Rising Above with Becky Davidson

About Celeste Celeste Shally is a devoted mother and full-time caregiver to her adopted son with autism and intellectual disability. She is the author of While We Wait: Clinging to Christ in the Trenches of Special Needs Parenting, Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book, and The Bully Blockers: Standing Up for Classmates with Autism. Together with her husband, Mike, and their sons, Cooper and Jaxon, Celeste resides in Northwest Arkansas, where they founded Thrive, a flourishing ministry dedicated to ministering to special needs adults and their families.   About the Episode In this episode, we sit down with Celeste Shally as she opens up about her family’s powerful journey through adoption and parenting a child with special needs. Celeste shares the emotional and spiritual challenges that came with adopting her son, Cooper, and how discovering his developmental delays became a defining moment for their family. She candidly discusses the grief, strain on her marriage, and the overwhelming realities of special needs parenting—yet through it all, Celeste found strength in her faith, a deepened spiritual life, and the support of a loving community. From seeking out interventions to leaning into humor and hope, her journey is one of resilience, vulnerability, and surrender. Now, through her book, Celeste offers a message of understanding and encouragement to others walking a similar path. Related Links: Chosen, Called, Favored Study celesteshally.com  Moment of Reflection: While We Wait Persevere through the waiting: Suffering and uncertainty can feel endless, but Celeste reminds us that waiting is not wasted. It’s a space where God meets us—in our doubts, our grief, and our hope. Look for God in the chaos: In the hardest moments, try to pause and ask, “Where is God here?” It might be in small acts of kindness, unexpected laughter, or quiet peace amid the storm.

About the Episode: 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? Not just to a party or a gathering, but to belonging. To say with your actions, “You matter here. You are wanted.”

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? Maybe it’s a friend walking through a tough season, a caregiver feeling unseen, or even someone in your own family. This week, take a moment to reach out—a text, a call, a prayer. Just like Katie and I talked about, community makes all the difference when the storms of life hit.  

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. Related Links 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 What’s been weighing on your mind lately? What is something that has felt like clouds over your heart.   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 X - @DanielRitchie   Author of "My Affliction for His Glory" and "Endure." Visit danielritchie.com for more insights and resources.   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      

About the Episode In this episode of Rising Above with Becky Davidson, hosts Becky, Mandy, and Dusti share their experiences as parents of children with disabilities, exploring the emotional connections formed through shared stories. They discuss the use of ChatGPT in their lives, humorous hospital experiences, and the unexpected expertise they gain in medical situations. The conversation highlights the importance of laughter in parenting, the challenges of navigating medical emergencies, and the community support that helps them through tough times.  

Title: Embracing the Journey Description: Join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Mallory, who shares her heartfelt journey of adoption, family life, and finding joy amidst challenges. Discover the beauty of choosing joy, the surprises of international adoption, and the power of community support. Related Links: App  

Episode Title: Confident Hope in the Midst of Medical Trials In this episode, Becky sits down with her friend Kim to share a deeply personal story about a recent medical challenge involving a scheduled G-Tube placement for Jon Alex that didn’t go as planned. Through their honest and heartfelt conversation, Becky opens up about how she found “Confident Hope” even in the midst of uncertainty and fear. Together, Becky and Kim reflect on the power of friendship during life’s hardest moments—especially when facing medical struggles. They discuss the importance of showing up for one another, leaning on faith, and sharing the gospel during times of crisis. Their dialogue also touches on the delicate balance of advocating for loved ones while remaining grounded in grace and peace. This episode is a powerful reminder of what it means to trust God through the unknown and walk with others in love and hope. Related Links Rising Above website/resources    

This podcast honors a dear friend and supporter of Rising Above, Becky's sister, Susan. She unexpectedly passed two weeks ago, and we wanted to take an opportunity to honor her life and legacy through some of her messages of hope.

About the Episode Dusti joins Becky to discuss By the Brook (coming up this weekend!) and the opportunity to join us virtually or at a host site!   Related Links www.risingaboveministries.org/bythebrook

About Chris Chris and Andrea from Nashville, Tennessee, adopted two babies from Russia in 1998. That began a lifelong journey, including an autism diagnosis for their son, Joshua, when he turned 18 years old. Chris discovered Jeff's book "Common Man, Extraordinary Call" to lead a group of special needs dads in 2020. This group spent two years carefully navigating this wonderful "trailblazing book" that digs deep into the heart of a dad with a special needs child. From those years of transformation and inspiration from Jeff's example, Chris wrote a small group study guide as a starting point for special needs dads called "The Journey with Our Kids". Today is a different story for Chris and Josh, a contentious and anger-filled childhood restored through God's mercy, Josh's forgiving heart, and Jeff's book.   About the Episode In this conversation, Chris Riley shares his journey as a father of children with special needs, detailing the challenges and transformations he experienced through adoption, diagnosis, and emotional struggles. He reflects on the importance of connection, forgiveness, and the impact of a pivotal book that changed his perspective on parenting. The discussion emphasizes the significance of delighting in children and the journey of personal growth as a father. In this conversation, Chris Riley shares his journey of creating a supportive community for fathers of special needs children. He discusses the importance of understanding the unique communication needs of these children and how shared experiences can transform the lives of dads. Chris emphasizes the need for resources tailored to special-needs parenting and reflects on the lessons learned through his own parenting journey. He concludes with insights on finding joy in imperfection and the importance of humility in the parenting process.   Related Links Common Man, Extraordinary Call  

About Me (from Elizabeth) My name is Elizabeth, and my journey started with me asking God what He wanted out of my life instead of me asking for doors to be opened. He clearly said “I want you to have children who you teach to know and love me but they will not ask come through you.” Then He sent me to China! I adopted this beautiful 11 month old baby who Chinese name was Ya Wei which is pronounced the same as Gods Yahweh. Every step of the journey was God! Three months home, we got an unexpected diagnosis of athetoid cerebral palsy. I grieved, cried, but also put on my big girl pants and tried to do the only thing I knew…to tackle it! I researched, embraced the world of therapies, and learned to be a servant! Every season was hard and sweet all at the same time. Then came a season of zero sleep! This was the hardest season. I just cried out to God. I felt the covenant between us and just cried out for help because I couldn’t function at all. We as a family were falling apart. Well he sent two people asking why she didn’t have a neurologist. At this point, I was questioning the journey! I knew God is good but this journey was not always feeling good. After the hard seasons, I have been praying about finding the joy in this journey in this season. God has pointed out so many joyful moments. It has taught me God truly cares about of it and to asks him for help! About the Episode In this conversation, Elizabeth Jones shares her profound journey of motherhood, focusing on her experiences with adoption and raising a child with special needs. She reflects on her initial struggles with infertility, her decision to adopt, and the challenges faced during the adoption process, particularly in China. Throughout her story, she emphasizes the importance of faith, joy, and the unexpected turns that life can take, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of love and family. In this heartfelt conversation, Elizabeth shares her journey of adopting a special needs child, navigating the complexities of grief, faith, and the joy found in small milestones. She discusses the ongoing challenges of parenting a child with cerebral palsy, the importance of community support, and how her faith has been a guiding force through difficult times. Elizabeth emphasizes the significance of celebrating every achievement, no matter how small, and the transformative power of love and resilience in the face of adversity.  

About Dustin Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy Smith Rawls and has two children, Dylan 11 and Madison 14 who was born with Spina Bifida. Dustin serves as the Men’s Ministry director at his church and has a passion for discipleship. He works for the financial aid arm of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and has never met an audience he didn’t love. Whether it was bowling a perfect 300, becoming the first ever homecoming king at MTSU, or finishing his fourth degree, clearly Dustin has a need to prove something that nobody else cares about.   About the Episode In this engaging conversation, Becky Davidson and Dustin Rawls explore the emotional journey of parenting a child with special needs, the importance of community support, and the role of faith in our lives. The discussion highlights the significance of vulnerability, the need for open communication in relationships, and the joy found in caregiving. In this conversation, Dustin Rawls shares his journey of navigating the complexities of marriage and parenting a child with special needs. He discusses the transformative impact of faith on his relationships, the challenges faced in his marriage, and the importance of finding joy amidst difficulties. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of love, support, and faith in overcoming life's challenges. Related Links Common Man, Extrordinary Call Rising Above Dad podcast    

About Me (from Kandis) I love a lot of things. I LOVE Jesus. I love my family, including my church family at Collegeside, where I also enjoy working. I love my 5 children immensely. I HATE being a widow, but I love seeing God's goodness and care for me as a widow. Oh, and I love the Green Bay Packers and 7Brew. About the Episode In this heartfelt conversation, Becky Davidson and Kandis Moss share their experiences of navigating life as widows, reflecting on the profound impact of loss, the challenges of solo parenting, and the emotional weight of anniversaries. They discuss the importance of family support, the concept of 'widow fog', and the ongoing journey of raising children without their fathers. Through their candid dialogue, they explore the complexities of grief, the necessity of open communication, and the resilience required to move forward in life after loss. The conversation highlights the significance of connection, support, and finding joy amidst loss. Related Links By the Brook