Rising Above with Becky Davidson

Rising Above Ministries
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Rising Above with Becky Davidson is a place of encouragement, honesty, and hope for families navigating the unique joys and challenges of life with disability. Each episode offers heartfelt conversations, practical wisdom, and faith-filled insights to help you know you’re not alone on the journey. Becky shares stories from her own life as well as uplifting perspectives from guests who understand the road, equipping you with tools and inspiration to face each day with courage. Whether you’re seeking community, strength, or a fresh reminder of God’s faithfulness, this podcast invites you to rise above the struggles and discover joy in the midst of it all.

  1. 14H AGO

    Conversations with Catherine- Special Guest, Mandy Rawls

    Title: Conversations with Catherine- Special Guest, Mandy Rawls  Episode Summary: On this episode of “Rising Above with Becky Davidson,” Becky Davidson is joined by Licensed Professional Counselor Catherine Virden and special guest Mandy Rawls, mom to a teenage daughter with spina bifida. Together, they explore the emotional complexities of parenting a child with special needs, discussing trauma, self-care, vulnerability, and the importance of modeling emotional health for our children. Mandy shares her personal journey, while Catherine offers professional insight and practical strategies for maintaining emotional well-being. This episode also launches a new recurring feature of the show. Every few months, Catherine will return to speak with different parents of children with disabilities, offering encouragement, tools, and real-life wisdom to support families on their journey.

    57 min

  2. FEB 24

    God is Good...We Promise (with Tracey Martin)

    Title: Good is Good…We Promise, Tracey’s story  Episode Summary: In this final episode of our series, God Is Good…We Promise, Becky Davidson and Tracey Martin reconnect for a heartfelt conversation filled with honesty, laughter, and deep encouragement. Together, they share personal stories that highlight the power of friendship, the strength found in community support, and the sustaining presence of faith in the face of life’s greatest challenges. They reflect on meaningful memories, unexpected hardships, and the beautiful, complex journey of motherhood—especially as mothers raising children with special needs. Tracey vulnerably opens up about her recent health struggles, including her breast cancer diagnosis, and shares how her faith has anchored her and illuminated even the darkest days. As the series comes to a close, this conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of processing emotions, leaning into supportive relationships, and recognizing God’s goodness in everyday moments. Becky and Tracey encourage listeners to cling to hope, trust God’s faithfulness, and remember that even in hardship, He is present—and He is good. Related Links: Up in the Night - Respite for Your Mind Goodness of God    Moment of Reflection: During the conversation, Tracey shared how she was recently asked to sing the song “The Goodness of God” at choir practice and how the lyrics deeply resonated with her, reminding her that God sees her and has carried her through incredibly challenging seasons. This week, take a few minutes to listen to the song (linked above in the show notes). As you listen, reflect on your own life and consider where you have seen God’s faithfulness—even in seasons that felt difficult or uncertain.

    42 min

  3. FEB 17

    God is Good...We Promise (with Vivian Cate)

    God is Good…We Promise, Vivian’s Story  About the Episode In this conversation, Vivian Cate shares her journey as a caregiver and mother navigating the complexities of raising children with special needs and addiction. She reflects on the challenges faced, the importance of faith, community support, and the transformative power of prayer. Vivian emphasizes the significance of seeing God's goodness in difficult times and encourages parents to hold onto hope and not give up on their children. Her mantra, 'But God,' serves as a reminder to look beyond circumstances and trust in God's plan. Related Links: Community Groups Books written by Vivian: VEGAN CUISINE: Biblical and scientific information, menus and other helpful forms, fun anecdotes,  plus over 100 recipes! THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN'S RESUME:  written after leading women in rehab through 12 weeks of life skills, it is great for young women (teens and older). INTRODUCTION TO HEALTHY LIVING (Recipes for Life) includes chapters on faith, rest, exercise, and nutrition. It discusses vegan info plus further study on the importance of lectin-free and high nutrient diets. JOURNEY TO ETERNITY (Positive Reflections on Death and Dying): is an easy read but packed full of info learned from 14 years as a hospice nurse and 57 years of personal experience with death and dying. Moment of Reflection:  One powerful takeaway from Vivian’s story is the simple phrase, “but God.” In seasons that didn’t make sense—when the pain felt heavy and the answers felt far away—those two words became a declaration of trust. Not a denial of hurt, but a reminder that God is still present, still working, and still good. Where in your story do you need to add “but God”? Is there a situation that feels unresolved, painful, or confusing—where you’re being invited to trust before you see the outcome? Clarity may not have come yet. The waiting may not be over. But even there… but God.

    34 min

  4. FEB 10

    God is Good...We Promise (with Carrissa Mackie)

    God is Good…We Promise- Carrissa’s story  Summary: In part two of our series, “God Is Good… We Promise,” we continue sharing real stories of God’s goodness—even when life doesn’t make sense. This week, we’re joined by Carrissa Mackie, Director of Operations for Rising Above who bravely opens up about an incredibly challenging season in her life. Carrissa shares how a serious leg injury became an unexpected place where God revealed His goodness in a deeply personal way. Through vulnerability and honesty, she reflects on how her faith was tested, how it grew, and how she learned to truly trust God’s will—especially when the future felt uncertain. Her story is a powerful reminder that God is still good, even in pain, waiting, and unanswered questions. Related Links: Practical Ways to Come Alongside Families Moment of Reflection:  For this week’s Moment of Reflection, Carrissa shared how, after her injury, she experienced a deeper desire to draw close to God. She explained that she now strives to make no decision and take no step forward without first seeking assurance that it aligns with God’s will for her life. As parents of children with disabilities, there are countless decisions to navigate—many of them heavy and life-altering. Are there areas of life right now that feel unsettled or uncertain, leaving questions about which direction to take? This week, consider bringing those questions to God. Spend intentional time with Him, asking for clarity, guidance, and wisdom for the next step, and for a greater ability to recognize and hear His voice.

    44 min

  5. FEB 3

    God is Good…We Promise (with Becky Davidson)

    Series: God is Good…We Promise, Stories of God’s goodness when life doesn’t make sense Episode Summary: This week’s episode kicks off a brand-new February series, “God Is Good… We Promise,” where host Becky Davidson invites listeners into honest, hope-filled conversations about trusting God’s goodness when life doesn’t make sense. Becky is joined by Carrissa Mackie from the Rising Above team to share the heart behind the series and why these stories of faith, pain, and perseverance matter. Becky also opens up about her own journey, reflecting on moments when God’s goodness was present even in seasons marked by confusion, loss, and deep hardship. The episode closes with a powerful time of reflection, encouraging listeners to consider where their trust in God may feel shaky. Becky shares a meaningful reminder often spoken by her husband during suffering: “When we feel we cannot trust God’s actions in our life, we must trust His heart.”  Listeners are invited to bring their doubts and questions to God and ask Him to reveal His good heart for themselves, their children, and their families. Be sure to join next week as Carrissa shares her own story and how she experienced the goodness of God through a very challenging season. Related Link: Check out the Jerri Cross video on the app! Moment of Reflection:  For this week’s moment of reflection, I want to come back to something my husband often said, even in the middle of his pain and suffering: “When we feel we cannot trust God’s actions in our life, we must trust His heart.” Are there areas where your trust feels shaky right now? Places where doubt has quietly crept in? I want to encourage you to spend some time talking with God about those things. Ask Him to help you see His heart for you, for your child, and for your family—and to remind you that His heart is good, even when life doesn’t make sense.

    38 min

  6. JAN 27

    Susan Lomax: I don't know how special-needs families survive without...

    About the Episode This episode is part of the series “I Don’t Know How Special-Needs Families Survive Without…” where caregivers share the one thing they believe makes survival possible. In this conversation, Susan Lomax speaks vulnerably about a season marked by deep grief after losing both her mother and mother-in-law, while continuing to care for her adult son with autism and support her grieving father. She shares how grief shows up unexpectedly in everyday life and how survival sometimes meant simply staying present, moment by moment. Susan reveals her answer to the series question: creativity. Through music, journaling, doodling, and crochet, she found grounding, peace, and a way to reconnect with herself beyond the caregiver role. For Susan, creativity is not a luxury—it is a lifeline, an act of worship, and a vital tool for mental, emotional, and spiritual survival. This episode offers hope and permission for special-needs parents to take even five minutes to create, reminding them that they are still people, still here, and still worthy of care.   Related Links Respite for Your Mind   Moment of Reflection:  And now for this week’s moment of reflection. Susan challenged all of us to take a moment for creativity and beauty—even if it’s only five minutes a day. So this week, let’s accept that challenge and see where we can make space, even for just a few minutes to create something or to discover something beautiful in God’s creation.

    47 min

  7. JAN 20

    Carrie Holt: I don't know how special-needs families survive without...

    Carrie Holt: I don’t know how special needs families survive without…  🎉 Milestone Episode: 300 Episodes of Rising Above 🎉 In this meaningful milestone episode, Becky Davidson is joined by Carrie Holt for the second conversation in the series “I Don’t Know How Special Needs Families Survive Without…”. Carrie’s answer is both honest and essential: processing grief and lamenting. Parenting a child with disabilities often carries layers of ongoing, unspoken grief—grief that doesn’t always come from a single loss, but from continual adjustments, unmet expectations, and the weight of long-term caregiving. In this episode, Becky and Carrie create space to name those realities with compassion and faith. Together, they explore how grief shows up in the lives of special needs parents, why acknowledging it matters, and how lament can become a sacred practice rather than something to avoid. Carrie shares how lament is not a lack of faith, but a form of worship—an honest, biblical way of bringing pain, questions, and sorrow before God while remaining anchored in hope. This conversation also offers practical encouragement for parents who feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or unsure how to begin processing their grief. Becky and Carrie discuss the importance of community support, permission to feel what you feel, and the ongoing work of reorienting the heart toward God’s presence in the midst of suffering. Whether you are navigating fresh loss, long-term grief, or emotions you’ve never quite had words for, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone—and that hope can coexist with sorrow. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Why grief is an ongoing reality for many special needs parents The difference between suppressing grief and processing it How lament functions as a biblical and spiritual practice Why bringing honest pain to God strengthens faith rather than weakens it Practical ways to begin naming and navigating grief The role of community and shared understanding How hope can be held alongside deep sorrow Thank you for being part of the Rising Above community for 300 episodes. This milestone is a reflection of shared stories, resilience, and the reminder that even in the hardest places, we rise—together.   Related Links “There is no Yet Study”

    46 min

  8. JAN 13

    Dustin Rawls: I don't know how special-needs families survive without...

    Dustin Rawls: I don’t know how special needs families survive without... About the series This January, Rising Above with Becky Davidson launches a brand-new series called “I Don’t Know How Special Needs Families Survive Without…”—and we’re kicking it off with a powerful conversation featuring Dustin Rawls, dad to his teenage daughter Madison, who has spina bifida. In this episode, Dustin opens up about the realities of raising a teenager with special needs—the challenges, the laughter, and the moments that stretch your faith to its limits. He shares how his journey as a father has shaped his relationship with God, walking through seasons of doubt, surrender, and deep spiritual growth. Becky and Dustin talk about the role faith plays in their family, the importance of discipleship at home, and the unexpected ways God shows up in everyday moments. Dustin also shares a meaningful story involving Madison that reminded him of God’s peace and presence when life felt overwhelming. So what is Dustin’s answer to the question, “I don’t know how special needs families survive without…”? You’ll have to listen to find out, but his response is honest, hope-filled, and deeply encouraging. Whether you’re part of a special needs family or simply walking through a hard season, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone—and that faith can transform even the most challenging journeys.   Moment of Reflection Dustin shared so honestly about how Jesus has transformed his life—and how that transformation doesn’t happen all at once. It’s a process. Sanctification is ongoing, and when we really allow Jesus to change our hearts, our lives begin to look different over time. Who we are today shouldn’t look the same as who we were five years ago. And with God’s grace, five years from now, we’ll look even more like Jesus than we do today. So, now for this week’s moment of reflection.  I want to invite you to sit with this question for a moment: Am I allowing Jesus to transform my life? Does my life reflect Jesus more than it did five or ten years ago? And if the answer feels like “not really” or “I’m not sure, spend some time asking what might you need to surrender? What space in your life might Jesus be gently asking you to open up so He can continue that work in you?

    50 min
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4.7
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

Rising Above with Becky Davidson is a place of encouragement, honesty, and hope for families navigating the unique joys and challenges of life with disability. Each episode offers heartfelt conversations, practical wisdom, and faith-filled insights to help you know you’re not alone on the journey. Becky shares stories from her own life as well as uplifting perspectives from guests who understand the road, equipping you with tools and inspiration to face each day with courage. Whether you’re seeking community, strength, or a fresh reminder of God’s faithfulness, this podcast invites you to rise above the struggles and discover joy in the midst of it all.

Information

  • Creator
    Rising Above Ministries
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Rising Above with Becky Davidson

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