This Unexpected Life
Welcome to This Unexpected Life, a podcast designed to equip and encourage parents and caregivers of children with disabilities so they can embrace their journey with hope, faith, and resilience.
With over twenty years of parenting experience, Carrie M Holt is a story-telling companion for caregiving mothers, exploring the hope and healing found in Jesus Christ—one story at a time.
This Unexpected Life
When Your Yes Is On The Table: Trusting God Through Disability Parenting, Adoption, and Trauma with Johnna Hensley
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What does it look like to keep saying “yes” to God when life feels chaotic, exhausting, and completely unexpected?
In this heartfelt conversation, Carrie Holt sits down with author, disability mom, and “coordinator of chaos,” Johnna Hensley. With six children—including a son with complex medical needs and three adopted children—Johnna shares what it really means to live a life of unexpected yeses.
From navigating disability parenting and biracial adoption to processing trauma, grief, and the reality of “forever nesting,” this episode dives deep into the everyday surrender required to follow God in the hard places.
Johnna offers honest insight into:
- Letting go of control and trusting God’s bigger story
- The shift from big, visible “yeses” to small, daily obedience
- Advocating for disability awareness and belonging
- Parenting through trauma triggers and emotional overwhelm
- Reframing expectations around independence and adulthood
- Finding peace in the questions instead of rushing to answers
This conversation is a powerful reminder that faith isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about being willing to be willing and trusting God one small “yes” at a time.
If you’re a parent navigating disability, adoption, or the unexpected turns of life, this episode will meet you right where you are—with honesty, hope, and grace.
Eps. 48; May 12, 2026
Resources:
Johnna’s Website
Her Book: Reckless Yes
Children’s Book: HP and the VIP’s
Social Media: IG, FB, YouTube
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*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.