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.