A Special Hope

Discovering special hope in the stories of those living with special needs, those who strive to minister to special needs families, and the God who is making all things new.

Interview with Sandra Peoples: Self-Care for Special Needs Parents 05/02/2023

Interview with Sandra Peoples: Self-Care for Special Needs Parents Sarah and Sarah discuss what self-care for special needs parents, specifically moms, looks like and how those who love them can support them. (Hint: it's not about naps and bubble baths!) Stick around at the end for a fun conversation about comma placement and parentheses grammar. Sandra's story is built on the foundation of being a special-needs sibling to her sister Syble with Down Syndrome who passed away in July 2022. We'd like to share . Our hearts are grieved by this loss, but we look forward to the hope we have in Christ to be reunited with our loves ones in heaven, where all things will be made new. /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/26713932

Interview with Sandra Peoples: Self-Care for Special Needs Parents 05/02/2023

Easter Episode: Redeeming Love by Anne Steele 04/11/2020

Easter Episode: Redeeming Love by Anne Steele Sarah talks through the hope of Easter with a reading of Anne Steele's poem, Redeeming Love. Easter might look different this year, but we can still celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, all things new, and the hope of glory. Read more about Anne Steele at or on the I highly recommend the book, edited by Alex Webster. /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/13948418

Hope Anew: Creating Community with Jonathan and Sarah McGuire 09/30/2019

Hope Anew: Creating Community with Jonathan and Sarah McGuire “We have to build a new vision for what life will be going forward - grieving what isn’t anymore, and building A NEW vision…” Sarah Broady talks with Jonathan and Sarah McGuire about their ministry organization, Hope Anew, and the new online community that launches October 1, 2019. They share their story as autism parents, the isolation they experienced, the drought of rest Sarah went through, and how their family coped and handled those struggles. Through everything, they’ve created a ministry to parents of children with unique needs and disability in their writing, speaking, podcasting, and are launching A NEW ministry specific to creating community. I’m so excited to introduce the McGuires to you if you don’t know them already, and I highly encourage you to check out the incredible resources on their website, . You can connect with them on and on . Find their 5 Minute Vacations on their website via pop up, or watch the video on the . /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/11452634

The Inclusive Classroom in Children's Ministry with Jared Kennedy 09/16/2019

The Inclusive Classroom in Children's Ministry with Jared Kennedy Sarah talks with autism dad and children’s pastor, Jared Kennedy, about creating inclusive classroom environments for children’s ministry. They discuss tools and strategies leaders and teachers can use with individuals with unique needs in their classes, as well as boundaries if a teacher suspects a diagnosis, but the parent has not provided any diagnosis, or there hasn’t been any testing yet. They talk through the books Jared has written and the free resources available on his website, . In addition to practical ideas and steps for ministry leaders and teachers to use with families, Sarah and Jared also talk through how spouses grieve differently, and the encouragement of hope we have in Christ as our High Priest who empathizes with us in our suffering. Jared is the author of "" fifty-two Bible stories retold in a simple and compelling way for toddlers and preschoolers. and "," a book on planning a child dedication service. /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/11258807

Transitioning a Child to Residential: Battling Fear, Grief, Guilt, and Striving for Hope with Debbie Abbs 08/23/2019

Transitioning a Child to Residential: Battling Fear, Grief, Guilt, and Striving for Hope with Debbie Abbs As a special needs parent, have you felt fear about your child’s future? Do you struggle with doubts about decisions you’ve made, grief over the fact that you even had to make those very decisions? Do you feel guilty for either how you’ve handled a situation, or even your own emotions? Sarah Broady talks with Deb Abbs about “the other ‘R’ word,” as Deb puts it, Residential, through their family’s story of transitioning their teenage son Luke from home to a residential boarding school for children with disabilities. They talk through the all-encompassing fear, grief, and guilt that Deb's family faced as special needs parents and the hope they have held onto throughout it all. /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/10964363

The 5 Love Languages for Special Needs Families is Finally Here 08/01/2019

The 5 Love Languages for Special Needs Families is Finally Here and have co-authored a book on the 5 love languages just for special needs families and it is finally here! Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages® for Parents Raising Children with Disabilities is available for purchase through , or on Host Sarah Broady talks with Jolene about the book, how it came into being, all the ideas for families to use the 5 love languages with their families - with spouses, typical siblings, and children with disabilities, and the hope Jolene has to share through it all. So many books written for parents, while excellent resources, can't really be put to use by special needs families for a vast variety of reasons. This book has been requested time and time again, and providentially, Jolene Philo is answering the call and addressing these specific needs for special needs families. Thank you Jolene for the work and heart you poured into this, and thank you especially to Dr. Gary Chapman for saying yes to this book! /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/10728950

Meant for Community: An Interview with Lorna Bradley 07/15/2019

Meant for Community: An Interview with Lorna Bradley Lorna Bradley's research focuses on how churches can provide a holistic welcome to families raising children with special needs by meeting the emotional and spiritual needs within the entire family. She is the author of Special Needs Parenting: From Coping to Thriving, has led parent support groups for seven years and worked in welcoming ministries for ten years. Sarah and Lorna discuss specific ways churches can minister to *and with* special needs families and share stories of hope as families are welcomed into true community within the church. /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/10517921

When You Can't Talk About Hard Things 07/01/2019

When You Can't Talk About Hard Things As a special needs parent, sometimes there are just some things we can't share. What if people don't understand? Some things are too private and would be embarrassing to our child if we talked about it. But it's still something we as a parent are experiencing and need to process. How do we talk about the really hard things without really talking about it? Is that even possible? This is a solo episode by host Sarah Broady as she talks through reasons we can't talk about hard things, and what we can do about it. Make sure to follow A Special Hope Podcast on , , for updates. Subscribe for podcast updates on the . /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/10351439

Becky Davidson on Rising Above Ministries and the Legacy of a Special Needs Dad | Father's Day Special Edition 06/16/2019

Becky Davidson on Rising Above Ministries and the Legacy of a Special Needs Dad | Father's Day Special Edition This special Father's Day episode is dedicated to the memory of Jeff Davidson. Becky talks through their story and the genesis of , as well as the beautiful but heart-breaking story of how Jeff's last legacy, , came into being two years after his passing. Today's story is one of beauty mixed with grief encased in hope. Stay tuned for a message from Jeff and a shout out to dads, especially special needs fathers, everywhere. Happy Father's Day! /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/10162433

When Your Child is Hurting: An Interview with Evana Sandusky 06/01/2019

When Your Child is Hurting: An Interview with Evana Sandusky Where is God when your child is hurting? How do we pray for them? How do we cope in the face of crisis and chronic illness? Evana Sandusky talks about her children's medical complexities, stories of their life, how her faith was challenged, and how she overcame doubts about God. Evana is a God-fearing wife and mother of two children. Her daughter has Down syndrome and a complex medical history. Professionally, Evana is a pediatric speech-language pathologist in private practice. Read the show notes on . Find Evana on , , and her . /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/10005137

Building Community with Cara Milne 05/15/2019

Building Community with Cara Milne What does it feel like to truly belong? Cara Milne talks with Sarah Broady about her book, "Building Community: Practical Ways to Build Inclusive Communities for People Who are Vulnerable". We discuss Cara's story of entering the disability field, what "community" really looks like, belonging, and the intersection of faith and disability. Read Cara's interview show notes to read more about Cara, her book, and find her on social media. /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/9785507

Jason Hague: Aching Joy 05/01/2019

Jason Hague: Aching Joy Jason and Sarah discuss Jason’s book, Aching Joy, and we dive deep into being transparent, choosing joy, embracing pain, and especially finding hope. /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/9599699

Bronwyn Murphy: On Building Positive Relationships with Ministry Leaders 04/15/2019

Bronwyn Murphy: On Building Positive Relationships with Ministry Leaders Bronwyn Murphy is both the mother of a child with special needs as well as a ministry leader in her church, and founder of a special needs support group for moms in California. We talk about strategies both parents and ministry leaders can use to welcome individuals with special needs into the church and how to openly communicate needs. She offers wonderful hope and encouragement for both parents and ministry leaders to persevere even when things are hard. See show notes for more info on Bronwyn! /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/9394514

Redefine Special: An Interview with Melanie Gomez 04/01/2019

Redefine Special: An Interview with Melanie Gomez Sarah and Melanie discuss special needs motherhood and Melanie's devotional, Bundle of Joy. /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/9216449

Ability Ministry with Ryan Wolfe 03/15/2019

Ability Ministry with Ryan Wolfe Regardless of the size of the church, community outreach to the disability community is not only possible, but commanded by Jesus himself. /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/9014204

Embracing Life with Jenn Soehnlin 03/01/2019

Embracing Life with Jenn Soehnlin Jenn shares her story dealing with grief after an autism diagnosis, how God met her on the beach, and how she has moved forward in hope. Find more about Jenn at http://embracing.life. /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/8831444

John Felageller on Fatherhood, Relationships, and Autism 02/15/2019

John Felageller on Fatherhood, Relationships, and Autism John Felageller discusses his journey as a dad with his son's autism, how it affected their marriage, his relationship with his son, their friends, and how deeply it impacted him as a dad. So many people can hear their own story in his, and despite struggles, there is beautiful hope to hold onto. Find John on FB @johnsspecialneedsblog, on Twitter @jfelageller74, and Instagram @jfelageller. You can check out his blog posts on Key Ministry's Special Needs Parenting blog, https://keyministry.org/specialneedspa /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/8653862

All About Autism and Hope: An Interview with Samuel Broady 02/01/2019

All About Autism and Hope: An Interview with Samuel Broady A Special Hope kicks off with a very special guest: Samuel Broady. I had the pleasure of interviewing my own son for Episode 1 of this podcast. Sam talks about what it's like having autism, what he hopes for his future, his faith, trying not to break the TV, and (bonus content!) how to make stovetop popcorn with even more foodie bonus content to follow. /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/8478380

Trailer 01/29/2019

Trailer Listen to clips from upcoming episodes! /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/8446169

Introduction 01/29/2019

Introduction It's all about stories. Stories of struggle, of victory, but ultimately, stories of hope and encouragement for families caring for loved ones with disability, as well as ministry leaders seeking to reach families. Let's do this together. /episode/index/show/aspecialhopepodcast/id/8445953

A Special Hope

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