Title:

Jesus Stories- Mikayla McKenzie

About the Episode:

This episode of the Jesus Stories series features a meaningful and insightful conversation with Mikayla McKenzie. Mikayla and her husband, Brandon, have been married for 11 years and have three children—Bear (8), Daisy (5), and Georgia (3). Their family recently made a bold move to Maryville, Tennessee, to plant a church, and Mikayla shares how God has guided and provided for them throughout that transition.

The episode also walks through the McKenzies’ journey with their son Bear, who has profound special needs and complex medical challenges, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and deafness. In the past year, he has had more than 20 hospital stays and undergone over five surgeries. Mikayla offers a clear, honest perspective on navigating ongoing hardship while remaining rooted in faith.

If you’re looking for a story that is both real and encouraging, this episode offers a thoughtful look at resilience, trust, and God’s steady presence in every season.

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Moment of Reflection:

And now for this week’s Moment of Reflection.

Mikayla talked about seeing God’s goodness in ways that may look different from what the world would consider “good.” As special-needs parents, it can be challenging to see the good in the hard we face each day, but God’s goodness isn’t limited to easy moments or tidy outcomes. Sometimes it shows up in the quiet ways He sustains us, the peace that slips in when we’re exhausted, the people He places around us, or the strength we didn’t know we had.

So take a moment to pause today. Where have you seen God’s goodness — even if it looked different than you expected? What small glimmers of grace showed up in your week?