Upstream Pursuit
The leadership podcast for Christian women going against the current. The Upstream Pursuit calls women to go against the current by measuring everything against the Truth of God’s word. Join Narcely every other Monday for energizing conversations and practical tips on how to live and lead in pursuit of unchanging Christian values. To learn more about joining our community, visit us at narcelyruiz.com or on our Facebook or Instagram!
Episodes
176 episodes
How the Church Can Respond to Rising Global Tensions
As U.S. airstrikes on Iran escalate global tensions, how should the Church in America respond? In this short but timely episode, we explore how to pursue peace, stand with the global Church, and keep our eyes fixed on the mission of Christ i...
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Season 9
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Episode 25
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14:15
Finding Healing After Spiritual Wounds (Part 3): The Way Forward
Church hurt doesn’t have to be the end of your faith story. In this final part of the series, we turn to Scripture for hope and guidance, exploring the story of Elijah, a prophet who knew the weight of discouragement. If you’ve ...
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Season 9
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Episode 24
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14:16
Finding Healing After Spiritual Wounds (Part 2): Biblical Accountability
In Part 1, we explored the pain of church hurt—the deep wounds that can come from betrayal, gossip, manipulation, or leadership gone wrong. But not every uncomfortable experience in church is abuse. In this episode, we’ll dive into the differen...
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Season 9
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Episode 23
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16:39
Finding Healing After Spiritual Wounds (Part 1): Church Hurt
Church hurt is real, and it runs deep. Maybe it came through betrayal, abuse of power, gossip, or spiritual manipulation. Maybe you gave your heart to fellow believer or community that didn’t protect it. In this part 1 of this episode, we di...
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Season 9
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Episode 22
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19:21
When Leaders Fall: One Woman’s Story of Faith After Church Hurt
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my friend, Glenda Medina, as she shares her honest reaction after learning of the allegations against her former pastor, Robert Morris of Gateway Church. She opens up about the confusion, pain, and pro...
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Season 9
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Episode 21
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44:28
The Martha Trap: When God’s Not Impressed with Our Hustle
In this episode, we explore a truth that hits close to home for many of us: the danger of being so busy for God that we forget to be with Him. Drawing from Luke 10:38–42, we revisit the story of Martha and Mary—two sisters, two postures, one ch...
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Season 9
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Episode 20
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19:14
From Struggle to Surrender: My Husband’s Story of Redemption
In this intimate episode, I introduce you to my husband—the man who captured my heart and has lived a powerful testimony of transformation. Long before we met, he faced and overcame the dark grip of addiction. In this conversation, he shares th...
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Season 9
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Episode 19
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42:36
When Love Is Blind, but Values Aren't: Faith, Conviction, and Choosing Wisely
Welcome back, Pursuers! After a refreshing sabbatical, I’m diving into a conversation I couldn’t wait to have. In this episode, I unpack the latest season of Love Is Blind and why it stirred up so much buzz in the conservative and Chri...
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Season 9
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Episode 18
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29:19
Pentecost: The Power Has Come
In this episode, we dive into the powerful moment of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and launched the Church into action. It’s not just a historical event—it’s a transformative moment that still impacts us today.<...
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Season 9
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Episode 17
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9:59
Easter Isn’t Over: Walking as People of Resurrection
Easter isn’t the end of the story; it’s the beginning of our calling. In this devotional episode, we reflect on what it means to live in light of the empty tomb. Through Acts 1:6–11 and Colossians 3:1–4, we’re reminded that the resurrection ...
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Season 9
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Episode 16
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14:05
From Cheers to Chants: Palm Sunday Devotional
In Matthew 21, Jesus enters Jerusalem to cheers and palm branches—but what begins as celebration quickly turns toward the cross. This devotional episode invites you to reflect on why we follow Jesus. Is it for what He can do for us… or for <...
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Season 9
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Episode 15
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10:11
Easter Reflections: The Servant King
As we prepare our hearts for Easter, this week’s reflection centers on Isaiah 53 and Mark 10:45—two powerful passages that reveal Jesus’ purpose and the kind of King He is.
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Season 9
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Episode 14
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9:38
Loving Jesus: A Reflection on John 14:15
Jesus calls us to show our love for Him, but what does that look like in our daily lives? In this episode, we reflect on the profound truth of John 14:15. We’ll briefly reflect on the verse, explore the role of the Holy Spirit, and dis...
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Season 9
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Episode 13
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4:52
Illuminated Steps: How God's Word Guides Our Journey
Picture this: You're walking a dark path, unsure of your next step. Suddenly, a lamp lights the way, guiding you forward.That's exactly what God's Word does for us. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to m...
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Season 9
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Episode 12
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5:53
Recognizing When It’s Time to Rest
“I used to think rest was optional. Now I realize it’s obedience and essential.”For so long, I believed that working harder, pushing through exhaustion, and never stopping was a sign of strength. But God showed me that true str...
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Season 9
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Episode 11
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16:17
Priscilla: A Beautiful Example of Boldness in Sharing the Gospel
“They took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” – Acts 18:26In a time when women’s voices were often silenced, Priscilla stood courageously for the gospel. Alongside her husband Aquila...
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Season 9
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Episode 10
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19:36
Love in the Tension: An Upstream Response to Bigotry Accusations
In this episode, we're diving into a question from one of our Pursuers: How should we behave towards believers who view our biblical convictions as bigotry?Navigating differences in belief—especially within the ...
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Season 9
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Episode 9
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25:02
Reflecting on Criticism for Sharing Truth & The Greater of Cost of Staying Silent
Over the last few years, I have witnessed the berating, shaming and bullying of Christians and conservatives for their biblical and/or political views. In this episode, I am joined by my sorority sister and sister-in-Christ, Daisy Schroeck, as ...
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Season 9
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Episode 8
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1:05:07
Why H.R. 28 is a Win for Girls, Women and Truth
In this episode, we discuss recent legislative actions aimed at protecting girls and women in sports and we take a look at Scripture to see how those actions may affirm or deny biblical Truth.
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Season 9
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Episode 7
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27:17
Looking to the Lord’s Prayer to Guide Our Conversations with God
Whether you're a new believer or have been walking with Christ for years, understanding how to pray effectively can significantly deepen your relationship with God. In this week’s episode, my witty friend Sarah Whitt and I look to the Lord’s...
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Season 9
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Episode 6
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23:15
Growing in Confidence: Overcoming Barriers to Prayer
Prayer is a vital practice in our Christian faith, serving as a way to communicate with God, express our thoughts and desires, and align our hearts with His will. In this week’s episode, my witty friend Sarah Whitt, no pun-intended, joined m...
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Season 9
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Episode 5
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36:10
Imitating Christ: Key Ways Jesus Modeled Prayer for Us
Hey Pursuers! In this week’s episode we are looking to Jesus to discover why and how he made prayer a priority amidst the demands of His earthly mission. Whether you are struggling with your prayer life or seeking to deepen your relationship...
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Season 9
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Episode 4
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14:58
Redefining Success: Pursuing Kingdom Priorities Over Worldly Pursuits
Hey Pursuers! We all want to be successful, right? In this week’s episode, we are going to contrast Kingdom priorities with worldly pursuits to gain insight on how to lead a more meaningful and purposeful existence. We’ll discuss practical s...
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Season 9
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Episode 3
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16:15
New Year, New Mercy: Embracing God's Grace to Reset Spiritually
Hey Pursuers, in this episode we explore the importance of pausing at the beginning of the year to acknowledge the unwavering kindness and grace of God, as highlighted in Lamentations 3:22-23. We will discuss how to spiritually reset and wil...
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Season 9
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Episode 2
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13:11