Podcast
Rising Above with Becky Davidson
Hosted by Rising Above Ministries · EN
Rising Above with Becky Davidson is a place of encouragement, honesty, and hope for families navigating the unique joys and challenges of life with disability. Each episode offers heartfelt conversations, practical wisdom, and faith-filled insights to help you know you’re not alone on the journey. Becky shares stories from her own life as well as uplifting perspectives from guests who understand the road, equipping you with tools and inspiration to face each day with courage. Whether you’re seeking community, strength, or a fresh reminder of God’s faithfulness, this podcast invites you to rise above the struggles and discover joy in the midst of it all.
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Parenting with Purpose: A Dad's Perspective on Navigating Special Needs
5d ago00:38:14Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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Embracing the Journey of Parenting Special Needs Children: A Dad's Perspective- Brandon Jones
2w ago00:47:07Tap to summarizeBrandon 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.
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What Special-needs Dads are Dealing With… But Probably Won’t Tell You
3w ago00:50:49Tap to summarizeIf 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.
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How God Used a Down Syndrome Diagnosis to Unfold a Profound Journey of Faith and Patience- Patrick Sawyer
4w ago00:47:53Tap to summarizeThe 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
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Rising Above: Finding Joy in Every Season of Motherhood
May 500:50:37Tap to summarizeThis 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.
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How a Mother's Faith Transformed Her Autism Parenting Experience - Ashley Thompson
Apr 2800:43:00Tap to summarizeHey 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.
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Conversations with Catherine- Special Guest- Mikayla McKenzie
Apr 2101:10:18Tap to summarizeHey 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.
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Faith And Resilience - Kira Johnson
Apr 1400:35:29Tap to summarizeEpisode 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.
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In His Own Words - Toby Holt
Apr 700:38:27Tap to summarizeRespite 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.
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From Isolation to Connection: The Power of Community Groups
Mar 3100:41:43Tap to summarizeEpisode 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.
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