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

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

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

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

Check out Kingsland Special Needs Ministry

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

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
Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy
Outlive by Peter Attia

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

In episode 4 of the Grace of the Chaos Podcast, Co-Host, Dr. Ryan Rush flips the interview tables and chats with Chris and Monica Sneller. The Snellers' share about their journey of adjusting expectations, trusting God’s sovereignty, and the joys and challenges of raising children with special needs. They also share how their faith plays a central role in their parenting journey, reminding them to see their children as precious image-bearers of God.

About Chris and Monica Sneller
Chris and Monica have been married 27 years. They have six wonderful children, including three daughters adopted from China and two kids with special needs. Chris (Ph.D.) is a Theology Professor at Houston Christian University and a Principal with Adaptive Leaders Inc. Over the past 25 years the Snellers have lived in East Asia, Western Europe, and North America. They now call Katy, TX, home. Chris loves Texas A&M football and Arsenal soccer.

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

In episode 3 of the Grace of the Chaos Podcast, Co-Host, Dr. Chris Sneller interviews the Rush family, as they share the emotional and spiritual journey of wrestling with God's timing. Ryan and Lana are honest about faith and the lessons they’ve learned about surrender, control, and finding peace amidst chaos.

About Ryan and Lana
Ryan and Lana Rush have been married for 32 years and have 3 daughters, Ryley, Reagan, and Lily. Dr. Ryan Rush serves as the Senior Pastor of Kingsland Baptist Church in Katy, Texas. He holds a PhD in Leadership from Dallas Baptist University, where he studied the link between parental attachment and leadership style among pastoral leaders on four continents. Ryan is the author of three books, including Restore the Table, sharing the power of families sharing meals together. Pastor Ryan has led the implementation of a comprehensive, cross-generational effort to connect church and home life that has extended to other congregations and missions partners around the world.

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

Dr. Rush and Dr. Sneller welcome the Smith Family to episode 2 of The Grace in the Chaos podcast. Darrin and Sara Smith highlight the challenges, joys, and deep faith involved in raising children with special needs, especially within the context of adoption and the deaf community.

This powerful interview includes many lessons learned by the Smith family. Particularly the importance of making decisions based on what is best for each child, regardless of external opinions or biases, the importance of trusting God's guidance when making difficult decisions about their children's care and future and to value uniqueness - recognizing that finding the right medical or therapeutic intervention can bring out their true personalities of their children.

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

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