Restored, Refined, Rebuilt: Luz Figueroa on Church Trauma and Coming Home to God

Episode Description In this episode of Junk to Jewels™, host Georgette Beck sits down with Luz Figueroa — a New York City–raised woman of faith who relocated to Port St. Lucie, Florida, with her family nearly ten years ago. Luz opens up about a marriage that began in middle school and has now spanned over thirty years, her late-in-life return to school that led to degrees in radiology and imaging sciences, and the serious medical crisis and surgeries that helped shape her calling toward healthcare. Luz shares the story behind her book, The Shattered Pieces of a Masterpiece, rooted in childhood trauma and its lasting impact on how she saw love and relationships — and the promise she made to her father, before his death in 2025, to “tell your story and tell your truth.” She speaks candidly about sexual abuse within the church and why how trauma is handled matters so deeply, and shares the heart behind Home of Prodigals, the ministry she and her husband lead, now meeting Saturdays at 10:30 AM at Keiser University in Port St. Lucie. This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt broken beyond repair — and needs the reminder that in God's hands, nothing is wasted. What Listeners Will Learn How a childhood shaped by trauma can still lead to a life of purpose and healing Why Luz returned to school later in life — and how healthcare became part of her ministry The story behind her father's final words of encouragement and how they became a book What Home of Prodigals is doing to reach the broken, the overlooked, and those finding their way back to God How Luz and her husband turned a house church into a growing outreach Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and Guest Intro 00:20 – Meet Luz Figueroa 03:41 – From Bronx to Florida 04:32 – Returning to School 05:53 – Why Education Matters 08:34 – Book Origin Story 11:49 – Dad's Blessing and Loss 12:54 – Writing to Heal Others 16:01 – Family Reactions and Growth 19:24 – Church Trauma and Trust 23:20 – Cover Art Meaning 25:10 – Home of Prodigals Mission 27:34 – From House Church to Outreach 28:42 – Keiser Saturdays and Discipleship 30:14 – Prayer and Altar Healing 31:19 – Community and Calling Shift 32:32 – Stories Into Ministry Purpose 33:45 – Pain Becomes Purpose 38:50 – Faith-Driven Career Paths 39:27 – Health Crisis and Advocacy 45:50 – Hospital Ministry in COVID 49:02 – Dreams Beyond the Pulpit 51:18 – Hope for Shattered Women 52:41 – Books, Quotes and Mentors 55:56 – Letter to Younger Self 57:46 – Final Thanks and Where to Find About Our Guest — Luz Figueroa Luz Figueroa is a woman of faith, resilience, and purpose whose life reflects the redemptive power of God's grace. Born and raised in New York City, Luz carries both the strength and tenacity shaped by her upbringing, along with a deep compassion for people from all walks of life. Ten years ago, she and her family relocated to Port St. Lucie, Florida, where they continue to build both their life and ministry. A devoted wife of over thirty years and loving mother of three, Luz holds an Associate's Degree in Radiology and a Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences, and has worked in healthcare for over seven years while currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Business. She is co-founder and leader of Home of Prodigals, a ministry dedicated to reaching the broken and overlooked, and the author of The Shattered Pieces of a Masterpiece. Connect with Luz: Ministry: Home of Prodigals — Saturdays, 10:30 AM at Keiser University, Port St. Lucie Email: homeofprodigals@gmail.com Book: The Shattered Pieces of a Masterpiece About Your Host — Georgette Beck Georgette Beck is the host of the Junk to Jewels™ Podcast and author of Junk to Jewels: A Journey from Brokenness & Despair to Beauty & Delight. Her mission is simple: Heal from the Past — in the Present — for their Future. Connect with Georgette: Book: https://a.co/d/0etqV85U Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgette.beck/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgetteBeckWriter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgette-beck-7a659387/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/GeorgetteMBeck TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@georgette2038 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@georgettebeck9168 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe, share, and leave a review — it means the world!