In this Advent reflection, Carrie M. Holt closes out the year with a powerful reminder for the special-needs mom who finds herself afraid. Drawing from the Christmas story—Zechariah’s uncertainty, Mary’s shock, and Joseph’s quiet fear—Carrie shares how God met each person right where they were, in their real-life moments of confusion and overwhelm.

Through honest stories from her own month of unexpected struggles, Carrie points to the truth that God not only sees our tears and our long nights of tossing—but He dwells with us right in the middle of them.

If you’re ending this year feeling anxious about your child’s future, worn from the weight of advocacy, or unsure how God fits into the foggy unknown ahead, this Advent message will remind you: No matter what you fear, God is near.

December 9, 2025; Eps. 33

Resources:

Scriptures Mentioned: Matthew 1, Luke 1-2

Music Provided by: Pixabay: Silent-night-lofi-version

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• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
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• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

In this Advent reflection, Carrie M. Holt invites weary, overwhelmed, and tender-hearted special needs moms into the ultimate unexpected story—Christmas. Through a first-person narrative inspired by Mary’s journey in Luke and Matthew, Carrie draws parallels between Mary’s unexpected calling and the everyday realities of disability parenting: medical crises that interrupt holidays, the longing for peace, and the ache of carrying a story you never planned for.

With soothing Scripture, honest storytelling, and gentle encouragement, this episode offers a pause in the chaos. Carrie reminds us that Emmanuel—God with us—is present in hospital hallways, IEP meetings, surgeries, sensory overwhelm, and our deepest fears.

This Advent, may you find rest, hope, and companionship in the God who enters unexpected places through unexpected stories.

Eps. 32; December 2, 2025

Date: 12/2/25

Resources:
Be Born in Me by Francesca Batistelli

Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song) by Amy Grant

Joseph’s Lullaby by Mercy Me

Scriptures Referenced:
Matthew 1, Luke 1-2, Isaiah 9 & 40

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

In this profoundly moving conversation, Carrie M. Holt talks with author and advocate Jess Ronne about her powerful and unexpected story—one marked by disability, grief, resilience, surrender, and the refining work of God. Jess shares her journey from learning of her son Lucas’s profound disabilities, to walking with her late husband through terminal brain cancer, to unexpectedly meeting her second husband, Ryan. She opens up about the weight of long-term caregiving, the burnout that left her unable to get out of bed, and the painful process of releasing control when Lucas transitioned into a group home.

Together, Carrie and Jess explore themes of grief that evolve through the journey, anger God can hold, the idolatry of identity, and the ongoing call to surrender in every season. Jess also offers encouragement to caregivers with limited support and explains why she believes rest, community, humility, and honesty are essential for survival.

This is a conversation for every special-needs parent who feels exhausted, unseen, or afraid of the future—offering real hope, gentle truth, and the reminder that God is present in every season.

Eps. 31; November 18, 2025

Resources:
Jess Ronne’s Website

Social Media FB & IG

Caregiving With Grit & Grace

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.