In this profoundly moving conversation, Carrie M. Holt talks with author and advocate Jess Ronne about her powerful and unexpected story—one marked by disability, grief, resilience, surrender, and the refining work of God. Jess shares her journey from learning of her son Lucas’s profound disabilities, to walking with her late husband through terminal brain cancer, to unexpectedly meeting her second husband, Ryan. She opens up about the weight of long-term caregiving, the burnout that left her unable to get out of bed, and the painful process of releasing control when Lucas transitioned into a group home.

Together, Carrie and Jess explore themes of grief that evolve through the journey, anger God can hold, the idolatry of identity, and the ongoing call to surrender in every season. Jess also offers encouragement to caregivers with limited support and explains why she believes rest, community, humility, and honesty are essential for survival.

This is a conversation for every special-needs parent who feels exhausted, unseen, or afraid of the future—offering real hope, gentle truth, and the reminder that God is present in every season.

Eps. 31; November 18, 2025

Resources:
Jess Ronne’s Website

Social Media FB & IG

Caregiving With Grit & Grace

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

In this episode, Carrie Holt closes her grief-cycle series by exploring acceptance, a stage often misunderstood in the journey of raising a child with disabilities or receiving an unexpected diagnosis. Carrie explains what acceptance is not—it’s not “moving on,” it’s not pretending everything is fine, or always a permanent emotional destination. Instead, she unpacks acceptance as surrender, rest, identity rebuilding, active waiting, learning to see God’s beauty again, and believing that life can still hold goodness even when it looks different than what we planned. Through Scripture, honest reflection, and practical insights, this episode invites special-needs moms to gently receive the life they’re living—while trusting the One who holds their future.

Eps. 30; November 11, 2025

Resources:
Why Fixing Feels So Heavy & Acceptance (and Acceptance Feels So Light) with Carrie Holt

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Volume 5
How Can You Survive Without…Part 1 - Wild At Heart Podcast with John Eldredge

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

In this episode, Carrie M. Holt continues her grief-cycle series by exploring lament—the Biblical practice of bringing our raw, honest emotions to God. Through Scripture, personal stories, and reflections from resources like Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy, she explains why lament becomes the bridge between overwhelming sorrow and renewed trust. Carrie outlines the four parts of lament and reminds listeners that God is near, attentive, and tender toward our tears. For special-needs moms walking daily through loss, uncertainty, or exhaustion, this episode offers permission to slow down, name grief, and come to God honestly—just as you are.

Eps. 29; November 4, 2025

Resources:
Dark Clouds Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop
Remind Me You’re Here by Jason Gray
Jesus & Women by Kristi McLelland (Pg. 76)
Prayer In the Night by Tish Harrison Warren
Miracle or Not - Devotion by The Worship Initiative

Scriptures Mentioned: Psalm 13, Psalm 77, Luke 39,

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.