Dustin Rawls: I don’t know how special needs families survive without...

About the series

This January, Rising Above with Becky Davidson launches a brand-new series called “I Don’t Know How Special Needs Families Survive Without…”—and we’re kicking it off with a powerful conversation featuring Dustin Rawls, dad to his teenage daughter Madison, who has spina bifida.

In this episode, Dustin opens up about the realities of raising a teenager with special needs—the challenges, the laughter, and the moments that stretch your faith to its limits. He shares how his journey as a father has shaped his relationship with God, walking through seasons of doubt, surrender, and deep spiritual growth.

Becky and Dustin talk about the role faith plays in their family, the importance of discipleship at home, and the unexpected ways God shows up in everyday moments. Dustin also shares a meaningful story involving Madison that reminded him of God’s peace and presence when life felt overwhelming.

So what is Dustin’s answer to the question, “I don’t know how special needs families survive without…”? You’ll have to listen to find out, but his response is honest, hope-filled, and deeply encouraging.

Whether you’re part of a special needs family or simply walking through a hard season, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone—and that faith can transform even the most challenging journeys.

Moment of Reflection

Dustin shared so honestly about how Jesus has transformed his life—and how that transformation doesn’t happen all at once. It’s a process. Sanctification is ongoing, and when we really allow Jesus to change our hearts, our lives begin to look different over time. Who we are today shouldn’t look the same as who we were five years ago. And with God’s grace, five years from now, we’ll look even more like Jesus than we do today.

So, now for this week’s moment of reflection. I want to invite you to sit with this question for a moment: Am I allowing Jesus to transform my life? Does my life reflect Jesus more than it did five or ten years ago?

And if the answer feels like “not really” or “I’m not sure, spend some time asking what might you need to surrender? What space in your life might Jesus be gently asking you to open up so He can continue that work in you?

Episode Title

Jesus Stories: Becky Davidson

Episode Description

In this week’s episode, our host Becky Davidson shares her very own Jesus story as we wrap up the “Jesus Stories” series and close out 2025 on the show. In an honest conversation, Becky opens up about her journey of faith, resilience, and what it has meant to truly know Jesus—not just as a story, but as a living presence in her life.

Growing up in middle Tennessee, church was always part of Becky’s routine, but it wasn’t until adulthood that her faith became deeply personal. Through life-altering moments—including the birth of her son, Jon Alex, and the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Jeff—Becky found herself leaning on Jesus in new and profound ways. These seasons of joy and sorrow reshaped her understanding of faith and revealed the strength found in trusting God through uncertainty.

Becky’s story is a powerful reminder that faith doesn’t require all the answers—it simply invites us to trust, to lean in, and to walk closely with Jesus through every season. Her testimony offers hope, encouragement, and reassurance to anyone facing life’s challenges.

Join us for this meaningful finale as we reflect on faith, community, and resilience—and celebrate the transformative power of a life anchored in Jesus.

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Title: Jesus Stories- Steve Chatman

About the Episode:

In this week’s episode of Rising Above with Becky Davidson, the Jesus Stories series continues with a conversation featuring Steve Chatman. Steve shares his personal Jesus story and reflects on the ways Jesus has been present through both the joyful and challenging seasons of his life. His experiences offer a thoughtful reminder of Jesus’ faithfulness, even in moments that feel overwhelming or uncertain.

About Steve

Steve and his wife, Lori, are parents to five children and grandparents to three. As parents to two daughters with Down syndrome, they have long been connected to the special needs community. Steve has been ministering to families since 1993, serves as Rising Above’s Vice President, and hosts the Rising Above Dads podcast.

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Rising Above Dads podcast

Moment of Reflection

Steve talked about how there are moments when it feels like Jesus isn’t there—but just like when Jesus was in the boat with His disciples during the storm, He is with us. Even though Jesus was asleep and the disciples were frustrated and felt like He didn’t care… He was still right there in the boat.

So now, for our moment of reflection: Where in your life have you felt like Jesus is “asleep in the boat”? Where has He felt distant?

Take some time to invite Jesus into those places. Ask Him to show you how He’s been present—even if you couldn’t see it at the time.