EP 11:Guided by Faith Pt .1 (Ft. Sara Lovestyle)

Join Megan Ashley on an intimate journey through entrepreneurship and the complexities of life with my special guest Sara Lovestyle, as we share our candid experiences with each other for the first time face-to-face. Sara, a serial entrepreneur and mother, lays bare the intricacies of balancing a demanding career with the realities of parenting. Together, we peel back the layers.
Navigating the challenges of raising children with special needs is a road fraught with both trials and triumphs. In this heart-to-heart, we expose the emotional toll of advocating for our children's educational rights and the resilience it forges. We touch upon the weighty decisions that have shaped our careers, including the bold step of accepting equity over upfront payment, and the subsequent financial windfalls. More than just a conversation, our stories serve as testaments to the growth and strength that emerge from life's adversities, reminding listeners that every struggle bears the potential for profound transformation.
Other topics you will hear:
-Entrepreneurship
-Parenting
-Autism
-Vulnerability
-Transformation
-Divorce
-Guidance
-Resilience
-Self-Care
Connect with us:
@immeganashley
Website: www.themeganas...
KZbin: In Totality
In Totality with Megan Ashley Is edited and produced by Idea to Launch Podcasts
Sign up for our PATREON for EXCLUSIVE access and additional: / meganashley

[@EricahJones]

"The areas where you worry the most, are the areas where you trust God the least". This is the one.

[@keeping_it_brittany2408]

This is "THE ONE" I felt that when she said this !!!

[@CalmRelaxTranquil]

it's so true though.

[@showgirl1989]

💜 💜💜💜

[@itsssandrearenee]

Megan, I appreciate you and know this comment is in love!!! I don't know if others agree but I would really prefer if these episodes were kept as ONE long one. YES, I would sit here and listen to 2 full hours. I feel when you cut to a part 2, and we have to wait a full week, it disrupts the flow of how God was moving in the story and the message.

[@pri_shay_dior]

Agreed

[@DreaKay]

Agreed

[@PassionsForHer]

Agreed!!

[@DharianaLopez]

Agree 🙏🏼

[@xoxoroxlo]

What I did last week was rewatch part 1 and flow into part 2. And it worked for me so maybe try that.

[@misstee850]

My nephew was diagnosed with autism at 5 years old, my sister quit her full time job opened a home daycare so that she could be there for him when he came home from school, she also advocated and made sure he received every resource the schools had to offer. Long story short my nephew graduated from high school with a regents diploma and he’s now US postal worker attended college.

[@gmfwriterclegg1794]

So powerful and full of love. Thank you for sharing.

[@zariahaliyah99]

I do appreciate the guests you’ve been having on here Megan❤️- I do want to sew a seed with love to your guest, that “God is no author of confusion.” & this is pertaining to her zodiac sign comment. There is no gray area when it comes to the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Yes God created science but he isn’t science. I used to do the same thing with the zodiac thing thinking that’s what defined me & how someone can get to know me, but our TRUE identity is in Christ🤍 I pray this touches your spirit with love & kindness Sara❤️

[@brittanydickson6115]

I’m a mom of a 7 year old with autism. He was diagnosed at 2!!! I feel so heard this episode!!! Thank you!!

[@jsmithwilliams3]

Mom of an autistic toddler 🙋🏽‍♀️, Attorney, 1st generation everything (except believer!). This episode moved my spirit deeply. Feeling seen and hopeful. Appreciate you both!

[@acoley30]

If you all aren’t describing my ENTIRE life right now. I prayed for this child and now I’m fighting with the school district about my son and his accommodations, telling my husband and him acting a WHOLE (u know what) I’m filing for divorce telling God I’m tired of being a married single mom. Going to every appointment alone dealing with the meltdowns alone whew. I’m so glad to know I’m not by myself thanks you guys are an inspiration to keep moving forward.

[@Mamaisthesource]

Married single mom. Isn't fun 😢

[@lemogangmonnahela9091]

I really loved this conversation, I am neither married nor have a child but I am walking away equiped with information I was never exposed to before and helps someone in like me to be more compassionate towards those in this situation. Megan you are really doing the Lord's work sis.

[@BabeKay01]

✨

[@simplyasia5478]

“…you are going to require me in this process… if you do it on your own, you will self-destruct.” HIT ME to my core because I truly feel God is speaking to me about the things I prayed about. The guidance that I feel when listening to this video, MAAAAANNN. God is good!

[@brittanyb9292]

“If I am in control want to control the outcome I think I am God” I needed to hear that

[@cicigetthat07]

Powerful!!!!

[@keeping_it_brittany2408]

wooow Im a Capricorn and my recent lesson of 2023 was accepting that I'm not in control 😳😳.....Come on god speak to me!!!!! Wheewww chillssss

[@ashleycee123]

I love my Meghan . Please let me come on a share my story . And share how you’ve helped me in so many ways . Thank you for leading me back to Christ .

[@amoiwilliams6326]

SAME !

[@kaykay972]

@Megan - Thank you SO much for having this conversation and for sharing it. I'm a full-time working single Black Mom, and my son was diagnosed with Autism at 18 months and is currently non-verbal. I was really sick during my pregnancy (during the pandemic) and prayed to God many nights asking Him to give me a healthy son. I can relate so much to the comments about "grieving the life you thought you would have..." and being angry after receiving the diagnosis. There are so many things to navigate (grief, resources, doctors, comments from family, finances, etc.), and it's been such a difficult journey. My son is 3 now and has been in ABA therapy for over a year. We have seen so much growth in his speech and social skills. My hope is that your interview helps build interest and open up more dialogue about the lack of community and knowledge surrounding Autism, especially in the Black community.

[@feliciab.2221]

This conversation was so much needed for me. I too was divorced during the pandemic. I lost friends and family but my relationship with Christ grew stronger than any other part of my life. As much as it felt like a death and there was so much pain in my marriage, God brought me closer to him. I had to surrender it ALL or I wasn't going to make it. My support system (parents, siblings) were there all the way, but without Christ I would have been permanently damaged and had bittnerness towards my former spouse and other parties involved in our marriage. To GOD BE THE GLORY FOR FREEDOM AND PEACE! Excited to watch part 2!

[@gandriana7714]

As a mom with two autistic children this is the most beautiful conversation I’m so glad autism in the black community is being talked about more ❤❤💙💙💙

[@thebiblesaid]

I’m a behavior therapist and I love this conversation about special needs in the Blk community. Finally!!!!

[@ashleycee123]

I wish I never talked to anyone about my business. I kept hurting myself over and over thinking people could help me or save me . They just let me down .

[@tiarralove08]

Good day my friend. I hope on today and moving forward that you are well, and I hope that you are maneuvering your way thru your troubles with much love and faith. 🙏🏾

[@jasminetdshivers]

Every single episode just hits and hits and hits! Megan, thank you for this podcast. You are blessing. I’m just about stunned at how much this episode answered my prayers just from last night. Don’t wanna make this long… I’m a mom of a 13 year old boy with autism. Just found out last year that he also has a heart defect. My pregnancy was difficult and I, too, went into heart failure days after giving birth to him. I was in tears last night doing research for a possible second pregnancy wondering if I did something wrong during my first pregnancy for my son to have autism and the Holy Spirit reminded me that it’s all for His glory. That’s all I pray for when it comes to my son is for it to be for His glory and understanding that I’m not exempt as well (like Megan said) and just wow… I really appreciate you both sharing your stories. Thank you so so much!!!

[@TamerynFulton-is5zr]

John 9: 1-3 scripture Megan is referencing at 36:20 of the video. Praise be to God for allowing you both to have the strength and endurance to run this race.

[@pri_shay_dior]

I'm glad you guys found one another. I relate to you more than I expected to. I want to set out to find a fellow special needs mom. My daughter is about to be 7 and is autistic. She's my rainbow child after miscarrying twins. She's verbal, but has regressive-expressive speech delay. As y'all talked about, a lot of black families don't talk about the struggle. Now that more are opening up, all the parents I follow (except 1) have boys. EDIT: Just got to the part about being mad. Baby, Sara is confirming the revelations God gave me concerning those same feelings about my situation recently. 😭 Can't wait for Pt. 2!!!

[@JxHx-xw8sq]

“God told me the purpose was the podcast” AND IT WAS 💙

[@yirusha]

I have been a Special Education Teacher for 35years. I have maybe had a total of ten parents like you. Some parents dont know, and some are just comfortable where they are I have fought for my babies all my life THE SYSTEM has fought me back. I will retire in June and become an advocate for my parents and kids That’s the only way .

[@veronica.scurry]

Wow! The Most High used that same scripture for me when I found out the diagnosis for my special needs daughters. It's John 9 and the boy was born blind. It gave me so much comfort to know He sees me and has all things in his hands and it's all for His glory. Great episode ladies.

[@laymichel1332]

megan this channel is exactly what i’ve been needing in my life.. so glad you are being so transparent with us, so much of what was talked about during this episode has to do with some experiences in my life currently and this gave me the confirmation to continue pursuing the career i chose for myself after not being so sure about it.. thank you

[@rhondajames4246]

Loved this!!!! Autism mom here!!! Yes we need to see more conversations like this. I remember when my son was first diagnosed and feeling so frustrated that I couldn't find a lot of black mothers sharing their story

[@ec_143]

I do not have children but lost my soulmate 6.6yrs ago (he passed age 39) - suddenly- next yr a friend committed suicide - things that I felt/feel people easily can say, “that happens sometimes.” I’m not 3.5 yrs sober after drinking through those first yrs. MY POINT- not until I found god and allowed ALL my anger on him did I realize he has been listening the ENTIRE time. I NEVER thought I would be looking for interesting Christian podcast. And HERE I am. So many many many prayers to your women and your beautiful children .

[@lemogangmonnahela9091]

💖💖💖

[@AkirehsWoo-vw1kb]

The segment on special needs parenting…I felt all of that!

[@TaylorShanks]

Megan ! Thanks for having such amazing guests come to share their testimonies along with yours! Your love and understanding of who God is radiates through these videos❤

[@gabriellasabertini]

This episode is so powerful and people need to hear this. I have no children yet but I found myself begging God for a child KNOWING it was not a good time and I found so much peace in you and Sara testimony that helped me wait patiently in the lord if it’s his will he will bless me. I am no longer forcing it for selfish reasons but finding glory in his will and timing. There are also mothers who need to know that their children situation if fir Gods glory and it shows because I’m sure there are so many mothers who needed this episode and I find myself feeling as if I had a child in this situation knowing it’s Gods glory is a mind shifting thing to know.

[@ap_nailed.thattt]

As another mom of an autistic son, THIS HAS BLESSED MEEEEEE‼️‼️‼️🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@user-vn3zf4ct9v]

Ooooh that hit home. THE AREAS I WORRY ABOUT THE MOST IM NOT TRUSTING GOD. LORD THAT WAS A WORD RIGHT THERE!!!!

[@Healing_on_a_bluecouch_]

The Areas where you worry the most is where you trust God the least... I was blown AWAY at this Accuracy 😱

[@onlymoniqueshanta]

A friend of mine sent me this podcast this morning and it literally had me in tears. My daughter was diagnosed with Autism when she was 15 months old and she is about to be 7 next month. Truth be told I'm still grieveing her diagnosis especially on days where she has melt downs and I am completely exhausted and drained. Everything that you ladies talked about is spot on with my experience. So thank you for sharing because it was very helpful.

[@Dippedingold93]

Whewwww! Megan brought me down to tears when she used the Ray Charles reference… so true!!! Omg

[@MoniqueKoro-Lee]

I love the way you articulate conversations so raw and authentic you have brought me back into my faith thank you Megan from Moni all the way in New Zealand!

[@Biankacath]

Megan, thank you for sharing these amazing stories and your testimony. You have definitely been a guide to my life back to God, and it feels great.

[@bubbleyumm223]

Listened to the Spotify podcast on my way to work. Absolutely loved it!! Can’t wait for part 2🫶🏾💕

[@ourbreakthroughpodcast9353]

I wasn’t even sure that I was gonna watch this episode, because I only saw clips of it highlighting the parts of divorce or the experience of your children and I’m not married, never been married and don’t have kids. But 20 min in, and as an educator who’s worked in education in some capacity for nearly 20 years in several different settings, but primarily in public school, it is absolutely TRUE and most ALARMING that a lot of schools and classrooms are FAILING our children. They absolutely DON’T have the child or their development in mind and with teaching shortages nationwide, some parents aren’t knowledgeable enough or perhaps, just don’t have the capacity to fight when it comes to ALL the things that our classrooms are LACKING in supporting our special need on ALL ends of the spectrum. I’ve worked hand in hand with the literary department to support students daily in reading and have had licensed teachers (some of which who have been impacted children for decades) tell me, “You don’t have to worry about her…don’t waste your time with that one.” I’ve worked with students who have been deemed non verbal in their class and with their primary instructor, yet demonstrate literacy, verbal and interpersonal communication during our sessions. I’m thrilled to hear that YOU BOTH are standing up, advocating and bringing awareness to others who hold influence and have impact.

[@KiahTheKreator]

I’m a mommy to a Auti ❤❤❤ thank you for sharing ladies wow 😭😭😭 I prayed for my baby too

[@AnellaSharpes-px3xq]

This was a great conversation love you both the two of you are intelligent and powerful and beautiful thank for sharing.

[@theemakeupmichelle5803]

I admire how well you know and understand God it's soooo inspiring and I respect you more than I ever did!

[@tabscorner1182]

Wow that’s deep ! The areas where you worry the most are the areas where you trust god the least ! This is powerful and sad and confusing all at the same time

[@chelseanelias]

This is everything, I have a brother with autism, and he also has seizures and there are moments in my life where I’ve wondered why. It’s pained me to see my brother go through this to the point where I wondered why not me. The limitations that he’ll have it pained me and this just made me relive some of these things that I’ve thought of it

[@shelbyspellman3046]

I had to re-watch this episode because I struggle w/ understanding special needs . I work with those with special needs and I’ve had difficulty to say the least and this episode moved me and these time stamps brought me peace, answers, encouragement or emotions I needed to feel. Thank you ! 26:26 , 33:39, 34:27, 38:24, 41:35, 47:12 and 47:46

[@ashleysimon7746]

This was sooooo good! So many necessary topics covered (and this was only part 1). Thank you Megan & Sara 😊

[@msjones_underrated]

Thank you both for sharing your stories. Definitely learned a lot and enjoyed the watch 🤎🤎🤎

[@1015328823]

It’s crazy how I end up listening to this episode. All day today I’ve been struggling with my thoughts with my son and his education and watching this I have learned something’s and also you ladies gave me some encouragement and also showed me that I’m not alone. Thank you.

[@BabeKay01]

Wow!!!!!!! The revelation from Ray Charles scene. Soooo deeeeply articulated

[@peace_byfaith_platorm]

Im glad you said something though because God knows who you need in this chapter of your life and this and he seperated the wrong ones out for THIS time in your life. Doesnt mean they wont come back around but he knows every season needs different things. Also you grew from it. Moving forward youll move different ❤️❤️❤️

[@Msyoung1990]

Hi, just watching this and you ladies are speaking my life in a way and I'm just in a lost right now. Thank you for this. One day I will tell our story!

[@lashantasalter3371]

Excited for this!

[@admired103]

Awww, I prayed for my son also. I named him Jeremiah.Jeremiah is autistic also.❤

[@adrianareyna7812]

God is a healer. He doesn’t bring disease and afflictions on his kids anymore than we want them on ours. And he’s a way better father than we could ever hope to be. I have a child born with Down and diagnosed with Autism as well, but I stand in my faith and know that my son is normal, well and healed in Jesus name. Your sons’ testimonies of complete healing will be for his glory. Don’t lose hope. Be mad at the Devil, through whom sin, afflicted the entire world with sickness and disease, defect and abnormality. I speak life over Josiah and Caleb and expect full restoration to them, in Jesus name !

[@Rethabile-wk6sl]

Amen

[@mrs.cooper7729]

This is such a blessing! Mom of an autistic son with other challenges. The one thing I noticed first is that there are no support groups for us. I'm located in Southern Cali. Thank you for the IEP information I was not aware of the weight it holds. Your ministry is such a Blessing. Thank you for your obedience.

[@NyArnold]

“Why not you!!!” That hit’s deep

[@TMicca]

I have a child with Autism and it’s a journey. My relationship with God has been my only support system. Both of you are right. There isn’t much of a sisterhood. Thank you for speaking up about this. I’m suing the Department of education right now and it’s a painful process.

[@lifewithlova]

Megan, as I listen to your story about your son’s diagnosis it reminds me of my cousin. Her son went through the very same thing. He is now talking and hearing. Stay strong it will get better. God bless you and your family 🙏🏾

[@kristimcmahon7]

Such a great episode ❤ I don’t have kids, however I will say this is such a wonderful conversation and I learned so much more & gained more empathy in the process. Thank you

[@morganferguson857]

Literally felt every single thing in this video. I went to Dr Robbin’s as a child lol I got super excited when you mentioned him bc I’m from Columbus too ☺️ and I feel like that was God telling me to see if he is still in practice so my babygirl can go there.

[@cpalmer0903]

Beautiful conversations 🎉

[@saschaspeaks8043]

Hi Megan, you blessed me with this episode. There is a man of God named Tomi Arayomi who talked about the spiritual aspect of autism that you maybe interested in. When you get a chance you can check the epsiode where a father who has a son with autism and how God healed him. Hope this blesses you like you have blessed me. ❤

[@JenarraTreadwell]

I watched and it was sooooo good.

[@kyeashapeterson398]

This was great. I know God was talking through Meagan and Sara. The conversation was well needed for me. I needed to hear this. Thank you for your platform. It’s really help cope with my day to day life #ThankyouMeagan🙏🏾👏💜

[@Phaithie]

I had an IEP from elementary school to college & it helped me sooo much. My mom did the research and had that set in place for me & I graduated from college 3 years ago.

[@Ja223tv]

This was so beautiful. I appreciate you so much. I’m so thankful for your prayers. So inspiring! I thank God for touching you to touch me🫶🏾

[@TeairaLaniece]

As a former educator, this is all true! The districts bank on parents being unaware and just giving up. Unfortunately, they usually do. You can get whatever you want for your child in public education, you just have to be willing to fight for it.

[@alexisdaniels1]

MEGANNNNNNN OH MY GOODNESS! You are in my closet 😭 Please continue to allow God to use your voice to empower others around the world, you are reaching more people and age groups than you think. This blessed me real good!!!

[@shelbyspellman3046]

MEGGGGAAANN!! SARRRRAAA ! OMG , when Sara said “the areas I’m overwhelmed are the areas I don’t trust God in”. Babyyy, that was my journal entry for today because that’s a word and something I need to dissect because He said “caste your worries on him”. I should be stress-free when my Father is omnipresent. I needed this episode because I work w/ individuals living w/ special needs and I questioned God on why and how these individuals have these lives and I appreciate this talk so much . You’ve helped me so much w/ not only my walk w/ God , but as a mom&& CANNOT WAIT till next week for co parenting because I need that real baddd🤣

[@musicfanatic4641]

As a former special education teacher, getting specific services for each individual child can be very, very tough. The speech teacher sees anywhere between 10-20 kids per grade level. There’s only 8hrs in a work day, the kids have their general education/ specials (pe, music, art, ect) to attend and on top of teaching their students, speech teachers also have to write portions of the IEP as well as speech goals for each of those students. So imagine the workload of that ONE teacher trying to provide the best services for anywhere between 60-100+ kids who all have very different behavioral, emotional, and physical needs. It’s like asking the impossible to demand that a child gets 30mins per DAY of speech therapy when there are many other kids throughout the building. Trust me when I say that many teachers DO care and ARE trying, but like you said, there’s a system and sadly, the system doesn’t always work well for our sped kiddos. I truly believe that our kids deserve SO much more, there’s so much needs to change within the American school system that teachers, administrators, and even the district can’t really change. It’s all boils down to politics, sadly.

[@bemajor711]

One word: Tears. 😭Thank you both for your vulnerability. I need "Why not me?" or "Why not you?" on a T-shirt.💜

[@kourtneyandrea3841]

Such strong women. Thank you for your vulnerability🤍

[@TheORIGINAL.J.T.]

This was a good conversation & it’s amazing God will place people in ur life that you truly need. Like the fact that they both have such similar experiences is amazing

[@KingLearsVuitton]

You are a gift from God . THANK YOU

[@WhoIsTheeMeister]

Have to tried sing talking to him instead? Do that for the rest of the winter and see what happens ! It will soothe your spirit! Sing I love you, here’s your food, compliments, instructions, messages from God, Bible verses, your day because that’s not completely non verbal, you literally followed up by saying he says words when he sing! No autistic child is completely non verbal, just because they aren’t speaking now doesn’t mean they can’t! I specialize in helping parents understand the purpose of God giving them a child labeled autistic and it’s 100% for the growth and maturity of the parent!

[@undeniedbeauty4517]

I LOVE THISSSSSSS

[@Uni_111]

“Giving details to people who are no longer in my life a year later” Resonates

[@Tshifaro_WarriorPrincess]

This conversation was for me. 😢❤

[@kehlanigonzales7422]

Thank you god for doing one of you big ones with this podcast

[@brittneyjones7461]

Love the podcast. Could we please get one full episode? I’m down to listen for 3 hours if need be. It’s so good. I take notes every episode. But golly! 1 full episode please. Pretty please.

[@kayphylise]

As a mom of an autistic 3 year old…thank you for sharing ❤️

[@latashalewis873]

"Momma, I feel you. You're right there." 🔥

[@MoeMoney93]

God Bless you both !

[@yourlovelybabe1]

i know i was subscribed before, but after watching this i’m getting a better idea of you as a woman and respect. so ready to check rest of your content! thanks! great interview girl❤🎉this brought me to tears and opened my eyes to the road i’m praying for from God, thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@asiajohnson3815]

A retreat for special needs moms would be amazing!

[@derrickaswing1092]

I love both of you ! Meg thank you ❤

[@qrekabell]

This was so good! Excited for part 2

[@Bri_Views]

We love you Megan 🤎🤎

[@aikramdesigns]

Definitely loved this conversation!! & surely was needed 🥰🥰

[@bribrightart]

Loved this episode! I would love it if you kept the interview in one long video! Even if you want to experiment with it once to see how your audience responds but i would love to watch the 2+ hour conversation. Much love!

[@sthompson8873]

Pastor Tim Timberlake at Celebration Church quoted that same quote in a amazing message! :)

[@tracybelama3319]

This was profound 👊I really needed to hear this....thank you❤

[@Monique670]

Megggggg ,,,, it’s time for some Merch !!!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@Fitchick36]

Sara! That ice cream is my favorite too! 😂 it was the first thing I thought of. And I will pay the price in money and in stomach ache every time lol.

[@Geenster0128]

Amazing conversation… so powerful!

[@nephtalie7975]

I love the cozy vibes 🥰

[@ayanda_pbr]

Thank you so much for sharing ❤❤

[@TooCuteNhandi]

They definitely supposed to tell that when going over the IEP that any time you do not agree with anything listed on the document that you can elect to have it removed.

[@51629jbgemu]

Thank you. This made me understand my sister more. Because of your vulnerability.

[@mandy.daignault]

4 minutes in and I am already about to cry! 😂

[@ceotrinaaa]

“Oh, so you think you’re God? Okay” WHEW !!!😅

[@fionabera3761]

“I bet you won’t do it again” ALRIGHT NA 😩