What happens when the life you planned falls apart—and God builds something completely unexpected in its place?

In this episode of This Unexpected Life, Carrie sits down with Barb Stanley, founder of Wonderful Works Ministry, to talk about losing everything she thought defined her success… and discovering a deeper calling rooted in surrender, identity, and purpose.

Barb shares how her journey through career loss, disappointment, and shame led to the unexpected birth of a ministry that is now helping churches across the country become more accessible to families impacted by disability.

Together, they unpack:

• The truth about identity and why your worth is not tied to what you do
• A harmful misconception about disability ministry in the church
• The scripture often misused when talking about disability—and why it matters
• How families impacted by disability are essential to the future and revival of the Church
• Practical ways churches and families can begin working together

If you’ve ever felt unseen, exhausted, or like you don’t belong in church because of your child’s needs—this conversation will remind you: your story matters, your presence matters, and you are deeply needed in the Kingdom of God.

Eps. 43; March 24, 2026

Resources:
Barb’s Facebook & Instagram
Wonderful Works Ministry

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.

What happens when an autism diagnosis reshapes everything you expected about parenting—and faith?

In this episode of This Unexpected Life, Carrie Holt talks with Bible teacher, author, and autism mom Larah Roberts about navigating autism parenting through the lens of the gospel. Larah shares the story of her son Graham’s autism diagnosis and the difficult early years of confusion, advocacy, and learning how to trust God in the unexpected.

Together, they explore some of the biggest questions Christian parents ask after a diagnosis:
• Can my autistic child truly know God?
• What does discipleship look like for neurodiverse children?
• How do parents advocate for their child without losing their Christian witness?
• What do we do when suffering makes us question our faith?

Larah also shares insights from her book Letters to Lindsey: Seeing Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis Through a Gospel Lens, offering practical and spiritual encouragement for parents who feel overwhelmed by the road ahead.

If you are raising a child with autism or disability and wondering how faith fits into this journey, this conversation will remind you that God is still faithful, the gospel still applies, and your child is an image bearer deeply known and loved by Him.

Eps. 42; 3/17/26

Resources:

• Larah Roberts Instagram
• Book: How To Advocate & Stay Christian
• Book: Letters to Lindsey: Seeing Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis Through a Gospel Lens

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.

What is it really like to grow up as the sibling of a child with disabilities? How does that experience shape the way you parent your own family?

In this episode of This Unexpected Life, Carrie Holt talks with Sandra Peoples, a disability ministry consultant, author, professor, and mom of a son with level-three autism. Sandra shares her unique perspective of living on both sides of the story: growing up with a sister with Down syndrome and now raising a child with significant autism.

Sandra opens up about the hidden experiences many siblings carry — from trying to make themselves “smaller,” so their parents have less to worry about, to navigating embarrassment, protectiveness, and love.

Together, Carrie and Sandra discuss:

• What Sandra’s parents did well in raising a special needs sibling
• The stage of life that can be most difficult for siblings
• How parents can validate difficult emotions without guilt or shame
• Navigating responsibility and avoiding unhealthy parentification
• Why disability families are still one of the most overlooked mission fields in the church

If you’re raising a child with disabilities and wondering how this journey is shaping your other children, this honest and grace-filled conversation will offer both wisdom and encouragement.

Eps. 31; 3/10/26

Resources:

• Sandra’s Book: Accessible Church
• Find Sandra on FB and Instagram
• Sandra’s Website

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.