Grace in the Chaos: Real-Life Insight from Parents of Children with Special Needs.

Empowered Homes Podcast Network

Grace in the Chaos is a podcast that offers real-life insights from parents of children with special needs. Through heartfelt conversations with inspiring families, we explore how they have not only navigated but thrived amidst their challenges. Join us as we uncover valuable lessons that empower us all to live the life God intended, embracing the uniqueness of our homes. Hosted by Pastor Dr. Ryan Rush and Dr. Chris Sneller, two dedicated fathers who embody these experiences daily. Grace in the Chaos is brought to you by EmpoweredHomes.org, your source for thousands of free resources tailored for families like yours.

Episodes

  1. Wrapped in Grace: Holding On Through the Chaos

    MAR 16 ·  BONUS

    Wrapped in Grace: Holding On Through the Chaos

    Returning guests Steve and Deborah Decker join host Ryan Rush once again on Grace in the Chaos for a heartfelt conversation about their family’s journey raising two sons with profound autism and epilepsy—and the story behind Steve’s book, The Blanket: A Mother’s Special Needs Journey.  Like many new parents, Steve and Deborah once received the beloved book Love You Forever when their first child was born. But after both of their sons were diagnosed with profound autism and later epilepsy, the simple life arc portrayed in that story felt far removed from the realities they were living. In response to that experience, Steve wrote The Blanket, a poetic and deeply moving story told through the perspective of a mother caring for her son with severe disabilities. The book captures the raw, unvarnished emotional journey, moments of exhaustion, determination, and even questioning God, while also revealing the powerful love and resilience that shape a family’s path forward.  Unlike many books written to educate the mind of special needs parents, The Blanket was written for the heart and soul of those remarkable families. In this episode, the Deckers share what inspired the book, the lessons their family has learned along the way, and how faith, perseverance, and community have sustained them through life’s most difficult challenges.  Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or simply someone seeking to better understand the realities faced by special needs families, this conversation offers powerful insight, empathy, and hope. Even in the midst of chaos, grace can still be found. Get the Book Here.  Information about Brookwood can be found here. About the Grace in the Chaos Podcast Grace in the Chaos is a podcast that provides real-life insight from parents of children with special needs, featuring hosts, Dr. Ryan Rush and Dr. Chris Sneller. Grace in the Chaos is a part of the Empowered Homes Podcast Network. Questions about the podcast? email us at podcast@empowerdhomes.org

    25 min
  2. Loving the Least of These is Loving Jesus With Fred and Kem Frost

    02/20/2025

    Loving the Least of These is Loving Jesus With Fred and Kem Frost

    In episode 6, Fred and Kem Frost share about the journey through parenting and faith that has been shaped by their experiences raising four sons, two of whom have autism and special needs. Fred grew up in Macon, Georgia, and later pursued law at Vanderbilt University, while Kem is a native of Houston, Texas, also a lawyer by profession. Their paths crossed in Houston, where they quickly became best friends before eventually marrying and starting a family.  The Frosts' parenting journey took a transformative turn when their eldest son began showing signs of developmental delays, which led Kem to research autism. After extensive reading and further medical investigation, they received the diagnosis that their son had autism. Their second son was also diagnosed with autism, adding layers of complexity and learning to their lives. Throughout their journey, they faced the challenge of finding a supportive community for their children, especially in the church. Early on, they encountered rejection from one church, but their perseverance led them found a special needs ministry at Grace Fellowship Church that became a cornerstone of support.  This experience highlighted the critical need for churches to create inclusive environments for families with special needs, and the Frosts have been passionate advocates for accessible programs ever since. They also confronted difficult social reactions, such as awkward looks in public or unwelcoming environments in places like Sunday school. In response, they took initiative and established their own special needs Sunday school class.  Through all the trials, Fred and Kem have embraced the teachings of Matthew 25:40, which resonates deeply with their perspective: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." They view their role as caregivers to their children not just as a responsibility, but as a rare privilege and a powerful way to express their faith. Their children, they believe, help others see the brokenness in the world and bring a unique gospel presence to communities.  Despite the emotional and physical exhaustion that can come with raising children with special needs, Kem often finds comfort in God's reminder, “I’ve got this.” The Frosts have come to cherish the small blessings in their daily life, from inventions like Velcro and the electric toothbrush to the precious moments and incremental victories they experience with their sons. Their greatest hope is to one day have deep, meaningful conversations with their sons in heaven, believing that their children will be whole and able to communicate fully. Fred and Kem Frost’s journey is a testament to the profound challenges, lessons, and joys of parenting children with special needs, and the unshakeable importance of community and faith in their lives.  Check out Grace Fellowship Church Special Needs Ministry Check out Kingsland Special Needs Ministry About the Grace in the Chaos Podcast Grace in the Chaos is a podcast that provides real-life insight from parents of children with special needs, featuring hosts, Dr. Ryan Rush and Dr. Chris Sneller. Grace in the Chaos is a part of the Empowered Homes Podcast Network. Questions about the podcast? email us at podcast@empowerdhomes.org

    29 min
  3. Encountering Jesus in the Deaf Community with the Smith Family

    11/14/2024

    Encountering Jesus in the Deaf Community with the Smith Family

    Dr. Rush and Dr. Sneller welcome the Smith Family to episode 2 of The Grace in the Chaos podcast. Darrin and Sara Smith highlight the challenges, joys, and deep faith involved in raising children with special needs, especially within the context of adoption and the deaf community. This powerful interview includes many lessons learned by the Smith family. Particularly the importance of making decisions based on what is best for each child, regardless of external opinions or biases, the importance of trusting God's guidance when making difficult decisions about their children's care and future and to value uniqueness - recognizing that finding the right medical or therapeutic intervention can bring out their true personalities of their children. About the Grace in the Chaos Podcast Grace in the Chaos is a podcast that provides real-life insight from parents of children with special needs, featuring hosts, Dr. Ryan Rush and Dr. Chris Sneller. Grace in the Chaos is a part of the Empowered Homes Podcast Network. Questions about the podcast? email us at podcast@empowerdhomes.org About the Grace in the Chaos Podcast Grace in the Chaos is a podcast that provides real-life insight from parents of children with special needs, featuring hosts, Dr. Ryan Rush and Dr. Chris Sneller. Grace in the Chaos is a part of the Empowered Homes Podcast Network. Questions about the podcast? email us at podcast@empowerdhomes.org

    29 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Grace in the Chaos is a podcast that offers real-life insights from parents of children with special needs. Through heartfelt conversations with inspiring families, we explore how they have not only navigated but thrived amidst their challenges. Join us as we uncover valuable lessons that empower us all to live the life God intended, embracing the uniqueness of our homes. Hosted by Pastor Dr. Ryan Rush and Dr. Chris Sneller, two dedicated fathers who embody these experiences daily. Grace in the Chaos is brought to you by EmpoweredHomes.org, your source for thousands of free resources tailored for families like yours.