We thought this would be the perfect time to share a little bit of By the Brook 2026 with you!

Today’s episode is such a treat as we hear testimonies from three of the moms who shared part of their stories during this year’s By the Brook Weekend. These women opened their hearts and shared honestly about what God has brought them through, and we know their stories will encourage, inspire, and remind you of His faithfulness.

First, you’ll hear from Mikayla McKenzie, followed by Tracey Martin, and then, last but certainly not least, Meredith Cornish.

We’re so grateful these women were willing to share their stories with us, and we can’t wait for you to hear what they have to say. We pray this episode reminds you that you’re not alone, that God is faithful through every season, and that there is hope in every story He is writing.

Siege of the Soul with Brianne

Becky Davidson talks with Brianne, a special needs mom, former translational neuroscientist, and author of Siege of the Soul. Brianne shares her family’s journey through her daughter Sophie’s diagnoses of Down syndrome and type 1 diabetes, the grief of an unexpected future, and the daily realities of caregiving.

They discuss the importance of lament—honestly bringing grief, anger, and disappointment to God—and replacing shame with truth, remembering, “I am beloved.”

Brianne also shares the inspiration behind Siege of the Soul, a C. S. Lewis–inspired story that uses demon characters to expose the lies and fears that can take root after an unexpected diagnosis. Her hope is that special needs parents, especially those early in their journey, will feel less alone and more free to bring their unedited feelings to God.

Key takeaway: Name the grief, bring the lies into the light, remember the truth, and take one small step at a time.

Purchase Brianne’s book here: https://a.co/d/0g32mhdg

He's Just a Dude | Rising Above Podcast

In this exciting episode of the Rising Above with Becky Davidson Podcast, host Becky Davidson introduces a brand-new program called “He’s Just a Dude,” developed by Bralin Moss, one of Jon Alex’s caregivers and a member of the Rising Above team.

Bralin and Jon Alex are taking this program into schools and youth groups to help students see the person beyond the disability. Through real-life stories, humor, and honest conversation, they’ll share how people with disabilities want the same things we all do—friendship, respect, kindness, and to be included. (Interested in “He’s Just a Dude” coming to your school, church, or workplace? Click this link to learn more! https://www.risingaboveministries.org/hes-just-a-dude)

From time to time, Bralin will be taking over the podcast right here on Rising Above with Becky Davidson! He’ll be interviewing people with disabilities, along with their friends and caregivers, to hear their stories about friendship, connection, and how relationships grow through differences.

This week, Bralin is joined by Josh Cremeans for a meaningful conversation about their experiences as caregivers to Jon Alex. They’ll share their stories, talk about their relationship with him, and how they see Jon Alex as “just a dude.” It’s a fun and heartfelt conversation about friendship, connection, and seeing the person beyond the disability.

Becky shares how much she loves hearing the perspectives of Jon Alex’s caregivers and their heart for him. She shares how happy it makes her to know her son has such amazing young men in his life!

Want to bring “He’s Just a Dude” to your school or youth group? Find the link in the show notes to learn more!

Join us as we celebrate friendship, inclusion, and the amazing people who help us all rise above! ❤️

#RisingAbove #HesJustADude #DisabilityInclusion #Friendship #SpecialNeedsParenting #RisingAbovePodcast

Our podcast sponsors help us continue to bring hope to the special-needs community around the world. To learn more about sponsoring the podcast click this link >> https://forms.gle/Zi2SWGwP29arNDAm9