Rising Above Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rising Above Ministries
Rising Above Ministries is lifting up the special needs community through support, encouragement, inspiration, and community.
Finding Joy in the Hard: Friendship and Motherhood Among Special Needs Moms- Part 1In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, a group of lifelong friends opens up about the joys, challenges, and unexpected moments that come with raising sons with special needs. Through laughter, vulnerability, and shared experiences, they explore what it means to navigate motherhood as their boys grow into young men with diagnoses including autism, ADHD, fragile X, and other unique needs.
The conversation highlights the power of friendship and community as these moms reflect on the moments that tested them — from public meltdowns and sensory challenges to “poop patrol,” bathroom adventures, and the everyday surprises that come with caregiving. They share how humor has become a survival skill, helping them find light in difficult seasons and celebrate the small victories that others may never see.
The friends also discuss practical strategies that have helped their families thrive, including visual schedules, social stories, sensory regulation techniques, and carefully preparing for new environments. Beyond strategies, they emphasize something even more important: finding “your people” — the community of support that understands the journey and walks alongside you.
Throughout the episode, they reflect on faith, gratitude, and the moments when they catch glimpses of their children’s joy and individuality. Their friendship has provided emotional strength, encouragement, and a reminder that no mom should have to navigate this path alone.
Filled with funny stories, honest conversations, and heartfelt reflections, this episode celebrates the beauty found in the hard moments. Whether you are a special needs parent, a caregiver, or someone supporting a family on this journey, this conversation is a reminder that connection, laughter, and love can carry us through even the most challenging seasons.
Our mission is to uplift the extraordinary voices in the special-needs community. Have a story to share? Fill out this form to be considered for the podcast!
https://forms.gle/Zi2SWGwP29arNDAm9
What if your hardest parenting season is also part of God's greater purpose?
Raising a child with special needs can feel lonely, exhausting, and uncertain. In this heartfelt episode, Cynthia Barkley shares her family's journey through a premature birth, an autism diagnosis, and years of advocacy, therapy, and unwavering faith. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in life's most difficult moments, God is present, working through every challenge.
Cynthia opens up about receiving her son Josiah's autism diagnosis, processing grief, and learning to trust God's plan while navigating the complexities of autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and other developmental challenges. She also shares practical advice for finding resources, building a support system, advocating for your child, and maintaining hope through every season—from early intervention to adulthood.
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or someone supporting a family with special needs, this conversation offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and the reassurance that you are never alone.
In This Episode* Cynthia's journey through a premature birth and autism diagnosis * Processing grief while holding onto faith * Finding resources and building a strong support network * Advocating for therapies, services, and educational needs * Navigating multiple diagnoses, including ADHD and sensory processing disorder * Homeschooling and supporting lifelong learning * Helping siblings navigate life with a special needs family member * Transitioning into adulthood after high school * Why it's never too late for growth, independence, and new opportunities * The role of prayer, community, and perseverance in everyday life * Encouragement for parents who feel overwhelmed or isolated
Key Takeaways* You don't have to walk this journey alone. * Advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint. * Give yourself grace during difficult seasons. * Community and friendship make a tremendous difference. * Faith provides strength when answers are hard to find. * Every child has unique gifts and God-given purpose. * Progress may look different than expected, but every milestone matters.
Enjoyed This Episode?If this conversation encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent or caregiver who could use a reminder that hope is always possible—even on the hardest days.
Sponsor The Rising Above with Becky Davidson Podcast, Make A Difference.
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Episode Summary
This week, we're doing something a little different, and I'm so excited to welcome my friend, Sherri Stickler, to the podcast! If you've ever been curious about herbal medicine or wondered how natural remedies can support your family's health, this conversation is for you.
Sherri is a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and the founder of Synergy Herbal Works. After spending years in respiratory and patient care within conventional medicine, she felt called to pursue herbal medicine—a path where science, nature, and faith come together to support the body's God-designed ability to heal.
In this episode, we explore practical ways herbs can support children's health, emotional well-being, better sleep, hormonal balance, immune health, and everyday wellness. Sherri shares her knowledge with both wisdom and encouragement, making this conversation approachable whether you're completely new to herbal remedies or already incorporating them into your lifestyle.
Grab a notebook because this episode is packed with practical tips, thoughtful insights, and simple ways to begin exploring herbal wellness with confidence.
Disclaimer: This episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your healthcare routine.
Resource Links:
Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use: Gladstar, Rosemary: 9781612120058: Amazon.com: Books
Naturally Healthy Babies and Children: A Commonsense Guide to Herbal Remedies, Nutrition, and Health: Aviva Jill Romm, William Sears: 9781587611926: Amazon.com: Books
The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby & Child Care: Morell, Sally Fallon, Cowan, Thomas S.: 0884331252815: Amazon.com: Books
National Center for Integrative and Complementary Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/
Finding Blessings and Building Resilience in the Journey of a Special Needs ParentIn this heartfelt episode, Becky Davidson welcomes Joe and Cindi Ferrini, authors of The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected, to share the remarkable story of their 45-year journey raising their son, Joey, who has cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability. Through honest conversations, practical wisdom, and unwavering faith, Joe and Cindi offer encouragement to parents and caregivers navigating the unexpected realities of raising a child with special needs.
Together, they reflect on the emotions surrounding an early diagnosis, the ongoing process of grieving unmet expectations, and the unexpected blessings that have emerged throughout Joey's life. They discuss the importance of building a strong support system, maintaining healthy family relationships, responding with grace to social challenges, and finding hope through faith and community.
The conversation also explores the inspiration behind their new book, which provides practical guidance on topics such as finances, sibling relationships, caregiving, emotional resilience, and planning for the future. Above all, Joe and Cindi remind listeners that while the journey may not look as they once imagined, it can still be filled with purpose, joy, growth, and countless moments of unexpected blessing.
Whether you're a parent of a child with special needs, a caregiver, or someone seeking encouragement through life's unexpected challenges, this episode offers compassionate insight, practical advice, and a powerful message of hope, endurance, and resilience.
Related Resources:
https://www.amazon.com/Special-Needs-Parent-Guide-Expected/dp/0802437702/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3FP52U1DGRBF3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2eJ_UP4a7ad4AHcpQM1P3bIvOizQY0TXQ2n6ZfxnGNnGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.CxWJEx2pNCZ626Zzm2O0JLu5GiljcErqrGtrXleuZ60&dib_tag=se&keywords=joe+and+cindi+ferrini&qid=1784135759&sprefix=Joe+and+Cindi%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-3
https://autismfaithnetwork.com/ Autism Faith Network
Tegan is a former Canadian resident and full-time engineer who now calls Pittsburgh home, where she's a full-time mom of three, always chasing sunshine and finding adventure in everyday family life. Known in the Rare and Mighty (RAM) community for her honest, "no sugarcoating" approach and her thoughtful exploration of special needs theology, Tegan shares the life-changing journey that began when her middle daughter, Eloise, was diagnosed with the rare genetic condition FOXG1 syndrome at just ten months old.
In this deeply moving conversation, Tegan opens up about navigating the heartbreak of a late miscarriage, the shock of an unexpected diagnosis, and the difficult questions that challenged her faith. She reflects on how prayer, community, and God's unwavering presence reshaped her understanding of suffering, goodness, and unconditional love.
Together, we explore the difference between grieving the future you imagined and finding joy in the life you have, the daily invitation to sacrificial love through caregiving, and how raising a child with special needs has transformed Tegan's relationship with God. She also shares the beautiful story behind naming her youngest son, Boaz, and what redemption has looked like for her family.
Whether you're walking through hardship, caring for a loved one with disabilities, or wrestling with faith in difficult seasons, Tegan's honesty, wisdom, and hope will encourage you to discover God's love in unexpected places.
Tim and Jen’s 27-year marriage and their family’s adoption journey, including three special needs adoptions from China, as well as the call that led them to Belize and the realities of adapting to a new culture as a missionary family. Tim shares what it has looked like to raise children with special needs while navigating healthcare, education, and ministry overseas, and he explains the story behind Three D Friends and its mission to support special needs families in Belize. The conversation also highlights how events like Night to Shine are creating inclusion and dignity for individuals with disabilities, while also encouraging fathers and men in Belize to become more engaged in family life and faith leadership. Tim reflects on Joshua’s rare diagnosis and how God used a difficult season to bring clarity, provision, and deeper trust, while emphasizing the importance of obedience, resilience, and cultural understanding in long-term missions work. He also shares the future vision for camps, therapy centers, and expanded support for children with special needs and their families.
Tamecka shares her journey as a single mother raising a son with Down syndrome and autism, reflecting on the challenges of diagnosis, healthcare demands, and balancing work and caregiving alone. She highlights how faith and prayer helped her stay grounded through difficult moments.
The episode emphasizes the importance of community support, advocacy for children with disabilities, and greater workplace understanding for single parents. Despite the hardships, Tamecka celebrates her son’s joyful spirit, sharing how his presence has brought purpose, resilience, and hope into her life.
In this uplifting episode, Becky sits down with Meredith Cornish, a mom of 15, to talk about faith, family, and finding joy in the midst of life's challenges. Meredith shares her journey of raising children with disabilities, growing her family through adoption, and trusting God's goodness through every season.
Together, they discuss intentional parenting, creating peace in a busy home, supporting children with special needs, and the importance of community, prayer, and resilience. Meredith also shares insights from her book, Even in the Hard Stuff, encouraging listeners to find hope, gratitude, and God's grace even in difficult circumstances.
This conversation is filled with practical wisdom, heartfelt encouragement, and a powerful reminder that joy can be found even in the hard stuff.
In this episode, we sit down with Will Spears, a high school senior with a heart for serving others. Will shares his personal story and explains why he is so passionate about supporting the special needs community. He talks about his efforts to raise funds and help students from Livingston Academy’s Special Education Department attend the Special Needs Prom hosted by Rising Above Ministries. Through his leadership, compassion, and dedication, Will is making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Join us as we hear about the experiences that have inspired him and the difference one young person can make in a community.
On this week's episode of Rising Above with Becky Davidson, Becky sits down with Bralin Moss, the newest member of the Rising Above team, to discuss his journey, his passion for the disability community, and his new role as Ministry Advancement Associate.
A recent graduate of Tennessee Tech University, Bralin shares his heart for serving families living with disabilities and his excitement about joining the mission of Rising Above. He talks about the importance of building relationships and creating opportunities for businesses and individuals to partner with the ministry in bringing hope, encouragement, and support to special needs families.
Becky and Bralin also discuss what lies ahead as he helps expand the reach of Rising Above through community partnerships and ministry growth. If you've ever wondered how you or your business can make a meaningful impact in the lives of families navigating disability, this conversation offers a great introduction to the mission and vision behind the movement.
Join Becky and Bralin for this inspiring conversation as we officially welcome him to the Rising Above team and look ahead to all that's to come.
In this heartfelt episode, Becky Davidson talks with a father about the realities of raising children with special needs while balancing faith, family, and ministry. He shares his family’s journey following his daughter’s rare genetic diagnosis and the challenges and blessings that came with caring for a family member with severe autism. Through these experiences, he reflects on how their lives, priorities, and faith were deeply transformed.
The conversation explores the emotional impact of a diagnosis, the importance of community and church support, and the lessons learned through patience, perseverance, and trusting God during difficult seasons. Listeners will also hear practical encouragement for maintaining a strong marriage, seeking counseling, and building supportive relationships with other parents and caregivers.
Filled with honesty and hope, this episode offers encouragement to fathers and families navigating the special needs journey, reminding them they are not alone and that faith and community can provide strength in even the hardest moments.
Brandon Jones, father to Rickie Rose, joins this deeply moving episode to share the realities, challenges, and unexpected blessings of raising a child with special needs. From the life-changing adoption journey from China to navigating the emotional weight of uncertainty and grief, Brandon offers an honest look at how faith, marriage, and community have sustained his family through every season.
Throughout the conversation, Brandon reflects on the unique role fathers play in leading with strength while processing pain, the importance of partnership between husband and wife, and how intentional fatherhood shapes the emotional and spiritual health of the entire family. He also shares how recognizing God’s presence in everyday moments has transformed hardship into purpose and perseverance.
This episode is filled with encouragement for parents—especially dads—who may feel overwhelmed by the challenges of special needs parenting. Brandon reminds listeners that hope can coexist with hardship, resilient families are built through love and shared responsibility, and there is lasting peace found in faith and eternal perspective.
If you’ve ever wondered what your husband might be feeling—but not saying—this episode is for you. Since so many of our listeners are special needs moms carrying the emotional and practical load of daily life, Becky Davidson invited Steve Chatman to help shed some light on what’s often going on in the minds and hearts of special needs dads.
Together, they explore the emotions many dads struggle to express: feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, lonely, inadequate, or even unsure of how to communicate what they need. Steve shares honest insight into why dads sometimes pull back emotionally and offers practical ways moms can better understand and support their husbands without adding more pressure to an already full plate.
This conversation is real, encouraging, and filled with relatable moments that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even spark some meaningful conversations at home. If you’ve ever felt like you and your spouse are missing each other in the middle of the special needs journey, this episode offers a compassionate look into how to reconnect, strengthen your marriage, and remember you’re on the same team.
The conversation between Becky Davidson and Patrick Sawyer is a heartfelt exploration of family, faith, and personal growth. Patrick shares his journey from being an athletic trainer to entering full-time ministry, highlighting the pivotal role his son Connor, who has Down syndrome, played in this transition. Patrick discusses the challenges and blessings of raising a child with special needs, emphasizing the importance of community support and faith. He describes Connor as a "little evangelist," whose pure and enthusiastic faith inspires those around him. The discussion also touches on the significance of discipleship and the impact of sharing experiences with other parents facing similar challenges.
Common Man, Extraordinary Call
This special Mother’s Day episode of Rising Above with Becky Davidson features a heartfelt conversation with guests Leslie Harrah and Brittnie Blackburn. Together, the three mothers open up about their journeys raising children with special needs, sharing both the struggles and the profound moments of joy that have shaped their lives. They reflect on how their expectations of motherhood have changed over time, especially around emotionally significant moments like Mother’s Day. The discussion explores themes of grief, growth, and acceptance, while also highlighting the deep ways their children have impacted and enriched their lives. They also offer practical insights on coping during difficult seasons, including stepping back from social media and leaning into supportive communities. Stay tuned through the end for a meaningful and uplifting Mother’s Day message from Becky’s late husband, Jeff.
Hey Mama's! By The Brook is just around the corner! A weekend to be filled with hope, to find community, and to have FUN! Grab a friend and grab your tickets here- https://www.risingaboveministries.org/bythebrook
Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt conversation, Becky Davidson and Ashley Thompson discuss the challenges and joys of raising a child with autism. Ashley shares her journey with her son Wilkes, who was diagnosed with severe nonverbal autism at age two. She reflects on the initial struggles, the impact on her family, and the importance of faith and community support. Ashley emphasizes the value of focusing on small joys and maintaining a positive outlook despite the challenges. The conversation highlights the strength and resilience of families navigating similar paths and the critical role of support networks.
Hey mama, you deserve a weekend that fills your cup! Join us for By The Brook, a weekend designed just for special-needs moms! Grab your ticket at risingaboveministries.org/bythebrook
Episode Summary:
In Part 2 of Conversations with Catherine on Rising Above with Becky Davidson, Becky is joined by special needs mom Mikayla McKenzie and trauma counselor Catherine for an honest conversation about the hidden toll of caregiving. Together, they explore how trauma shows up in the body and nervous system—not just in diagnoses—and why many caregivers live in constant survival mode.
Mikayla shares her real-life journey caring for her son, while Catherine offers insight into how unresolved trauma, shame, and isolation impact caregivers. The episode highlights practical tools like EMDR, somatic experiencing, and simple grounding rituals to help regulate the nervous system and begin healing.
At its core, this conversation reframes vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness, and emphasizes the importance of community and support. It’s a hopeful, practical episode for anyone feeling overwhelmed—reminding caregivers they don’t have to carry it all alone.
Episode Summary:
Most parents of children with complex needs feel overwhelmed and isolated—but what if faith, community, and small daily tools could transform your journey? Kira Johnson's story isn’t just about her incredible son JR; it’s about the power of choosing hope, trust, and perseverance amid the chaos.In this deeply personal episode, Kira shares her heartbreak in the NICU, the anger she wrestled with, and how her relationship with Jesus rewired her perspective on suffering and love. Discover how she moved from feeling abandoned by faith to embracing God's goodness, even in the hardest moments. Her experience of baptism at a critical spiritual milestone is a powerful testament to trust and renewal—something every parent navigating grief or uncertainty can learn from.
Kira highlights how daily perseverance and scripture serve as her sword against the storm—reminding us all that hope is found in trusting God's timing, even when the road is rough.Whether you're a mom feeling the weight of diagnosis, a caregiver longing for community, or someone searching for renewed faith in the midst of hardship, this episode offers profound encouragement. Kira’s journey from shock and anger to peace and joy is a compelling invitation to say yes to divine purpose in your story.
Respite For Your Mind KIDS - https://subsplash.com/u/risingaboveministries/media/l/7z3h63n-respite-for-kids
Episode Summary-
In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, listeners meet Toby, a 19-year-old student from Ohio whose life is a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and joy. Living with his parents, younger sister, two older brothers, and his loyal service dog, Toby shares what it’s like to navigate senior year while managing the challenges of spina bifida.
Toby opens up about his early medical journey—becoming medically fragile at just two weeks old and relying on a tracheostomy, ventilator, and feeding tube. After undergoing 66 surgeries over the course of his life, he reflects on how, through faith and perseverance, he learned to speak and eat by mouth—milestones that once seemed impossible.
Throughout the conversation, Toby’s personality shines as he talks about the things he loves, from youth group and Young Life Capernaum to video games, Christian music, Adventures in Odyssey, and all things Star Wars. With honesty and humor, he shares the ups and downs of daily life, offering a candid look at both the struggles and the victories.
At its core, this episode is a story of trusting God’s plan in the face of uncertainty. Toby’s unwavering faith and positive outlook remind listeners that even in life’s hardest moments, joy can still be found. His journey encourages others to embrace hope, lean into their faith, and keep moving forward—no matter the obstacles.
Moment of Reflection-
Toby shared that before one of his surgeries, he quietly asked God, “God, are you really with me?” In that moment, he felt God’s presence clearly showing him that He was indeed there. Take a moment today to reflect: where in your life are you questioning if God really sees you—or your child? Spend some time in prayer or quiet reflection, and open your heart to the ways He is showing up, even in the uncertainty.
Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt episode, we explore the power of community among moms navigating the challenges of raising children with special needs. Through stories of resilience, faith, and shared support, we highlight how meaningful connections can transform life’s difficulties into opportunities for growth and encouragement.
The moms featured in this episode are all part of a Rising Above group made up of women who are newer on the special needs journey, with children who have recently received a diagnosis.
Rising Above community groups meet throughout the week for both moms and dads of kids with disabilities and special needs, offering a place to find support, understanding, and connection with others on a similar journey. To learn more and find a group near you, visit our website.
Moment of Reflection:
Who are the people in your life you can actually be real with right now? And if you’re coming up short… what’s one small step you could take to find that kind of connection? Maybe it’s inviting someone to meet for coffee or striking up a conversation with another parent in the waiting room at your child’s therapy office to see if they may be a potential friend.
Because the truth is, trying to navigate things on our own just makes everything heavier.
If you don’t currently have a group of moms you can meet with—whether that’s in person or online—I’d really encourage you to look into joining one of Rising Above’s online community groups. It’s a simple way to get connected with women who understand what you’re walking through, without having to explain every detail. You can find all of our groups on our website or our app.
Celebrating Hayden: A Young Man Inspiring Change Through Faith, Family, and CreativityJoin us in this uplifting episode as Hayden shares his journey of living with disabilities, his passion for game shows, country music, and his inspiring prayer ministry. Discover how Hayden’s positive outlook and initiatives are making an impact on his community and beyond.In this episode:
- Hayden discusses his love for The Masked Singer and Wheel of Fortune and his dream to appear on game shows
- Highlighting Hayden’s favorite country artists and his budding keyboard skills
- Exploring Hayden’s approach to connecting with others with kindness and respect
- Insights into his and his mom’s co-written book advocating for understanding and inclusion of people with disabilities
- Deep dive into Hayden’s new prayer ministry, In His Name, offering hope and support to others
- The power of humor, authenticity, and faith in overcoming life’s challenges
- How a young man defies stereotypes and actively works to bridge gaps in understanding
Resources & Links:
- Hayden & Jonna's Book: "VIPs - Very Important People" (search on Amazon)
- Listen to Us Podcast (Spotify link placeholder)
- Hayden's Instagram: @joanna.hensley
- Book on Amazon
Connect with Hayden:
Special Highlights:
- Hayden emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity
- His story of finding purpose through his prayer ministry and community engagement
- How humor and authenticity help Hayden navigate life's challenges
- The profound impact of a simple question: "How can I pray for you?"
Takeaway: Hayden’s journey reminds us that everyone deserves respect, love, and understanding. His voice encourages us all to see beyond disabilities and embrace the unique talents and contributions every individual brings.
Bio: Hayden "HPtheVIP" Hensley is a 2025 high school graduate passionate about disability awareness, game shows, country music, and making friends. He is a co-author of the children's book, "HP and the VIPs: Gaining Backstage Access to Very Interesting People" which teaches disability etiquette to children and adults alike. Hayden is a co-host of the fun, enlightening podcast, "Listen to This!" in which he and his mother, Johnna, share unbelievable true stories of chaos that leave their listeners giggling with a fresh perspective. In 2026, Hayden founded a prayer ministry, "In His Name" where he enjoys connecting his belief in prayer with his passion of meeting people. He and his family reside in the Dallas area where he is a big brother to five younger siblings and serves in his local church as a greeter weekly.
Moment of Reflection:
Is there something God may be calling you to do, but maybe you’ve been a little slow to get started? Maybe it feels too big, or you’re unsure where to begin. What if you did what Hayden did and simply said yes? What’s one small, practical step you can take this week to move toward it? One phone call, one conversation, one act of obedience. Small steps of faith can lead to extraordinary things.
Episode Summary
Unlock the genuine power of community and hope with Kelsey Hawkins, our newest team member. In this heartfelt episode, you'll discover how authentic connection and social media can be a force for healing and encouragement—especially for moms navigating the chaos of special needs parenting.
Kelsey reveals her surprising passion for photography and gardening, her professional extrovert superpower, and her vision for creating a safe haven for those feeling overwhelmed.
We break down practical insights: how sharing vulnerable stories can ignite hope, the importance of intentional community events, and the impact of social media platforms like Facebook for meaningful conversation.
You'll learn about Rising Above’s upcoming event, By the Brook, a powerful retreat designed to refresh tired hearts with joy, connection, and spiritual illumination.
You'll hear how the theme from Psalm 18:28 guides their mission of bringing light into the darkness—an essential message for anyone longing for hope amidst life's challenges.
If you’re a mom, a ministry supporter, or someone craving authentic community in a digital world, this episode is your reminder that you're not alone. Whether you join us in person or create your own retreat experience, you’ll leave inspired to shine your light and embrace the hope that Christ offers—no matter how dark the season.
Perfect for anyone battling burnout, seeking genuine connection, or passionate about making a difference—this episode fuels your mission and reminds you of the transformative power of community and faith. Tune in to be uplifted and equipped for the next chapter of your journey.
To purchase your ticket to By The Brooke - A Weekend Experience For Special-Needs Moms follow this link - https://www.risingaboveministries.org/bythebrook
For any questions regarding By The Brook email cmackie@risingaboveministries.org
Episode Summary:
This week’s episode features a special message by Becky Davidson recorded live at By the Brook in 2019 titled “This Is My Story.”
In this powerful and personal talk, listeners are invited to reflect on the stories they carry — the ones they tell themselves, the ones others have spoken over them, and the narratives they’ve come to believe. Some of these stories are beautifully true. Others, however, are incomplete or simply untrue.
Every person has a story — the stranger in the hallway, the cashier at the grocery store, the mother across the waiting room. Yet it’s easy to mistake a single moment for the whole narrative. What’s visible today is only a page, a paragraph — not the entire story.
This message explores where personal narratives come from and how both internal thoughts and external voices shape identity. It gently challenges listeners to reconsider the assumptions they’ve accepted and to recognize that their lives are part of something far greater.
At its heart, this episode points to the Bigger Story — one written by God — that brings meaning, redemption, and hope to every chapter. Practical, everyday tools are shared to help listeners ground themselves in truth, remember who they are, and live with confidence in the Author who holds it all together.
To purchase your ticket to By The Brooke - A Weekend Experience For Special-Needs Moms follow this link - https://www.risingaboveministries.org/bythebrook
To learn more about Rising Above’s Retreat Experiences, such as “This is My Story”, visit risingaboveministries.org
Title: Conversations with Catherine- Special Guest, Mandy Rawls
Episode Summary:
On this episode of “Rising Above with Becky Davidson,” Becky Davidson is joined by Licensed Professional Counselor Catherine Virden and special guest Mandy Rawls, mom to a teenage daughter with spina bifida.
Together, they explore the emotional complexities of parenting a child with special needs, discussing trauma, self-care, vulnerability, and the importance of modeling emotional health for our children. Mandy shares her personal journey, while Catherine offers professional insight and practical strategies for maintaining emotional well-being.
This episode also launches a new recurring feature of the show. Every few months, Catherine will return to speak with different parents of children with disabilities, offering encouragement, tools, and real-life wisdom to support families on their journey.
Title: Good is Good…We Promise, Tracey’s story
Episode Summary:
In this final episode of our series, God Is Good…We Promise, Becky Davidson and Tracey Martin reconnect for a heartfelt conversation filled with honesty, laughter, and deep encouragement. Together, they share personal stories that highlight the power of friendship, the strength found in community support, and the sustaining presence of faith in the face of life’s greatest challenges.
They reflect on meaningful memories, unexpected hardships, and the beautiful, complex journey of motherhood—especially as mothers raising children with special needs. Tracey vulnerably opens up about her recent health struggles, including her breast cancer diagnosis, and shares how her faith has anchored her and illuminated even the darkest days.
As the series comes to a close, this conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of processing emotions, leaning into supportive relationships, and recognizing God’s goodness in everyday moments. Becky and Tracey encourage listeners to cling to hope, trust God’s faithfulness, and remember that even in hardship, He is present—and He is good.
Related Links:
Up in the Night - Respite for Your Mind
Goodness of God
Moment of Reflection:
During the conversation, Tracey shared how she was recently asked to sing the song “The Goodness of God” at choir practice and how the lyrics deeply resonated with her, reminding her that God sees her and has carried her through incredibly challenging seasons.
This week, take a few minutes to listen to the song (linked above in the show notes). As you listen, reflect on your own life and consider where you have seen God’s faithfulness—even in seasons that felt difficult or uncertain.
God is Good…We Promise, Vivian’s Story
About the Episode
In this conversation, Vivian Cate shares her journey as a caregiver and mother navigating the complexities of raising children with special needs and addiction. She reflects on the challenges faced, the importance of faith, community support, and the transformative power of prayer. Vivian emphasizes the significance of seeing God's goodness in difficult times and encourages parents to hold onto hope and not give up on their children. Her mantra, 'But God,' serves as a reminder to look beyond circumstances and trust in God's plan.
Related Links:
Community Groups
Books written by Vivian:
VEGAN CUISINE: Biblical and scientific information, menus and other helpful forms, fun anecdotes, plus over 100 recipes!
THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN'S RESUME: written after leading women in rehab through 12 weeks of life skills, it is great for young women (teens and older).
INTRODUCTION TO HEALTHY LIVING (Recipes for Life) includes chapters on faith, rest, exercise, and nutrition. It discusses vegan info plus further study on the importance of lectin-free and high nutrient diets.
JOURNEY TO ETERNITY (Positive Reflections on Death and Dying): is an easy read but packed full of info learned from 14 years as a hospice nurse and 57 years of personal experience with death and dying.
Moment of Reflection:
One powerful takeaway from Vivian’s story is the simple phrase, “but God.” In seasons that didn’t make sense—when the pain felt heavy and the answers felt far away—those two words became a declaration of trust. Not a denial of hurt, but a reminder that God is still present, still working, and still good.
Where in your story do you need to add “but God”?
Is there a situation that feels unresolved, painful, or confusing—where you’re being invited to trust before you see the outcome?
Clarity may not have come yet. The waiting may not be over. But even there… but God.
God is Good…We Promise- Carrissa’s story
Summary:
In part two of our series, “God Is Good… We Promise,” we continue sharing real stories of God’s goodness—even when life doesn’t make sense. This week, we’re joined by Carrissa Mackie, Director of Operations for Rising Above who bravely opens up about an incredibly challenging season in her life.
Carrissa shares how a serious leg injury became an unexpected place where God revealed His goodness in a deeply personal way. Through vulnerability and honesty, she reflects on how her faith was tested, how it grew, and how she learned to truly trust God’s will—especially when the future felt uncertain. Her story is a powerful reminder that God is still good, even in pain, waiting, and unanswered questions.
Related Links:
Practical Ways to Come Alongside Families
Moment of Reflection:
For this week’s Moment of Reflection, Carrissa shared how, after her injury, she experienced a deeper desire to draw close to God. She explained that she now strives to make no decision and take no step forward without first seeking assurance that it aligns with God’s will for her life.
As parents of children with disabilities, there are countless decisions to navigate—many of them heavy and life-altering. Are there areas of life right now that feel unsettled or uncertain, leaving questions about which direction to take?
This week, consider bringing those questions to God. Spend intentional time with Him, asking for clarity, guidance, and wisdom for the next step, and for a greater ability to recognize and hear His voice.
Series: God is Good…We Promise, Stories of God’s goodness when life doesn’t make sense
Episode Summary:
This week’s episode kicks off a brand-new February series, “God Is Good… We Promise,” where host Becky Davidson invites listeners into honest, hope-filled conversations about trusting God’s goodness when life doesn’t make sense. Becky is joined by Carrissa Mackie from the Rising Above team to share the heart behind the series and why these stories of faith, pain, and perseverance matter. Becky also opens up about her own journey, reflecting on moments when God’s goodness was present even in seasons marked by confusion, loss, and deep hardship.
The episode closes with a powerful time of reflection, encouraging listeners to consider where their trust in God may feel shaky. Becky shares a meaningful reminder often spoken by her husband during suffering: “When we feel we cannot trust God’s actions in our life, we must trust His heart.” Listeners are invited to bring their doubts and questions to God and ask Him to reveal His good heart for themselves, their children, and their families. Be sure to join next week as Carrissa shares her own story and how she experienced the goodness of God through a very challenging season.
Related Link:
Check out the Jerri Cross video on the app!
Moment of Reflection:
For this week’s moment of reflection, I want to come back to something my husband often said, even in the middle of his pain and suffering:
“When we feel we cannot trust God’s actions in our life, we must trust His heart.”
Are there areas where your trust feels shaky right now? Places where doubt has quietly crept in? I want to encourage you to spend some time talking with God about those things. Ask Him to help you see His heart for you, for your child, and for your family—and to remind you that His heart is good, even when life doesn’t make sense.
About the Episode
This episode is part of the series “I Don’t Know How Special-Needs Families Survive Without…” where caregivers share the one thing they believe makes survival possible.
In this conversation, Susan Lomax speaks vulnerably about a season marked by deep grief after losing both her mother and mother-in-law, while continuing to care for her adult son with autism and support her grieving father. She shares how grief shows up unexpectedly in everyday life and how survival sometimes meant simply staying present, moment by moment.
Susan reveals her answer to the series question: creativity. Through music, journaling, doodling, and crochet, she found grounding, peace, and a way to reconnect with herself beyond the caregiver role. For Susan, creativity is not a luxury—it is a lifeline, an act of worship, and a vital tool for mental, emotional, and spiritual survival.
This episode offers hope and permission for special-needs parents to take even five minutes to create, reminding them that they are still people, still here, and still worthy of care.
Related Links
Respite for Your Mind
Moment of Reflection:
And now for this week’s moment of reflection.
Susan challenged all of us to take a moment for creativity and beauty—even if it’s only five minutes a day. So this week, let’s accept that challenge and see where we can make space, even for just a few minutes to create something or to discover something beautiful in God’s creation.
Carrie Holt: I don’t know how special needs families survive without…
🎉 Milestone Episode: 300 Episodes of Rising Above 🎉
In this meaningful milestone episode, Becky Davidson is joined by Carrie Holt for the second conversation in the series “I Don’t Know How Special Needs Families Survive Without…”. Carrie’s answer is both honest and essential: processing grief and lamenting.
Parenting a child with disabilities often carries layers of ongoing, unspoken grief—grief that doesn’t always come from a single loss, but from continual adjustments, unmet expectations, and the weight of long-term caregiving. In this episode, Becky and Carrie create space to name those realities with compassion and faith.
Together, they explore how grief shows up in the lives of special needs parents, why acknowledging it matters, and how lament can become a sacred practice rather than something to avoid. Carrie shares how lament is not a lack of faith, but a form of worship—an honest, biblical way of bringing pain, questions, and sorrow before God while remaining anchored in hope.
This conversation also offers practical encouragement for parents who feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or unsure how to begin processing their grief. Becky and Carrie discuss the importance of community support, permission to feel what you feel, and the ongoing work of reorienting the heart toward God’s presence in the midst of suffering.
Whether you are navigating fresh loss, long-term grief, or emotions you’ve never quite had words for, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone—and that hope can coexist with sorrow.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:* Why grief is an ongoing reality for many special needs parents * The difference between suppressing grief and processing it * How lament functions as a biblical and spiritual practice * Why bringing honest pain to God strengthens faith rather than weakens it * Practical ways to begin naming and navigating grief * The role of community and shared understanding * How hope can be held alongside deep sorrow
Thank you for being part of the Rising Above community for 300 episodes. This milestone is a reflection of shared stories, resilience, and the reminder that even in the hardest places, we rise—together.
Related Links
“There is no Yet Study”
Dustin Rawls: I don’t know how special needs families survive without...
About the series
This January, Rising Above with Becky Davidson launches a brand-new series called “I Don’t Know How Special Needs Families Survive Without…”—and we’re kicking it off with a powerful conversation featuring Dustin Rawls, dad to his teenage daughter Madison, who has spina bifida.
In this episode, Dustin opens up about the realities of raising a teenager with special needs—the challenges, the laughter, and the moments that stretch your faith to its limits. He shares how his journey as a father has shaped his relationship with God, walking through seasons of doubt, surrender, and deep spiritual growth.
Becky and Dustin talk about the role faith plays in their family, the importance of discipleship at home, and the unexpected ways God shows up in everyday moments. Dustin also shares a meaningful story involving Madison that reminded him of God’s peace and presence when life felt overwhelming.
So what is Dustin’s answer to the question, “I don’t know how special needs families survive without…”? You’ll have to listen to find out, but his response is honest, hope-filled, and deeply encouraging.
Whether you’re part of a special needs family or simply walking through a hard season, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone—and that faith can transform even the most challenging journeys.
Moment of Reflection
Dustin shared so honestly about how Jesus has transformed his life—and how that transformation doesn’t happen all at once. It’s a process. Sanctification is ongoing, and when we really allow Jesus to change our hearts, our lives begin to look different over time. Who we are today shouldn’t look the same as who we were five years ago. And with God’s grace, five years from now, we’ll look even more like Jesus than we do today.
So, now for this week’s moment of reflection. I want to invite you to sit with this question for a moment:
Am I allowing Jesus to transform my life?
Does my life reflect Jesus more than it did five or ten years ago?
And if the answer feels like “not really” or “I’m not sure, spend some time asking what might you need to surrender? What space in your life might Jesus be gently asking you to open up so He can continue that work in you?
Episode Title
Jesus Stories: Becky Davidson
Episode Description
In this week’s episode, our host Becky Davidson shares her very own Jesus story as we wrap up the “Jesus Stories” series and close out 2025 on the show. In an honest conversation, Becky opens up about her journey of faith, resilience, and what it has meant to truly know Jesus—not just as a story, but as a living presence in her life.
Growing up in middle Tennessee, church was always part of Becky’s routine, but it wasn’t until adulthood that her faith became deeply personal. Through life-altering moments—including the birth of her son, Jon Alex, and the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Jeff—Becky found herself leaning on Jesus in new and profound ways. These seasons of joy and sorrow reshaped her understanding of faith and revealed the strength found in trusting God through uncertainty.
Becky’s story is a powerful reminder that faith doesn’t require all the answers—it simply invites us to trust, to lean in, and to walk closely with Jesus through every season. Her testimony offers hope, encouragement, and reassurance to anyone facing life’s challenges.
Join us for this meaningful finale as we reflect on faith, community, and resilience—and celebrate the transformative power of a life anchored in Jesus.
Related Links
Messages from Jeff - Download the app!
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Title: Jesus Stories- Steve Chatman
About the Episode:
In this week’s episode of Rising Above with Becky Davidson, the Jesus Stories series continues with a conversation featuring Steve Chatman. Steve shares his personal Jesus story and reflects on the ways Jesus has been present through both the joyful and challenging seasons of his life. His experiences offer a thoughtful reminder of Jesus’ faithfulness, even in moments that feel overwhelming or uncertain.
About Steve
Steve and his wife, Lori, are parents to five children and grandparents to three. As parents to two daughters with Down syndrome, they have long been connected to the special needs community. Steve has been ministering to families since 1993, serves as Rising Above’s Vice President, and hosts the Rising Above Dads podcast.
Related Links
Rising Above Dads podcast
Moment of Reflection
Steve talked about how there are moments when it feels like Jesus isn’t there—but just like when Jesus was in the boat with His disciples during the storm, He is with us. Even though Jesus was asleep and the disciples were frustrated and felt like He didn’t care… He was still right there in the boat.
So now, for our moment of reflection:
Where in your life have you felt like Jesus is “asleep in the boat”?
Where has He felt distant?
Take some time to invite Jesus into those places. Ask Him to show you how He’s been present—even if you couldn’t see it at the time.
Title:
Jesus Stories- Mikayla McKenzie
About the Episode:
This episode of the Jesus Stories series features a meaningful and insightful conversation with Mikayla McKenzie. Mikayla and her husband, Brandon, have been married for 11 years and have three children—Bear (8), Daisy (5), and Georgia (3). Their family recently made a bold move to Maryville, Tennessee, to plant a church, and Mikayla shares how God has guided and provided for them throughout that transition.
The episode also walks through the McKenzies’ journey with their son Bear, who has profound special needs and complex medical challenges, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and deafness. In the past year, he has had more than 20 hospital stays and undergone over five surgeries. Mikayla offers a clear, honest perspective on navigating ongoing hardship while remaining rooted in faith.
If you’re looking for a story that is both real and encouraging, this episode offers a thoughtful look at resilience, trust, and God’s steady presence in every season.
Related Links:
Restore Retreat Experience
Moment of Reflection:
And now for this week’s Moment of Reflection.
Mikayla talked about seeing God’s goodness in ways that may look different from what the world would consider “good.” As special-needs parents, it can be challenging to see the good in the hard we face each day, but God’s goodness isn’t limited to easy moments or tidy outcomes. Sometimes it shows up in the quiet ways He sustains us, the peace that slips in when we’re exhausted, the people He places around us, or the strength we didn’t know we had.
So take a moment to pause today. Where have you seen God’s goodness — even if it looked different than you expected? What small glimmers of grace showed up in your week?
Jesus Stories- Sandy Ramsey Trayvick
About the Episode
In the second installment of the Jesus Stories series, Becky Davidson welcomes back longtime friend Sandy Ramsey-Trayvick for a deeply personal conversation about faith, resilience, and the unexpected ways God meets us in our hardest seasons.
Sandy shares the profound journey of raising her son Miles, whose complex health and developmental challenges became the catalyst for a deeper, more intimate walk with God. Through honest reflections and tender storytelling, Sandy and Becky explore the beauty that can emerge from adversity—how pain can lead to spiritual growth, how God shows up in moments of fear and uncertainty, and how joy can be found in the most unlikely places.
Together, they remind us that no family’s story is beyond God’s redemption and that even the most disrupted dreams can reveal His faithfulness. This episode offers encouragement, hope, and a powerful reminder that you are never alone on your journey.
About Sandy:
Sandy and her husband of 33 years live in New Jersey and are parents to three young adult children. Her journey as a special-needs mom, caregiver, and advocate began 24 years ago after her son’s childhood illness left him multiply disabled. Today, Sandy serves as a Certified Professional Coach with a passion for helping special needs parents discover the powerful story God is writing through their own unique journeys. She is also a writer and the author of When Dreams Are Disrupted – A Story of God’s Faithfulness.
Learn more about Sandy, her work, and her blog at www.UNDisabledLIVES.org and on Instagram @undisabled_lives.
Related Links:
Even If
Moment of Reflection:
Sandy talked about the difference between knowing about Jesus and actually having a relationship with Him. It’s easy to be familiar with Scripture or understand who Jesus is in theory, but that’s not the same as engaging with Him in the real, practical parts of life. Relationship shows up in how we trust Him, how we respond to challenges, and how we invite Him into our everyday decisions and emotions.
Ask yourself…
Where am I relying more on information about Jesus than on true connection with Him?
What area of my life—good or hard—needs His involvement right now?
And what small step toward deeper relationship can I take this week?
Episode Title:
Jesus Stories: Carrie M. Holt
About the Episode:
In this conversation, Becky Davidson and Carrie M. Holt explore the profound impact of faith on their lives, sharing personal stories of childhood, struggles with identity, and the challenges of parenting a child with special needs. They discuss the importance of recognizing Jesus' humanity, the hope of heaven, and the encouragement needed for parents facing difficult times. Through their experiences, they emphasize the significance of community, trust in God, and the journey of wrestling with faith amidst adversity.
Related Links:
Messages from Jeff
Moment of Reflection:
Carrie shared something so powerful—how easy it is to make our faith transactional. You know, that mindset of ‘If I do this, then God will do that.’ It sounds simple, but it can sneak into our hearts without us even realizing it. We start to believe that our obedience, our prayers, or our good behavior somehow guarantee a certain outcome. And when things don’t go the way we expect or hope, we can feel disappointed—or even betrayed.
But faith was never meant to be a transaction; it’s meant to be a relationship. Jesus invites us into something so much deeper—a trust that looks more like a child resting in the arms of a loving Father. A child doesn’t have to earn their parent’s care or prove their worth—they just believe that love is there, no matter what.
So this week, spend a few quiet moments asking yourself: How do I view my relationship with Jesus? Is it transactional—based on what I do or what I expect Him to do? Or is it childlike—rooted in simple trust, knowing that He is good even when life doesn’t make sense?
Take a breath, open your heart, and let Jesus remind you that His love for you isn’t earned or bargained for—it’s already yours."
About the Episode:
In this Thanksgiving-themed podcast episode, Becky Davidson and her team discuss the significance of gratitude, share personal Thanksgiving plans, and reflect on the evolution of their holiday traditions. They explore the impact of working with families of children with special needs and how gratitude plays a vital role in their lives and work. The conversation highlights the importance of community, support, and the joy found in serving others, culminating in a heartfelt message about recognizing and appreciating the blessings in everyday life.
Related Links
Comparison Trap
Moment of Reflection:
So for this week’s moment of reflection, ask yourself: Am I spending more time looking at someone else’s life than noticing what God is doing in mine? I know how easy it is to fall into that comparison trap—believe me, I’ve been there—but when we shift our focus back to gratitude, we start to see the beauty in our own story.
🎙️ Podcast SummaryIn this heartfelt episode, host Becky Davidson sits down with two special guests who have become like family — Bralin Moss and Josh Cremeans, her son Jon Alex’s care providers. Both college students, Bralin and Josh share their honest and inspiring experiences of stepping into caregiving, building deep trust, and learning alongside the Davidson family.
Together, the three talk about what it really looks like to find the right fit in caregiving — the kind of connection that goes beyond a job description and becomes a genuine relationship.
Filled with laughter, honest reflection, and hope, this episode is a beautiful reminder that when we truly see people — as Bralin and Josh see Jon Alex — we create space for everyone to thrive.
Related Links
Kids- Respite for Your Mind
Moment of Reflection:
And now for this week’s moment of reflection:
As I think about this conversation, I’m reminded of how Jesus looked at people — really saw them. He saw past limitations, past circumstances, and straight to the heart. That’s something Bralin and Josh model so beautifully with Jon Alex. Maybe this week, we can ask God to help us see others the same way — to notice the gifts He’s placed in them, to call out their potential, and to love them the way He does.
About Nikki:
Nikki McIntosh is the founder of Rare Mamas®, a resource and community dedicated to empowering mothers of children with rare diseases, and host of the Rare Mamas Rising podcast. Her mission stems from the profound need she felt after her son was diagnosed with a rare disease, fueling her with a passion and purpose to offer a lifeline of hope and connection to other rare moms.
Nikki is a sought-after speaker and a trusted voice in the rare disease space. From national conferences and patient advocacy group gatherings to biotech industry meetings and media interviews, Nikki passionately advocates for the rare disease community. She lives in Southern California with her husband Tony and their sons Mason and Miles.
About the Episode:
In this heartfelt episode, Nikki McIntosh shares her transformative journey as a mother navigating the challenges of raising a child with a rare neuromuscular disease. From the initial shock of diagnosis to becoming a beacon of hope and support for other rare moms, Nikki's story is one of resilience, faith, and community. Join hosts Becky Davidson and Nikki as they discuss the creation of the Rare Mamas organization, the power of advocacy, and the importance of finding strength in shared experiences. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement. Tune in to discover how Nikki's journey can empower you to face life's challenges with hope and determination.
Related Links:
Respite for Your Mind: Up in the Night
Rare MamasInstagram: @rare_mamasRare Mamas bookAbout the Show
Rising Above with Becky Davidson is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About the Episode
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Allison Hernandez as she shares her journey of raising a child with cerebral palsy. From the unexpected diagnosis to navigating daily challenges, Allison opens up about the strength and resilience she's found through faith and community. Discover how her experiences have reshaped her beliefs and brought unexpected blessings into her life. This episode is a story of love, support, and the power of community in overcoming life's hurdles.
About Allison
Allison is a single full time working mom. She works a highly demanding job and manages her home, which includes her and her child, and numerous caregivers.
Related Links
Hey Friend
Moment of Reflection
I really love how open and honest Allison was about her faith — how the challenges she faced before Roxie led her to walk away for a time, but through her journey as Roxie’s mom, she found her way back to God. She realized just how much she depended on Him.
Take a moment to think about where you are on your faith journey. Are you feeling angry with God? Does He seem distant or far away? Or maybe He feels close and present right now. Wherever you are, invite Him into that space. Ask God to show you His heart — for you, and for your child.
About the Muzichuk Family
Paul Muzichuk has served at The Springs Church in Florida for more than ten years, where he leads as both Missions Pastor and Counseling Pastor. He and his wife Maria, to whom he has been married for 19 years, founded Arise Biblical Counseling in 2017. The ministry has since served hundreds of individuals and families, offering biblical counseling and healing with a focus on crisis care, strengthening marriages, and preparing engaged couples through pre-marital counseling.
Paul and Maria are strong advocates for special needs families, giving leadership to a growing ministry at The Springs Church that creates opportunities for children and their families to worship, grow, and thrive in the life of the church.
Alongside counseling and special needs ministry, Paul is passionate about the Great Commission and has led missions teams across the United States and internationally, ministering in countries such as Ireland, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Colombia, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Germany, Canada, the Philippines, and Haiti. His heart is to see the gospel transform lives through both local outreach and global partnerships.
Paul and Maria treasure life with their four children Julianna, Philip, Nathan, and Amelia and are committed to serving God together as a family.
About the Episode
In this episode, join Becky Davidson as she sits down with Paul and Maria Muzichuk to explore their journey as parents of a son with autism. From the challenges of early diagnosis to the creation of a supportive church community, Paul and Maria share their experiences, insights, and the profound impact of faith on their lives. Discover how their story of resilience and hope is inspiring others and fostering a sense of belonging for families facing similar challenges.
Related Links
Catch up on the Rising Above Dads podcast before the new season releases soon.
IG: PaulMuzichukFB: Paul Muzichuk www.tscjax.com; www.arisebiblicalcounseling.com Moment of Reflection:
Maria shared how she prayed specifically for her son’s protection the night before their terrifying elopement incident. How important it is to pray for our children.
Reflect: What are some specific things you can begin praying over your own child, your family, or even the families around you? How might God be leading you to intercede on someone else’s behalf? Spend some time with those questions and then spend some time talking to God about it.
About the Episode
In this deeply honest episode, host Becky Davidson sits down with guest Mandy Rawls for a powerful conversation about the emotional complexities of parenting children with special needs. Together, they unpack the concept of the “dark side rules”—an unspoken agreement that both parents can’t emotionally spiral at the same time. Through personal stories and lived experiences, Becky and Mandy explore how this principle helps families stay afloat in the midst of overwhelming challenges.
Listeners will hear candid reflections on grief, strength, vulnerability, and the vital role of support systems. From coping mechanisms to the importance of community, faith, and friendship, this episode offers a raw yet hopeful look into the reality of special needs parenting. Whether you're a parent on a similar path or someone seeking to better understand and support those who are, this conversation will leave you encouraged and inspired.
Key Takeaways:
- The “dark side rules” offer emotional balance in high-stress parenting situations.
- It’s essential for one parent to stay grounded when the other is struggling.
- Grief, overwhelm, and joy can coexist—and acknowledging all is part of the journey.
- Vulnerability and community are not weaknesses but lifelines.
- Faith and trusted relationships can be sources of deep strength and healing.
Join Becky and Mandy as they shine a light on the hard, holy work of special needs parenting—and the hope that can be found even in the darkest places.
Related Links
Respite for Your Mind
“Darkside Rules”
Community Groups
About Celeste
Celeste Shally is a devoted mother and full-time caregiver to her adopted son with autism and intellectual disability. She is the author of While We Wait: Clinging to Christ in the Trenches of Special Needs Parenting, Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book, and The Bully Blockers: Standing Up for Classmates with Autism. Together with her husband, Mike, and their sons, Cooper and Jaxon, Celeste resides in Northwest Arkansas, where they founded Thrive, a flourishing ministry dedicated to ministering to special needs adults and their families.
About the Episode
In this episode, we sit down with Celeste Shally as she opens up about her family’s powerful journey through adoption and parenting a child with special needs. Celeste shares the emotional and spiritual challenges that came with adopting her son, Cooper, and how discovering his developmental delays became a defining moment for their family.
She candidly discusses the grief, strain on her marriage, and the overwhelming realities of special needs parenting—yet through it all, Celeste found strength in her faith, a deepened spiritual life, and the support of a loving community. From seeking out interventions to leaning into humor and hope, her journey is one of resilience, vulnerability, and surrender.
Now, through her book, Celeste offers a message of understanding and encouragement to others walking a similar path.
Related Links:
Chosen, Called, Favored Study
celesteshally.com
Moment of Reflection: While We Wait
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- Persevere through the waiting: Suffering and uncertainty can feel endless, but Celeste reminds us that waiting is not wasted. It’s a space where God meets us—in our doubts, our grief, and our hope.
- Look for God in the chaos: In the hardest moments, try to pause and ask, “Where is God here?” It might be in small acts of kindness, unexpected laughter, or quiet peace amid the storm.
About the Episode:Join Steve and Becky as they reflect on 20 years of Rising Above, a ministry dedicated to supporting families with special needs. In this heartfelt and candid conversation, they look back on the joys and heartaches of their journey — from building a welcoming community to walking through grief, growth, and the continuing impact of Jeff, Becky's late husband and co-founder.
Steve and Becky open up about the unique challenges faced by special needs families, especially the painful feeling of being “uninvited” — a quiet but persistent social barrier that many experience. Through personal stories and deep insights, they share how Rising Above became a beacon of inclusion, connection, and hope.
Whether you're part of the special needs community or simply looking for inspiration and a deeper understanding of what real community looks like, this episode will encourage and challenge you in all the best ways.
Moment of Reflection:
Before we close, I want to leave you with a Moment of Reflection.
Think back on your week. Was there a moment when you felt truly included — really seen and welcomed? Now think about someone in your life who may not always feel that way — a family navigating disability, a caregiver, a parent, a child — someone who’s often left out, not intentionally, but quietly... repeatedly.
What would it look like for you to extend an invitation?
Not just to a party or a gathering, but to belonging.
To say with your actions, “You matter here. You are wanted.”
About the Episode
In this conversation, Katie shares her experience of navigating the challenges of caring for her family, including a cousin with special needs, during Hurricane Helene. The discussion covers the impact of the hurricane on their lives, the challenges of living without power, and the importance of community support. Katie reflects on the lessons learned from the experience, including the significance of faith, family resilience, and the role of the church in providing aid during disasters. She emphasizes the need for preparedness and the importance of trusting in God's provision during difficult times.
Related Links:
Beloved Retreat Experience
20 Year Family Fundraiser - Join us!
Katie's previous episode
Moment of Reflection:
Who in your life needs to know they’re not alone right now?
Maybe it’s a friend walking through a tough season, a caregiver feeling unseen, or even someone in your own family. This week, take a moment to reach out—a text, a call, a prayer. Just like Katie and I talked about, community makes all the difference when the storms of life hit.
About Erica
Erica Kingsbury is an author and special needs mom whose debut book, Not Alone: God’s Presence on the Path of the Special Needs Mom, offers heartfelt encouragement to mothers navigating a road they never expected to walk. With honesty, warmth, and unwavering faith, Erica shares her journey of discovering God’s presence in the midst of her son Jack’s diagnosis with Williams Syndrome. She speaks to the grief, beauty, and unexpected joy that come with raising a child with special needs — reminding listeners that even in their hardest moments, they are never alone. Erica lives in rural Washington with her husband and three children and is passionate about helping women recognize God’s faithfulness in every season.
About the episode
Join Becky Davidson as she sits down with Erica Kingsbury to discuss the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with Williams syndrome. Erica shares her personal journey, from the early days of her son Jack's diagnosis to finding peace and strength through faith. This heartfelt conversation explores the emotional landscape of parenting a child with special needs and the unexpected blessings that come with it.
Related Links:
Erica's Book: "Not Alone: God's Presence on the Path of the Special Needs Mom" available on Amazon and her website.
Erica's Website: ericakingsbury.com
Base Camp
Family Fundraiser
About the Episode
In this episode, Becky Davidson and Kristi Farrow explore the theme of resilience in the face of life's relentless challenges. Through personal anecdotes, they discuss how to navigate continuous hardships, from unexpected diagnoses to everyday disruptions. Kristi shares her family's journey and the importance of processing emotions in real-time, while Becky emphasizes the power of community and faith. Together, they offer insights on shifting perspectives from "what if" to "even if," finding peace amidst chaos, and the significance of staying connected with supportive networks.
Related Links
Even If
Family Fundraiser
Moment of Reflection
What area of your life feels the heaviest right now—and what would it look like to surrender it from a place of “Even if,” instead of “What if?”
What would it look like to shift from asking “What if?” or thinking of worst cast scenarios to trusting God in your current season?
About Melanie
Melanie is a married mom to two young men. Her youngest was born with a rare genetic disorder 24 years ago. Over those years she has been a stay-at-home mom, working career mom, and homeschool mom. Through it all, her passion to reach other moms on this wonderfully complex journey has remained. She lives to share the story of grace and hope she has found in Jesus and desires to pass it on to others.
About the Episode
In this episode, Melanie Gomez and Becky Davidson explore the journey of finding joy and resilience amidst life's challenges. Through personal stories and shared experiences, they discuss the importance of community, faith, and the power of perspective in overcoming adversity. Join them as they delve into the transformative impact of embracing joy, even in the darkest moments, and learn how to reclaim your joy from life's trials. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will uplift and encourage you to find strength in every circumstance.
Related Links
Up in the Night - Respite for Your Mind
“Steal Back Your Joy” - by Chris Renzema
Moment of Reflection
What’s been weighing on your mind lately? What is something that has felt like clouds over your heart.
And what's one small thing you can do to keep moving forward with a sense of hope—even if the situation hasn’t changed?
About Daniel
Daniel is a speaker, author and the Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is husband to Heather and daddy to two.
About the Episode
Join Becky Davidson as she sits down with Daniel Ritchie, a motivational speaker and author, to explore his incredible journey of overcoming adversity. Born without arms, Daniel shares his birth story, the challenges he faced growing up, and how his faith played a pivotal role in his life. Discover how Daniel's unique perspective on disability and faith inspires others to find purpose and joy in their own stories.
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Extraordinary Legacy Small Group study
X - @DanielRitchie Author of "My Affliction for His Glory" and "Endure." Visit danielritchie.com for more insights and resources. Moment of Reflection: “Where in my parenting journey have I seen unexpected beauty grow out of hardship?”
About Julie
Mom of four and pastor’s wife, navigating the unexpected journey of having a terminally ill child. I desire to honor the Lord in all I do — as a wife, mom, and friend — while advocating in an overwhelming medical world that often underestimates my son’s value and needs.
About the Episode
In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the life of Julie Schiller, a devoted mother of four living just outside Memphis, Tennessee. Julie shares the joys and challenges of raising her children, including her son with a rare genetic condition, KCNT1, which causes severe epilepsy. With her husband serving as a children's pastor, their days are filled with homeschooling, medical appointments, and therapies, all while nurturing a strong community bond. Join us as Julie opens up about her family's journey, the unexpected turns, and the unwavering faith that guides them through each day.
Related Links
Base Camp
Community Groups
About the Episode
In the second part of this powerful two-part series, Becky Davidson sits down again with licensed professional counselor Catherine Virden to go deeper into the emotional and relational dynamics of raising children with disabilities. They discuss how to find the right kind of therapeutic support, unpack trauma responses, and offer real-life strategies to help families maintain connection and emotional health amidst ongoing challenges.
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or professional supporting special needs families, this episode offers compassionate insight and actionable guidance for strengthening your relationships and emotional resilience.
Related Links
Restore Retreat Experience
Dr. Preston Hill's work
Wild at Heart Podcast
Dr. Christine Baker ig: @drcbtherapy
Dr. Larry Crabb - several books
About the Episode
In this powerful episode Becky is joined by Licensed Professional Counselor, Catherine Virden for an honest and insightful conversation about the impact of trauma and stress—especially within families navigating disabilities. Becky shares her personal path into counseling, how her lived experiences shaped her approach, and the importance of recognizing both big “T” and little “t” trauma.
Together, they explore how the nervous system responds to stress, introduce practical tools for managing trauma responses (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn), and emphasize the importance of listening to your body.
Whether you're a caregiver, parent, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of trauma, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and encouragement.
Related Links
Find a Community Group!
Hey Friend Videos on App
About this Episode
Becky Davidson and friends continue their series on life in the disability world, focusing on soul care and self-care for parents. Discussion on redefining self-care beyond traditional notions like bubble baths, emphasizing "soul care" and daily practices that nurture the spirit. Insights into the importance of community and friendship, and how inviting others into your life can combat isolation. Personal stories about the challenges and joys of raising children with disabilities, including the significance of celebrating micro milestones. A candid conversation about the invisible load of mental health in disability parenting.
Related Links
Comparison Trap Small Group Study
Rising Above App
One Minute Pause app
Lectio 365 App
About the Episode
In this episode of Rising Above with Becky Davidson, hosts Becky, Mandy, and Dusti share their experiences as parents of children with disabilities, exploring the emotional connections formed through shared stories. They discuss the use of ChatGPT in their lives, humorous hospital experiences, and the unexpected expertise they gain in medical situations. The conversation highlights the importance of laughter in parenting, the challenges of navigating medical emergencies, and the community support that helps them through tough times.
Title: Embracing the Journey
Description: Join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Mallory, who shares her heartfelt journey of adoption, family life, and finding joy amidst challenges. Discover the beauty of choosing joy, the surprises of international adoption, and the power of community support.
Related Links:
App
Episode Title: Confident Hope in the Midst of Medical Trials
In this episode, Becky sits down with her friend Kim to share a deeply personal story about a recent medical challenge involving a scheduled G-Tube placement for Jon Alex that didn’t go as planned. Through their honest and heartfelt conversation, Becky opens up about how she found “Confident Hope” even in the midst of uncertainty and fear.
Together, Becky and Kim reflect on the power of friendship during life’s hardest moments—especially when facing medical struggles. They discuss the importance of showing up for one another, leaning on faith, and sharing the gospel during times of crisis. Their dialogue also touches on the delicate balance of advocating for loved ones while remaining grounded in grace and peace.
This episode is a powerful reminder of what it means to trust God through the unknown and walk with others in love and hope.
Related Links
Rising Above website/resources
This podcast honors a dear friend and supporter of Rising Above, Becky's sister, Susan. She unexpectedly passed two weeks ago, and we wanted to take an opportunity to honor her life and legacy through some of her messages of hope.
About the Episode
Dusti joins Becky to discuss By the Brook (coming up this weekend!) and the opportunity to join us virtually or at a host site!
Related Links
www.risingaboveministries.org/bythebrook
About Chris
Chris and Andrea from Nashville, Tennessee, adopted two babies from Russia in 1998. That began a lifelong journey, including an autism diagnosis for their son, Joshua, when he turned 18 years old. Chris discovered Jeff's book "Common Man, Extraordinary Call" to lead a group of special needs dads in 2020. This group spent two years carefully navigating this wonderful "trailblazing book" that digs deep into the heart of a dad with a special needs child. From those years of transformation and inspiration from Jeff's example, Chris wrote a small group study guide as a starting point for special needs dads called "The Journey with Our Kids". Today is a different story for Chris and Josh, a contentious and anger-filled childhood restored through God's mercy, Josh's forgiving heart, and Jeff's book.
About the Episode
In this conversation, Chris Riley shares his journey as a father of children with special needs, detailing the challenges and transformations he experienced through adoption, diagnosis, and emotional struggles. He reflects on the importance of connection, forgiveness, and the impact of a pivotal book that changed his perspective on parenting. The discussion emphasizes the significance of delighting in children and the journey of personal growth as a father. In this conversation, Chris Riley shares his journey of creating a supportive community for fathers of special needs children. He discusses the importance of understanding the unique communication needs of these children and how shared experiences can transform the lives of dads. Chris emphasizes the need for resources tailored to special-needs parenting and reflects on the lessons learned through his own parenting journey. He concludes with insights on finding joy in imperfection and the importance of humility in the parenting process.
Related Links
Common Man, Extraordinary Call
About Me (from Elizabeth)
My name is Elizabeth, and my journey started with me asking God what He wanted out of my life instead of me asking for doors to be opened. He clearly said “I want you to have children who you teach to know and love me but they will not ask come through you.” Then He sent me to China! I adopted this beautiful 11 month old baby who Chinese name was Ya Wei which is pronounced the same as Gods Yahweh. Every step of the journey was God! Three months home, we got an unexpected diagnosis of athetoid cerebral palsy. I grieved, cried, but also put on my big girl pants and tried to do the only thing I knew…to tackle it! I researched, embraced the world of therapies, and learned to be a servant! Every season was hard and sweet all at the same time. Then came a season of zero sleep! This was the hardest season. I just cried out to God. I felt the covenant between us and just cried out for help because I couldn’t function at all. We as a family were falling apart. Well he sent two people asking why she didn’t have a neurologist. At this point, I was questioning the journey! I knew God is good but this journey was not always feeling good. After the hard seasons, I have been praying about finding the joy in this journey in this season. God has pointed out so many joyful moments. It has taught me God truly cares about of it and to asks him for help!
About the Episode
In this conversation, Elizabeth Jones shares her profound journey of motherhood, focusing on her experiences with adoption and raising a child with special needs. She reflects on her initial struggles with infertility, her decision to adopt, and the challenges faced during the adoption process, particularly in China. Throughout her story, she emphasizes the importance of faith, joy, and the unexpected turns that life can take, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of love and family. In this heartfelt conversation, Elizabeth shares her journey of adopting a special needs child, navigating the complexities of grief, faith, and the joy found in small milestones. She discusses the ongoing challenges of parenting a child with cerebral palsy, the importance of community support, and how her faith has been a guiding force through difficult times. Elizabeth emphasizes the significance of celebrating every achievement, no matter how small, and the transformative power of love and resilience in the face of adversity.
About Dustin
Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy Smith Rawls and has two children, Dylan 11 and Madison 14 who was born with Spina Bifida. Dustin serves as the Men’s Ministry director at his church and has a passion for discipleship. He works for the financial aid arm of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and has never met an audience he didn’t love. Whether it was bowling a perfect 300, becoming the first ever homecoming king at MTSU, or finishing his fourth degree, clearly Dustin has a need to prove something that nobody else cares about.
About the Episode
In this engaging conversation, Becky Davidson and Dustin Rawls explore the emotional journey of parenting a child with special needs, the importance of community support, and the role of faith in our lives. The discussion highlights the significance of vulnerability, the need for open communication in relationships, and the joy found in caregiving. In this conversation, Dustin Rawls shares his journey of navigating the complexities of marriage and parenting a child with special needs. He discusses the transformative impact of faith on his relationships, the challenges faced in his marriage, and the importance of finding joy amidst difficulties. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of love, support, and faith in overcoming life's challenges.
Related Links
Common Man, Extrordinary Call
Rising Above Dad podcast
About Me (from Kandis)
I love a lot of things. I LOVE Jesus. I love my family, including my church family at Collegeside, where I also enjoy working. I love my 5 children immensely. I HATE being a widow, but I love seeing God's goodness and care for me as a widow. Oh, and I love the Green Bay Packers and 7Brew.
About the Episode
In this heartfelt conversation, Becky Davidson and Kandis Moss share their experiences of navigating life as widows, reflecting on the profound impact of loss, the challenges of solo parenting, and the emotional weight of anniversaries. They discuss the importance of family support, the concept of 'widow fog', and the ongoing journey of raising children without their fathers. Through their candid dialogue, they explore the complexities of grief, the necessity of open communication, and the resilience required to move forward in life after loss. The conversation highlights the significance of connection, support, and finding joy amidst loss.
Related Links
By the Brook
About Rachael
Rachael Vermeulen is a writer, speaker, and founder of A Little Extra Love, a ministry dedicated to creating spaces of true belonging for families raising children with disabilities. As a mother to two boys— one with Down syndrome, Autism and complex medical needs, her journey has shaped her passion for faith-rooted encouragement, community, and advocacy. Through Bible studies, church inclusion initiatives, and community engagement, she empowers parents and equips churches to embrace families affected by disability. Her work bridges the gap between faith and special needs parenting, offering hope, strength, and a reminder that every family is seen and valued in God’s design.
About the Episode
In this conversation, Becky Davidson and Rachael Vermeulen discuss Rachael's journey into special-needs motherhood, the challenges she faced, and how her faith evolved through trials. Rachael shares her experiences with grief and gratitude, the importance of community support, and how she founded 'A Little Extra Love' to help families in similar situations. The conversation highlights the transformative power of faith, community, and resilience in the face of adversity. In this conversation, Becky Davidson and Rachael Vermeulen discuss the importance of community and support for families with disabilities. They emphasize the role of churches in creating inclusive environments, the need for practical assistance, and the emotional burdens that families carry. Rachael shares insights on how to foster belonging and understanding within church communities, and the conversation concludes with a focus on finding joy in the journey of raising children with disabilities.
Related Links
By the Brook retreat for Moms
Instagram:@rachvermeulen@alittleextralovealittleextralove.com
About Andrea
Andrea is a follower of Jesus, wife of Shawn, and mom of two boys; Sam (who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) and Zach. As a younger adult, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, but left the workforce to homeschool her kids 15 years ago. Her family plays a small part in the special needs ministry 'Joni and Friends' via volunteering for their Wheels for the World program and enjoying their annual family camps. She's blessed to be mentor and friend to newer homeschool moms and to younger moms who are navigating the joys and the hard messiness of this special needs life.
About the Episode
In this conversation, Andrea Duerkop shares her journey as a special needs parent, discussing the challenges and triumphs of raising her son Sam, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. She reflects on the emotional journey of receiving the diagnosis, the importance of community support, and the lessons learned through faith and resilience. Andrea emphasizes the significance of sibling dynamics, the feeling of being loved and chosen, and the impact of giving back through service. The conversation highlights the importance of finding joy amidst challenges and the power of community in navigating the complexities of special needs parenting.
Related Links
By the Brook
About Amy
Amy J. Brown is a writer, mentor, and spiritual director based in Michigan. With a Master's Degree in Spiritual Formation and Leadership, she brings both academic insight and lived experience to her work. Amy is a co- author of "The Other Side Of Special: Navigating the Messy, Emotional, and Joy-Filled Life of a Special Needs Mom," a book that shares her journey and offers guidance to others on similar paths. As the mother of six children, Amy writes candidly about adoption and the unique challenges of parenting children with mental health issues and trauma. Her work focuses on developing life-giving spiritual practices specifically designed for overwhelmed caregivers. Through her writing, mentorship programs, and spiritual direction sessions, she creates spaces where parents can find both practical support and emotional renewal. Amy lives in Michigan with her husband, where she continues to expand her impact through various forms of outreach to the special needs parenting community.
About the Episode
In this conversation, Becky Davidson and Amy discuss the importance of spiritual practices for caregivers, particularly those dealing with invisible disabilities. They explore how to create accessible spiritual practices that fit into the busy lives of overwhelmed caregivers. Amy shares her journey of mentoring and spiritual direction, emphasizing the need for personal connection with God through small, life-giving practices. The discussion also highlights the transformative nature of spiritual direction as a form of soul care, contrasting it with traditional therapy and mentoring. In this conversation, Amy shares her experiences with spiritual direction, the challenges of parenting children with hidden disabilities, and the importance of finding joy amidst life's difficulties. Amy emphasizes the need for support and understanding among parents facing similar challenges, encouraging them to seek connection and find joy in small moments.
Related Links
By the Brook
Amy's Website
Amy's Substack
Instagram: @amyjbrown_writer
About the Episode
Introducing: RISING ABOVE DADS – The Podcast for Dads Raising Exceptional Kids
Calling all dads in the special-needs world—whether you're navigating IEP meetings, meltdowns, or just trying to get through the day without stepping on a LEGO... this one’s for you.
Rising Above Dads is the podcast where we talk real-life parenting with humor, honesty, and a whole lot of heart. No sugarcoating. No expert-only jargon. Just dads supporting dads, sharing laughs, and reminding each other we’re not in this alone.
Tune in for funny fails, small victories, dad wisdom, and stories that’ll lift you up (or at least make you feel slightly more sane).
Because fatherhood doesn’t come with a manual—but at least now, it comes with a podcast.
Related Links
Common Man, Extraordinary Call
About Sara
Sara currently lives in Houston with my husband, Dustin, and her son, Camilo. She was raised in a single-parent household with two brothers who both have autism. She has a degree in social work and has only worked a little in that field. She's been a stay-at-home mom ever since their son joined their family through adoption from Colombia in 2022. He was 6 at the time and is now 9. He has cerebral palsy, fine and gross motor control delays, an intellectual delay, a speech delay, hearing loss, and ADHD.
About this Episode
In this conversation, Becky Davidson and Sara discuss Sara's journey through adoption, particularly focusing on her experiences with her son Camilo, who has special needs. They explore the emotional challenges of adoption, including trauma, depression, and the importance of community support. Sara shares her insights on parenting a child with special needs, the joys and challenges they face, and how her relationship with God has evolved throughout this journey.
Related Links
Rising Above Website / Online Resources
About this episode
In this conversation, Becky Davidson and Larah discuss the journey of parenting a child with autism, exploring themes of faith, advocacy, and personal growth. Larah shares her experiences with her son Graham's autism diagnosis, the impact on her family, and how it has deepened her understanding of God. They also delve into the importance of seeing autism through a gospel lens and the role of the Holy Spirit in parenting. In this conversation, Larah and Becky discuss the challenges of parenting children with autism, focusing on understanding emotional behaviors, the importance of advocacy, and the role of faith in navigating these experiences. They share personal stories and insights on how to approach parenting with love, responsibility, and spiritual guidance, emphasizing the significance of communication and understanding in fostering positive relationships with their children.
About Larah
Larah Roberts is a Bible teacher, author, podcaster, and Instagram content creator at Raising Autistic Disciples. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping others to grow in personal discipleship—and having fun while doing it. Raised in Louisiana and now calling North Carolina home, Larah shares life’s adventures with her college sweetheart, Collin. Together, they co-authored How to Advocate & Stay Christian, a practical resource on navigating advocacy with a gospel lens. Beyond ministry and writing, Larah’s greatest joy is being a mom to three fun and energetic kids who keep life exciting. She loves road trips, collecting earrings, cheering for every team in the WNBA, reading, naps, and deep conversations over coffee.
Related Links
By the Brook
Instagram: @raisingautisticdisciples
About Susanna
Susanna lives in Jacksonville, FL and is a special-needs mom times three. Larson, age 23, survived a near-fatal brain aneurysm rupture at age 14 and lives with short-term memory impairment and left-side hemiparesis. Andrew, age 21, has high-functioning autism, and Wesley, age 15 has Down syndrome. Susanna and her husband Larry have been married for 28 years. In her “former life” before Larson’s medical issues began, Susanna taught middle and high school at Trinity Christian Academy, her alma mater. Susanna is now full-time mom and caretaker of her three guys and leads the special needs ministry at Trinity Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL which connects special needs families with the Church, with each other, with community resources, and ultimately to the hope found in Christ even in the midst of extreme difficulties. The ministry of Special Needs at Trinity includes weekly Kaleidoscope classes, family socials, By the Brook, and more! Nothing thrills Susanna more than meeting a new family who realizes with relief that there is a place for their loved one with special needs at church or seeing a participant who was hesitant when coming to class the first time but now runs through the door every Sunday excited to be there! About the Episode
In this conversation, Susanna Zekas shares her journey as a mother of three boys, each with unique needs, including Down syndrome and autism. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of special-needs parenting, the impact of early diagnoses, and the importance of community support. Susanna reflects on significant breakthroughs in her children's lives and her hopes for their futures as they transition into adulthood. She emphasizes the significance of understanding grief, connecting with other families, and finding joy in adversity through love and gratitude.
Related Links
By the Brook
About Kaylee
Kaylee Lazaro is a wife and a mom. She has been married to her husband for 10 years. They have two young boys with a rare condition called Cohen Syndrome. Kaylee and her family live in Alaska and they love the outdoors. They enjoy taking their boys kayaking and biking during the summer months and fat tire biking and sledding in the winter months. Kaylee has learned through her special-needs journey that God is good all the time and that everyone is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God.
Related Links
Respite For You Mind
About Leslie
Leslie is a new medical parent, with a 10-month-old daughter, Evelyn. She grew up in the Cookeville area and has stayed in Tennessee her whole life. Her husband, Cole is an Ohio native and moved down to Tennessee after meeting Leslie at Lee University, in Cleveland, TN. They got married in 2019 and waited to start trying to have kids until their 5th anniversary, when they discovered it wasn’t going to be an easy journey for them. They went through multiple miscarriages before finding out they were pregnant with twins in 2023. One of the twins didn’t make it past 9 weeks, but Evelyn stayed strong throughout the pregnancy. After 41 weeks of pregnancy, Leslie went into an induction and ended up having an emergency c section, that started their journey into the medical world with caring for Evelyn. It is a walk they didn’t anticipate and has taken them by a storm, but one God called them to walk, one step at a time.
Related Links
By the Brook Early Bird
About Kim
For the past several decades, Kim has led children’s and student ministries at the local church while also leading initiatives around adoption and foster care. Kim was also Director of Training and Development at a Cincinnati nonprofit working with multi-system involved youth. As an adoptive mom and advocate for kids and teens who have experienced trauma or are neurodivergent or disabled, her passion is creating spaces for all kids—regardless of their background, behavior or unique needs—to belong, contribute and grow. Through speaking, writing and coaching Kim works with parents, church leaders and organizations to equip volunteer and staff teams, strengthen families and support parents. She has a Masters in Family Ministry, Masters in Business Administration, is a Trauma Free World Affiliate Trainer, a TBRI Practitioner®, and a frequent speaker on topics related to trauma, disability, and neurodivergence and the author of the new book, Boundless Hope for Every Child.
Related Links
Rising Above resources
Kim's Website
Purchase Boundless Hope
About Carrie
Carrie M. Holt is a wife, homeschooling mom of four, writer, speaker, and podcast host. She is passionate about encouraging special-needs parents to identify, accept, and thrive in the grieving cycle that is an on-going part of the journey.
Related Links
By the Brook early bird tickets
Carrie's Website
Carrie's Instagram
Carrie's Facebook
About Camille
Camille Block was raised in a suburb outside of Los Angeles, over the mountain from beautiful Malibu, where her father worked as a college professor of business at Pepperdine University. At three and a half years old, Camille’s comfortable life took a dramatic turn with the birth of her brother—a healthy baby who lost oxygen at birth, causing a lifelong disability for him and a character-forming emotional imprint on her.
Finding a voice for her brother, Camille has also uncovered her voice for many other silent sufferers. Hope for Secondhand Suffering: Tools for the Heart When You Can’t Fix Your Loved One’s Pain is a memoir and spiritual journey of a sister who wrestles honestly with universal cries of the heart, such as the question of why, along with grief, justice, faith, God, and hope. She comes alongside readers, step by step, offering personal anecdotes, honest insights, practical tips, and her own spiritual reflections to help others facing similar struggles.
Through the publication of Hope for Secondhand Suffering, Camille seeks to help silent sufferers feel seen, heard, and known—equipping them to find their unique purpose, as she continues to find hers.
Related Links
BTB Early Bird
Hope for Secondhand Suffering
About Mandy
Mandy is the wife to Dustin and mom to Dylan, 11, and Madison, 14, who was born with Spina Bifida. Professionally, she has been a high school teacher for nearly 20 years and loves working with students in FCCLA, the student organization she sponsors. Personally speaking, she’s obsessed with Christmas, loves to shop and entertain in our home, and is a huge Elvis fan. Her family is very active in their church.
About the Episode
As special-needs parents, we have to make decisions daily for our children regarding their care. There are times when decisions come our way that may have life-altering effects. What do you do when those decisions come your way? How do you process through making difficult decisions regarding our children with disabilities?
Related Links
Rising Above Family Resources
About Max
Max Brooks is a 16-year-old passionate about all things theatre and singing. Despite being born with a rare condition called congenital central hyperventilation syndrome (CCHS), which significantly impacts his breathing, Max has never let it hold him back from pursuing his dreams. His love for the stage and performing shines through in every role he takes on, whether in school productions or community theatre. When he’s not rehearsing or performing, Max works at Chick-fil-A, where he’s affectionately known as Clay’s brother. His determination to overcome challenges and follow his passions inspires everyone around him.
Related Links
Rising Above app
About the Episode
Austin is 22 and loves friends, music, and his new job at Old Navy. Austin was diagnosed with autism when he was 2.5. He has a heart of gold!
In this episode we get to hear about his life as an adult with autism.
Related Links
Rising Above app
About the episode
Enjoy this conversation Becky has with our friend, Mattea, about her experience "adulting with a disability." Mattea was on the show in 2020 shortly after she graduated from HS. She has two degrees from Tennessee Tech University. She now has a travel agency where she helps families with disabilities plan vacations.
Related Links
Sponsor the podcast!
trustytravelcompany@gmail.com
Instagram and Facebook: trustytravelco
Today, Becky is joined by her friends Kim and Meredith to discuss how they have come alongside she and her family during a long, challenging hospital stay.
Related Links
Rising Above app
Steve & Becky sit down to discuss plans for the coming year, and how you can be a part of it in our 250th episode of the Rising Above with Becky Davidson podcast!
Becky sits down with the Rising Above team to remember Christmas traditions, some common holiday struggles, and how to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Related LinksRising Above app
About Kari
Kari A. Baker is a former financial services executive and business owner turned author, speaker, and podcaster. She is the founder of KIND Families, a community of people who love Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences and is the host of The KIND Families Podcast on Apple and Spotify. Kari became a KIND mom in 2014 when her son Brady was diagnosed with autism at age three. She started KIND Families to encourage, support, and inspire others to find God's purpose and promise in KIND-ness. Her first print book, Finding KIND, features a foreword written by Brady
Related Links
Download the Rising Above app
Order the book:
Hardback
Ebook
*Use the discount code BRAVE10 if you purchase Kari's book on her website, https://findingkind.myshopify.com/.
www.kindfamilies.com
www.kariabaker.com,
@kariabaker on Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
The KIND Families Podcast on Apple & Spotify
About Beth
Beth Davis is a wife & a special needs mom. She’s a born and raised north Florida girl & takes a lot of pride in hailing from the south. Beth holds a part-time position at her family owned company & wholeheartedly embraces the the additional title of “family personal assistant” that her role affords her. She is passionate about sharing their journey as a special needs family in hopes that others will feel encouraged. Beth is a devout lover of Jesus, BBQ, & being outdoors…and if spare time ever presents itself, you can find her piecing together a jigsaw puzzle at her kitchen table.
Related Links
Instagram: @thesouthernmess
*Check out Wednesday Wake-up on the app or our Facebook page each week!
About Jess
Jess Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host at Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of the Unseen Documentary, and caregiver advocate. She is founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition, resources and respite support for special needs families. She and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their 8 children, including their son Lucas who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail and Huffington Post and is detailed in her memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight. To follow the ongoing saga she can be found at www.jessplusthemess.com or purchase her latest books Blended with Grit & Grace, Lovin’ with Grit & Grace, and Caregiving with Grit & Grace.
Related Links
Rising Above app
Jess's Facebook Page
Caregiving with Grit & Grace Devotional
The Rising Above team enjoys chatting about Thanksgiving traditions and the importance of being thankful!
Related Links
Rising Above app
About Jayne
Jayne lives in Sutherlin, Oregon with her husband Sabin and three sons. Jayne grew up in Northern Ireland, but met her husband at Moody Bible institute when she was there for a year as an exchange student from Belfast Bible College. Her oldest son was diagnosed with Autism when he was 4 years old. She loves to go to the Oregon coast, daily walks drinking tea and coffee. She also has a passion to reach out to other moms on a similar journey so they know they aren’t alone. Recently, she has joined Rising Above as one of our newest community group leaders.
Related Links
Episode 102 with Jayne
Community Groups
Rising Above app
Our friend, Susan, is the next guest on our What I Know Now I Wish I Knew Then series. You will be so blessed by her honesty and vulnerability. Moms, both new and experienced, this episode is for you.
Related Links
Episode 177 - Asking for Help After Trauma (Part 1)
Episode 178 - Getting Help After Trauma (Part 2)
Episode 216 - Medical & Behavioral Trauma
Respite For Your Mind - Get the app!
About the Show
Rising Above with Becky Davidson is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
You may remember Dusti from previous podcast episodes, as well as one of our online hosts from By the Brook this past summer. On this episode, Dusti is joined by her husband Daniel to discuss their lives as special-needs parents and the wisdom they have to share at this point on their journey.
Related Links
Previous Episode with Dusti
About Sandra
Sandra Peoples (M. Div, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) has been part of a special-needs family her entire life—she grew up with a sister with Down syndrome and has a son with level 3 autism. These relationships are the inspiration and motivation for her advocacy work. She is the author of three books, including, Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family. Her next book, Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families, will release in 2025 from Crossway Publishers.
Sandra is currently a PhD student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in the area of family ministry with an emphasis on inclusion for special needs families. She serves the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention as their disability ministry consultant, helping churches around the state start and strengthen their disability ministries. Sandra partnered with Lifeway Christian Resources to create the free download, Be All In: A Ministry Guide for Special Needs Inclusion in Children’s Ministry. She is also an adjunct professor in Liberty University’s School of Divinity, teaching classes in the area of disability ministry. And Sandra is a monthly cohost for Key Ministry: The Podcast, where she shares her perspective on family aspects of disability ministry and inclusion.
Related Links
Sib Show
https://sandrapeoples.com
Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family
About Jenn
Jenn Soehnlin finds joy in writing about faith, praying Scripture, navigating special needs parenting, and embracing this one life we've been given. She is the author of Embracing This Special Life and On the Same Page with God.
She also loves spending time with her husband and two sons, savoring coffee chats with friends, curling up with a good book, and enjoying a wonder walk through nature.
Related Links
Jenn's Facebook
Jenn's Instagram
Facebook Group
Embracing.life/specialneeds
Jenn's Books:
On the Same Page with God
Embracing this Special Life
Prayer Book Recommendations:
A Praying Life by Paul Miller
Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney
Rising Above Resource:
Respite for Your Mind - Download the App!
Our good friend, Sandy, joins us to discuss her new book!
Related Links
Find Sandy's book (When Dreams Are Disrupted)
By the Brook Retreat Experience
Previous episodes with Sandy:
Season 3, Episode 1
Episode 135
Episode 192
Episode 221
Episode 235
About the Evans
Kristin and Todd (married 22 years) live with their two children in the Nashville, TN area.
About the Book
Building a vibrant and joyful marriage is always a challenge. When you add the stresses inherent in parenting children with disabilities, it becomes both more difficult and more critical.
Once on the brink of divorce, Kristin and Todd Evans uncovered the unique set of skills critical for growing a fulfilling relationship amid the extraordinary challenges of caring for their two children with special needs. Now they are sharing their hard-won discoveries and inspiring marriage story with you. Weaving together insights from Scripture, research, and clinical and personal experience, Kristin and Todd offer you the practical relationship tools you need to save, strengthen, and enjoy your marriage.
Related Links
How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities
Base Camp 2024 - deadline is Wednesday
The Take Heart Special Moms join us to recap their talks and experience at our By the Brook "Beloved" retreat this past summer.
Related Links
Previous episodes with Take Heart Special Moms
Episode 165
Episode 194
Beloved Retreat Experience
Base Camp
Our friend Melanie joins us to discuss her talk from By the Brook's Beloved retreat this past summer.
Related Links
By the Brook retreat experience
Previous episodes with Melanie:
Episode 112
Episode 87
Reflection Question from By the Brook:
Loving God with our mind is often the hardest territory to surrender for us special-needs mommas. Our thoughts are often our worst enemy. Are there any chronic thoughts that you need to take a moment to surrender to him? As you lay those thoughts and worries down on the altar, replace those thoughts with “I Love You, God.”
Breath Prayer
Inhale:
I love you with every part of me.
Exhale:
Because you already love every part of me.
Our friend Sandy joins us to discuss her talk from By the Brook's Beloved retreat this past summer.
Related Links
By the Brook retreat experience
Previous episodes with Sandy:
Season 3, Episode 1
Episode 135
Episode 192
Episode 221
Susan joins Becky to discuss the theme of "Beloved" from this year's By the Brook.
Related Links
By the Brook retreat experience
Unexpected Grief with Susan Lomax
Medical and Behavioral Trauma with Susan Lomax
Steve joins Becky to chat about our upcoming event for dads, Base Camp! Find out more as you listen to this episode.
Related Links
Find out more about Base Camp!
*Email Steve Chatman with any questions about this event at schatman@risingaboveministries.org.
About Dusti
Dusti Brooks is a Cookeville native who loves her community. She of the wife to Daniel and Mom to four amazing sons Caleb, Clay, Max and Tate. As a mom to a medically fragile child, she has a big heart for the special-needs community and loves connecting with other Mommas on this journey. She is a kindergarten teacher and loves working with children. In all her spare time you’ll find her supporting her kids in whatever show they are performing in!
Related Links
By the Brook retreat experience
Today on the podcast, Kim takes over and interviews Becky about her story! This interview includes a few things she's never shared on the podcast before, especially some of the feelings she experienced in the early years of Jon Alex's diagnosis.
Related Links
Breath As Prayer
By the Brook retreat experience
About the Episode
Today on our Summer of Stories podcast series, Jimmy Thorpe (our worship leader at By the Brook each year) chats with Becky about his story!
Related Links
Base Camp
We continue our Summer of Stories with an interview with Steve Chatman, our vice-president here at Rising Above!
Related Links
Sib Show
About the Episode
Today on the podcast, Becky interviews DeAnna, our media and marketing manager here at Rising Above!
Related Links
New City Catechism app
Real Cool History for Kids
Family Discipleship Podcast
Bible Recap Podcast
Rising Above app
April has been a part of Rising Above since the very beginning. These days, she is an administrator and fellow church planter with her husband.
Related Links
Sib Show
If you've been to By the Brook the past few years, you might know Bryan as Meredith's husband, but he's also Becky's pastor and closely connected to our ministry at Rising Above! Enjoy getting to hear some of his story and perspective.
Related Links
Rising Above app
Sponsor the podcast
Listen to hear how a life-changing event at the age of 2 impacted Carrissa's story. Carrissa Mackie is on staff at Rising Above. Today, we're sharing her story with you.
Related Links
Check out Wednesday Wake-up on the app or social media every Wednesday morning!
About Mark
Becky's brother-in-law, Mark, joins us to share his story during our 'Summer of Stories' series. Mark is also the editor of the Rising Above with Becky Davidson podcast. You will enjoy hearing from him!
Related Links
Sponsor the podcast
About Jen
Jen is a mom of four children...one biological, three adopted from China, and two with special needs. She and her husband are missionaries in the country of Belize, ministering in a church plant and caring for families with special needs in the surrounding villages.
Related Links
Download the app!
Rosie Howes joins us to share about the loss of her son, Hyrum, and how she has learned to trust God even when the answer is no.
Related Links
By the Brook - Virtual Tickets are still available for this weekend!
Respite for Your Mind - Download our free app!
Even If Study
Previous episode with Rosie
Our friend Sandy joins us to discuss more of our "Even If" series and to answer the questions, "Will I trust you even when it hurts?"
Related Links
By the Brook
Previous episodes with Sandy:
Season 3, Episode 1
Episode 135
Episode 192
Today, Kristi Farrow joins us to talk about her journey and how she handles the "Even If..." questions of this life. You will be so encouraged by her story!
Related Links
Kristi's previous episode
Get your ticket for By the Brook!
Even If Study
About Rachel
Rachel Wilson is wife to one teaching pastor, and mum to three great kids (two of whom have additional needs). She is the co-author of ‘The Life We Never Expected: Hopeful Reflections on the Challenges of Parenting Children with Special Needs’ (Crossway, 2016)
Related Links
The Life We Never Expected
By the Brook 2024
About the Episode
Today, Becky chats with Steve Chatman on our team about how we can move from the 'what if' to 'even if' on our faith journeys. This discussion is based around our Even If study which can be found on our website.
Related Links
Join us for By the Brook 2024!
Check out the Even If study.
Are you ever overwhelmed with trying to do it all as a special-needs mom? Do you have a community, but don't know how to receive help? First, we have to be willing to let people in! Enjoy this conversation with Becky and her friends about a recent time that Jon Alex was sick and Becky needed help.
This is a great episode to send to friends to let them know how to be your community, especially when you're going through a trial!
Susan and Becky sit down to discuss their past trauma related to behavioral and medical issues with their children. How do we deal with these issues and move forward in hope?
Related Links
Episode 177 - Asking for Help After Trauma (Part 1)
Episode 178 - Getting Help After Trauma (Part 2)
Respite For Your Mind - Get the app!
Today is another episode of "Conversations with Special-Needs Moms" to wrap up our most recent series, "The Unexpected." If you missed any episodes from this series, they've all been so helpful in navigating some commonly-felt emotions and experiences to the disability journey. We suggest going back and listening to the ones you missed! Related LinksSib Show
About Brittnie
Brittnie Blackburn is a special-needs mom (and one of our community group leaders) who has learned how to navigate the reactions of others on her journey. This episode is helpful if you are raising a child with special needs OR if you want to learn how to be a good friend to those who are special-needs parents.
Related Links
Sib Show
By the Brook '24
Base Camp
About Julie Julie Styer is the experienced mom of Bradley, born with Cerebral Palsy. She shares about all that she has learned on her parenting journey, what she would have done differently, and the unexpected blessings along the way! Related Links
Sib Show
Eric and Christen have joined us on the podcast previously, but today, they discuss the differences in how they handled a diagnosis and how they learned to support one another through the process.
Related Links
Freund's previous episode
Hope on the Hard Road
You may remember Mikayla from a previous podcast episode a couple years ago. Today, she joins us again to share her struggles and victories over the last couple years, and how she trains herself to let go of 'mom guilt' and embrace letting others help her on her journey as a special-needs mom. Mikayla shares from her heart, and you will be so blessed by her!
Moms- we want you to join us for By the Brook, virtually or in person in Cookeville, Tennessee.
Tracey Martin, mom of quadruplets (some of whom have special needs) joins us on the podcast today to discuss the unexpected emotions that come with a diagnosis and in the years that follow.
Related Links:
By the Brook 2024
We're excited to launch this new podcast series called "The Unexpected." We pray each the topics discussed would encourage you in this common emotions and obstacles that a diagnosis brings to a family.
Today, Susan Lomax joins us to discuss grief for the special-needs parent.
About the Bortons
JERRY - Jerry Borton has traveled around the country leading seminars on disability awareness, theology of suffering, leadership, and fundraising—all from his power wheelchair. Born with Cerebral Palsy, his mother said he came from the womb with a suitcase in his hand, ready to take on the world. Jerry now devotes his time to help people with disabilities discover their gifts and talents and equip them to use them in their local community. He is passionate to help Christian community leaders embrace hiring people with disabilities to make a positive impact on their world. Jerry has an M.S. in Organizational Leadership and is an ordained minister. Jerry admits to a mild obsession with baseball. He likes watching every form of the game—from two kids slapping at a ball with a stick to his beloved Detroit Tigers winning an American League pennant. Jerry and his wife, Joan, have been married for over 28 years and enjoy games, traveling and spoiling their nieces and nephews. Jerry and Joan make their home in central Florida.
JOAN - “Easy” is rarely a word that is used in relation to disability ministry. But long-time disability advocate, Joan Borton, loves to show people how easy it is to start a friendship with someone with a disability. Disability ministry has taken Joan to Ghana, West Africa, and all around the U.S, where she has taught on topics ranging from disability awareness to soul care to managing change to marriage and disability. Joan has been joyfully married to Jerry since 1995. She is passionate about strengthening marriages affected by disability and frequently blogs and writes on this topic. Joan recently published her first book, MarriageAbility: Embracing the Richness of a Marriage Affected by Disability. There is little Joan enjoys more than encouraging a caregiver and listening to them share their life. Joan and Jerry are committed to hospitality—whether that means entertaining guests at their Florida home, providing respite care for kids and teens, or being a home away from home for family and friends. When faced with a little down time you will likely find her reading or working on a jigsaw puzzle.
TOGETHER - Jerry and Joan Borton have spent most of their lives befriending, working with and supporting people affected by disability. For Jerry it began at birth when he was born with Cerebral Palsy. Joan grew up with friends who had disabilities and found it a natural fit for her. It was little surprise to anyone, except themselves, when God brought them together in marriage and ministry in 1995. Together they have a broad history of engagement with people with physical, developmental and mental health disabilities. They have ministered in residential, camping, recreational, church and educational programs. Jerry and Joan understand from personal experience that disability affects the entire family. In 2019 Jerry and Joan co-founded Luke 14 Exchange, Inc . Today you will find them mentoring people with disabilities, writing and speaking on topics of family support, discovering your giftedness as a person with a disability, and the influence of the disability movement and the Church.
Related Links
Luke14Exchange.orgFB and Instagram - Luke 14 ExchangeMarriage Ability by Joan BortonCommon Man, Extraordinary Call by Jeff & Becky Davidson
About Christa
Christa Smith is a follower of Jesus Christ. Her husband, Ron, is the Lead Pastor at First Baptist Church of Palatka, Florida. They have been married for 32 years and have two sons, Ryan and Landon. Landon’s bride, Abbie, joined their family three years ago. They have a sweet fur puppy named Phoebe.
Prior to joining The Tim Tebow Foundation, she served as Community Connections Coordinator at First Baptist Church of Palatka. Christa is fluent in American Sign Language and continues to serve as one of the ASL Interpreters for Lifeway Women's Events all over the United States. Christa's journey in learning ASL began as a necessity when her oldest son, Ryan, was diagnosed as profoundly Deaf at 18 months old (CHARGE Syndrome). What began as a desire to communicate with her son grew into a love for the Deaf and a desire to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their heart language.
In 2005, after meeting with parents and school administrators, God led Christa and her husband to develop an after-school program for Deaf and hard of hearing children at our church. This amazing program connected these children and their families to the local church and became a safe haven of learning about Jesus and His deep love for them. Because of her experience, she has witnessed first hand the profound impact the church can have on those living with disabilities and their families. That’s why she is passionate about the mission of TTF Shine On and continuing to elevate the hard work and resources of disability organizations to equip local churches in ministering to those often overlooked.
Related Links
Instagram: @christamooresmith
TTF Shine On: shineon.org
About Deb
Deb Petermann is a sibling to a man (now deceased at age 50) with severe developmental disabilities. She always says about her brother Rodney, “He never spoke a word in his life but his life still speaks volumes.”
Deb has been married 38 years and is the mother of two, one is whom is deceased, and is a sibling advocate (60+ years). She began disability ministry as a volunteer at Vineyard Columbus Church 28 years ago. Additionally, she volunteered for 5 years with Joni and Friends Ohio, an International Disability Ministry, after which she was employed for 15 years as the Ohio Church Relations Manager with Joni and Friends. Through this ministry, she mentored and trained many churches to be more inclusive in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Indiana. Deb participated in disability missions to Honduras and El Salvador and is currently a Disability Transition Coordinator/Community Connector with the Center for Disability Empowerment, a non-residential independent living center.
Related Links
Last week for the By the Brook Early Bird Rate! Sign up for By the Brook 2024
Sib Show
www.vineyardcolumbus.org
www.joniandfriends.org
Ohio Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador (www.lifecoursetools.com)
The Power of the Powerless: A Brother's Legacy of Love by sibling Christopher de Vinck
About Dawn
Dawn is a graduate of Cookeville High School and received her undergraduate degree from Tennessee Tech University. She graduated from the Nashville School of Law in 1999 and has been practicing law in the Upper Cumberland since 2000, specializing in Adoption Law, Special Education Law and Conservatorships.
She currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Putnam County Board of Education,Chairman of Rising Above Ministries and Chairman of Exceptional Bean Board. She has been appointed by the Governor to the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Governor’s Advisory Council for Students with Disabilities. Dawn was an Adjunct Professor of Business Law at Tennessee Tech University for more than ten years. Dawn has been married to Shawn Fry for more than 30 years and has twins, Sydney and Austin.
Related Links
Sign up for By the Brook 2024!
A Note from Missy
Hi, my name is Missy. I am the Special Needs Director at Cumberland Fellowship in Crossville, TN. This was not a job I ever imagined having, but God had other plans. My husband, Jason, and I have been married for 26 years and we have 3 children. Jacob (17) has autism, is non-verbal and deaf, and has a list of medical issues, but has also given us more than joy than we ever thought possible. Braden (15) is your typical sports kid and an awesome big 'younger' brother as he has always called it. Our youngest is Addi (11). She is our sweet, sensitive, artsy child.
All three children keep us on our toes and love being a part of this ministry. Jacob attends all our events and classes, while Braden and Addi love volunteering. This is definitely a family affair. We started the ministry in Oct 2021 with just the children's ministry side and now we have an adult Monday night service plus an adult Tuesday day program. Our goal is to minister to each individual at their level of understanding. The motto that my volunteers love the most is "see the able not the label." We try to live this everyday with each person we come in contact within this ministry.
Related Links
Common Man, Extraordinary Call
Cumberland Fellowship Special-Needs Ministry
Cumberland Fellowship Facebook Page
About Amanda
Amanda is wife to Jason, mom to Kinsley, and friend and neighbor to Becky. She is also Jon Alex's beloved chiropractor.
Favorite Quote
"Rising above your circumstances is a very hard thing to do...You don't find joy. You choose joy. Choose well, and choose joy."
Related Links
Join us for By the Brook!
Today, we're beginning a a new podcast series we plan to do several times throughout the year (on the 5th Tuesday of the month, when that applies)!We will have several special-needs moms joining us for "Conversations with Special-Needs Moms" about their journeys and God's faithfulness.
About Samantha
Samantha is pursuing her BS in Christian Leadership and Management with a Minor in Special Education from Liberty University to attain an MA in Christian Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary. She holds certifications in Christian Counseling from Light College and Temperament Coaching from Cornerstone Ministries. Samantha and her husband, David, have been madly in love since 2005 and have a blended family with three children, Courtney, Vanessa, and Drake, and two grandchildren, Carson and Oliver. In her spare time, she enjoys home improvement projects and exploring the world with her husband David. Grateful for every experience in her life, Samantha is excited to do good in every opportunity God brings her way and to see His handiwork in every situation.
Related Links
www.benevolenceunited.orgBy the Brook 2024
Today we're celebrating our 200th episode of the podcast! THANKS to all who listen and share the podcast.
About Johnna
Johnna (pronounced John-NUH, named after her grandfather, John) is an author, {sporadic} blogger, speaker and all-time coordinator of chaos. She’s a wife, a mother of six, a homeschooler and a fourth generation Texan. She is passionate about sharing the eternal hope she found in Jesus when her life took an unexpected twist in 2007, following the birth of her firstborn son with a neural tube defect. It’s now her passion to encourage women to stop living timid lives of distraction and to bravely say yes to what God calls them to. Through her use of sarcasm and sentences, Johnna paints a picture of hope for eternity as well as offers an honest perspective of life’s challenges through her blog (JohnnaHensley.com) and in her latest book, Reckless Yes.
Related Links
JohnnaHensley.com
RecklessYesBook.com
Instagram.com/johnna.hensley
facebook.com/JohnnaHensleyAuthor
Join us for By the Brook 2024!
About Jeanetta
Jeanetta Bryant is a dynamic and compassionate leader in the special needs community. With over 10 years of experience in the industry and 4 years with Abilities Workshop, Inc. Her journey into this field began when her daughter was diagnosed with a medical condition. Over the last decade, Jeanetta has witnessed her child defy the odds and overcome their diagnoses, inspiring her to become an advocate, author, and speaker. She has written books, developed learning apps, and founded a non-profit organization to provide resources and support to families in need. She is known for her honesty, thoughtfulness, compassion, quick decision-making abilities, and her willingness to constantly learn and adapt to different audiences. At Abilities Workshop, Inc, Jeanetta works with parents, pastors, and teachers to help children with special needs reach their full potential. She is committed to working together with others to provide support, resources, and hope to those who need it most.
Related Links
Rising Above's Sib Show
Abilities Workshop Website
Abilities Workshop Facebook
Abilities Workshop Instagram
About Amy
Amy and her husband, Brad, have been married for 24 years and have 4 children. Their youngest child, Grant, who is now 16, has tuberous sclerosis, a rare genetic condition that affects the major organs of the body. They have “tubers” growing on or in them, which often causes significant issues for the person. These “tubers” are benign tumors. Grant was diagnosed at 13 months old after he went through tests and scans due to seizures beginning at 12 months old. He has significant developmental delays due to the type of seizures he had as a baby. However, he is not physically delayed, and loves to play adaptive sports and enjoys music and singing. Her husband, Brad, is a full-time pastor, and they love ministering to others in our church and community. They have been at their current church for 19 years. She is a nurse and began that career later in life. Grant is a joy to their family, and they are grateful to be chosen to be his parents. They are thankful for all the ways the Lord has used this journey to teach them so many truths about Himself, and their verse for Grant has been Ephesians 3:20-21. God has done and continues to do, so much more than they could ask or imagine through throughout this special-needs journey.
Related Links
Instagram: @a.w.parker6
Email: bradandamyparker@bellsouth.net
Nominate A Guest for the podcast
Starting Lineup Marriage Series (free on our website!)
About Sonya
Sonya is the founder and Executive Director of Possibility Place, a Christ-centered educational day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is also the mother of two grown sons, one of which has autism and was the drive behind Possibility Place. Her passion is to see children and adults with special needs have every opportunity to reach goals beyond what was predicted for them with any diagnosis or label. Her dream is to see them fully integrated into a society that sees their value, a society that shifts the focus to what they CAN do instead of what they cannot.
Related Links
Learn more about Possibility Place!
Rising Above App
About Joni
Joni Eareckson Tada is founder and CEO of Joni and Friends, an organization that provides Christian outreach in the disability community. Joni is the author of numerous bestselling books, including Joni and Ken: An Untold Love Story and When God Weeps. Joni and her husband, Ken, reside in Calabasas, CA.
Favorite Quotes
"Give thanks for those things you can give thanks for." -Joni
"Once you live a life of gratitude, it permeates everything you do." -Joni
Related Links
Joni and Friends Website
Facebook: @joniandfriends.idc
Instagram: @joniandfriends
Twitter: @JoniandFriends
Starting Lineup for Married Couples
Practicing the Presence of Jesus - Joni's new book
About the Episode
The moms from the "Take Heart Special Moms" podcast (Carrie, Amy, and Sara) join Becky to discuss 'Avoiding the Comparison Trap.' This one can be tricky for moms anywhere, and we hope this episode will be helpful for you as a part of our Flip Side series.
Related Links
Take Heart Special Moms website
Take Heart Special Moms podcast
Sara Clime's podcast episode
Carrie Holt's podcast episode
Amy J. Brown's podcast episode
Rising Above app
Sandra & Melanie join Becky to discuss gratitude and how the practice of thankfulness can benefit our special-needs journey.
Related Links
ThanksforGiving campaign
Sponsor an episode of the Rising Above podcast!
About Sandy
Sandy Ramsey-Trayvick is a mom of three, including a son who has special needs. She has been a huge blessing to us at Rising Above Ministries for the last couple years. She is so wise and kind, and each conversation with her points us to Jesus! Sandy leads a community group via Zoom, and we are so grateful for her willingness to pour into other special-needs moms.
Related Links
Sponsor an episode of the Rising Above podcast!
Sandy's website: https://www.undisabledlives.org
Sandy's past episodes:
Episode 88
Season 3, Episode 1
Episode 135
About this episode
Steve and Kim from the Rising Above office join Becky to discuss our November series, the Flip Side, and share their experiences of looking on the flip side in their own lives.
Related Links
Flipside Study
ThanksforGiving fundraiser
The Starting Lineup Marriage Study
For this episode of the podcast, Steve invited some special-needs siblings to join and share their experiences.
Related Links
Participate in our ThanksforGiving fundraiser!
About Scott
Scott Maulsby is a licensed health and life insurance agent in Nashville, TN. As an entrepreneur and special needs father he balances the everyday challenges with work and life. He has a passion for giving back to his community and strives to make a difference in the lives of children. Scott has served on the Statewide Planning and Policy Council with the TN State Department of Intellectual Disabilities since 2020 and also serves on the Board of Directors of Vista Points Special Needs Trusts. Scott also builds and trains church security teams serves churches in Middle TN, throughout the United States and in Nigeria and Australia. He is an Ironman, Half Ironman and a Marathon Finisher and fought in the 2008 Pennsylvania State Golden Gloves tournament. Scott is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Systems Engineering. Currently, Scott resides in Lebanon, TN with his wife, Carrie, and three children (Jackson, Zoie and Ridley). Scott and Carrie are former foster parents of the year (2014) in Florida and have adopted 2 children, 1 with special needs.
Related Links
Sponsor an episode of the Rising Above podcast!
Join a community group!
Scott's blog
Maulsby Facebook Page
About Sara
Sara is a devoted wife, homeschooling mother of two amazing boys, writer, and follower of Christ. She is passionate about ministering to moms of children with exceptional needs and loves to encourage others on this journey. She also loves the beach, good books, raising chickens, and gardening!
Related Links
Sponsor an episode of the Rising Above podcast!
Pacis in the Gutter Facebook Page
About Melissa
Melissa Maimone is a Christian event speaker and author. Through Scripture and storytelling, she teaches women that an authentic life in Christ can be both messy and magnificent at the exact same time. She is the author of two books, "Gathering Dandelions" and "The Radiant Midnight: Depression, Grace, and the Gifts of a Dark Place". Melissa has been married for 31 years and has two children, Elizabeth and Cole. Her daughter Elizabeth was born with developmental delays. Her daughter has been a source of beauty, inspiration, and grief that has taught Melissa a fierce, daily dependence upon the Lord.
Related Links
Sponsor an episode of the Rising Above podcast!
Melissa's Website
Melissa's Instagram
Melissa's Facebook
About Dr. Holmes
Stephanie C. Holmes was formerly a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of NC. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Campbell University, her Master’s in counseling from Liberty University and her doctorate in education from Abilene Christian University. She is an ordained minister, author, autism researcher, speaker, and certified autism specialist. When Sydney was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, her world and focus changed from a thriving marriage and family therapy practice to a world of Individualized Education Programs, 504 educational plans, and understanding how to help students and individuals with challenges and needs in the classroom and the church setting. Today, she pulls from personal as well as professional experience to focus on neurodiverse marriages and family systems. She is the owner and founder of Autism Spectrum Resources for Marriage & Family, LLC, and she and Dan co-founder The International Association of NeuroDiverse Christian Marriage, LLC and the podcast NeuroDiverse Christian Couples.
Related Links
Sponsor an episode of the Rising Above podcast!
Get your Rising Above free monthly resources here!
Dr. Holmes' Podcast
Dr. Holmes' YouTube Channel
Christian Neurodiverse Marriage site
Dr. Holmes' Website
About Andy and Tangy
Andy and Tangy Winstead are from Wilson, North Carolina. They have been married 25 years and have four children. Their 23-year-old twin sons, Zachary and Caleb introduced them to the special-needs world when they were born prematurely at 32 weeks. Both of the boys/young men have cerebral palsy, among other complex needs.
Favorite Quote
“Don’t be afraid and pray and ask God to direct you, because you’re your child’s advocate; and you’ll never stop learning.” - Tangy Winstead
Related Links
Sponsor an episode of the Rising Above podcast!
Facebook: A Place For You/Parents Night Out/Shiloh PHC
www.shilohphc.com
Today's podcast episode was sponsored by the Shipsey family as they wish a 'happy birthday' to Jon Alex Davidson! Happy Birthday JA!
About the Freunds
Eric and Christen Freund are co-founders of Hope on the Hard Road Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to connecting, encouraging, and bringing hope to families on the special needs journey through a variety of tangible resources and faith-based encouragement. College sweethearts, Eric and Christen have been married for 25 years and live in Southern California with their son Caleb and their daughter Abbey, who is diagnosed with Autism.
Favorite Quote
“Knowing that God loves us and knowing that He’ll be there for us is everything. It’s not about him changing the circumstances that we want him to; it’s about knowing that He’ll be with us in it as we’re going through it.” -Christen Freund
Related Links
www.hopeonthehardroad.org
Hope on the Hard Road: Instagram
Hope on the Hard Road: Facebook
Hope on the Hard Road Facebook Group
Find out more about Base Camp by clicking here or emailing Steve Chatman at schatman@risingaboveministries.org!
About the Show
Rising Above with Becky Davidson is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About the McGuires
As loving parents, Jonathan and Sarah saw firsthand the unique challenges of raising a child with special needs. They decided to take action and co-founded Hope Anew, a non-profit organization in 2016. Hope Anew provides spiritual and emotional support for parents of children with special needs by offering a Christ-centered approach to healing and hope.
Related Links
www.HopeAnew.com
Hope Anew Facebook Page
Hope Anew Disability Podcast
Find out more about Base Camp by clicking here or emailing Steve Chatman at schatman@risingaboveministries.org!
Download the Rising Above app!
About Dianna
Dianna Swenson, who is a daughter of God first, wife, mother of two, and owner of Vocal Inclusion, received her bachelor degree in music education with vocal performance. From her home business, she teaches approximately 40 students of all abilities, that range from ages 6 to 40. The passion she has for inclusion of those with differing abilities began with her oldest child, who has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal and communicates with his family through music. Her neuro-typical daughter also performs in the arts. Through these merging relationships, she has discovered how music reaches all abilities and provides a catalyst for confidence.
Related Links
For more information about Base Camp for special-needs dads, visit our website here.
Joe and Cindi Ferrini join Becky to discuss how to handle situations when the caregivers get sick. In this episode, Joe and Cindi share from their personal experiences recently and how they have been challenged to both give and receive help when needed.
Kristi and Cassaundra join us to discuss challenging behaviors and some lessons they have learned in handling them in their own home.
Related Links
Base Camp in TN on October 13-15
Find out more about Kristi: Episode 150
Find out more about Cassaundra: Season 3, Episode 14
About the Show
Rising Above with Becky Davidson is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
Jayne and Melanie join Becky to discuss how change affects the special-needs family, and how to navigate a life when your 'normal' changes often.
Related Links
Respite for Your Mind called 'Accept What Is' - Find it on the app!
Find out more about Melanie:
Melanie's Previous Episodes
Episode 58
Episode 87
Episode 112
Instagram: @redefinespecial
Jayne's Previous Episode
Episode 102
Join us for the podcast as Becky and Kim have a conversation with their counselor, Jerri. In this episode, they will discuss counseling and how this can help following any kind of trauma.
About Jerri
Jerri Cross, Ed.S., LPC/MHSP, CPSII, NBCC has been working in social services and counseling providing quality services in the Upper Cumberland area for the past 20+ years. Jerri grew up and attended school in middle Tennessee. She is a Nationally Board Certified Counselor with NBCC, member of the TN Licensed Professional Counselors Association, American Association of Christian Counselors, & a Certified Prevention Specialist II. Jerri enjoys spending time with her family & friends. She is also an avid reader and enjoys a sunny afternoon reading.
Today on the podcast, Kim and Becky discuss their experience with counseling--and how it helped them navigate some past traumas in their lives. Don't be afraid to ask for help!
In this episode, Brittnie and Katie discuss ways that they have learned to connect with others and have a social life, even amidst the demands that come with raising an individual with disabilities.
Related Links
Respite for Your Mind: Find it on the app!
Enjoy this chat with Becky, Sandy, and Susan as they discuss how to help your children with special needs transition to adulthood.
Related Links
Join us for our August Book Club!
About this episode
Jade & Leslie discuss the ways their children deal with school being out for the summer and give suggestions on how to handle the summertime flexibility for our children with special needs.
Related Links
Leslie’s podcast episode
Jade’s podcast episode
About the Show
Rising Above with Becky Davidson is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About this episode
Steve and Becky discuss some unique patriotic facts, as well as preview what's coming up the rest of the year! Don't miss it!
Related Links
Dads- join us for Base Camp!
About Jennifer
Jennifer is a solo mom to 2 amazing girls, Brenna and Junie. Junie is 16 and has multiple special needs. Jennifer works full time as a preschool special education teacher in Kentucky.
Favorite Quote
"How do you rise above? You rise above by letting go...and accepting what is."
Related Links
We'd love for you to catch up on the podcast on your favorite podcasting app or here.
About Kim
Kim and her husband Mike, of 34 years, has 3 boys. Trey, who has Down Syndrome, is the oldest and is 33 years old. Kim started a non-profit athletic program In Mooresville, NC in 1994 called Structured Athletics for Challenged Children as well as a special-needs choir in 2016 “God’s Angel Choir." She was also very instrumental in helping start Hope Academy a small school for special-needs adults. Her main goal for Trey has always been for him to have the opportunity to be active in our community and to love God and Life!
Related Links
SACCputnamco.org
Find out more about one of our By the Brook 2023 sponsors, Key Ministry!
Sign up to join us this weekend for By the Brook here!
About this episode
This podcast takeover with Steve Chatman is an episode is for moms and dads about Father's Day!
Moms will hear helpful tips about what Dad doesn't want for Father's Day and dads will be encouraged by a message from Steve especially for them.
Related Links
Common Man Extraordinary Call on Amazon
Visit the Rising Above Ministries store
About Abigail
Abigail Burle is a Georgia native that calls Gainesville, Ga home. She wrangles 6 year old triplets and serves with her husband Ryan in the local community. She is passionate about creating spaces of belonging for families impacted by disabilities. She is the Founder of a non-profit, Love Your Story that provides respite for families.
Favorite Quotes
"When you are just being faithful and living your life for yourself and your family, and not trying to make it better than it is, or not trying to make it look worse than it is, joy will come." -Abigail Burle
Related Links
@Abigail_burle
@loveyourstory.us.
www.loveyourstory.us
About Missy
The name "myLIFEspeaks" was inspired by the story of Lane Wilson's LIFE, the 23-year-old son of Nashville, TN natives and myLIFEspeaks' Co-Founders, Mike and Missy Wilson. Lane was born prematurely at just 22 weeks gestation. He has severe cerebral palsy and suffered a stroke before birth causing him to go blind. Not only was he born extremely early, he was also very sick. Doctors didn't think he would survive. But God had other plans for Lane's LIFE.
Related Links
My Life Speaks Facebook
My Life Speaks Instagram
www.myLIFEspeaks.com
Summer Book Clubs
June Book Club
Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
Sign up: https://forms.gle/m8M3D2FAGQoFvF3q9
July Book Club
The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox
Sign up: https://forms.gle/GLDsx2bPMrErvtmDA
August Book Club
If I Were You by Lynn Austin
Sign up: https://forms.gle/wi5MbAPrPpXc4XMC6
Champions 4 Parents Website
Julie's Facebook
Champions4Parents Facebook
You're invited to the private community group on Facebook: Champions4Parents Community
Connect with our By the Brook sponsor: Autism Faith Network
About the Show
Rising Above with Becky Davidson is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About Julie
Julie Meekins has been married to her husband, Tom, for almost 44 years and is mom to four adult children who also gave her a daughter-in-love and a son-in-love. She is delighted to report that she is Grammy to a granddaughter and to three grandsons. Her youngest daughter, Amy, was born with CHARGE Syndrome which comes with a complicated set of anomalies. Amy’s birth propelled the family into the world of disability. Julie is co-director of Champions4Parents.com which is a ministry dedicated to advocating for individuals affected by disability by coming alongside parents with love and support and by equipping ministry folks as they serve them.
Favorite Quotes
"It's a sobering and difficult thing to do....we did not feel equipped at all for those kinds of decisions. However, we knew and we know now, God was and He is equipped." -Julie
Related Links
Summer Book Clubs
June Book Club
Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
Sign up: https://forms.gle/m8M3D2FAGQoFvF3q9
July Book Club
The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox
Sign up: https://forms.gle/GLDsx2bPMrErvtmDA
August Book Club
If I Were You by Lynn Austin
Sign up: https://forms.gle/wi5MbAPrPpXc4XMC6
Champions 4 Parents Website
Julie's Facebook
Champions4Parents Facebook
You're invited to the private community group on Facebook: Champions4Parents Community
About Michael & Christy
Michael and Christy live in Memphis, TN with their two sons, Zachary and Daniel. Their family is rounded out by Duke, the most patient Black Lab ever created. Both have served in professional ministry for several years, serving students from 4th grade all the way up to college age. Michael is presently pursuing a long time dream of writing, while Christy stays busy with all things Team Pritchard. They also love teaching, podcasting, and sharing their story of God’s faithfulness to their unique and never-boring family.
Favorite Quotes
"Every time Daniel has needed more, God has provided more." -Michael
"[God] has been faithful." -Michael
Related Links
Diapers to Diplomas podcast with Michael & Christy - They are not presently recording, but they keep it open and available for encouragement to other families.
Christy's Facebook
Christy's Instagram
Michael's Facebook
Michael's Instagram
About our guests
Amy J. Brown, Sara Clime, and Carrie M. Holt are three mothers
who have a combined experience of over thirty years of raising children
with physical, medical, mental, and emotional special needs. They are
the hosts of the podcast Take Heart Special Moms. Amy is a mentor to special-needs moms. Sara is cofounder and codirector of one of the firstspecial needs ministries in mid-Missouri. Carrie regularly speaks at
conferences, hospitals, churches, and more about special-needs mothering.
Related Links
www.takeheartspecialmoms.com
Instagram: @takeheartspecialmoms
Facebook: /takeheartspecialmoms
The Other Side of Special
Sara Clime: Episode 63
Carrie M. Holt: Episode 104
Amy J. Brown: Episode 109
Our annual event for moms is coming up on June 23-24! We want you there. Sign up here to join us from wherever you are! On this episode, you'll hear some past participants discuss what By the Brook has meant to them and what they're looking forward to this year.
About By the Brook
By the Brook is a refreshing event for moms, grandmothers, and female caregivers raising individuals with special needs and chronic illness. This event includes encouragement, inspiration, dynamic worship and powerful teaching - all while spending quality time with other moms who “get it.” You’ll experience amazing worship and have fun during special breakout sessions. You will leave refreshed, restored and renewed! Join us on your own from home, with a small group, or at one of our host sites.
About Tempa
Tempa started her baking career early on with Jacque Delmont, owner of The Bridal Kitchen located in Independence, Missouri, where for several years she acquired her desire to make everyone’s special day even more special and honed her skills. She was responsible for baking, preparing, delivery and setup of many weddings which eventually lead to her decorating of several of the venues as The Bridal Kitchen grew. Tempa’s passion for baking and decorating cakes led to the eventual startup of T.J.’S Sweets, a specialty goods bake shop in Independence, Mo. that focused primarily on weddings as well as many other special events that required one of her delectable creations. Tempa has also worked in the Retail Restaurant business as a District Management Trainer during her time in Gwinnett County but longed to get back to her passion and true calling.
Tempa lives in Monroe and has been married to husband Michael for 37 years. Tempa has two children, Ashley and Bradley, as well as a son-in-law Brent and two grandchildren Wyatt Kohl and Deagan David. The family attends Graystone Church in Loganville, Georgia. Hobbies include scrapbooking, community service, and most of all being a Grandma (Gi Gi).
Favorite Quotes
Related Links
Register for By the Brook, our retreat for special-needs moms on June 23-24!
Special Kneads & Treats Website
Instagram: @specialkneads_
Facebook: Special Kneads and Treats, Inc.
About Julie
Julie is a wife and mother. When she and her husband had fertility issues and their next step was IVF, they discussed the possibility of adoption and the opportunity to adopt their daughter, Clara, fell into their laps. They were told Clara would have Down Syndrome before she was born. They said "yes!" by agreeing to parent her and be her voice.
Julie and her husband became involved in Down Syndrome Association of Middle TN (DSAMT) which supports 40 counties in Middle TN. DSAMT provides resources such as IEP help, education training, and advocacy. Additionally, their "first call" program helps them reach new parents providing a celebration bag for new families to celebrate their new addition, Sunshine bags which helps being a smile when we have families dealing with serious ailments, and ultimately support to our individuals and families that have received a Down Syndrome Diagnosis.
Favorite Quotes
"[The Bible says}, always be strong and courageous. And that's what I've always relied on." - Julie West
About Allie
Allie is a stay-at-home mom to almost four-year-old Hadley and two-year-old Camryn. She has also been the wife of six years to Brian, and they live in Woodstock, GA. Allie's daughter, Hadley, has a rare genetic disorder called Williams Syndrome, and is thriving thanks to the community around her, or what they call "Hadley's Hive." She loves sharing the raw and real life of being a special-needs parent in hopes of increasing understanding and awareness of Williams Syndrome.
Favorite Quotes
“The most painful part of your story may very well be the most life-giving part of someone else’s. - Allie
Related Links
instagram : @alliefinnegan
About Tonya
Tonya and her husband Jamie have two amazing sons who are autistic. She enjoys connecting with and encouraging parents of children with disabilities.
Favorite Quotes
"The things that you are experiencing now--it doesn't necessarily mean that it's always going to be that way. You have to encourage yourself in the Lord." -Tonya
"I think there is value in journalling and writing down things so that when you go back and you see how you are now, it gives you hope for tomorrow." -Tonya
Related Links
Anchored Family Downloads -April
Episode 69: Tonya's previous podcast episode
Autismfaithnetwork.com
Autism Faith Network Facebook
Autism Faith Network Instagram Instagram
Autism Faith Network Twitter
About Crystle
Crystle lives in southern California with her husband and 2 children. She homeschools both of her children and delights in finding the joy and laughter in her family’s every day occurrences. Crystle and her family love being outside, going on walks, spending time with their many animals, and going to the beach.
About the Show
Rising Above with Becky Davidson is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About Connie
Connie is a homeschooling mom of two, wife to Josh, and a salesperson at Gibson Group IT Services and IT Consulting. She spends her free time playing with her children, taking a nature walk, or reading a good book.
Favorite Quote
"When you don't know what the next minute is going to look like, you learn to pray...a lot." -Connie
“Your attitude makes a difference.” -Connie
“You can be down and out about it or you can choose joy.” -Connie
About the Show
Rising Above with Becky Davidson is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About Jillian
Jillian Benfield is a former journalist and news anchor. She holds a broadcast journalism degree from the University of Georgia. As a freelance writer, her essays about living an unexpected life have appeared on sites such as TODAY, Good Morning America, Yahoo! News, and ABC News. Jillian regularly advocates for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in her writings, in her community, and as a part of the National Down Syndrome Congress’s National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition. Jillian and her husband, Andy, and their three children make their home on Florida’s Space Coast. Learn more at jillianbenfield.com.
Favorite Quotes
"I believe that pain and suffering in our unexpected circumstances is one of the greatest pathways to transformation, but we have to choose to really walk it." -Jillian
Related Links
The Gift of the Unexpected
jillianbenfield.com
About Ginny
Ginny Mooney founded 99 Balloons, an organization working with persons experiencing disability, alongside her husband Matt Mooney. 99 Balloons refers to what was released at the funeral of their first son, Eliot Mooney- each balloon representing a day he spent on this earth. Among the many gifts Eliot brought his parents was a passion to help persons with disabilities and their families. They desire to change the story of disability by proclaiming the worth and image-bearing beauty of each and every human being. Ginny is currently the Executive Director of 99 Balloons.
Favorite Quotes
"Me trusting Him doesn't mean I like it...I don't have to like it, to know that Jesus is good and He is at work, and He is near."
Related Links
March Family Downloads
99 Balloons
Social Media Links:
@ginnymooney
@99balloonsorg
About Ryan
Ryan Wolfe the President of Ability Ministry has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the emerging field of Disability Ministry. 15 years of local church ministry at First Christian Church in Canton, OH where he was the full-time Disability Ministry Pastor. He spent time as a Church Consultant for Key Ministry before coming to Ability Ministry 7 years ago. He is an author and a featured speaker.
Favorite Quote
"We're more alike than we are different." -Ryan Wolfe
Related Links
Ability Ministry Website
Social Media: @AbilityMinistry
Disability is Beautiful Photo Database
The Tale of the Shrinking Toilet
About Laura
Laura Wifler is the cofounder of Risen Motherhood, the executive director and cohost of the podcast, and the coauthor of Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments. Her latest book is Like Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering God’s Image in Every Person.
Favorite Quote
"What inclusion looks like is friendship." - Laura Wifler
"Disability really does give us a front row seat to wonderful aspects of God that we perhaps might not have without disability." - Laura Wifler
"God is using disability to sanctify us." -Laura Wifler
"God has used disability to sanctify me and make me more like Himself." -Laura Wifler
Related Links
Instagram: @laurawifler
laurawifler.com
Laura's book, Like Me
Risen Motherhood
Risen Motherhood podcast
Today on the show, hear Becky share the story of her marriage to Jeff and their journey of commitment together.
Related Links
Free Marriage Resources on our Website for the month of February
About the Show
Rising Above with Becky Davidson is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About Sarah
Sarah is the CEO/Founder of Love that Surpasses Ministries and Pediatric Research Nurse Practitioner.
Favorite Quote
"Really what God was trying to show me is that worth is not defined by intelligence or careers. That's not identity." -Sarah Lowry
Related Links
Join a Community Group!
February Downloads
www.lovethatsurpasses.org
Instagram: @lovethatsurpassesministries
Love that Surpasses Podcast
About Raissa
Raissa Chandler is resilient and resourceful. She has been a community builder for autism and disability for over 10 years. She believes that each individual has gifts and abilities that, when shared, encourage a diverse and strong community. She has a passion and a drive to ensure that families of children with disabilities know they are not alone in their journey and tirelessly works to connect families to each other, to their schools, and to their communities. Raissa is a mother to twins with autism whose gifts include creativity and cup stacking, wife to a husband who excels at knowledge acquisition, and a part-time project manager to a marketing Guru. In her spare time, she sleeps.
Related Links
Join a Community Group!
Organize Autism
Southside Support
Facebook group: "Southside Support for Special Needs Families"
About Kristi
Kristi is a wife to Shane, mom of 3 beautiful children, homeschooler and YWAM missionary, originally from Canada. She and her family live in Kansas City and have had a wild year of unexpected medical news which has given them many opportunities to surrender to the Lord again and again!
Favorite Quote
"We can find joy in our circumstances, even when they're hard."
Related Links
Join a Community Group!
About Lara
Lara's a single mom and teacher living in Southern California raising an amazing son that has Autism and ADHD. Together they love going on adventures to the beach and Safari Park, watching movies and making pizza together, and ultimately finding joy and humor in the journey. Lara is also a lover of books, crafting, tea, and chocolate, especially when shared with friends and loved ones.
Related Links
Sign up for a Rising Above Community Group!
About Chris
Chris Beasley is a special-needs mom in Texas. She has been married to Frederick for 31 years, and they have 2 children. (Josh is 20 with learning and mild speech difficulties, and Grace, who is 17, has limited speech capabilities & autism.)
Related Links
Join a Community Group!
Twitter: @ChrisBeasley
*Chris would love to connect with you, so she suggests joining the Wednesday group so she can “meet” you!
Thank you for joining us for Rising Above with Becky Davidson. This week, Steve and Becky discuss what is coming up this year at Rising Above and how you and your family can be a part of it. Related LinksFree Monthly DownloadsJoin a Community GroupDownload the Rising Above App Rising Above with Becky Davidson is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.
Our friend, Lori Chatman, joins us to discuss the most impactful parts of her year, and how she has learned to care for her soul this year.
*Message for our Spotify listeners: We apologize for the gap in our podcast distribution on this platform. If you want to find the episodes you missed, you can catch up on our website: www.risingaboveministries.org/podcast
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About Leslie
Leslie Sanderson is a wife and mother of three. She's lived in middle Tennessee for over 10 years and loves the beauty and natural resources she finds here. She's recently made the transition from homeschooling mom to tech writer. She and her husband Jim have raised two adult children and are the parents of a daughter with autism. She loves Jesus and wants to share with others how much he loves them.
Favorite Quotes
“It gave me this absolute dependence and trust in Jesus that I did not have before.”
“I did not know how hard you could lean on Him and He just won’t collapse. He will always hold you up…always.”
“Less trust in me every day and more trust in Him every day.”
*Message for our Spotify listeners: We apologize for the gap in our podcast distribution on this platform. If you want to find the episodes you missed, you can catch up on our website: www.risingaboveministries.org/podcast
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About Randy Kemp
Randy became a follower of Christ in 1996 and has been married to the greatest wife in the world, Cassaundra, for 17 years. Together, they have four children, 3 of whom have special needs: Joseph (age 12- trisomy 21), Gabriella (age 11- trisomy 21), and Julianna (age 9- ADHD). Randy is the Director of Access Ministries at Northland Church in Longwood, FL.
Related Links
Wait for the Light advent devotional
Cassaundra’s podcast episode
Access Ministries
*Message for our Spotify listeners: We apologize for the gap in our podcast distribution on this platform. If you want to find the episodes you missed, you can catch up on our website: www.risingaboveministries.org/podcast
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
Steve took some time to interview our friend Jimmy Thorpe about how we can be intentional to reach the special-needs families in our churches.
Related Links
Rising Above app
Message for our Spotify listeners: We apologize for the gap in our podcast distribution on this platform. If you want to find the episodes you missed, you can catch up on our website: www.risingaboveministries.org/podcast
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
Our good friends, Sandra Peoples and Melanie Gomez, join us on the podcast today to share about managing our expectations as we try to make the holidays memorable for our special-needs families.
Find Sandra Peoples
Instagram: @sandrapeoples
sandrapeoples.com
Sandra's book:
Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family
Find Melanie Gomez
Instagram: @RedefineSpecial
Facebook: Redefine Special
redefinespecial.com
Melanie's book:
Bundle of Joy
About the Denlingers
The Denlingers desire to encourage families to love God and serve others no matter what “foreign land” they may find themselves. They’ve written two books about their experiences, “Joy in a Foreign Land,” and “Faith in the Heartland.”
Related Links
www.joyinaforeignland.com
*Message for our Spotify listeners: We apologize for the gap in our podcast distribution on this platform. If you want to find the episodes you missed, you can catch up on our website: www.risingaboveministries.org/podcast
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About Katie: Katie is a pastor's wife and stay-at-home mom with 4 kids, two of whom have special needs.
*Message for our Spotify listeners: We apologize for the gap in our podcast distribution on this platform. If you want to find the episodes you missed, you can catch up on our website: www.risingaboveministries.org/podcast
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About Molly
Molly is the mother to a wonderful young man who just happens to be on the autism spectrum. She began her journey with children with special needs while attending college and receiving her degrees in education. Shortly after she received her masters in special education she realized her son was exhibiting some characteristics of ASD. I took him to the doctor and got a formal diagnosis. After that, she dove headfirst into the community of families and children with special needs. Alongside great partners, like Rising Above, she has been able to flourish and become involved in so many amazing organizations.
*Message for our Spotify listeners: We apologize for the gap in our podcast distribution on this platform. If you want to find the episodes you missed, you can catch up on our website: www.risingaboveministries.org/podcast
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
*The contents in this episode could be difficult for some to hear. Listener discretion is advised.
About Sarah
Allan and Sarah are the owners and directors of Autism Acres in Washington State, which is a special place for ALL special needs families to come play, connect, and belong. Allan is in the military and they have been married 16 years. They have spent years understanding the feelings of isolation that often accompany being a special-needs family as well as a military family.
They have 3 boys with autism so going anywhere as a family felt nearly impossible. That is why God put it on their heart to open Autism Acres, a 5-acre fully-fenced yard and closed-in barn for kids to come play with a commercial bounce house, trampoline, play shed, and a wheelchair-accessible play structure. They want families to know someone sees them and someone cares, and they truly enjoy loving and serving a community that they fit right into.
Related Links
Autism Acres Facebook page
www.autismacres.org
instagram: @autismacres3
*Message for our Spotify listeners: We apologize for the gap in our podcast distribution on this platform. If you want to find the episodes you missed, you can catch up on our website: www.risingaboveministries.org/podcast
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About Katie
Katie Matthews is a mom of two, The Banquet Network’s Executive Director, the director of a special need’s ministry called Bethany Blessings, and a pastor's wife. She is passionate about bringing the gospel to families of individuals with special needs and seeks to train other church members on how to minister to these families. Her desire is for the church to love individuals who have special needs as best we can on this side of eternity so that they would one day be able to meet Jesus face to face.
Related Links
Banquet Network website
Banquet Network Facebook
Banquet Network Instagram
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About Catherine
Catherine Boyle currently serves as Mental Health Ministry Director, Blog Editor, and Social Media Manager. Catherine has been impacted by mental health issues her entire life, including her own struggles with anorexia, bulimia, social anxiety and depression, as well as mental health, autism and other struggles in her friends and family.
Related Links
www.keyministry.org
catherineboyle.com
Catherine's Facebook
Catherine's Instagram
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios. https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About Sandy
Sandy Ramsey-Trayvick is a mom of three, including a son who has special needs. She has been a huge blessing to us at Rising Above Ministries for the last couple years. She is so wise and kind, and each conversation with her points us to Jesus! Sandy leads a community group via Zoom, and we are so grateful for her willingness to pour into other special-needs moms.
Related Links
Sandy's website: https://www.undisabledlives.org
Sandy's past episodes:
Episode 88 on the Rising Above podcast
Season 3, Episode 1 on the Rising Above podcast
Today, Steve Chatman takes over the podcast to share about a BIG event coming up for dads, Base Camp! Dads- don't miss this opportunity to gather with other dads who understand the special-needs journey for a weekend to rest, reconnect, and recharge.
Find out more and sign up at www.risingaboveministries.org/base-camp!
About Kathy
Kathy Caruso has been married to Dan for almost 30 years. She has been a special-needs mom, caregiver, and advocate of 27 years for their son, Nick who has fought a battle with severe autism spectrum disorder and co-morbities most of his life. She has facilitated and led initiatives and ministry for individuals with autism and other disabilities and is a published author and advocate.
Related Links
Facebook:
Kathy Jo Caruso
Better Together at Redeemer
We have loved watching our virtual community groups grow together as they build one another up and have community across the nation (and the world)! We have groups for moms, dads, and parents together, so find a group that works best for you and your schedule, and JUMP IN! The special-needs journey is better walked together.
Find out more and sign up at risingaboveministries.org/community
About Stephanie
Stephanie Hubach serves as a Research Fellow in Disability Ministries in affiliation with Covenant Theological Seminary. She was the Founding Director of MNA Special Needs Ministries, which is now called Engaging Disability, the denominational disability ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America. She is the author of several books, including "Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability" and, recently, "Parenting & Disabilities: Abiding in God's Presence." Steph and her husband Fred have two adult sons, the younger of whom has Down syndrome.
Related Links
www.stephaniehubach.com
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
From time to time on the podcast, we love sharing sermons from the late Jeff Davidson, the former co-founder of Rising Above. Jeff was an excellent communicator, and his journey raising a child with special needs was full of relatable experiences that he was able to share through blogs and teaching times. We are thankful his legacy lives on through these words of wisdom he imparted during his life.
About Doc
Stephen “Doc” Hunsley, M.D. is the Executive Director and founder of SOAR Special Needs in Lenexa, Kansas. SOAR (Special Opportunities, Abilities, and Relationships) serves over 1000 individuals with disabilities through regular respite events and Special Needs Day Camps. Doc is currently assisting over 500 churches locally, nationally, and globally in starting a Disability Ministry. Doc also organizes the Wonderfully Made Conference held annually every October in Kansas City. Doc is a retired pediatrician while his wife, Kay, continues practicing pediatrics. They are proud parents to three beautiful children: Luke, Mark, and Sarah. The Hunsley’s middle child, Mark, is presently running the halls of heaven. During Mark’s five-year earthly stay, he gave his family the opportunity to learn from and love a child with autism.
Related Links
www.SOARSpecialNeeds.org
@DocHunsley on Twitter
Stephen Doc Hunsley on Facebook and LinkedIn
SOAR Special Needs on FB
@SOARSpecialNeed on Twitter
About Sarah
Sarah Broady lives in southern Indiana with her husband Kyle and three teenage boys, Ben, Sam and Josh. Their son Sam was diagnosed with autism at age 2, and their lives have been spent navigating special needs in therapy, school, church, the community, with extended family, and at home. Sarah began her blog Hope in Autism as a way to chronicle her journey as a special needs parent, but soon realized the blog was a means to encourage others and find others to journey alongside. Sarah is also the producer and host of A Special Hope podcast, available on all platforms.
Related Links
Website: https://hopeinautism
Podcast: https://hopeinautism.com/aspecialhopepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopeinautism
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeinautism/
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
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About Steven
Steven is the father to a wonderful daughter with down syndrome, as well as being the President and Founder of Three Twenty One Tribe RC, which helps bless families in difficult situations.
Related Links
www.threetwentyonetribe.com
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About Kyle & Bobbie
Kyle and Bobbie Robinson founded Aces for Autism, a nonprofit ABA Therapy Center, after the diagnosis of their son, Samuel. Currently, Kyle serves as Co-Founder/President and Bobbie Robinson serves as Co-founder/Director of Community and Family Relations.
Related Links
www.acesforautismnc.com
Aces for Autism Facebook page
Instagram: @acesforautismnc
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About Steve
Steve Chatman is joining us as Vice President of Ministry Advancement & Pastoral Care. He has served as a pastor for over 20 years in Tennessee. He is husband to Lori, dad to 5 kiddos, and has 3 grandkids! We are excited to have his unique perspective as a pastor, husband, & dad raising two children with special needs.
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About Rebecca
Rebecca Suarez is an adoptive single Mamá to an incredible 14-year-old special-needs kiddo. She is a high school Spanish teacher and works with English Language Learners in her school. She loves to spend time with her girl, singing, reading, and working in her flower beds. She is God’s Poiema.
Related Links
Rising Above Community Groups
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About Michael
Michael England is the general manager for the new coffee shop created especially for special-needs individuals to work, called The Exceptional Bean. Formerly from Crossville, TN, Michael now resides in Cookeville with his wife, Cigi (his claim to fame). Michael graduated from Tennessee Tech University at age 40, and is an avid runner. He runs with Ainsley's Angels (a group that encourages and provides inclusion for special-needs athletes in running events), recently finished 3rd overall in the Memphis St. Jude Marathon (raising $10,500), and also recently qualified and ran the Boston Marathon. Michael says, "I’m 42 and got sober at 35 so I have been an actual adult for 7ish years." He's at his worst when watching Tennessee Volunteer football and at his best when he's running or helping others with his wife.
Related Links
Michael's Facebook
Michael's Instagram: @michaelwade474
Exceptional Bean on Facebook
Exceptional Bean on Instagram: @theexceptionalbean
**Contact for Exceptional Bean: theexceptionalbean@gmail.com
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About Kay
Kay Morgan-our is the Co-founder of the Additional Needs Alliance. She is a consultant, trainer, writer and speaker on disability and additional needs, covering all areas and every age group.
Related Links
www.theponderingplatypus.com
www.ponderingplatypusresources.com
Twitter: @KayMorgan_Gurr
Kay's Facebook Page
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
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About Patti:
Patti and her husband have been married for 32 years. They have three young adults, and their youngest has been diagnosed with autism. Patti worked as a part-time minister of music and part-time paraprofessional when her children were young. Now that they are all out of school, she works as a full-time special education paraprofessional in their local school district. She also helped to start a special-needs ministry at the church they attend. Before Covid, they had buddies who helped elementary children with special needs. Since the spring of last year, she has been leading a young adult small group for individuals with special needs, and she has also been leading special-needs mom group for 10 years.
Related Links:
Facebook.com/parhoadarmer/
Patriciarhoadarmer.com
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About Ron Ron Sandison works full-time in the medical field and is a professor of theology at Destiny School of Ministry. He is an advisory board member of the Art of Autism and the Els Center of Excellence. Sandison has a Master of Divinity from Oral Roberts University and is the author of A Parent’s Guide to Autism: Practical Advice. Biblical Wisdom published by Charisma House and Views from the Spectrum. He has memorized over 15,000 Scriptures including 22 complete books of the New Testament. Sandison speaks at over 70 events a year including 20 plus education conferences. Ron and his wife, Kristen, reside in Rochester Hills, MI, with daughter, Makayla. Related Links Join us for By the Brook! Ron's website Ron's Facebook page Ron's books Email Ron at sandison456@hotmail.com.
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About Sevrin
Sevrin is a Christian who is seeking to faithfully follow Jesus Christ. He has been married to Megan for almost 17 years and has three wonderful children. His youngest son has Down syndrome, and he serves as the Program Manager at Guidelight. Guidelight's mission is the pursuit of Christ-centered transformation in the lives of those experiencing disability.
Related Links
www.theguidelight.org
Common Man, Extraordinary Call
About Meredith
Meredith is originally a farm girl, being raised on a sheep and dairy farm in Victoria, Australia, but she now resides in the city of Townsville in beautiful, tropical Far North Queensland. Writing has always been a big part of her life – through her journals and each of her four books (She has also contributed a devotional piece to a fifth book).
Each of her books comes from a foundation of her faith and covers an aspect of her life – struggles with drugs, alcohol, depression, domestic violence, and the challenges of raising a child with special needs. All are available on Amazon and she has been humbled and grateful to have received many great reviews and hear of lives that have been touched by her work.
Accepting Jesus into her heart and being born again has transformed her life, which had a lot of pain and sadness in it. But God has given her beauty for ashes, and He has transformed the pain and sadness through her writing. Her hope is that her books give encouragement and healing, and help people know they are not alone in their pain.
Related Links
June Downloads
By the Brook
www.meredithswift.org
Instagram: @merryfree2015
Books by Meredith
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The Rising Above staff gives an update on what we have been up to, and all that we have to look forward to with this year's By the Brook! Moms- We hope you'll join us on June 24-25. The cost is only $10 to participate. Find out more and sign up here.
National Park Access Pass : https://www.nps.gov/subjects/accessibility/access-pass.htm
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios. https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
Today, we'll be sharing a sermon from the late Jeff Davidson on LOVE. Five years ago yesterday, Jeff went to heaven, but we are thankful God is still using Jeff's words to uplift and encourage the special-needs community. Listen and be encouraged!
About Mallory
Mallory Brown is wife to her college sweetheart, Tom, and mother of 2 blessings (Julie 7, Adam 4). She is an accidental stay-at-home mom, occupational therapist, and lover of outdoors and hiking. She is also the creator of Open Door Encouragement and Bible-grams.
Related Links
Instagram: @opendoorencouragement (for daily bible grams, notifications for blog posts, and sharing Favorite Soul Shaping Things)
Website: www.opendoorencouragement.com (for all of the Bible-grams created, in a digital format. All housed by topic. )
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About Jessica
Jessica is a mother to three beautiful babies; Alley (age 9), Beckham (age 6), and Scout (age 4). She is also a special-needs mama. Finley (Scout- as we call her) has an undiagnosed rare genetic disorder- for which there are no treatments or cure. Jessica says it's "been the greatest blessing and challenge of [her] life."
Related Links
Find out more about By the Brook!
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
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About Mikayla
Mikayla McKenzie has been married to her husband, Brandon, for almost 8 years. They have three children; Bear, Daisy, and a baby girl due in October. Their son, Bear, was diagnosed with congenital CMV at only a few months old. Mikayla has always had a heart and calling for anything surrounding people with special needs, so now that she is a mom to a special-needs child, her passion has become even stronger!
Related Links
Find out more about By the Brook!
Favorite Quotes
"He's prepared you for this, and what you can't handle, you hand it over to Him."
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
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About Melanie
Married for 28 years, Melanie is the mother of two young men, one of whom was born with a rare genetic disorder. Passionately sharing God’s message of joy, hope and purpose with every special needs mom she meets is an integral part of her calling. She lives it out through speaking engagements, blogging, missions work in Haiti, and her recently published devotional titled “Bundle of Joy”. Melanie lives in Sunny South Florida and enjoys traveling the world with her whole family.
Related Links
Melanie's Facebook
Bundle of Joy Devotional Book
Rising Above podcast- Episode 58
Rising Above podcast- Episode 87
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About Mark
Mark Arnold is the Additional Needs Ministry Director at leading national Christian children’s and youth organisation Urban Saints and is Co-Founder of the Additional Needs Alliance, a vibrant and fast-growing online community. He is an enthusiastic national and international advocate and ally for children and young people with additional needs.
Mark blogs as the national award winning ‘The Additional Needs Blogfather’, and is father to James who is Autistic and also has Learning Difficulties and Epilepsy.
Related Links
www.theadditionalneedsblogfather.com
http://www.urbansaints.org/additionalneedstraining
Instagram: @markjarnold
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About Kelly
Kelly is a wife, mother of 3, part-time accountant and actively involved in her community. She considers herself a recovering type-A planner ever since the birth of their oldest son nearly fifteen years ago. Her mantra is "Life is not always easy, but life is always beautiful."
Related Links
Rising Above app
hopeintheheartache.com
Instagram: @speckhome
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About Amy J. Brown
Amy J. Brown is a wife, mom, writer, mentor, and podcast host of Take Heart podcast. She writes to encourage special needs moms. She shares honestly about her adoption story and parenting a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Related Links
www.amyjbrown.com
IG @takeheartspecialmoms
IG @amyjbrown_writer
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By the Brook event for special-needs moms and female caregivers
Check out a few resources available on our website!
Rising Above App
Free March Resources
Think your church would be a great host site for By the Brook 2022? Our host site application can be found here!
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
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About Stephanie
Stephanie gives glory to Christ, her Savior, today. She gets to be a wife and mom with kids of all different abilities, including one who is married, one who had special needs who lives in Heaven with Jesus, and our third who came to us through adoption.
Related Links
www.stephaniemckeever.com
Rising Above app
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
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About Todd
Todd Marthaler has been married to his wife Hope for 30 years in December, and they have three kids; two girls, Tessa and Emma, and a son Sam (with autism) who just turned 21.
Related Links
www.LinkedIn.com/in/Todd-Marthaler
March Downloads
Join us for By the Brook!
Respite for Your Mind on the Rising Above app
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
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About Madison
Madison lives in South Carolina with her husband, Kevin, and their 4 year old son, Valor. Valor is smart, kind, loving, and also has autism. Madison has been engaging with Rising Above Ministries for the past two years after her son was diagnosed with autism. She serves in her local church leading worship alongside her husband and by helping establish her church’s first special-needs children’s ministry.
Related Links
March Downloads
By the Brook filming
Join us for By the Brook!
Instagram: @mrs_madison_keane
Respite for Your Mind on the Rising Above app
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About Carrie
Carrie M. Holt is a wife, homeschooling mom of four, writer, speaker, and podcast host. She is passionate about encouraging special needs parents to identify, accept, and thrive in the grieving cycle that is an on-going part of the journey. She co-hosts the podcast Take Heart, alongside Sara Clime and Amy J. Brown.
Related Links
March Downloads
www.carriemholt.com
Take Heart Special Moms site
Take Heart Special Moms podcast
Carrie's Instagram
Carrie's Facebook
Respite for Your Mind - check it out on the Rising Above app!
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About Leisa
Leisa Williams is a mother and teacher with a passion for the wellbeing of special needs families and their caregivers. Her book "Hope Wins - overcoming feelings of hopelessness in special needs families" draws from her own life experiences, health care providers and Christian faith. Through her writing, Leisa offers hope and solutions to those who face adversity. She advocates for people to care ‘a whole awful lot’ for special-needs families and the importance of creating a powerful care community. She and her husband live in Canberra, Australia.
Related Links
Respite for your Mind
Leisa's website
Leisa's Facebook page
Hope Wins book
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
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About Jayne
Jayne lives in Sutherlin, Oregon with her husband Sabin and three sons. Jayne grew up in Northern Ireland, but met her husband at Moody Bible institute when she was there for a year as an exchange student from Belfast Bible College. Her oldest son was diagnosed with Autism when he was 4 years old. Jayne currently is a stay at home mom and caregiver for her son with Autism. She loves to go to the Oregon coast, daily walks drinking tea and coffee. She also has a passion to reach out to other moms on a similar journey so they know they aren’t alone.
Related Links
Free February Downloads
Free Marriage Resources
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
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About the Bentons
Stephen and Kandra live in middle TN with their three daughters, ages 14, 12 and almost 7, one of of which happens to have multiple medical, physical and developmental needs. They have been married 20 years next month and truly believe the key to their relationship boils down to three things: Jesus, abundant laughter and genuine friendship. Those three things are what keep them afloat on the hard days. Having a child with profound needs has challenged their personal walks with Jesus in a way nothing else has--but it hasn't been wasted. God has been with them every single step of the way--through the good and the bad. They are living a sweet life and God has given them a sweet story.
Related Links
Always Study
Favorite Quotes
“Your hope isn’t in doctors or therapies…your hope is in Jesus.” -Kandra
“You can find the humor in the hard.” - Becky
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
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About Jolene:
Jolene Philo grew up in a caregiving family and raised a son with medical special needs. As a teacher, she created an inclusive classroom for children with disabilities for 25 years. She’s the author of several books for the special needs and disability community, including Sharing Love Abundantly with Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages® for Parents Raising Children with Disabilities and hosts the award-winning blog, www.DifferentDream.com. See Jane Run!, the first book in her cozy mystery series that includes characters with disabilities will be published in June of 2022. Jolene and her husband live in a multigenerational family in Polk City with her daughter, son-in-law and their two young children.
Related Links:
Episode 29: Jolene Philo
Free January Downloads
Does My Child Have PTSD? By Jolene Philo
Other Books by Jolene Philo
Special Needs Website: www.DifferentDream.com
Fiction website: www.jolenephilo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DifferentDream
Twitter: @jolenephilo
Instagram: @downthegravelrd
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
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About Laura:
Laura and her husband Tony live in the Dallas area with their 10 children, three of whom were adopted out of foster care with FASD. Laura is passionate about helping moms find systems to make their homes more peaceful and her new website, Advocate Like A Mama, was created to encourage, train, and support special-needs mamas.
Related Links:
Rising Above Ministries- Free January Downloads
Facebook: Mama Systems
Instagram: @mamasystems
Advocate Like a Mama
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
About Cindi:
Cindi Ferrini has lived in Cleveland, Ohio all of her life, and she has been married to her husband Joe for over 42 years. Together, they have three children, four grandsons, and two foster granddaughters. Joey, their 40-year-old son, has special needs and is still living with them. She has spoken for FamilyLife for 20 years, has written books and blogs, and has been interviewed on Focus on the Family and FamilyLife among others.
Check out a previous Rising Above podcast with Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini:
Episode 23: https://www.risingaboveministries.org/podcast/joeandcindiferrini
Related Links:
Mom's Night In - sign up here!
Love All-ways book by Dr. Joe & Cindi Ferrini
Balancing the Active Life - Bible Study
cindiferrini.com
My Marriage Matters on Facebook
Favorite Quotes:
“You can use the pencil, let God use the eraser.”
“Seek what God would have you to do.”
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
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Show Notes:
- Respite for Your Mind: Coming soon to Rising Above app!
- Check out free monthly downloads!
Memory Verse for January:
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
-Psalm 23:1-3
- By the Brook 2022: RESTORE: Find out more about this event for special needs moms and female caregivers and how your church or group of friends can sign up to be a host site!
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https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/
Interested in your church serving as a host site for By the Brook 2022? Contact Carrissa at cmackie@risingaboveministries.org.
Nominate a Podcast Guest
Download the Rising Above app:
https://subsplash.com/risingaboveministries/app
**Don’t forget to listen for the coupon code in the podcast!
Corey Ferguson is the father of 3 children (Everly-7, Brody-8, and Linleigh-11) and husband to Andrea. He and his wife Andrea have been married for 14 years and continue to learn how to navigate this 'special needs' life together, while loving, encouraging and supporting others along their journey. Corey has particular passion in engaging, supporting, and empowering dads of children with special needs and medical complexity.
Favorite Quotes
“There is a lot of fear...forget everything and run. I really chose to face everything and rise.”
Extraordinary Legacy - October 21-23, 2022
About Brittnie
Brittnie Blackburn is an adoption social worker turned stay-at-home-mother/ freelance writer. She received her Bachelor of Social Work in 2005 from Abilene Christian University and a Masters of Social Work in 2006 from Washington University in St. Louis. Brittnie is the author of two books, Desert Song: Claiming Joy While Walking the Wilderness, which was published in 2017, and You Are a Superhero, Too, a children’s book which launched in 2020. She has been married to her husband, Brandon, for nearly 15 years, and has two daughters (Clara age 9 who has Cohen Syndrome, and Camille age 7 who is neurotypical). She lives in Sugar Land, Texas and in her spare time enjoys baking, long walks, coffee dates with her friends, snuggling with her Goldendoodle, and soaking in moments with her family.
Related Links:
Brittnie's Website
Brittnie's instagram
Desert Song
You Are a Superhero, Too!
It's always a pleasure to have our friend, Sandra Peoples, on the podcast!
Find more from Sandra here:
sandrapeoples.com
Instagram: @sandrapeoples
Twitter:@sandrapeoples
Facebook: @sandra.peoples.author
Listen as the Rising Above staff discuss their own lives and struggles with the chaos around them. How do they keep the peace when times are tough?
Related Links
Nominate a podcast guest
About Casey
Casey is wife to TJ, mom of 4: Will (14), Oli (11), Ike (9), and Catey (7), Development Director Highland Rim Academy, personal trainer, and a fitness & nutrition accountability coach. She and her husband TJ became special-needs parents when they adopted Oli, who has down syndrome.
Related Links
@CaseyOverstreet (FB & IG)
Casey's website
You may know Meredith from the past couple years at our By the Brook event for special-needs moms. As a nurse, mom of five and pastor's wife, she knows what it's like to battle the busyness and distractions of this life. Listen as Meredith describes what it looks like to have peace in the chaos of her own life.
Related Links: Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23
God has exceeded our expectations by allowing us to have the opportunity to partner with Betty and her husband in the Middle East. We are grateful for the work that God is doing in the lives of special-needs moms and dads across the world, in the middle of some incredible challenges.
Hear more of Betty's story on a previous episode of the Rising Above podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-above-podcast/id1474115203?i=1000494665109
About Sandy
Sandy Ramsey-Trayvick is a mom of three, including a son who has special needs. She has been a huge blessing to us at Rising Above Ministries for the last year. She is so wise and kind, and each conversation with her points us to Jesus! Sandy leads a community group via Zoom, and we are so grateful for her willingness to pour into other special-needs moms.
Related Links
Sandy's website: https://www.undisabledlives.org
Thank you to Melanie Gomez for sharing her sweet spirit and her wisdom with us today! We are grateful for your reminders on who God is, and how focusing on Him can give us peace!
Melanie's Website
Bundle of Joy Devotional
About Heidi
Heidi and her husband, Dr. Jason Clopton, started the first vision and OT pediatric therapy practice in TN in 2002.
Heidi is the owner and therapy director of Centers of Development a pediatric private therapy practice supplying Occupational, Physical, Speech, Neuro-Visual, and Feeding therapy to children in the Upper Cumberland region. She has extensive training in child development, motor skills, Sensory Processing Disorders, Floortime/Engagement Techniques for ASD, nutrition, vestibular- visual treatments and neurology. She lectures nationally and internationally to neuro-rehab professionals, fellow OT's, and loves to educate parents and teachers with easy to use therapy techniques!
Related Links
Developmental-delay.net
Center of Development Facebook Page
Sensory Secrets
Out of Sync Child
Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight
Sensory Processing Anthology
About Tracey:
Tracey is the mom of FIVE children, four of whom are quadruplets! She has been married to her husband Mike, a doctor, for 32 years, but she is honest that it hasn't always been easy. They have dealt with many challenges on staying connected, especially as they have raised two children on the autism spectrum. Their son, Gabe, has profound autism and is non-verbal and their son, Sam, has Aspergers (high functioning autism).
Related Links:
Tracey on a previous episode of the podcast
Join Kim and Becky from the Rising Above team as they discuss special-needs ministry in the church!
Resources:
Life Church - Craig Groschel
For Jonathan's Sake Training
Sign up for Story Hour: risingaboveministries.org/community
Rita Reagan is a special-needs mom and a special-needs grandmother, too! Her life is filled with many challenges, but she continues to lean on Jesus and her community to help her in difficult times. You will be blessed by her perspective!
About Devon:
Devon is a wife, mama, and follower of Jesus. She is a teacher by trade but is now at home with her daughters and on-staff with a Bible study ministry part time. Her girls were both adopted domestically at birth, and they both have hidden disabilities. She lives outside of Cleveland, Oh.
About Jade:
Jade is a wife and stay-at-home mom to 2 girls, Cambrie (non-verbal, autism) and Carter.
About Tracy:
Tracy is a wife and mother of three children. When her oldest child was born, he was diagnosed with L1CAM syndrome. This included a multitude of other complex medical issues as well as a world of change in their lives. Tracy and her husband had to completely re-evaluate life and had to determine what was truly important. Tracy decided it was best to quit her job and care for her son full-time. Through all of the ups and downs, she feels she has found her true calling through writing. Through her writing, she wants to bring awareness to the challenges that her son faced throughout his short life. She also wants to bring to light the great and wonderful love that her son gave to many people and to let other know that regardless of disability, they are not alone.
Related Links:
Website: www.jacobsjourneybooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacobsjourneybooks
- Launch of Fall Community Groups coming this week!
- Dad's Event
- Sibling Celebration (More information coming soon!)
- 2021 Telethon - Be a virtual host!
- Rising Above Website
- Rising Above App
About Erika:
Erika has spent the past 25 years following her passion of adding value to people’s lives. She is an Adoption/ Special Needs Advocate, Business Owner and Mom of many, 10 to be exact.
If there is a “type” of mom out there, she has probably been it as a bio mom, special needs mom, adoptive mom, step/foster mom, public school mom, homeschool mom, stay at home mom, working mom and single mom. She loves to encourage women in this amazing position we hold as image-bearers of Christ.
Related Links:
Erika's Facebook Page
About Cigi:
Cigi England is the owner of Cigi’s boutique, Rising Above board member, co-founder of the Exceptional Bean, and a champion for special needs families.
Favorite Quotes:
"Show me. Lead me. Guide Me."
-Cigi England
"When you don’t know how to respond, be kind."
-Cigi England
Related Links:
Cigi's Boutique
Exceptional Bean
About Donna:
Donna is married to Kevin, lives in Kennesaw, GA, and has a 15-year-old son with Autism and PANS.
Did you make a decision to follow Jesus? Let us know by one of these ways!
Facebook: Rising Above Ministries
Phone: 931-526-7473
Website: risingaboveministries.org
Email: bdavidson@risingaboveministries.org
About Mandy
Mandy is the wife to Dustin and mom to Dylan, 7, and Madison, 11, who was born with Spina Bifida. Professionally, she has been a high school teacher for 16 years and loves working with students in FCCLA, the student organization she sponsors. Personally speaking, she’s obsessed with Christmas, loves to shop and entertain in our home, and is a huge Elvis fan. Her family is very active in their church, Stevens Street Baptist Church.
About the Orts
Jeff and Emmy met in the 1990s working together at a camp in the PA/NJ area, called Handi*Camp, designed for children, teens, and adults touched by special needs. They have had fun along the journey as God has grown their family and sent them to maintain and further develop a similar camping ministry and year round outreach in MT, called Camp Promise. Jeff and Emmy have been joined along the way by 7 Ortlings (5 guys & 2 gals). Two of these fellows joined their crew through the route of foster care and have given them the opportunity to learn first hand/24/7 knowledge of caring for kiddos with both hidden and visible special needs. The You are Here spot on the "map" shows the Orts standing at the ready to follow God on a new adventurous path in serving their community, as they hand over the leadership of ministry after this summer of camp.
Related Links
Emmy - @montanaorts on instagram
Jeff - https://www.facebook.com/jkzort
Camp Promise -ongoing ministry of camp, new facility news, pictures, and even special Bible studies posted (also @camppromiseministries on Instagram)
About Kristin:
Kristin is an author, a mental health therapist, and a mother of two children with rare genetic disorders and complex needs. Her greatest passion is walking with others on their journey to deeper faith, emotional, and psychological growth and wholeness. She especially loves supporting other parents of children with medical, developmental, and mental health special needs and disabilities. With her MA in Christian Education and serving as a Licensed Masters Social Worker, she has experience in church, camping, and retreat ministries and is experienced in Christian counseling, couples and family therapy, substance abuse treatment, and crisis counseling. Kristin lives with her husband, Todd, and their two children in the Nashville, TN area. When she is not enjoying life with her family, writing, or with clients, you can find Kristin training for triathlons, reading, or simply being out in nature.
Favorite Quotes:
I had two amazing friends who never gave up on me.
Related Links:
Kristin's Blog
Kristin's Instagram
Kristin's Twitter
Kristin's LinkedIn
Kristin's Facebook
About Evana
Evana is a wife and mother of two children. In May, she and her husband celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary. Her son, Elijah, is 11 years old and plays guitar. Her daughter, Jaycee, is 15 years old. Jaycee has Down syndrome and several health conditions affecting her heart and lungs. Evana has written about her family's experiences and thoughts about faith on her blog, A Special Purposed Life, and her book, Badges of Motherhood, which is available on Amazon.
Evana is also a pediatric speech-language pathologist. She has a private practice in Illinois. Evana serves in her local church as the co-director of the special needs ministry.
Related Links
Evana's Blog
Evana's Facebook Page
Evana's Twitter
Evana's Book
We would love to have you at our By the Brook virtual retreat. Sign up to join us on June 25-26: www.risingaboveministries.org/bythebrook
Take a moment and hear a conversation between our speakers for By the Brook 2021! You will be blessed by their heart for special-needs moms and be able to hear just a taste of what we have in store for this event!
This event is only $10 for a whole weekend of encouragement and hope! You can attend virtually or at one our host sites! Learn more about By the Brook Virtual 2021 here: www.risingaboveministries.org/bythebrook
Get to know our speakers better by listening to their individual podcast interviews:
Melanie Gomez podcast
Sandy Ramsey-Trayvick podcast
Sandra Peoples podcast
Rosie Howes has been a part of Rising Above Ministries for several years now, as we first met her through her son, Hyrum. In this episode, Rosie shares about the loss of their sweet boy and how she has dealt with the grief that has followed.
We are excited to announce that Rosie, along with Becky, will be leading a group for parents who have lost a child with special needs. We look forward to having conversations that encourage one another and deal with topics that those walking through grief understand. If you are a parent who has lost a child with special needs, we would love for you to join the group by signing up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1nxzkE4rADgyycT0WjpsMnvjba3qH2DlikdmhLG4ZoRA/edit?ts=60ad0ed2
About Tonya
Tonya Nash is Board President and founder of the Autism Faith Network. She started this ministry after discovering that many churches struggle with ministering to those with autism and their families. The goal of this new nonprofit organization is to educate churches about autism and promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. Since 2016, the Autism Faith Network has served over 35 churches, with thousands of people learning about autism at their place of worship. In 2017, the network received Honorable Mention at the Patient’s View Impact Awards.
Promoting awareness and advocacy is not new for Tonya. She is a public health consultant and has worked in the field for over 18 years. She is passionate about advocating for underserved communities and communicating health information in a way that people from all backgrounds can understand. She has participated in numerous podcasts, speaking engagements, conferences, webinars and panels designed to educate, advocate and inspire audiences from diverse backgrounds.
Tonya and her husband Jamie have two amazing sons. Both boys have been diagnosed with autism and her youngest son was recently diagnosed with epilepsy. Tonya enjoys connecting with and encouraging parents of children with disabilities.
Related Links
Autism Faith Network Website
Autism Faith Network Facebook page
Autism Faith Network Twitter
Autism Faith Network Instagram
About Jenn
Jenn Soehnlin is a mother to two boys who are precious blessings and who both have special needs. She is the author of Embracing This Special Life: Learning to Flourish as a Mother of a Child with Special Needs. She writes about faith, praying Scripture, and special needs parenting at www.embracing.life.
Related Links
Jenn's Website
Jenn on Instagram
Jenn on Facebook
FB group for special needs moms
Embracing This Special Life
Mara Camacho is a dear friend of Rising Above and is a solo parent in Boston. She shares from her heart during this episode on what has given her hope as she raises two boys, one who has special needs. We are thankful for her willingness to share with us!
Find out more about By the Brook 2021!
About John
John Felageller has spent over 15 years in education, working with children from Infants to Middle School, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacher, School Director and Non Profit ManagerJohn lives in Highwood, IL, and is a single father to his son Christopher (AS), and is currently a special education teacher in Chicago, IL. He is a regular contributor to Key Ministry’s Special Needs Family blog, as well as other special needs blogs including Hope Anew and The Mighty.
Related Links
johnfelageller.com
John's Facebook page
John's Twitter
Common Man, Extraordinary Call
This week, our team at Rising Above experienced the loss of our good friend and Rising Above Volunteer, Tracy Alexander. Enjoy remembering back with us to our "friend chat" from By the Brook 2019 as we discuss the value of friends to the special-needs mom.
About Kim
Kim Albrecht is a southerner transplanted to California via the Midwest along with her husband and 2 teenage daughters, the oldest of which has level 3 non-speaking autism.
She hosts the award winning LOMAH Special Needs Podcast, where over 100 expert guests have been interviewed on topics relevant to planning the future for teens and young adults with disabilities. The show deep dives into a single issue for 12 episodes and has covered disability housing, transitioning from school to adult services, financial planning, safety, technology, health, and more.
When not in the trenches of parenting, you can find her hunting sea glass, hiking a trail, or on instagram as @journey2lomah.
Related Links
IG: @journey2lomah
Website: lomah.org
About Sara
Sara is a special needs mom, wife, organization guru, writer, podcaster, and speaker. She knows first-hand the overwhelm of being a special needs mom and that the supports we often search for are hard to find or don’t exist.
Sara's passion is to help equip other special needs moms for a life they most likely weren’t prepared for so she can focus on what matters. She loves walking alongside other moms who may feel isolated, fearful and defeated; eventually arriving at a place of community, feeling heard & seen, and ultimately a place of authentic joy.
Saraclime.com is a place where she shares her years of experience and unique skills navigating the special needs world. She has first-hand experience knowing that by implementing practical tools to deal with the daily grind of special needs parenting, you create margin for what really matters.
Sara believes that a debilitating diagnosis does not need to be a debilitating life.
Favorite Quotes
“Is my faith foundational or is my faith fluff?” -Sara
“I realized that I’m so busy standing with my fists up…that the only thing they see is my back.” -Sara
“It’s not being thankful for your circumstances, it’s rejoicing in them.” -Sara
Related Links
Sara's Website
Sara on Instagram
Sara on Facebook
Take Heart Special Moms
About Diane
Diane serves as a disability ministry consultant, national speaker, and author of Unbroken Faith: Spiritual Recovery for the Special-Needs Parent (Worthy, 2018). Her work has been featured in Christianity Today, LifeWay, Bible Gateway, Parenting Magazine, Joni and Friends, Moody Radio, Orange, and Jen Hatmaker’s For The Love Podcast.
As a mother to children with multiple disabilities, she is passionate about encouraging struggling families and equipping churches into becoming inclusive faith communities.
Whether by diagnosis, disillusionment, a death—or the death of a dream— everyone gets “disabled” by the jagged edges of a broken planet and must reconcile faith with disappointment. Sin and brokenness may steal, kill, and destroy. But Jesus is an equal opportunity Redeemer.
Diane and her husband, Eddie, live in the San Francisco Bay Area with their two sons. Connect with her at dianedokkokim.com where she shares on life, “Wrecked, redeemed and repurposed.
Favorite Quotes
“The very thing that I thought would decimate my faith, God repurposed into the very thing that would draw me closer to him.” -Diane Dokko Kim
“God didn’t heal him of his cognitive disability, but He healed me of my spiritual disability.” -Diane Dokko Kim
Related Links
Diane’s website
The Help Wishlist
Find Diane on Facebook
Find Diane on Instagram
Diane’s book, Unbroken Faith
Enjoy hearing from our Rising Above team about all we have planned in 2021! We are excited to share with you and hope you will join us!
Related Links
Camping Family Fun Night
Rising Above Ministries App
Community Groups
By the Brook 2021 - Apply to be a host site or register individually beginning May 1, 2021!
Join Dawn and Lori, as well as director of special education in our local county, Sheri Roberson, as we discuss a topic familiar to special-needs parents everywhere, IEPs!
Knowledge about what to expect can take away the fear of the unknown, so listen and learn some from these experienced special-needs moms.
Related Links
https://vimeo.com/489689091 - Spartan cheerleaders from By the Brook 2020
wrightslaw.com
About Cara
Cara is a professor in the Gupta College of Business at the University of Dallas. She is also mom to three little boys - Everett (7 years old), Liam (5), and Alec (3). Everett has Trisomy 21 so a lot of her free time is spent working with different advocacy groups (the DSDN, DSPNT, and their local SPED PTA) and advocating herself through her blog (mamability.com) and social media accounts. Her husband is VP of marketing at a local nonprofit and she also spends time supporting his leadership role and the good work he is doing in the DFW community. Their entire family attends Burleson Church of Christ, albeit virtually these days.
Favorite Quotes
"It's just a part of who we are." - Cara
"You can live the life you thought you were going to live while raising a child with special needs." -Cara
Related Links
Blog: www.mamability.com
Instagram: @mamabilityblog
About Melanie
Married for 28 years, Melanie is the mother of two young men, one of whom was born with a rare genetic disorder. Passionately sharing God’s message of joy, hope and purpose with every special needs mom she meets is an integral part of her calling. She lives it out through speaking engagements, blogging, missions work in Haiti, and her recently published devotional titled “Bundle of Joy”. Melanie lives in Sunny South Florida and enjoys traveling the world with her whole family.
Favorite Quotes
“All I need really is for God to fix me.” -Melanie
“The difference is…perspective.” -Melanie
“I’m intentional about reminding myself what He has done.” -Melanie
Related Links
Find Melanie Here
Bundle of Joy Devotional Book
About Bret
God uniquely prepared Bret to serve with Joni and Friends, an international ministry serving the spiritual, physical, social, and practical needs of people living with disability around the world. He grew up with a sister with a significant physical disability, served in pastoral ministry for 19 years focusing on discipleship and counseling, and has spent the past 7 years with Joni and Friends focusing on training and equipping churches to welcome and embrace individual and families impacted by disability to find their place of belonging in the body of Christ.
Favorite Quotes
“The biggest barrier [to churches reaching out to the disability community] is ignorance. We don’t know what we don’t know.” -Bret
“Our belief system about people with disabilities can lead us astray.” -Bret
“A lot of churches get stuck on care, but we need to get to friendship.” -Bret
“There are people in your church with disabilities whether you know it or not.” -Bret
Related Links
joniandfriends.org/church
https://www.facebook.com/joniandfriends.idc/
About the Episode
Dawn & Lori are back to discuss “managing the chaos.” Between Becky, Lori, and Dawn, their lives are all so different, but they all have systems in place to manage all the things as special-needs moms.
Enjoy their tips! We’d love to hear from you on the ways you have learned to manage the chaos.
About the Roach family
"Hello, we are Kinesha & Jarell, proud parents of four beautiful and hilarious children. We presently serve our nation as military family, full-time missionary (US & South America), youth pastor (Eagles Nest Worship Center), and professional presenters (culinary & speaking). Our blended, special-needs family seeks to love people and spread the hope of Jesus Christ. We are also the founders of Our Gathering Place (serving special-needs families through judgement free engagements) & Hopehood (building Hoods of Hope thru encouragement & entertainment for people everywhere). In time, we aim to do all we can for the Kingdom with life God has given us. We love you and we believe in your potential to do great things." -K & J
Related Links We are so excited Jarell & Kinesha Roach will be joining us for our TWOgether Marriage Conference coming up in February! We know you will love hearing more their story and how God sustains their marriage, even with the challenges that come with raising children with special needs.
Be sure to sign up here to join us! https://form.jotform.com/210044965015953
Jarell also joined us in the fall for the Extraordinary Legacy Conference for special-needs dads. To purchase that conference for a small fee, check out our resources page: https://www.risingaboveministries.org/retreat-experiences.
About the Brooks
Daniel & Dusti Brooks were introduced to special-needs parenthood when their second son, Max, was born with a rare medical condition. Their story has had its ups and downs as they have dealt with many scary situations surrounding his condition, but they have learned what it means to embrace the challenges, hold tightly to one another, and seek out community that understands.
Related Resources
Daniel & Dusti will be the hosts for the virtual TWOgether Marriage Conference on Friday, February 26. We would love for you to join us for this time of encouragement and community. We are currently running a buy one, get one free special on tickets. Tickets are $10 per couple, and currently, if you purchase a ticket, you'll get an extra to share with a friend! Sign up here to join us!
About the Nixons
Eric and Candy met and graduated together from Eastern University. Eric has a bachelor's degree in Business and Candy has a bachelor’s degree in Special, Elementary and Early Childhood Education and graduate work in Early Intervention Services and Ministerial Studies. Together, they have over 40 years of family and professional experience in disability and church ministry. They never imagined in 30 years of marriage that their story would include their three children being diagnosed with a rare Primary Immune Deficiency Disease at young ages and then for Eric to be diagnosed with MS shortly after the children. Just five years ago, for Candy was diagnosed with the same disease their children have.
God has woven their passion for working with those affected by disabilities and their passion for the local church together. Eric and Candy facilitate several support groups for dads, moms and parents through their local church. Their vision is to provide a safe place for parents of children or adults with special needs to share their pain, loss, frustrations, joy, successes, and to find hope and encouragement through Scripture, fellowship, and prayer. On a nice day, you can find Eric out fishing, hunting, gardening with Candy, walking with their rescue dogs, or reading.
Favorite Quotes
“I needed people and I needed God.” -Eric
“I don’t really know how people go through disabilities without knowing God.” -Eric
"In my wedding vow, I said for better or for worse.” -Eric
Related Links
Comman Man, Extraordinary Call
The Irresistible Book series with Joni & Friends (12 titles available for free on their website) --Candy was the contributing author in the "Doing Life Together" book.
Unbroken Faith: Spiritual Recovery for the Special Needs Parent by Diane Dokko Kim
Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages for Parents Raising Children with Diablilities by Jolene Philo
We are thankful our friends Dawn and Lori are here again, this time to discuss the things you need to know before visiting the hospital during COVID-19, especially with your adult child with special needs. They give tips and real life experience, as well as let you know what items you always need to have with you.
We are grateful to provide a sample letter to help you if you find yourself in that situation.
About Katie
Katie Frugé is a stomach cancer survivor, special needs parent, amateur baker, professional theologian, and human rights advocate. She is married to her college sweetheart, D.L. and they have three daughters: Eve (9), Lissy (6), and Noelle (1). Katie has a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology, her primary area of interest is the imago Dei and human dignity. She serves as Associate Director for the Christian Life Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Katie loves a good cup of coffee, a good run, and a good musical.
Favorite Quotes
"The Lord, in His grace and His wisdom, prepares you for the trial right in front of you." -Katie Frugé
[On marriage]..."We’ve really been committed to say 'I’m with you. Period.'" - Katie Frugé
“I want you to see humans who have life to give.” -Katie Frugé
“I promise, there is joy to be had in this journey.” -Katie Frugé
“We’re going to choose family, no matter what.” -Katie Frugé
Connect with Katie
Instagram: @choose_family
About Ann
Ann has been married to her husband, Dave, for 53 years and together they have five adult children, three of whom have special needs, and three grandsons, one who has autism. They are also caregivers for Dave's sister who has developmental disabilities and their youngest son Matthew also 32 who is deaf and has autism. Ann has a Masters degree in education and also has degrees in paralegal, deaf studies/interpreting.
Additionally, Ann has worked as an advocate and has volunteered in different capacities with local, regional and state organizations that support people with disabilities such as Board of Visitors, Parent to Parent, Independent Living Organizations, Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, and Family Support services. In their former church, Ann served as an interpreter and as a parish advocate for people with disabilities. In her current church, she interprets, sings with the praise team, and is a Stephen Minister.
Favorite Quotes
“We are serving God when we serve our children.” -Ann Scherff
"I think it’s looking more at the big picture, and looking at the possibilities, and seeing not the disabilities, but seeing the abilities…and seeing them as a person and not as a label.” -Ann Scherff
About Chad and Staci
Chad and Staci have been married for 21 years and have 2 girls, Madelynn, 17 who has special needs: epilepsy, nonverbal, limited mobility and Kayla, 13 who is in 7th grade and loves to play volleyball and chat with her friends. They have lived in Arizona since 2015 and before that resided in Franklin, TN for 11 years.
Favorite Quotes
“It really was a lifeline to find the Community Groups within Rising Above.” -Chad Quarles
"Even hearing the ladies talking about their families...they get me, they know exactly what I'm going through." -Staci Quarles
"Staying engaged in church and now actually with the Community Groups here, because that is so life-giving. It encourages us, it challenges us, it challenges our marriage..." -Chad Quarles
“It’s something that God has allowed, and God will give you the strength to get through.” -Chad Quarles
Related Links
“Common Man, Extraordinary Call”
Extraordinary Legacy Conference
Rising Above Ministries
We are excited about all God has done in 2020 even in the midst of a global pandemic, and we look forward to what is to come in 2021! Hear more about where we have been and where we're headed in the future in this podcast with the Rising Above Ministries staff.
Dawn & Lori join us again for part two of "Transitioning to Adulthood." This episode covers topics like wills, insurance, estate planning, and making arrangements to care for your child (or adult) long after you're gone. As uncomfortable as this topic can be, be encouraged and empowered that special-needs parents can do hard things for the sake of caring for those they love! Bring your pen and paper, because there are some very practical take-aways for where to begin this process.
If you missed part one, be sure to catch it here!
This Thanksgiving may look different for your family this year. It's easy to be sad or to wish things were different, but in this episode, Becky shares some stories of how she and her family learned to appreciate their blessings each Thanksgiving and look at the flip side.
In addition to listening to this episode, we'd love to invite you to Thanksgiving with Becky on Jon Alex this Thursday. Gather on Zoom with families from all over the country to count our blessings! Sign up to join them here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdcEyhxJhnyzFf_QqH00-INZ4WyP1GJqKGxqqV29EEKAhU6EQ/viewform?fbclid=IwAR3uRlWCq-5qkotOwVynEAQbjE-s7c90HAA9ozzUqmnPHhgLDt_5UgzWCT4
Today we have the opportunity to have a conversation with our long-time friend, Cassandra Kemp.
About Cassaundra
Cassaundra is a lover of Jesus, President and Co-Founder of PraiStones, wife to an amazing man of God for more than fifteen years, mother of three incredible children, a nurse, and Project Manager and Consultant at her current full-time job. As you can see, Cassandra is a busy lady who is also mom of children with special needs, both through birth and adoption. Cassaundra is passionate about encouraging others to look back on God's past faithfulness and hearing their stories. She gets excited as they recall His goodness, which inspires them to TRUST HIM with their present and future!
Favorite Quotes
The Lord spoke to my heart and he said, “Take no thought for tomorrow.”
-Cassaundra Kemp
Related Links
www.praistones.com
www.facebook.com/praistones
We are so thankful to have these two special-needs dads on the podcast with us today. TJ Overstreet and Steve Chatman will be joining us for the Extraordinary Legacy conference on November 20, and this episode is a way to get to know them before the event, as well as encourage dads to sign up for this free opportunity! Being a special-needs dad is a unique challenge, and this night is set aside to encourage and challenge you to walk in the calling God has placed on your life! Enjoy hearing from other dads who "get it."
To sign up for this one-night virtual event, please visit risingaboveministries.org/extraordinary-legacy.
Favorite Quotes
“An inheritance is what you leave for our children, but a legacy is what you leave in them.” -Steve Chatman quoting an unknown author
“Parenting’s not about me. It is denying yourself.” -Steve Chatman
“I have to choose joy.” -TJ Overstreet
About the Episode
The Peoples are no strangers to Rising Above, but this is the first time we have had the chance to talk to their son, David, a special-needs sibling to his brother James. David has such an incredible perspective on his role as a special-needs sibling and he gives great advice on how to appreciate a sibling with special needs for who God created him or her to be. If you have a special-needs sibling in your family, be encouraged by this episode and the way God has knit your family together for His purpose.
Favorite Quotes
"We talk about how our kids with disabilities are wonderfully created and God works through them and we say that message so often and sometimes we forget to say, 'Oh, we are ALL created with a purpose, we all have this calling that God puts on our lives, and we fulfill that in big and small ways, but He knit us as a family together for a purpose.'” -Sandra Peoples
”Appreciate your brother or sister for who they are.” - David Peoples
Related Links
Sandra's website
Our friends, Dawn and Lori, join us once again to have a conversation about the transition to adulthood. There is so much to consider, and they give some great advice and starting points to help you think through decisions that are best for your child and family during this pivotal life stage!
About Chris
Chris has been on staff for several years as the Director of Community and Outreach and her husband, Rob, also works for us part time as the Men’s Ministry Assistant. Rob and Chris Pierce have been married for 30 years and have 4 children, 2 daughters-in-law, and a new baby granddaughter! Together, they adopted two daughters from foster care, and that is when Chris became a special needs mom as one of their two adopted daughters is deaf.
Favorite Quote
“God doesn’t call us to adopt for our pleasure, He calls us to adopt to be sure that these girls had Him in their life.” - Chris
Related Links
Tennessee School for the Deaf
About Betty
Betty Maamari is a proud Christian woman from Lebanon. She has 3 wonderful kids and her eldest is Kurt who is on the autism spectrum. Betty has been a grateful disciple of Jesus for 10 years and her husband came to faith 4 years ago, because of the miracles they saw at home with their beloved son, Kurt. Betty is an advocate for exceptional families in the Middle East and is currently leading the Parent 2 Parent Support Group in Lebanon with the SKILD Center. She is an active person who likes to spread the Good News through social media and fun activities to show the world that Church is anything but boring.
About Gregg
First elected to Congress in 2009, Gregg served five terms representing Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District. During his time in Congress, he served as a member of the influential House Committee on Energy and Commerce which has jurisdiction over a broad swath of the economy including healthcare, energy, transportation, and telecommunications. On the Energy and Commerce Committee, Gregg served as Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee and Vice Chairman of the Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection subcommittee. In addition, Gregg was selected by Speaker Paul Ryan to serve as the Chairman of the Committee on House Administration for the 115th Congress where he was instrumental in reforming the ways that Congress handles sexual harassment allegations. He was also the Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress and served two terms on the Committee on Ethics.Prior to being elected to Congress, Gregg practiced law for twenty-seven years, including serving as the prosecuting attorney for the cities of Brandon and Richland, Mississippi. He served on the Mississippi Oil and Gas Board, remained active in his community as a member of both the Pearl and Rankin County Chambers of Commerce, and served as the board attorney for the Mississippi Baptist Children’s Village.Gregg is currently a member of the law firm of Watkins & Eager in Jackson, Mississippi, where he focuses on government relations on the local, state and federal levels. He currently resides in Pearl, Mississippi with his wife of forty years, Sidney. They have a son, Livingston, a daughter and son in law, Maggie and Brett Bailey, and a grandson, Lee.
Favorite Quotes
“If you want to know how to worship God…this young man knows how to worship.” - Gregg Harper
“I think you can always judge somebody’s character by how they treat someone with special needs.” -Gregg Harper
“Let your child do those things that they want to try to do.” -Gregg Harper
“Stop worrying about what they can’t do and focus on the strengths and the things that they can do.” -Gregg Harper
Related Links
"Common Man, Extraordinary Call"
ACCESS Program
About Lee & Sandra
Sandra Peoples is a special needs mom and sibling. She's the author of Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family. Her husband, Lee, is a pastor and and she serves as the special needs ministry director at their church outside of Houston, TX. We know you will enjoy hearing from their real-life experience as they have walked through the special needs journey. They have so much wisdom to share about raising both a child with special needs and a typical child as well. You will be blessed!
Favorite Quotes
"We process differently. We grieve differently." - Lee
"Shift your expectations. Find joy in what they find joy in."
"A trial will either make you walk away or worship." -Lee
"When Jesus comes back I want to be found worshiping." -Sandra
"'Remember and Tell.' Remember God's faithfulness in seasons past and tell. Don't hide the hard stuff." -Sandra
Related Links
Dad's podcast link Common Man, Extraordinary Call book Rodney Peete Book Enneagram 5 Love Languages Book on boundaries Gary Thomas- When to walk away (toxic people) Heights Baptist- Alvin, TX Sandra's website
About Dawn & Lori
Dawn & Lori are long-time friends of Rising Above Ministries. As special needs parents, they “get it” and love having community with other moms. If you’ve attended By the Brook for the past few years, you will probably remember them as the entertainment! As good friends of Becky’s, these two will become regulars around here as they discuss different topics and challenges that special needs moms face. We’d love to hear from you about some of the topics you’d like them to discuss. Message us on Facebook or send an email to dhammond@risingaboveministries.org to suggest topics!
Related Links
By the Brook Resilient Retreat
About LJ & Jessica
LJ & Jessica are the father and mother of 2 amazing children, Nadia Elizabeth (16) and Zion Alexander Coates (14). LJ is an intensive care nurse and Jessica is the Chief Executive Officer for a trade Association. They've been married for almost 17 years, and their son Zion has profound special needs. They are both natives of Alabama but currently live in Columbia, Maryland.
Favorite Quotes
“I sent help, you just didn’t recognize it.” -Jessica
“I have to learn to recognize the support where people are.” - Jessica
“Zion has blessed my life. I feel chosen.” -Jessica
“I know I am a better person, because of my son’s life.” -Jessica
Related Links
Common Man, Extraordinary Call
About Jarell
Drawing from life and giving others the opportunity to learn with us, is a core attribute of J.Roach Presentations. Jarell says, "our service must require restoring the honor & dignity to humanity. By applying our minds within the purpose of everyday life, we believe that we can be partakers of an emerging culture of thinkers & doers that truly desire to see the best in others without any strings attached."
He serves as Campus Life Director with the Youth For Christ movement, overseeing multiple ministry sites in his home town. He also represents the organization as one of its national camp speakers (www.goyfc.org). For nearly two decades he and his family have served as members of the Nebraska Air Force Reserve, completing two tours of duty.
A natural-born comedian and speaker, J.Roach is using his gift to encourage, elevate, and entertain others everywhere he goes.
Favorite Quotes
"God has changed my life." -Jarell
“What hope does, is it allows us by God’s love and grace to look beyond the person and see the potential of Jesus.” -Jarell
“We speak life in order to give life to others.” -Jarell
Related Links
Extraordinary Legacy : A Virtual Event for Special Needs Dads
Zoom Community Group for Dads with Rob Pierce
Jarell's Website
Jess Ronne, who you might know as “Jess Plus the Mess,” has such a story to tell on her life of being a mom and caregiver of 8 children, one of whom has profound special needs. Her testimony and message will challenge and encourage you to be honest about the realities about caregiving and how to accept and ask for help.
About Jess
Jess Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host, documentary producer,and caregiver advocate. She is founder and executive director of The Lucas Project—a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition, resources, and respite for special needs families. She and her husband Ryan live in Tennessee with their 8 children, including their son Lucas who has profound special needs. Her story of beauty from ashes has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail and Huffington Post and is detailed in her memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight. To follow the ongoing saga she can be found at www.jessplusthemess.com or www.thelucasproject.org
Favorite Quotes
“You have a choice. You can wallow in the despair and in the muck or you can rise up and start taking one step after another and move toward something in your life.” - Jess Ronne
”Recognize what your true need is and don’t hide behind this, ‘I’m fine, everything’s fine.’ Start to tell the truth.” - Jess Ronne
Related Links
https://www.jessplusthemess.com
https://www.thelucasproject.org
www.caregiverdoc.com
www.coffeewithcaregivers.com
About Mattea:
Mattea describes herself as an average young adult with a physical disability. She is a brand new college student and a lover of all things Disney! Recently, she created a blog to spread awareness for the physically disabled community. She has always had a passion to talk; her parents tell her she came out of the womb having a conversation. Enjoy hearing Mattea share how both of her parents have encouraged her to use her passion to spread awareness about her situation to help others and the many ways she has put that into action.
Favorite Quotes:
“They’ve always said, ‘If you’re going to do something, you have to find a way to do it.’" -Mattea quoting her parents
“'You can’t make an excuse about being in a wheelchair…It’s a blessing…and it’s a gift. Use your gift.'” -Mattea quoting her parents
“It’s ok to be different and be proud that you’re different.” -Mattea
“I’m ok with how I am and I want to better the world and make it a better place for other people that have disabilities.” -Mattea
Related Links:
Mattea's Blog
About Sandy
Sandy lives in New Jersey with her husband, Terry, of 29 years and their 3 young adult children. Sandy and Terry became special needs parents over 20 years ago when their son contracted an illness that left him with both physical and cognitive disabilities.
After leaving her career in marketing and brand management to care and advocate for her son, Sandy became a certified professional coach. As a coach, Sandy’s desire is to help special needs parents who’ve adopted a “disabled life” mindset reclaim a sense of joy and freedom.
Favorite Quotes:
“God is not surprised by Covid.” -Sandy
“I believe that He wants to show us His way through this.” -Sandy
"It might not be easy, but He’ll be in it with us.” -Sandy
“I prayed and I did the next thing in front of me.” -Sandy
“He ended up in the place that we wanted him to be. I did not know that when I started.” -Sandy
“God was with me every single, every step of the way.” -Sandy
“It really is a trust walk, every step.” -Sandy
Related Links:
www.UNDisabledLives.org
To join Sandy or one of our other community groups launching in September, sign up here!
What a challenge it can be in today's world for fathers to step up to the plate in the face of a diagnosis. Today, we wanted to share a conversation Becky had recently with three dads who have done just that. They have walked through the challenges that come with raising a child with special needs and learned lessons along the way. We hope their conversation will be an encouragement to you as a special needs dad to do the hard things and lead your family well, even in the face of a challenging situation.
About the Dads-
- Lee Peoples is a pastor in Texas and you may know him as the husband of Sandra Peoples. He is a dad to two sons, one who has autism.
- Wally Bryan is has been on the podcast before with his wife Lisa. Together, they have two children, Kelly and Matthew who is their adult son with Fragile X syndrome.
- David Adams is a physician and a single dad to three sons, one with autism.
Resource for Dads
Common Man, Extraordinary Call - a book written by Jeff Davidson with Becky Davidson that challenges, equips, and inspires fathers of children with special needs.
Listen as Becky and Kim talk about their favorite parts of the By the Brook Retreat for special needs moms each year AND the ways we've modified it this year to be accessible to you wherever you are! Lots of curve balls have been thrown into 2020, but we can honestly say we're as excited as ever about what God is going to do through By the Brook Virtual this year. We hope you will join us online for this FREE retreat!
Sign up here!
Extra items for purchase:
By the Brook t-shirt
By the Brook Box with lots of fun and relaxing items inside
About Jolene
Jolene Philo is both parent and daughter of loved ones with special needs and disabilities, as well as a former educator who worked with children for 25 years. She’s written several books about caregiving, special needs parenting, and childhood PTSD, including Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages® for Parents Raising Children with Disabilities which she co-authored with Dr. Gary Chapman. She speaks internationally about caregiving and parenting children with special needs and blogs at www.DifferentDream.com Jolene and her husband live in central Iowa.
Favorite Quotes
Let this time create empathy in you. May you see what our disability community lives with all the time and then you reach out to them as individuals and as a corporate church. -Jolene Philo
Don’t discount your experience and what you’ve learned. Share it. -Jolene Philo
Related Links
Differentdream.com
Facebook page: A Different Dream for my Child
JolenePhilo.com
So many times, it is difficult for men to open up about their challenges and struggles, but as a special needs dad, it is so important to have a “band of brothers” who can relate to the unique challenges that come with raising a special needs child. This is a passion of our friend Eric Nixon.
About Eric
Eric lives in Pennsylvania and will be celebrating his 30 years of marriage this year to his wife Candy. Eric and his family spent more than a decade living in hospitals with three sick kids at Children’s Hospital until all three children were diagnosed with a rare primary immune deficiency.
Additionally, Eric has been living with multiple sclerosis for the last 14 years. He rides every year in the MS City to Shore bike ride riding 50 miles from Pennsylvania to the Jersey shore. His wife Candy works at the Joni and Friends Pennsylvania office, and both of them have devoted their lives to helping others affected by disability. They both run individual and marriage support groups for individuals and couples affected by disabilities.
Related Links
No More Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Common Man, Extraordinary Call
Joni & Friends
Goodnight Superman - Jeff Davidson's blog about being a special needs dad
Find Eric on Facebook!
Rising Above Ministries
Enjoy this discussion with Kandra Benton about looking at the flip side. Despite challenges, Kandra makes the choice to look at the positives in life and get the most out of each day. During this time of social distancing, you will be encouraged and challenged to hear this perspective, and we hope you feel motivated to focus on the good things in your own life during this unique season.
About Kandra
Kandra Benton has been married to her husband Stephen for 18 years. They have three daughters and live outside of Nashville. Kandra is a homeschooling momma, connoisseur of all things taco related, slightly obsessed with Christmas and a lover of writing and words. She spends much of her free time writing about what the Lord is teaching her through raising her daughters and life around her. She loves to laugh and will do what it takes to make you giggle before she leaves your presence!
About Sandra
As the sibling to a special needs sister and the mother to a special needs son, Sandra has incredible insight into the caregiving world and offers some great suggestions for staying connected during these unprecedented times.
Resources
Sandrapeoples.com
Self-care for the Special Needs Mom- facebook group
Self-Care and Soul-Care for the Caregiver- podcast
Unexpected Blessings (Free right now on Kindle!)
Life as we know it has changed a lot over the past few days. Join us as Becky & Kim have a conversation about the impact COVID-19 has had on everyone, especially special needs families during these uncertain days. In addition to discussing the changes, we promise to bring a message of hope amidst the chaos as well.
About Matt
When Matt Mooney and his wife Ginny were 30 weeks pregnant with their first child-they received a diagnosis of trisomy 18. Eight weeks later, their son, Eliot, was born. Eliot lived for 99 days and Matt chronicled his life through a blog that would be the beginnings of "A Story Unfinished"- a book written by Matt about Eliot's life and the lessons God taught them through their son. Eliot's story has since been shared with the world through a short video that has been viewed millions of times and was featured on The Today Show as well as The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Matt and Ginny founded 99 Balloons, an organization working with persons experiencing disability locally and globally. The organization grew out of a respite night called "rEcess" that the Mooneys started in their community and has now spread to over 50 sites in three countries.
He currently lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he busies himself raising Eliot's siblings: Hazel, Anders and Lena. Matt & Ginny adopted Lena from Ukraine after getting to know her through the global work of 99 Balloons. Lena has severe disabilities of her own- including autism and cerebral palsy. These experiences have birthed in Matt a passion for championing more inclusive communities around the globe.
SOAR Getaway for Special Needs Dads
We are thrilled Matt Mooney will be joining us for our special needs dads getaway in April. As you will hear from listening to the podcast, Matt is a whole lot of fun, but doesn't shy away from talking about real life and the challenges of special needs parenting and grief. Dads- we know you'll be blessed and hope you'll join us for this weekend (April 17-19, 2020).
Related Links
Soar Getaway for Special Needs Dads
A Story Unfinished by Matt Mooney
99 Balloons
Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini have been married over 40 years, have 3 children (A son with special needs who lives with them and 2 married daughters and grandchildren living nearby in the Cleveland, OH area.) They have spoken nationally on special needs and with FamilyLife Weekend to Remember Get-A-Ways on the topic of marriage and family. They have written books individually and together, their most recent being "LOVE ALL-Ways: Embracing Marriage Together on the Special Needs Journey".
Related Links:
Love All-ways book by Dr. Joe & Cindi Ferrini
See more:
My Marriage Matters on Facebook
www.cindiferrini.com
Favorite Quotes:
"The covenant relationship says that God brought us together for His purposes, and one of his primary purposes is to make us holy, not to make us happy." -Joe Ferrini
"We will have those moments and seasons where we will feel like we can't do it anymore- and that doesn't mean that something's wrong with you, [or] something's wrong with your marriage, it simply means that in that moment, you've had enough." -Cindi Ferrini
"We all need to have time for ourselves, for us as a couple, to really evaluate what’s important to us. And then to get up and do it again tomorrow morning." -Cindi Ferrini
You will love hearing Becky Davidson share her story. Her marriage to her late husband Jeff was full of ups and downs, but through it all, their commitment to one another and their marriage stayed strong.
Related Links:
TWOgether Marriage Retreat Experience (coming February 14)
Rising Above Ministries
Redefine This Life
"There is no yet" blog
Read More:
No More Peanut Butter Sandwiches - By Jeff Davidson
Common Man, Extraordinary Call - By Jeff Davidson with Becky Davidson
Favorite Quotes:
“Go back in your mind to when you first met your spouse. Remind yourself of what it was. Why did you fall in love with them?.. Remind yourself of those feelings that you had.” - Becky
“We’re going to take 5 minutes a day to have this conversation, to have this connection.” -Becky
“There wasn’t anything hidden, there wasn’t anything to hide…” - Becky
"Hallmark Movies even make marriage and life and dates seem like this picture perfect, and that's not real. And that's not reality. If you are lining up what you think your marriage should look like based on some romantic movie…" -Becky Davidson
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Enjoy this conversation with Dr. Steve Grcevich from Key Ministry as we learn more about mental health and how churches can respond to this important consideration.
About Dr. Steve Grcevich
Dr. Stephen Grcevich (MD, Northeast Ohio Medical University) serves as the President and Founder of Key Ministry. He serves the primary vision caster and spokesperson for the ministry and plays an important role in Key’s efforts to develop collaborations both within and outside the disability ministry movement with church leaders, other like-minded organizations and the professional community. Dr. Grcevich is a regular contributor for Moody Radio Cleveland and the ERLC (Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention) and is frequently invited to speak at national and international ministry conferences on mental health and other disability ministry-related topics. His first book, Mental Health and the Church, was published by Zondervan in February 2018. In addition to his ministry work, Dr. Grcevich is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who combines nearly thirty years of knowledge gained through clinical practice and teaching with extensive research experience evaluating medications prescribed to children and teens for ADHD, anxiety, and depression. He serves on the faculty of Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, has been a presenter at over 35 national and international medical conferences and is a past recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Related Links:
Key Ministry
Key Ministry Facebook
Inclusion Fusion Live
Dr. Steve Grcevich’s book: Mental Health & the Church
Favorite Quotes:
“One of the things that we suggest to churches: Put as many pictures and as much video up online…” -Steve G.
“Do we minister to people and provide them with the same kind of supports for mental health disabilities as what we would physical disabilities?” -Steve G.
Based on a Lifeway study: “What families impacted by mental illness most wanted from their churches was for their pastors to talk about it from the pulpit.” -Steve G.
We know you will love hearing from our friend, Tracey Martin. Tracey is the mom of FIVE children, four of whom are quadruplets! She has been married to her husband Mike, a doctor, for 32 years, but she is honest that it hasn't always been easy. They have dealt with many challenges on staying connected, especially as they have raised two children on the autism spectrum. Their son, Gabe, has profound autism and is non-verbal and their son, Sam, has Aspergers (high functioning autism).
Favorite Quotes
"[On marriage] It hasn't all been roses and sweetness. It's been very hard, but we just cling on to each other and cling on to God to get us through." -Tracey
"You decide…make your own decisions…you're the Mother…and that child is your gift." -Tracey
"Don't get on the autism or special needs bandwagon…if so and so is doing it, I need to do it." -Tracey
Related Links
Marriage Cruise
By the Brook Moms Retreat
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
In this episode, we talk to a special friend of Rising Above Ministries, Heidi Clopton. As you’ll hear, Heidi was Jon Alex’s first occupational therapist and was there for the very beginning of Rising Above! You will also hear which annual event was Heidi’s idea. We are thankful for the many ways Heidi has blessed the ministry over the years, and we know you will love hearing from her today!
Favorite Quotes:
"The best thing you can do is find out if there is something that can help them... The most important thing though is to get answers and I feel like you don't need to stay in that place of, 'is there something wrong or not?'" -Heidi
"Get an evaluation. A lot of people think they have to have a diagnosis first, but they don't." -Heidi
"You need the team approach. That is so important." -Heidi
"Therapy happens everyday...and be fun! And be something you enjoy doing with your child." -Heidi
Related Links:
Center of Development Pediatric Therapies http://www.developmental-delay.com/
“Common Man, Extraordinary Call” book by Jeff Davidson with Becky Davidson
In this episode, we talk to Wally & Lisa Bryan, parents of a son with fragile X syndrome about their struggles through getting a diagnosis, adjusting to a routine, and finding community. We hope you will be blessed by their story!
Favorite Quotes:
"Our faith wouldn't be where it is now had God not given us Matthew." -Wally
"God teaches us everyday through Matthew and still does." -Wally
"Nobody brings more glory to God [in our circle] than Matthew does." - Wally
Related Links:
National Fragile X Foundation www.fragilex.org
Extra Special People https://extraspecialpeople.com/
SouthEast Gwinnett CoOperative Ministry https://www.segwinnettcoop.org/
Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett www.specialneedsschools.org/
In this episode, we talk to two moms who "get it" that the holidays can be a difficult time for special needs parents. You'll hear personal experiences of everything from relative gatherings to family photos. If you're a special needs parent, we hope you'll hear that it's okay to make hard decisions for your family with your special needs child in mind. If you're a relative or friend of a family with special needs, look for opportunities to show grace this holiday season.
Favorite quotes
"Sometimes you just want to be asked...you just want to be included." -Becky "Please keep asking." -Becky "Our feelings towards our family has never changed. Just give us grace." -Emily "Our life is so unpredictable." -Emily Helpful Resource http://www.sandrapeoples.com/hospitality-tips-for-special-needs-families/?fbclid=IwAR1zT4tJ-LnPOpB_E5hcAWUymfHaVUOevm8nIGPWhUwryCmUwgoTNz-f0NU
Mary Susan is the host of the popular Mama Bear Podcast- a space she created for fellow women raising kids with special needs. She is married to singer/songwriter Sean McConnell and is the mother to their 8 year old Ghanaian beauty, Abiella. As a former middle school teacher, she has her Master's in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and her Doctorate in Special Education. In her spare time she likes to work in her pottery studio, stalk the Carter Family on Instagram, and dance like everybody's watching.
Favorite Quotes:
"Women are still the women they were before this chapter of their lives." -Mary Susan
"The other thing I've seen [among women interviewed] is the need for community." -Mary Susan
"Find community as fast as possible. It's worth every ounce of energy it's gonna take." -Mary Susan
Links Mentioned:
By the Brook "This Is My Story" downloadable retreat
Parenting Team article
Find Mary Susan:
Mama Bear Podcast
www.marysusanmcconnell.com
FB @marysusanmcconnell
IG @marysusanmcconnell
Sandra Peoples is a special-needs mom and sibling. She's the author of Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family. Her husband is a pastor and she serves as the special needs ministry director at their church outside of Houston, Texas. Join us as we talk to Sandra about her journey and how it gives her great insight into how to remember the siblings of our children with special needs.
Favorite Quotes:
Creating a safe place outside of the family for our kids to be themselves and talk… - Sandra
I take things in seasons... - Sandra
I say no to a lot of things... - Sandra
Only do what only you can do. - Becky
You can't always say yes [to your typical child], but you can say "let's make a plan for later." - Sandra
**Be sure to listen for Sandra's ONE THING: encouragement that she would give a sibling of a child with special needs.
Find more from Sandra Peoples:
www.sandrapeoples.com
Twitter - @sandrapeoples
Instagram - @sandrapeoples
Facebook group- Self-care for the Special Needs Mom
Books:
Unexpected Blessings
Held
Speechless
In this episode, we talk to our friend Dawn Fry, an attorney, about conservatorships. We discuss the step-by-step process of setting up conservatorships and special needs trusts and the importance of thinking through this process before special needs children turn 18. We hope you will enjoy this practical episode with so much helpful information for parents raising children with special needs.
Check out these related links:
https://www.lawfry.com/ - Dawn Fry's law firm http://goodnightsuperman.com/renewing-our-vows/ - blogpost written by Jeff Davidson when the Davidsons went to court for Jon Alex's conservatorship
In this episode, we discuss:
Local Impact
Easter Eggstravaganza, Heroes' Ball, Fall Festival, Hang Time, Coffee Talk
Nationwide Impact
By the Brook: Retreat for Moms of children with special needs, SOAR: Retreat for Dads of children with special needs, For Jonathan's Sake Training
Worldwide Impact
Downloadable Conferences (currently available):
"Love Well" Moms Retreat
"This Is My Story" Moms Retreat (COMING OCTOBER 4, 2019)
Downloadable Bible Studies (currently available):
Seeing Jesus
Rest
Favorite Quotes:
-
Everyone's {marriage vows} are tested, ours were really tested. There were a lot of things that the enemy could've used to destroy our marriage...but it actually drew us closer together. We want to help other couples learn how to navigate that.
-
Wherever you are, we desire to connect with you and build community when you may feel like you don't have any around you.
-
I want more than anything for when a special needs family gets a new diagnosis...that Rising Above is a resource for them.
-
Vulnerability can be scary, but the reward is so much greater than the fear.
We could not be more thrilled to bring you the first EVER Rising Above Ministry's Podcast! On today's pilot episode, we invite you into our office to meet Becky, April, Chris, Hannah, and Kim, and hear in detail about what exactly we do. Our mission at Rising Above is to "bring the love of God and hope in Christ to special-needs families through encouragement, support, inspiration and community." We hope that after listening to this episode you will have a better idea of the vision the Lord is giving us to carry out that mission both locally, across the nation, and around the world.
In the months and weeks ahead we look forward to welcoming many guests to the show and discussing all kinds of topics relevant to the special needs family. Join us!
We are so excited to bring you Episode 2 of our new podcast here on the blog. Our first guests on the show are Terry and Susan Pace, joining Becky to discuss how new diagnosis can affect parents on many levels. We believe you be encouraged by their story and their advice to parents who are just now beginning a special-needs journey.
Today Becky is joined by Rising Above staff members Chris Pierce and Kim Thorpe to discuss why a special needs ministry is so vital as part of a thriving church environment, and how important it is for someone to step up and champion the implementation of that ministry. Look for more episodes addressing the topic of special needs ministry in the church in the coming weeks and months!
Well, friends, we have reached the end of our Rest series. We have so enjoyed exploring this topic with you and we hope you have been encouraged and maybe even challenged to find more time for true, soulful rest in your life. This special-needs journey can be exhausting, wearying, and draining – but because of Jesus and His promises, we really can find rest for our souls.
This week we end the series with a podcast that is simply a conversation between Becky Davidson and Hannah Kistler about some practical things we can do to find rest in the day-to-day rush of our lives. We hope you’ll give it a listen!
Before we get started, here are some extra resources for you to end this series with some amazing free downloads available on our website.
https://www.risingaboveministries.org/podcast/2019/1/22/word-for-your-weekend-rest-podcast-free-downloads
Welcome to Episode 5 of the Rising Above Ministries Podcast!
In today's episode, Becky spends some time chatting with our Men's Ministry Assistant Waldhys Rodoli and our Dad's Hang Time leader Rick Imel. This episode covers challenges special-needs dads might face, practical ways to avoid becoming a "vacant dad", and more details about our upcoming SOAR Men's Getaway, on April 20-22.
Rick mentions Jeff's book, No More Peanut Butter Sandwiches, in which Jeff shares his story of becoming a father of a child with special needs, and his journey with God through it all. You can find the book on Amazon here.
Have you wished for a special-needs ministry at your church, but been met with… “We don’t have the resources…” “We are already program-heavy…” “It’s too expensive…” “Special-needs ministry is just childcare…”or any other myth about special-needs ministry?
Today on the Rising Above Podcast, Becky, Kim and Chris are ready to do some myth-busting and show just how un-true those myths really are. They offer real encouragement about how it is more than possible for your church to have a thriving ministry to special-needs families. Take a listen!
One of the highlights of By The Brook 2017 was definitely our funny and fabulous hosts, Dawn and Lori! These ladies are both special-needs moms themselves, and they “get it” in every way. In today’s episode Becky sits down with the two of them to talk about the upcoming retreat, what they’re looking forward to, as well as chatting about their favorite aspects of By The Brook each year. It’s an episode you don’t want to miss!
Today on the Rising Above Podcast, Becky is joined by veteran mom and By The Brook host extraordinaire, Lori Chatman. Together they discuss the sometimes complicated, sometimes humorous, and sometimes wonderful ins-and-outs of back to school season with children with special needs. Lori shares some practical tips for how to navigate transitions to new grades and teachers, as well as how prayer has been a vital part of their back-to-school survival plan.
Today’s episode is extra-special…today is the official release day for the new book from Jeff and Becky Davidson: Common Man, Extraordinary Call. This was such a labor of love as Becky shepherded the book to completion after Jeff’s unexpected passing in the spring of 2017. Some of Jeff’s dearest friends, Rick Imel and Jason Vaden, joined Becky for a conversation that celebrates the book, as well as the valiant soldier that Jeff Davidson truly was.
Today our friend Dawn Fry - cohost of the annual By The Brook retreat and fellow special-needs mom - joins Becky for a discussion of the dreaded three-letter word: IEP. She tells the humorous story of the first IEP meeting she ever attended for her son, and then she speaks from her experience to offer advice for how to navigate common issues that parents might have when entering IEPs.
In today’s episode Becky is joined by Rising Above’s Men’s Ministry Assistant, Rob Pierce. Becky and Rob shared a conversation about the importance of community in the life of special-needs dads, as well as more details about our upcoming men’s getaway - SOAR 2019. If you are a special-needs dad, this is the weekend for you! Take a listen to learn more about the event, and be encouraged to walk in community with others who “get it”.