Finding Joy When Life Goes off Script With the John Family

Adjusting Mindsets from Why Us? to Gratitude

In this moving episode, Dr. Rush and Dr. Sneller sit down with Dana and Kristen Mason, parents of McCarthy and Audrey, to hear their powerful story of navigating life with a child on the autism spectrum. From their early days in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to building a supportive life in Houston, the Masons share how their faith, family, and church community have sustained them. We explore the realities of raising a non-verbal child with special needs, the shift from asking “why us?” to embracing purpose, and the deep lessons in patience, presence, and joy they’ve learned along the way. This episode is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of community. 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

Finding Joy When Life Goes off Script With the John Family

In this episode, Shoby and Dolly John share their journey of adoption, raising their son Jonathan, who was diagnosed with autism at age seven. They discuss the challenges they’ve faced, from navigating Jonathan’s behavioral needs to finding support within their church and community. Despite the obstacles, the Johns emphasize the joy they've found in their faith, family, and the unique blessings Jonathan brings into their lives, highlighting the importance of love, perseverance, and trusting in God’s plan.  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

Shifting to a New Set of Plans with Steve and Deborah Decker

In this heartfelt episode of Shifting to a New Set of Plans, hosts Dr. Ryan Rush and Dr. Chris Sneller are joined by Steve and Deborah Decker, parents of two children with special needs, to share their powerful journey of faith, sacrifice, and love. From Steve’s decision to put his engineering career on hold to care for their sons, to Deborah’s emotional challenges as a mother and FBI special agent, the Deckers open up about the complexities of raising children with autism and epilepsy. They share how their faith helped them navigate their struggles, led them to start a support group for families with special needs children, and continues to guide their family today. Tune in for insightful advice on parenting, the importance of faith, and the unbreakable bond of family. 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

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 [https://www.whatisgrace.org/special-needs] Check out Kingsland Special Needs Ministry [https://kingsland.org/special-needs/] 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

Fighting Isolation & Finding Community with The Chen Family

Episode 5 of the podcast welcomes Tim and Talida Chen, parents of twin daughters with autism. The Chens share their experiences navigating the complexities of raising children with special needs. Tim, originally from Taiwan, and Talida, a native Texan, met in college through a Christian fellowship. After moving to Katy, Texas in 2021, their daughters faced significant developmental challenges. The diagnoses were emotionally devastating for the couple, with Tim describing it as "horrifying" and Talida mourning the loss of their initial hopes for their children. In the aftermath, they experienced isolation, as friends and community struggled to relate to their situation. However, they found unexpected support connecting with other families facing similar challenges. Through this, they learned to embrace the chaos of their circumstances, accepting their lack of control and trusting in God's plan. Books Mentioned by The Chens Michael K. Williams Memoir [https://a.co/d/2Gnx7d8] Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy [https://a.co/d/hF8DF8c] Outlive by Peter Attia [https://a.co/d/exBLQG6] 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