Life & Work with Tracey Ruffin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracey Ruffin. 

Hi Tracey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
My name is Tracey, and I was born and raised in Medina, OH. My story is one from rags to riches – and I am not talking about money. I grew up in a single-parent household by one of the strongest women I know. My mom. We lived in what I now know to be poverty, but back then I never knew that. My mom always made sure we ate well, had a roof over our heads and there was no way you could’ve ever told me we were living in poverty. 

I have endured childhood molestation, rape, two failed marriages, and abuse at the hands of men who vowed their love for me. I AM A SURVIVOR! 

Deep down inside of me, there was always a gaping emptiness that I kept trying to fill with alcohol, drugs, and men. Nothing and no one could satisfy that longing that was on the inside of me. Until one day (March 30, 2000) – I remember it like yesterday – I fell in love with the Lover of my soul…JESUS. He literally is the best thing that has ever happened to me. 

Oftentimes my girlfriends would visit my home and we would sit for hours sharing, laughing, and crying most times over coffee. In 2012 the location moved from my kitchen to a more public place. Out of my brokenness and passion for encouraging, empowering, and equipping women, my nonprofit organization Sister Circle Medina, Inc. was born!!! I have made it my life’s mission to empower women of all generations to find their true identity in Jesus Christ so that they can see their self-worth through His eyes. Like many women, I have battled with insecurity, but through God’s love, I have silenced those lies that had stolen my confidence, and I want to help others do the same. 

In 2021 I became a published best-selling author in an anthology called, “Women Unveiled Vol. 2 – Secrets of Strong Women.” In Women Unveiled, Vol. 2: Secrets of Strong Women, eleven women give transparent accounts about the secrets behind their strength. Our stories demonstrate real-life examples of what relying on God to conquer life’s difficulties looks like. Through them, you will learn to trust God’s plan for victory when the circumstances you face seem to point to failure. 

My greatest accomplishments in life are my two adult, brilliant and successful children. Statistically, they should not be who they are today. BUT GOD! 

I am married to the love of my life, and we celebrated 19 years on February 14th! Being loved by him is definitely a gift from God. Together we have a blended family of 8 (all adult) children and 13 grandchildren. I serve alongside of him at the Second Baptist Church in Medina, OH as the Assistant Pastor. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Buried secrets. Messy truths. Sexual abuse. Abandoned pasts. Rape. Shattered dreams. Domestic violence. Broken heart. Scarred soul. Crushed spirit. Depression. Suicide attempts. Abortion. 

I tried to go on living as if everything’s alright – like nothing ever happened, but it did. I was alive but not really living. 

And then I met “Love.” God is love. I have been on this healing journey, and every day I know that it is all working for my good. ALL of it. The good, the bad, and the ugly. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am employed at a 9-5 pm job for a global manufacturing company that builds power fans for mining, and where I recently have been appointed to the Diversity and Inclusion Council. 

My greatest joy comes from serving in my church as the assistant pastor, secretary, Director of Women’s Ministry, and teacher. Connecting with others, studying the word of God, and growing together is such a blessing! 

I am also very active in my community and love that I have an opportunity to have a “seat at the table.” In 2022 my husband and I spearheaded Medina’s first-ever Juneteenth Celebration on our historic square and it will be an annual event. I serve on the Board of Director’s for Habitat for Humanity and was the 2021 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient. 

My nonprofit organization Sister Circle Medina, Inc., awards scholarships to high school graduates and partners with other local organizations to help people, help people. We present programs, retreats, and conferences in and around NE Ohio as well as other states. I have a desire and a longing to see denominational and racial barriers broken down and people united. 

I am most proud of my children and grandchildren. My children remind me every day that I did something right, and my grandchildren remind me of what a blessing it is to be called “Mawmaw.” 

My daughter has told me that one of my superpowers is to “rally the troops” through my reputable gift for reaching, inspiring, and empowering others. Through the diversity of my community involvement, I am an influence to women of all ages, nationalities, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
When the only motivation for our actions is the approval of others, every achievement will be hollow and temporary. However, if we dedicate our best efforts to God in whatever we do – in our work, in our service, in our giving, and in our witness – we will live with the proper end in sight, and God will bless us for it. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sistercirclemedina.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracey.robinsonruffin

Image Credits
Samantha Ponomarenko