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A Special Hope Podcast’s Posts
Transitioning a Child to Residential: Battling Fear, Grief, Guilt, and Striving for Hope with Deb Abbs
Episode 14 Transitioning a Child to Residential: Battling Fear, Guilt, and Striving for Hope with Deb AbbsAs a special needs parent, have you felt fear about your child’s future? Do you struggle with doubts about decisions you’ve made, grief over the fact that you...
The 5 Love Languages for Special Needs Families Is Finally Here
Episode 13 The 5 Love Languages for Special Needs Families Jolene Philo and Dr. Gary Chapman have co-authored a book on the 5 love languages just for special needs families and it is finally here! Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families: The 5 Love...
Meant for Community: An Interview with Lorna Bradley
Episode 12 Meant for Community: An Interview with Lorna BradleyLorna Bradley's research focuses on how churches can provide a holistic welcome to families raising children with special needs by meeting the emotional and spiritual needs within the entire family. She is...
Becky Davidson on Rising Above Ministries and the Legacy of a Special Needs Dad
Episode 10 Becky Davidson on Rising Above Ministries and the Legacy of a Special Needs DadThis special Father's Day episode is dedicated to the memory of Jeff Davidson. Becky talks through their story and the genesis of Rising Above Ministries, as well as the...
When You Really Don’t Want to Fight the Good Fight
Over the summer, we were hit with a triple whammy. Over the course of just a couple of days, we got three letters, one after another. Each one was a punch in the gut, increasing in intensity each time. First, the SSI benefit Sam had been receiving that was our only...
More Than I Can Handle
Sometimes, as an attempt to comfort your heart as you are struggling through a new diagnosis, or even years afterward, friends or family might offer consolation by saying something along the lines of, “God chose to give you a child with autism because He knew you were...
My Dear Friend Jaclynnette: A Tribute
I don't want to write this. And yet, I must. My heart cries out in longing for the friend I lost. I think to myself that writing about her will help the healing and grieving process. There's something about expressing everything I feel by translating it into words...
Be Brave and Take Family Pictures
I don’t know about you, but my Pinterest feed is currently filled with adorable fall family pictures and ideas for a photo shoot. October and November are great months to grab your camera (or a photographer), coordinate your entire family’s outfits, and plan an...
Guilt and Competition
My son Samuel was diagnosed with autism at 28 months old. He was mostly non-verbal, except for when he scripted his favorite movie lines or spelled out letters he saw on signs. He had no meaningful communication and he screamed a lot. He repeatedly banged his...
The Special-Needs Scrim
The sanctuary was dark. The air was thick with grief, tension, and anticipation of what we all knew was coming next. But nothing prepared me for what my eyes were about to behold. I was watching our church’s Easter pageant from the middle of the large auditorium. We...
Jason Hague: Aching Joy
Episode 7 Jason Hague: Aching JoyJason and Sarah discuss Jason’s book, Aching Joy, including being transparent, choosing joy, embracing pain, and especially finding hope. Plus, some fun bonus content at the end, so stay tuned! Hosts & Guests Sarah Broady...
Bronwyn Murphy: On Building Positive Relationships with Ministry Leaders
Episode 6 Bronwyn Murphy: On Building Positive Relationships with Ministry LeadersBronwyn Murphy is both the mother of a child with special needs as well as a ministry leader in her church, and founder of a special needs support group for moms in California. We talk...
Redefine Special: An Interview with Melanie Gomez
Episode 5 Redefine Special: An Interview with Melanie GomezSarah and Melanie discuss special needs motherhood and Melanie's devotional, Bundle of Joy. Melanie and Sarah will both be speaking at Key Ministry's Inclusion Fusion Live! Conference on April 5th-6th in Bay...
Ability Ministry with Ryan Wolfe
Episode 4 Ability Ministry with Ryan WolfeRegardless of the size of the church, community outreach to the disability community is not only possible, but commanded by Jesus himself. We are here to help. Most churches aren't opposed to the idea of getting involved in...
Embracing Life with Jenn Soehnlin
Episode 3 Embracing Life with Jenn SoehnlinJenn shares her story dealing with grief after an autism diagnosis, how God met her on the beach, and how she has moved forward in hope. We talk through how to deal with grief, what to embrace about our kids with special...