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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.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Title: Jesus Stories- Steve Chatman
About the Episode:
In this week’s episode of Rising Above with Becky Davidson, the Jesus Stories series continues with a conversation featuring Steve Chatman. Steve shares his personal Jesus story and reflects on the ways Jesus has been present through both the joyful and challenging seasons of his life. His experiences offer a thoughtful reminder of Jesus’ faithfulness, even in moments that feel overwhelming or uncertain.
About Steve
Steve and his wife, Lori, are parents to five children and grandparents to three. As parents to two daughters with Down syndrome, they have long been connected to the special needs community. Steve has been ministering to families since 1993, serves as Rising Above’s Vice President, and hosts the Rising Above Dads podcast.
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Moment of Reflection
Steve talked about how there are moments when it feels like Jesus isn’t there—but just like when Jesus was in the boat with His disciples during the storm, He is with us. Even though Jesus was asleep and the disciples were frustrated and felt like He didn’t care… He was still right there in the boat.
So now, for our moment of reflection:
Where in your life have you felt like Jesus is “asleep in the boat”?
Where has He felt distant?
Take some time to invite Jesus into those places. Ask Him to show you how He’s been present—even if you couldn’t see it at the time.
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
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?
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Jesus Stories- Sandy Ramsey Trayvick
About the Episode
In the second installment of the Jesus Stories series, Becky Davidson welcomes back longtime friend Sandy Ramsey-Trayvick for a deeply personal conversation about faith, resilience, and the unexpected ways God meets us in our hardest seasons.
Sandy shares the profound journey of raising her son Miles, whose complex health and developmental challenges became the catalyst for a deeper, more intimate walk with God. Through honest reflections and tender storytelling, Sandy and Becky explore the beauty that can emerge from adversity—how pain can lead to spiritual growth, how God shows up in moments of fear and uncertainty, and how joy can be found in the most unlikely places.
Together, they remind us that no family’s story is beyond God’s redemption and that even the most disrupted dreams can reveal His faithfulness. This episode offers encouragement, hope, and a powerful reminder that you are never alone on your journey.
About Sandy:
Sandy and her husband of 33 years live in New Jersey and are parents to three young adult children. Her journey as a special-needs mom, caregiver, and advocate began 24 years ago after her son’s childhood illness left him multiply disabled. Today, Sandy serves as a Certified Professional Coach with a passion for helping special needs parents discover the powerful story God is writing through their own unique journeys. She is also a writer and the author of When Dreams Are Disrupted – A Story of God’s Faithfulness.
Learn more about Sandy, her work, and her blog at www.UNDisabledLIVES.org and on Instagram @undisabled_lives.
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Moment of Reflection:
Sandy talked about the difference between knowing about Jesus and actually having a relationship with Him. It’s easy to be familiar with Scripture or understand who Jesus is in theory, but that’s not the same as engaging with Him in the real, practical parts of life. Relationship shows up in how we trust Him, how we respond to challenges, and how we invite Him into our everyday decisions and emotions.
Ask yourself…
Where am I relying more on information about Jesus than on true connection with Him?
What area of my life—good or hard—needs His involvement right now?
And what small step toward deeper relationship can I take this week?
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Episode Title:
Jesus Stories: Carrie M. Holt
About the Episode:
In this conversation, Becky Davidson and Carrie M. Holt explore the profound impact of faith on their lives, sharing personal stories of childhood, struggles with identity, and the challenges of parenting a child with special needs. They discuss the importance of recognizing Jesus' humanity, the hope of heaven, and the encouragement needed for parents facing difficult times. Through their experiences, they emphasize the significance of community, trust in God, and the journey of wrestling with faith amidst adversity.
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Messages from Jeff
Moment of Reflection:
Carrie shared something so powerful—how easy it is to make our faith transactional. You know, that mindset of ‘If I do this, then God will do that.’ It sounds simple, but it can sneak into our hearts without us even realizing it. We start to believe that our obedience, our prayers, or our good behavior somehow guarantee a certain outcome. And when things don’t go the way we expect or hope, we can feel disappointed—or even betrayed.
But faith was never meant to be a transaction; it’s meant to be a relationship. Jesus invites us into something so much deeper—a trust that looks more like a child resting in the arms of a loving Father. A child doesn’t have to earn their parent’s care or prove their worth—they just believe that love is there, no matter what.
So this week, spend a few quiet moments asking yourself: How do I view my relationship with Jesus? Is it transactional—based on what I do or what I expect Him to do? Or is it childlike—rooted in simple trust, knowing that He is good even when life doesn’t make sense?
Take a breath, open your heart, and let Jesus remind you that His love for you isn’t earned or bargained for—it’s already yours."
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
About the Episode:
In this Thanksgiving-themed podcast episode, Becky Davidson and her team discuss the significance of gratitude, share personal Thanksgiving plans, and reflect on the evolution of their holiday traditions. They explore the impact of working with families of children with special needs and how gratitude plays a vital role in their lives and work. The conversation highlights the importance of community, support, and the joy found in serving others, culminating in a heartfelt message about recognizing and appreciating the blessings in everyday life.
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Moment of Reflection:
So for this week’s moment of reflection, ask yourself: Am I spending more time looking at someone else’s life than noticing what God is doing in mine? I know how easy it is to fall into that comparison trap—believe me, I’ve been there—but when we shift our focus back to gratitude, we start to see the beauty in our own story.
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
🎙️ Podcast Summary
In this heartfelt episode, host Becky Davidson sits down with two special guests who have become like family — Bralin Moss and Josh Cremeans, her son Jon Alex’s care providers. Both college students, Bralin and Josh share their honest and inspiring experiences of stepping into caregiving, building deep trust, and learning alongside the Davidson family.
Together, the three talk about what it really looks like to find the right fit in caregiving — the kind of connection that goes beyond a job description and becomes a genuine relationship.
Filled with laughter, honest reflection, and hope, this episode is a beautiful reminder that when we truly see people — as Bralin and Josh see Jon Alex — we create space for everyone to thrive.
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Moment of Reflection:
And now for this week’s moment of reflection:
As I think about this conversation, I’m reminded of how Jesus looked at people — really saw them. He saw past limitations, past circumstances, and straight to the heart. That’s something Bralin and Josh model so beautifully with Jon Alex. Maybe this week, we can ask God to help us see others the same way — to notice the gifts He’s placed in them, to call out their potential, and to love them the way He does.
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
About Nikki:
Nikki McIntosh is the founder of Rare Mamas®, a resource and community dedicated to empowering mothers of children with rare diseases, and host of the Rare Mamas Rising podcast. Her mission stems from the profound need she felt after her son was diagnosed with a rare disease, fueling her with a passion and purpose to offer a lifeline of hope and connection to other rare moms.
Nikki is a sought-after speaker and a trusted voice in the rare disease space. From national conferences and patient advocacy group gatherings to biotech industry meetings and media interviews, Nikki passionately advocates for the rare disease community. She lives in Southern California with her husband Tony and their sons Mason and Miles.
About the Episode:
In this heartfelt episode, Nikki McIntosh shares her transformative journey as a mother navigating the challenges of raising a child with a rare neuromuscular disease. From the initial shock of diagnosis to becoming a beacon of hope and support for other rare moms, Nikki's story is one of resilience, faith, and community. Join hosts Becky Davidson and Nikki as they discuss the creation of the Rare Mamas organization, the power of advocacy, and the importance of finding strength in shared experiences. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement. Tune in to discover how Nikki's journey can empower you to face life's challenges with hope and determination.
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Respite for Your Mind: Up in the Night
About the Show
Rising Above with Becky Davidson is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.
*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
About the Episode
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Allison Hernandez as she shares her journey of raising a child with cerebral palsy. From the unexpected diagnosis to navigating daily challenges, Allison opens up about the strength and resilience she's found through faith and community. Discover how her experiences have reshaped her beliefs and brought unexpected blessings into her life. This episode is a story of love, support, and the power of community in overcoming life's hurdles.
About Allison
Allison is a single full time working mom. She works a highly demanding job and manages her home, which includes her and her child, and numerous caregivers.
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Moment of Reflection
I really love how open and honest Allison was about her faith — how the challenges she faced before Roxie led her to walk away for a time, but through her journey as Roxie’s mom, she found her way back to God. She realized just how much she depended on Him.
Take a moment to think about where you are on your faith journey. Are you feeling angry with God? Does He seem distant or far away? Or maybe He feels close and present right now. Wherever you are, invite Him into that space. Ask God to show you His heart — for you, and for your child.
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
About the Muzichuk Family
Paul Muzichuk has served at The Springs Church in Florida for more than ten years, where he leads as both Missions Pastor and Counseling Pastor. He and his wife Maria, to whom he has been married for 19 years, founded Arise Biblical Counseling in 2017. The ministry has since served hundreds of individuals and families, offering biblical counseling and healing with a focus on crisis care, strengthening marriages, and preparing engaged couples through pre-marital counseling.
Paul and Maria are strong advocates for special needs families, giving leadership to a growing ministry at The Springs Church that creates opportunities for children and their families to worship, grow, and thrive in the life of the church.
Alongside counseling and special needs ministry, Paul is passionate about the Great Commission and has led missions teams across the United States and internationally, ministering in countries such as Ireland, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Colombia, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Germany, Canada, the Philippines, and Haiti. His heart is to see the gospel transform lives through both local outreach and global partnerships.
Paul and Maria treasure life with their four children Julianna, Philip, Nathan, and Amelia and are committed to serving God together as a family.
About the Episode
In this episode, join Becky Davidson as she sits down with Paul and Maria Muzichuk to explore their journey as parents of a son with autism. From the challenges of early diagnosis to the creation of a supportive church community, Paul and Maria share their experiences, insights, and the profound impact of faith on their lives. Discover how their story of resilience and hope is inspiring others and fostering a sense of belonging for families facing similar challenges.
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Catch up on the Rising Above Dads podcast before the new season releases soon.
Moment of Reflection:
Maria shared how she prayed specifically for her son’s protection the night before their terrifying elopement incident. How important it is to pray for our children.
Reflect: What are some specific things you can begin praying over your own child, your family, or even the families around you? How might God be leading you to intercede on someone else’s behalf? Spend some time with those questions and then spend some time talking to God about it.
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
About the Episode
In this deeply honest episode, host Becky Davidson sits down with guest Mandy Rawls for a powerful conversation about the emotional complexities of parenting children with special needs. Together, they unpack the concept of the “dark side rules”—an unspoken agreement that both parents can’t emotionally spiral at the same time. Through personal stories and lived experiences, Becky and Mandy explore how this principle helps families stay afloat in the midst of overwhelming challenges.
Listeners will hear candid reflections on grief, strength, vulnerability, and the vital role of support systems. From coping mechanisms to the importance of community, faith, and friendship, this episode offers a raw yet hopeful look into the reality of special needs parenting. Whether you're a parent on a similar path or someone seeking to better understand and support those who are, this conversation will leave you encouraged and inspired.
Key Takeaways:
- The “dark side rules” offer emotional balance in high-stress parenting situations.
- It’s essential for one parent to stay grounded when the other is struggling.
- Grief, overwhelm, and joy can coexist—and acknowledging all is part of the journey.
- Vulnerability and community are not weaknesses but lifelines.
- Faith and trusted relationships can be sources of deep strength and healing.
Join Becky and Mandy as they shine a light on the hard, holy work of special needs parenting—and the hope that can be found even in the darkest places.
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