In this episode, Carrie welcomes guest author and therapist Cathy Loerzel to discuss the importance of embracing grief and negative emotions in order to heal and move forward. The conversation draws from three archetype characters of past wounding and how it shows up in our lives and relationships with others. The episode emphasizes the necessity of dealing with past wounds which leads to healthier lives and the ability to handle present challenges. It offers hope in understanding and addressing the core wounds of orphanhood, stranger, and widowhood, and encourages individuals to press into their pain and grief towards their own healing journeys. 

Ep.138; July 25, 2023

Key Moments:
[1:26] Healing past wounds for a better present
[6:20] Three different “characters” of our pain
[8:53] Our kids reveal to us places we need more healing 
[16:18] Learning to recognize and embrace lament's power

Resources:
Cathy Loerzel’s Website
Cathy’s Instagram
Redeeming Heartache
Wild Edge of Sorrow

If you enjoyed the show:

• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
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• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
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• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

Join Amy and therapist and author of “Try Softer” and “Strong Like Water,” Aundi Kolber, as they delve into the concept of "try softer," the idea of giving compassion to navigate the challenges of parenting children with complex medical or emotional issues. They recognize the validity of responding from a place of danger or crisis while also exploring the transformative power of paying compassionate attention to our own experiences. By turning towards reality with compassion, we can process and move on from threats, accurately assess our own needs, and create practices for healing. Discover the importance of acknowledging pain, finding support, and ultimately experiencing goodness and healing simultaneously in this illuminating episode. 

Ep,137; July 18, 2023

Key Moments:
[2:48] Honor the reality, respond with compassion. 
[9:15] Importance of grounding and connecting with your support people
[21:15] Moving beyond your crisis/situational strength
[33:29] How to help siblings work through situations without trauma themselves

Resources:
Try Softer
Strong Like Water
Aundi’s Website
IG: @aundikolber 

If you enjoyed the show:

• Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special? 
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

Amy welcomes writer Jennifer Dukes Lee as she reflects on a picture from 20 years ago when she and her husband made the bold decision to leave their successful careers behind and embark on a journey of farming. Amidst the doubts from others, Jennifer’s journey of slow growth vs. hurried comparison taught her how to relinquish control. They discuss the cultural pressure of progress, achieving results, and the profound lessons learned, including the realization that the best things in life take time. Join us for a fun conversation about how slow growth can give you life! 

Ep.136; July 11, 2023

Key Moments:
[2:45] Life isn't linear. It’s circular.
[9:43] Practical ways to grow slow
[18:50] Spending time with children creates unexpected memories
[20:42] Seasons teach us about growth and life
[25:08] Finding beauty and growth in difficult times
[30:34] New guided journal with writing prompts

Resources:
Growing Slow
Stuff I'd Only Tell God: A Guided Journal of Courageous Honesty, Obsessive Truth-Telling, and Beautifully Ruthless Self-Discovery
Jennifer’s Website 

If you enjoyed the show:

• We have a new book! The Other Side of Special
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

Carrie is joined by guest Marissa Bondurant, author of the Bible Study “Who Cares for You?”  Marissa draws parallels between her own experiences as a caregiver for her daughter undergoing medical treatments and the humble acts of service performed by Jesus.  They discuss living out our faith through everyday tasks and self-sacrifice, allowing others to see Jesus at work in us. Marissa also talks about the challenges faced by being a caregiver and responding to others’ perceptions, the importance of community support, and the need to bring hidden thoughts and feelings into the open. This episode brings a message of hope, reminding you that God sees, cares, and walks with you on your difficult journey. 

Ep.135; July 4, 2023

Key Moments:
[4:00] Becoming a Caregiver: Marissa's Journey
[10:48] “I don’t know how you do it!” 
[19:00] Shifting perspective from burden to gift
[24:11] Overcoming guilt because of our child’s needs
[28:49] The burden of making others comfortable
[32:54] God's mercy that is sustaining us

Resources:
Marissa Bondurant’s Website
Who Cares For You? A 4-Week Bible Study For Caregivers
Marissa’s Instagram
Marissa’s Facebook

If you enjoyed the show:

• Grab your copy of The Other Side of Special
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

On this episode, Amy speaks with author, Lisa Qualls, who is an adoptive mom and shares her experience parenting children with trauma and the resulting blocked care. She talks about the challenges they faced and how their family has changed because of their children's needs. Lisa also discusses her book, The Connected Parent, which provides practical and honest tools for parenting children with trauma, and emphasizes the importance of seeking support from trauma-informed counselors. Lisa believes we can reclaim compassion by releasing the idea that we can completely heal our children. Join us for an insightful and eye-opening conversation. 

Ep.134; June 27, 2023

Key Moments:
[07:07] Admitting you need help with traumatized kids 
[11:45] Grieving old family dynamics 
[15:30] Blocked care: stress-induced defense mechanism in parenting 
[19:44] Compassion for self and child's trauma. 
[27:24] Reclaim Compassion: regulate your nervous system, not gritting your teeth 

Resources:
The Connected Child
The Connected Parent
The Whole Brain Child
Reclaim Compassion
The Adoption Connection
IG@lisacqualls 

If you enjoyed the show:

• Order our book: The Other Side of Special
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

Sara talks with writer and professor, Dr. Lynne Baab, who shares her wisdom on carrying both grief and gratitude in one's life. Lynne offers practical tips and advice for nurturing a gratitude practice, improving listening skills, and navigating difficult emotions such as sadness and anger. The conversation also delves into the challenges of receiving unsolicited advice and the importance of finding a supportive community. 

Ep.133; June 20, 2023

Key Moments:
[2:46] Grief and gratitude both stretch you
[10:20] How we deny gratitude in our American culture
[14:28] Our perspective shift as Christians
[18:38] Prayer is key for grief and gratitude balance
[23:52] Listening is a skill that can improve
[30:49] Anger & sadness are taboo in Christian society
[33:51] Learning to listen and finding spiritual direction

Resources:
https://www.lynnebaab.com
Two Hands: Grief and Gratitude in the Christian Life by Lynne M. Baab
Joy Together: Spiritual Practices for Your Congregation by Lynne M. Baab
Sabbath Keeping: Finding Freedom in the Rhythms of Rest by Lynne M. Baab
Prayers of the Old Testament (LifeGuide Bible Studies) by Lynne M. Baab
Prayers of the New Testament (LifeGuide Bible Studies) by Lynne M. Baab
Grief AND thankfulness: How to Listen an article by Lynne M. Baab

*Lynne Baab has a friend who is expanding her spiritual direction practice, Lisa Keosababian. Lisa conducts spiritual direction by zoom, so location is no problem: https://www.spiritualdirectionwithlisa.com    

If you enjoyed the show:

• Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special? 
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

Carrie talks with author Johnna Hensley, a mother of three biological and three adopted children, including her firstborn son, who has a trach and a ventilator. We hear the thought processes behind their decision to foster, then adopt more children with an open-handed willingness to follow God’s leading.  They call it walking in "yes" and being open to what God has, even if it leads to difficult circumstances. Throughout the episode, Johnna emphasizes the importance of faith in God's sovereignty and generosity and His promise to provide.

Ep. 132; June 13, 2023

Key Moments:
[2:45] Supporting her son's grief journey 
[5:51] Importance of giving autonomy to children when they are able 
[7:00] Deciding to become adoptive parents after biological children and a diagnosis 
[10:31] Walking in "yes" until it became a "no"  
[13:11] The world’s brokenness makes heaven brighter
[17:18] What I would say to my younger self

Resources:
Johnna Hensley’s Website
Johnna’s Instagram & Facebook
The Bible Recap Podcast
Reckless Yes

If you enjoyed the show:

• Order our book: The Other Side of Special
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

Amy Brown talks with Emily P. Freeman, author, and podcast host of The Next Right Thing, about what happens in the space between when we have a decision to make and when the decision is made. Emily talks about the importance of doing one thing at a time and how decluttering our inner life can help us make clear and confident decisions. Emily’s journal, the Next Right Thing Journal, helps her in her practice of reflection and encourages her to notice patterns. Both she and Amy use it to process their lives to help make decisions with ease. 

June 6, 2023; Ep. 131

Title: Discerning Your Next Right Thing: An Interview with Emily P Freeman

Key Moments:

[4:04] Soul minimalism and decision-fatigue
[8:19] Trust yourself towards the best decision at the time
[10:26] Focus on becoming better through decision-making, even if the outcome is not ideal
[15:02] Improving decision-making 
[17:36] Reflecting on past decisions can lead to confident future decisions
[21:09] Benefits of The Next Right Thing Journal 

Resources:
Emily P. Freeman.com 

If you enjoyed the show:

• Order our book: The Other Side of Special
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

When Sara, Amy and Carrie met, they discovered a shared sense of determination and drive to care for their children and support each other. In their new book, The Other Side of Special, they share their individual stories and hope to offer encouragement and hope to other special needs families. Sara discusses her struggles with emotions towards God, the challenges she faced in caring for a child with disabilities, and the importance of relying on God and her community for support. She shares that despite not being alone, she often felt lonely. Sara expresses that the special needs family community understands you like no one else does. 

Ep.130; May 30, 2023

Key Moments:
[0:43] Receiving a diagnosis changed our lives
[3:13] Feeling alone despite having loving and supportive family and friends
[5:19] Suppressing messy emotions causes anger
[8:11] Feel various emotions and struggles, but find solace in God and supportive friends
[13:10] Bonding over the slew of emotions that a caregiver feels

If you enjoyed the show:

• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime
• Schedule a free 30-minute chat with Sara 

Take Heart’s host, Carrie, shares her personal experience as a mother to a child with Spina Bifida, who has undergone 61 surgeries. She talks about how having a child with a disability can feel like being in a pit and how God sustains and loves us even in the hardest times. She encourages us to let God write our own story, even the painful parts, and to let go of unrealistic expectations and having all the boxes checked. Carrie also shares the reasons why you should write your story down, keep anything that brings you encouragement and allow God to give you what you need each day. 

Ep. 129; May 23, 2023; 

Key Moments:
[1:33] Toby’s diagnosis and medical needs
[5:10] Reading my journals from this time period
[6:34] Our story is a story of scars
[11:00] God will give you a new song 

Resources:
Psalm 40:1-3
The Other Side of Special
Scars by I Am They

If you enjoyed the show:

• Grab a copy of our book The Other Side of Special
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime