Speaker: Carrie M Holt
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The “Shoulds” That Sink Us: Untangling Guilt in Grief
In this episode, Carrie M. Holt discusses the complex emotions of guilt that often accompany the grieving process. She unpacks the difference between conviction (from the Holy Spirit) and accusation (from the enemy), and how the “shoulds” we carry pull us deeper into shame and self-judgment. Carrie offers practical advice for managing guilt, including the…
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Control to Trust: Facing Fear and Anxiety in This Unexpected Journey
In this solo episode, Carrie explores fear and anxiety as one of the recurring stages in the grief journey for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. She unpacks the distinction between fear and anxiety, drawing from Adam Young and Hilary Jacobs Hendel, and shares how perceived dangers often shape our reactions more than present…
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Marriage, Caregiving, and Connection: A Conversation with Bruce Holt (Part 2)
In this final episode of the month, Carrie is joined once again by her husband, Bruce, for a candid conversation about marriage in the midst of caregiving. From survival mode in the early years after their son Toby’s diagnosis, to counseling and intentional connection in later years, Carrie and Bruce share the real struggles, arguments,…
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A Father’s Voice in Special Needs Parenting with Bruce Holt
In this heartfelt episode of This Unexpected Life, Carrie M. Holt sits down with her husband, Bruce, to share the often-unspoken perspective of fathers in the world of special needs parenting. Together, they revisit the day they received their son Toby’s diagnosis, the wave of grief that followed, and the heavy burden of guilt Bruce…
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From Diagnosis to Heaven With Breena Holt on Grief, Guilt, and God’s Faithfulness
In part two of this conversation, Carrie M Holt continues her conversation with Breena Holt as she shares the heartbreaking diagnosis of Batten Disease for her son Ezekiel—and the faith and hope that carried her family through his final days. Breena vulnerably unpacks her dreams of God’s glory, the paradox of relief and grief in…
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Living Between Grace and Glory with Breena Holt on Fear, Anxiety, and God’s Goodness in Suffering
In this vulnerable conversation, Carrie sits down with guest Breena Holt to share her family’s journey of raising and ultimately losing her son, Ezekiel, who battled Batten Disease. Breena honestly shares about her anxiety, honest questions about God and suffering, and the dreams God used to prepare her heart for the road ahead. Together, Carrie…
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Withness in the Wilderness: Finding Renewal in Psalm 23
In this conversation, Carrie Holt shares her personal journey as a special needs mom, reflecting on the profound insights she has gained from Psalm 23. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as our shepherd, surrendering control, and finding renewal in the wilderness. Through her experiences, she highlights the significance of rest, celebration, and lamenting…
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Creating Community and Connection for Moms in the Disability Space With Labeled & Loved
In this episode, Carrie M. Holt speaks with Julie Hornok and Dr. Regina Crone, co-founders of Labeled and Loved, an organization dedicated to supporting families with children who have disabilities. They share their personal journeys into the disability space, the importance of community and faith, and how to navigate the unique challenges of motherhood and…
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Finding Purpose and Perseverance in Suffering with Dr. Nicole Wilke
In this, the second part of Carrie M. Holt’s interview with Dr. Nicole Wilke, they discuss the importance of faith in overcoming challenges, the lens through which we should view suffering in our lives, and how children of all abilities need to know they have a purpose and a role in their families. This conversation…
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Overcoming Adversity: A Journey of Resilience with Dr. Nicole Wilke
In this episode, host Carrie M. Holt engages with Dr. Nicole Wilke, a researcher and therapist, discussing the challenges and triumphs of parenting children with special needs. They explore the importance of resilience, the impact of early adversity, and the role of attachment in healing. Dr. Wilke shares her personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the…