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?

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?

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.

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

 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.

Related Links

Story of Daniel's Life

Extraordinary Legacy Small Group study

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