every season of life.

Before stepping into ministry, I worked in the corporate world for over 4 years. I was raising my two incredible children, who are just 13 months apart, as a single working mom. It was a refining time—a season where God taught me about His faithful provision and what it truly means to walk by faith.

And then, in the most personal way, God answered a prayer I had dared to pray. I had asked Him that when He brought my future husband, He would literally come to my doorstep. In His kindness and attention to even the smallest details, God answered that prayer exactly, showing me once again that His plans are always better than mine.

As a step of faith, in 2020, right in the midst of COVID, I left the corporate world. Within the same month, my husband Sam and I got married, bought our first home together, and started our family business managing short-term rental units—all while growing into a family of five. Yes, expecting a new baby! It was a season of incredible change, but also one of witnessing God’s faithfulness in every detail.

Two years later, God surprised me again by calling me into homeschooling— something I once said I would never do. I was convinced my plate was already too full, but God, in His beautiful sense of humor, reminded me that He equips those He calls. Homeschooling has been one of the most stretching, refining, and joy-filled seasons of my life.

Today, life looks nothing like I once planned—and it’s so much sweeter because it’s rooted in Him. Coffee is a daily must, not just for energy but for those quiet moments with the Lord. Recently, I’ve started my sourdough bread journey, and it’s been a humbling reminder to trust the process—much like our faith journeys, it requires patience, surrender, and the understanding that God is always at work, even when we can't see it.

This summer, I encourage you to keep it simple and keep it sacred. Start your mornings with the Word, create a gratitude jar to fill with family blessings, and take time to bless another woman with encouragement or prayer. It’s often in the smallest acts of obedience that God does the greatest work.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans." — Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

I'm so grateful to be walking this beautiful journey of faith and sisterhood alongside you. I can’t wait to see all that God continues to do in and through our lives!

With love,

Johana Rodriguez

Women's Ministry Coordinator

Grace Family Church, Suncoast