Rising Above Podcast

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 @alittleextralove alittleextralove.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 KidsCalling 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 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 Links Rising 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

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!