In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, Carrie sits down with Anna Harp, a young adult living with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, to share her story of faith, fear, and transformation.

Born at just 27 weeks and spending nearly three months in the NICU, Anna’s life began with immense challenges. As she grew, she wrestled deeply with feeling “less than,” questioning God’s goodness, and navigating the emotional weight of living with a disability.

In this honest and hope-filled episode, Anna shares:

• When she first realized she was different
• Her struggle with comparison, anger, and faith
• The moment her faith became personal
• Her life-changing spinal surgery and recovery
• How she relearned to walk—step by step—with Jesus

This episode is for any parent raising a child with disabilities, and for anyone walking through fear, grief, or uncertainty. Anna’s story is a reminder that even in the unexpected places—Jesus is there

Eps. 44; April 7, 2026

Resources:

• Subscribe to Anna’s Monthly Newsletter
• Purchase Book Featuring Her Writing
• Anna’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.

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.