A conversation between Charmaine Mukurazhizha, guest; and Devaughn Williamson, host.

Charmaine’s story has a lot of twists and turns, but God has been able to weave it all together to fulfill His calling on her life. When Charmaine was leaving Jacksonville, she had this intense prayer time with God, just pouring out her need for a fresh start and new opportunities. She didn’t want to go back to Miami and face the same old struggles. And it’s like God heard her cry in real-time, because right then she got this message from her adviser who basically said, “Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out—I want to make sure you can finish your degree.” It was such a moment of provision, showing how when you truly trust God, He shows up in ways you can’t even plan.

But it wasn’t easy—Charmaine had faced some serious battles. She opened up about being in a deeply toxic relationship during her master’s program, where she was physically attacked and almost killed. It was terrifying, and she admitted she didn’t know the red flags because she’d grown up in a safe, loving home and hadn’t seen that kind of violence before. Her family stepped in, flying to help her and eventually taking her back to Zimbabwe to heal. She spent two years in therapy, just trying to piece her life back together. She was broken, but she refused to give up.

But she struggled with her faith. She felt like, “God, how could You let me go through that? How can I even walk back into a church with all this shame and guilt?” She was really wrestling with God, feeling like she didn’t even know who she was anymore.

But then she moved to Miami, and everything shifted. She found this incredible church community and started to feel safe for the first time in a long while. She’d been so worn down—she literally slept for 14 hours straight the first time she felt that peace. That was the beginning of her real faith, not the kind you borrow from your parents, but the kind you own for yourself. She learned to trust God in a real way.

Even after all that trauma, God kept opening doors. She ended up moving to Florida almost by accident, thanks to a cousin who didn’t want her to leave America with bitterness. And then, piece by piece, God kept connecting her with the right people—like this evangelist who invited her to church and ultimately opened the door to the University of Miami, where she became the only Black student in her graduate program. And she didn’t just survive—she thrived, getting to interview major sports figures, walking in rooms she only dreamed of.

And even though she faced so many challenges—like not knowing how she’d pay for her $100,000 tuition at the University of Miami—she just kept trusting God. She had moments where everything fell apart, like losing her passport, getting into a car accident, and even being let go from a job she thought would save her financially. But she didn’t give up. She kept showing up, kept packing her bags when God said, “It’s time to go,” and kept trusting that He had a plan even when she didn’t see it.

The victories were so sweet because they were hard-won. Like getting that job with the Marlins for a month and making more than she ever had, or finding a friend’s couch to crash on right when she needed it. She realized that God wasn’t punishing her; He was teaching her to trust Him fully, showing her that she didn’t have to control everything.

Charmaine talked about how she could’ve had that blessing so much sooner if she hadn’t delayed her obedience. She shared how in the past, she didn’t always listen to God—like with her college journey or staying in relationships she knew weren’t right. Those choices delayed her progress. But God still had a plan—He was going to get her to her purpose, whether she flew straight there or took some detours in that old car of hers. We all make decisions that take us off course, but God’s plans are still bigger and better than ours.

One of the most powerful things she shared was about “healing out loud.” She said she almost died in silence because she was too busy trying to keep up appearances and not sharing her pain. Now, she’s all about speaking up, telling her story, and letting others know they don’t have to suffer alone. That vulnerability is huge—she’s showing that even though she’s still healing and paying the consequences of past mistakes, God is using her openness to bless others.

Finally, Charmaine said if she could go back and talk to her younger self—or anyone watching—she’d say, don’t sit in silence. Let people in. Find your community. Trust God, because He’s already got the final destination mapped out for you. She reminded us that even when we make mistakes, God doesn’t condemn us—He still calls us righteous and worthy.

Charmaine’s story is such an amazing reminder of how faithful God is. Even when we feel like we’re stuck or we’ve messed up too badly, God has the final say. And like Charmaine said, she’s living proof that when you let God have His way and trust Him, He’ll turn it all around for good.

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