Parenting Children with Special Needs and More with Megan Ashley

[@travis_km]

This seems like it was therapy for Preston. Community is so important.

[@aminahmikaylah]

I love that when God wanted Megan to trust Him with Caleb, instead of saying "God give me a sign or a miracle," she said "show me [in the Bible] that you've done this before." His Word is sufficient.

[@thululindesnothando5720]

Yes that was so powerful

[@NewBeginningsAJourneyofFaith]

“Sex was the sin, not the baby.” I definitely needed to hear this episode. I’m going through so much with my son, that this was the confirmation I needed.

[@Tyasiaaaa]

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭127‬:‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Your baby is a blessing, as are all babies ❤️

[@teripeterson831]

Sex is not a sin sex outside of marriage is

[@beautifulpeople9912]

I love how God knew Megan would be Jackie's friend had Preston in mind knowing he would be Jackie's husband and Megan's parenting resonate with Preston so much.

[@SamanthaNkala-e3v]

Mind blowing!and I'm mind blown by your revelation

[@PennyTovar]

I feel so seen 🥺 my baby has down syndrome and I was so extremely confused with God when they gave me the diagnosis. But now I see she is a huge blessing and I love her so much ❤

[@hiitsmeyaya]

God is so kind. He brought Jackie & Meg together in friendship & now Meg is bringing fresh perspective for Preston. Amazing.

[@truekarma8205]

Yes! It looks like he REALLY needed a safe familiar place to speak about this and Jackie, as his wife, gave grace and space for him to receive what he needed and what she wasn’t able to provide. Beautiful.

[@SheSharpNotFlat]

Love that!

[@learningwithmisswilliams3577]

5:04 😅😅3az79c❤e​@@truekarma8205

[@Queue-20]

Indeed God is kind❤

[@thuli4454]

Y’all post this same thing on every Christian channel

[@queennyla1]

I’m 3/4 through and I REALLY adore how Jackie honored Preston’s curiosity and vulnerability in this episode. He NEEDED this conversation and it’s really precious territory and she encouraged that! Whew! Marriage is really beautiful when done well. 💍

[@larapotter2159]

Absolutely! 🙏🏾

[@AlwaysLime]

That part about “when God created Caleb he had you in mind too” 😭😭😭I needed to hear that for my kids.

[@markb9663]

Why am I get emotional watching this?? Loved Meg and Prestons vulnerability. I love seeing Jackie around people she is completely comfortable around lol i love their little christian community. So much wisdom and love between them 🥹

[@elainablunt613]

All of this!

[@goodnessadegbola8301]

Yessss!

[@TOSORIO-q8h]

Meg, we need your mom on the podcast. We would love to meet her and get some of that wisdom she has. This is also, an awesome podcast. I love all of yall. And I’m super proud of you for being transparent, vulnerable , and helping us with our walk. Also, being such an awesome example. Thank you

[@momonneymo8104]

Yesss !!

[@sandraprice3]

As a special education teacher who is also a believer, it is important to consider that some disabilities and even mental illnesses have spiritual roots. This is not to demonize a person or to say that the person is a demon because I am not saying this; I am saying that understanding the spiritual aspect can help inform how to pray. And regardless of a disability, it is important to remember that not everyone is aware of how to interact with persons with disabilities, so it’s important begin conversations so that those who know how to interact with persons with disabilities and those who don’t know can all feel comfortable coming together and talking about this. In so many settings, we don’t make room for people to not know and to ask the “ignorant” questions that can eventually lead to greater understanding and empathy. It’s a conversation and a process that is very much needed. I am grateful that my church has a sensory room for children with special needs and is trying to connect with parents with children who have disabilities.

[@MzDecaf]

This is good. Thank you.

[@denisehayes2298]

You’re right ❤

[@izmyster4815]

"I don't know addresses but I know it's in me." That's real. Keep it in me and attach it to your word Lord.

[@memp9786]

She said she knows it in there (the Bible). 😊

[@izmyster4815]

Thank you for the correction!

[@jazminelovesnerdz]

The way Jackie looked at her husband with such compassion and sympathy as he shared how he’s stopped his brother from getting shot…wow. That love and the grace she embodied was so beautiful and intimate, I almost had to look away. How precious 💛

[@brianjackson6211]

My wife and I are the parents of 2 special needs boys who are now young men. They are 2 of the most talented young men who make me proud to be their father. My wife and I made sure we were present in their lives and fought for them always. We found their strengths and cultivated them, which allowed them to gain confidence in themselves. I am thankful for having a community of friends who love them and have their backs in every situation.

[@TroynelAndrews]

Preston ! Your my middle son ! I didn’t know how much I needed this podcast. As a mom of a black son with Down Syndrome this was needed ! Special needs parents I love you !

[@montanagirl3835]

I’m excited for this! The church doesn’t talk nearly enough about supporting people with disabilities imo.

[@alexandriarcollins]

Agreed!

[@Blessingsfromautism]

Very true

[@sheilataylor2733]

Amen!

[@wynetteabc]

Times Square Church has Sunday School classes for neurodivergent children. However, we can use more volunteers. They will have to go through a thorough screening process.💖

[@joeljohn5865]

Like at all. As someone who works in this profession as a director for a non profit it has always bothered me

[@bigombre3867]

I think it’s hilarious how they are sitting there talking about poop and Megan is sitting over there quietly not even laughing 😂

[@keepitsimple7078]

Right! It was like she wasn’t even there 😂😂

[@inez7609]

Preston is such a kind soul 😢 thanks for allowing us into your vulnerability ❤

[@rootedinchrist21]

This is what community looks like…laughing together, crying together, and building one another up. This is beautiful 🥺✝️💚

[@AndreaPorterfield]

This is a great discussion. I love the idea of a registry for police to be aware of individuals with special needs so they are prepared to engage with them properly.

[@lesliestevens8547]

Man as a mom of an autistic son, those milestones hit different when they hit them. Great conversation.

[@vivianwebber2001]

Omgggggggg I'm a proud AUTISM MOM of a 12 yr old boy.. thank you for this topic❤❤❤❤❤

[@deboramelton146]

Proud Autism Mom, why?

[@TashaLemia]

@@deboramelton146 What kind of question is this.. Why not?

[@courtr1588]

@@TashaLemia My mother over-identifies with my disability. It's not good. My peers and I strongly dislike when this happens. It's like our parents who do that see us through the lens of everything that looks us different, despite them saying we should be treated also according to what makes us "the same." That said, I want to be clear, I do not speak for anyone beyond myself as an individual.

[@TashaLemia]

@@courtr1588 hi understood. I can understand. Thank you for explaining!! I appreciate it and when I think of it I’d be upset if my mom said I’m a proud depressive kid mom. I struggle with depression but it’s not my identity!! So thank you but i think that people who identify as an autism mom might say that as a badge of honor because parents of children with special needs are literal super hero’s! I’m a mom myself and I wonder how life would be if I had a special needs child. Thx again ❤️🫶🏾

[@andrealindsey6662]

To anyone raising a child with special needs, my hats off to you. My grandson is 19. He was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. It is a trying journey because you are trying to deal with the diagnosis and trying to assess the day to day needs of the child. Initially, he was verbal and then for some reason he became nonverbal for three years. His appetite was trying. We tried to have him eat what we ate, but he could not tolerate it, he would vomit it up, so he ate the same meal everyday to minimize the melt downs. This was at the direction of his doctor who saw him losing weight. He started out with Christian babysitters but once he became nonverbal, they said this is too much for me, so please take him out of our daycare. To raise him, I had to get beside my daughter to support her. They told us he would never get beyond 6th grade if we kept him in mainstream classes. That he would have to go to special ed. God intervened because the family had to move and that school district was well educated in special need children. He received special help in school from 7th grade to 12th, while he remained mainstreamed. I got him tutors for one on one help. He graduated high school last year. It was not easy and was very challenging because he’s very sensitive. But what he learned was he could do more if we supported him. He is now finishing his first year of college. His college also has a very good support system, but I will say if you have a verbal child, in particular, listen intently to what they are trying to express and not write it all out as bad behavior. Because they may not be able to express what they are feeling, a lot of the outburst are because they cannot express themselves. He’s really good at math, but says pursuing a career that is math focused is not the pressure he wants to deal with right now, so he chose to pursue something less stressful. As much as I want him to pursue something different, I have to listen to his anxiety and stress, so we chose to just support him in what makes him happy. We have cried, encouraged, sought services, advocated, and prayed him to where he is now. In closing, you will advocate for your child more than anything. Medical help, and support resources are hard to come by based on where your child is on the spectrum, so be prepared to advocate, advocate, advocate. Do your research to understand what your child is experiencing and introduce him or her to different things to discover his or her happy place. God bless you all in your parenting endeavors.

[@porshedavis]

I love Megan’s authenticity!! Her heart is pure sad her heart posture is sweetly settled in GODS WILL!!!❤

[@OyouPaige]

Mommy with an autistic daughter here. I wrested with so much emotionally. I was angry at myself, at God for my daughter diagnosis. I am grateful for conversations like these. It helps me on my motherhood journey.

[@joyruiz9663]

I have two special needs babies and I have had to wrestle with a lot the same things as Ashley. I remember hearing a podcast Jackie was on where she spoke about how we view God and we have to presuppose goodness of God when things happens. She went into the Story of Hagar. I have held that close to my heart. He is El ROI…the God who sees

[@CeeCee.924]

Same here. And her names Megan lol. ❤

[@kay22100]

This breaks my heart to see how the church treated her mom and her when they got pregnant. As a pro- life Christians, we are supposed to surround these young people with love when they fall. The baby is a blessing !! My mom had me at 14 and the she was supported. My god mama was a member of that church and helped my mom along with my grandma

[@Tmarie0805]

The way Megan expressed the guilt of asking, planning and praying for her son is my same exact story. My son was recently diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. I am slowly coming out of the “why God?” questioning phase. I’ve decided to surrender to Him and seeking his presence to be my guide. Thank you so much Megan for sharing💙

[@VinesBee]

I relate to so much of Megan's story...from the divorce, to the mom who the Lord always told my business to LOL, to the special needs son, to the wilding out years LOL, to now full surrender! Thank you for sharing this. I just love y'alls group and all that you do for the King!

[@jeslovesjesus]

The friendship you all have is so refreshing. I’m over here cracking up 😂🤣

[@samkelisotshuma8485]

😂😂😂😂l was cracking up

[@desiraequintana7353]

I literally told God I need something that’s gon’ speak to me and this is the first video that opened up. I have a neurodivergent 2 year old….I am definitely tuning in to this on time message!

[@Iam.AminB_]

I feel this deeply. The Lord drew me to himself right before discovering my son is special needs. If it had not been for the Lord catching me when he did, Im certain I would’ve lost my mind. This conversation is right on time. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@itarahgodbolt8011]

As another sister in the faith and single black autism/special needs mom (#boymom), THANK YOU for having this conversation! It was so necessary especially amongst believers❤

[@quinataur]

Thank you so much for talking about this. I have severe ADHD. God blessed me with understanding teachers in high school that were great at accommodating me, pushing me, and recognizing that I am a hard worker and wasn’t just making up excuses. Moving on to University, and especially one that has very few black people, it’s harder to show my professors and people around me that I am not just lazy or careless, but that I really work hard and there is a big unseen struggle. I just hate the way it feels like sometimes people associate my academic struggles with my character. Well anyway, all that to say thanks for talking about this, on some level I understand and it’s encouraging :)

[@rcutiva23]

I have 2 sons with ADHD , your comment has helped me see I needed to change my prayers for my boys. Thank you for your transparency 🩷

[@Dgarciaofficial]

Please check out Victory Church’s special needs children’s ministry in Atlanta (Norcross campus). I believe it is a place where special needs is talked about and because of it something was done about it! It’s what special needs looks like in the church. We have sensory rooms, where we teach our special kiddos about Christ and challenge them in their spiritual walk with the Lord as well! As a mother with a son with ASD as well, this was very needed to hear. I loved the perspectives and how it comes back to giving it back to God ❤ thank you guys!

[@Zandim.m]

This episode right here needs to be shared with all single special needs moms for real for real. I have been strengthened, healed, councelled, motivated, etc... all in one episode. I am also going to share it with my daughter because she is a sibling to her special needs brother. I have no words to express how thankful I am for ya'll. ❤❤ GOD IS REALLY GOOD!!!

[@sugarspiceandeverythingnic4803]

I have a black autistic son and I feel her. This whole episode was powerful! Thank you all for this. ❤❤❤

[@krupaabrokwaa]

"please dont shoot my brother, my brother had special needs"- I LITERALLY NEED A BUCKET.

[@zoelife58]

My church has a ministry for special needs adults and children, and I'm so glad hearing this that we do.

[@ziziphospelman5476]

I love this friendship, it is definitely God ordained. He knows exactly what we need. He has the best choice for us❤❤❤ in any relationship we have.

[@Sarod2023]

When my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD I had such a rough time with her and I constantly had anxiety that I would get a negative report about her. It was such a relief when the children’s church director noticed her differences and instead of making us feel small, she introduced us to the sensory room. I also realized I wasn’t alone when I saw other parents of diverse backgrounds come to get their children from the sensory room. It helped to make us feel more connected and that we could truly rest in the Lord . I’m so grateful for my church community.

[@gaylapate6068]

This is so good. Our church has a buddy system and sensory room for kids with special needs. This is needed in every church.

[@asiamwithraenetteleepodcast]

Let’s not forget to add that podcast literally bought some people to God may have been secular but at a time where I was not even lukewarm but straight cold and you guys reminded me to turn my attention to God the podcast helped me start a relationship with God again

[@rRodFromMemphis]

I remember the podcast of Meagan's old podcast with Jackie on it and Jackie said I have been praying for you. Meagan specifically. I don't know what God told Jackie but he was right.

[@makiebahatton2628]

Minister Preston you gone getcho PRAISE ON! To see what your Mom went through as a Woman, Mother, and Black Woman &Mother through the lens of Megan is so AMAZING! Ain't God alright!?! Like you say He's told you before, He uses it all Preston, nothing is wasted! 🙌🏿

[@tylermcghawsr]

Seeing Preston in that vulnerable moment touched my heart. Wow!

[@ChristianEvans-x1u]

This was sooo good! This episode challenged me to be more mindful with those who have special needs and their caregivers! Hopefully the church will do the same

[@BamTheBetta]

Ms. Megan, you owe me some salt water!!! Your testimony just blessed me 🙏🏾💕 Thank you for your vulnerability

[@ericadavis2043]

I wondered why I felt so connected to the perry's and megan. My son has autism and I literally was feeling so down today. I scrolled pass this video and it was so uplifting. I would love more videos about raising a disabled child or from Preston's side because I also have 2 other children with no issues Love you guys so much

[@LuDionsNEXTFIT]

The Lord’s love for us is really shown in how He loves Megan. Her past friendship led to a podcast that changed the trajectory of her life and highlighted her skillset. That friendship dissolved but the Lord is allowing her friendship with Jackie to do wonderful work in both of their families. Reminder that all things work together and that God is really is good.

[@CMulligan83]

I sooooo needed to hear this, I moderate for my church online from at home because my daughter's stimming would probably disturb the service. I believe the awareness is slowly hitting the church if given a little time there will be more understanding i believe. This was right on time!!!!

[@ethicaleconomics4557]

I didn't realise how much i needed this episode. Thank you so much for sharing your stories Megan and Preston. I have a neurodivergent 3 year old and I already have received some comments about how he is 'different' and he needs to be 'prayed' for. I know my son was made by God this way for a purpose, and as his mother i will continue to steward him as best i can so he can fulfil his potential. The church also needs to lead more efforts to ensure that people with disabilities and special needs also feel welcome and loved in the body of Christ.

[@Looksbylexii]

I am a sibling to a special needs brother and an array of things where felt during this episode and I indentify with pieces of both Megan and Preston’s stories when it comes to having special needs children in your life and today I weeped in a way I haven’t over unspoken words and feelings I have toward the lord and my brothers life 😮‍💨 So thank you for your vulnerability 👏🏿

[@kilimanjaro5537]

This had me in tears. God is using Megan and I pray that He blesses her family and continues to give her the strength and courage to do His will. What a beautiful woman inside and out.

[@Nikki-n3n]

You guys! I can’t explain how this conversation is such a blessing! I’m crying the entire podcast! My 5 year old son has Autism. We needed this conversation

[@jazmingcleffman6831]

Thank you for doing this! We have 3 children with special needs (Autism, ADHD, Nonverbal & Developmental Delays). My husband and I always try to speak on this an advocate for our kids and kids like ours within the church walls. It’s very challenging but we still love God and trust him.

[@iamtaqui]

this was one of the best episodes i have watched in a long time. I love Megan's vulnerability and transparency, her radical truth. I love that it allowed room for Preston to kind of breakdown and share what he experienced, and to see jackie's sensitivity to children with autism. I can relate to alot of what Megan and Preston spoke about in regards to being the sibling of a person with special needs, dealing with the parents who aren't checking on children in divorce, and the whole interaction of the family about the sensitivity we should show one another, through the Lord, for a disabled child. I love what Preston spoke about showing up and loving people well in church. Through this, I think I am healing from the pain of not seeing a mother show up and love not just her disabled child well, but her other children too.

[@patriceb.4680]

I understand Megan. My youngest son that I planned for as well has special needs. God let me know God created him for his glory and specifically for me because he is what I needed and he knew we could handle who he is.

[@naturallynatural8604]

God has impeccable timing! This was a conversation that Preston needed you can tell… I definitely wanted to attend the conference but it’s sold out.

[@ladywardco1023]

As a mother with a child with special needs God has given US SPECIAL strength ❤

[@FromBeautycameaSpear]

This podcast was lowkey 🔥. So my little brother was born with cerebral palsy, and the doctors cancelled him out, saying he was going to be in a vegetable state all his life. Right now, he can talk, eat on his own, used to walk without balance, attend school and can talk about GOD'S goodness over his life and even share the word at his school. His name means gratitude and it was through his disability that my mother sought after Jesus, and her faith went from believing for healing for my little brother to a literal relationship with GOD, and she made sure that her children did that too. She endured so much as a single mother of 4 that when she died, it sparked anger in all 4 of us, but we managed to keep the faith and live up to her godly principles. It's been hard considering 3 out 4 of her children are still teenagers and are now basically orphans, but GOD has been good and a parent to the orphans. Now, as our names prophesy over us in order, we will "succeed" with "love" and "gratitude" over His "grace" and as for our mother we will always be grateful for her.

[@alberta8122]

although i am a month late, ms megan you are wonderful! my brother has special needs and hearing people have no hope for my brother truly made me angry. they would say he would never talk and all that stuff. here he is at 14, saying sentences, making friends in class etc. because of my brother I was able to have a career change where i work and still work as a special needs teachers assistant. ITS HARD! every day i fall and struggle with patience, anger, etc and thats where i need God the most. i love my friends in special needs, and i am so thankful i have a brother who is autistic where i can see life differently in his and God’s eyes.

[@Maxqueenn]

wow, like Preston, I’m also triggered by this convo. I have an older sister that has special needs and my mom & I have talked about the responsibility that myself & my siblings need to take on for her when she passes. It’s a heavy convo & I often feel guilty for thinking that this task is too huge for me. I will pray about this b/c it’s not something that I’ve entrusted to the Lord yet. Thank you for this vulnerable & NECESSARY conversation 🩷

[@AProductOfAmazingGrace]

My sister under me has developmental delays and will never be able to survive on her own. My grandmother raised her until my grandmother passed away in 2015. While growing up my grandmother taught us how to care for my sister when she’s longer here. It is a huge responsibility and I pray God gives you the guidance you’re seeking concerning your sister.

[@Maxqueenn]

@@AProductOfAmazingGrace thank you so much for sharing that with me & thank you for that prayer 🩷

[@Lovable80us]

I can relate to having a 10 and 12-year-old with autism it’s really hard and at times you feel lonely but then I say God is with me and he is in control.

[@synoilvahalbach7994]

This was so enlightening and encouraging. There are ministries that teach churches how to create a welcoming space for children with special needs. My husband and I have a ministry, and have taught churches how to ministry people with special needs and disabilities. God bless.🙏🏾

[@donnamorgan9394]

This was so needed, I am a parent of a special needs adult. Lord bless the body of Christ to grow in our understanding of this topic.

[@cocoachanie]

I want to weep with gratitude for this episode. I’ve grown up around special needs people and have therefore developed an empathy towards them and always want to do my best to make things easier for them in non-inclusive spaces. I appreciate this talk so much. Especially the part about people demonising the struggles…. It makes me very sad. I kinda get it because it’s coming from a ‘by faith everything is possible’ standpoint and how the boy with the fits was healed, but it’s not going to be the case every time. So thank you for calling that out. I hope this episode helps people open their minds and hearts to the actual heart of God for special needs people.

[@beautifulpeople9912]

This the only podcast that made me cry and im thankful.

[@scarlettsanchez8450]

I want to say thank you Meghan for sharing your story and also highlighting an area the church needs to improve and mature on. As a single mother of a special needs son it has been very challenging and I was able to identify with you and have greater hope listening to your story. I thank God for my pastors and the local church community I am in where there has been so much grace towards me and my son and people who want to help and have helped me in the process. It is amazing how in my local church there are many families with special needs and are looking to receive a course/training (idk what the word for it in English is 😊) to be better educated and equipped on how to care for children with special needs. I love the sensory room idea!

[@spiritdiva5503]

This interview was truly special❤️ Meg was speaking my heart out loud. God knew every parent who has a child with special needs needed to hear this. Praying for an "Acts Community"🙏🏿

[@cassiiecassa]

This conversation is so vital. As a mom, omg! I’m in tears! This touched my heart. Thank you for sharing Megan Ashley.

[@rdking0889]

As a autism mom of a 6 year old who is non verbal this conversation is so relatable.

[@izmyster4815]

My brother suffers with schizophrenia so that last statement about registration is everything!! Thank you for this conversation.

[@crystalauelua9381]

The way I cried throughout this episode😭 yesterday my 3 y/o daughter had an intake evaluation for special education. I was having a hard time after it due to me not wanting my daughter to have to struggle as she grows up and knowing she’s going to need the help. It was hard for me to take it in. But I’m so grateful to hear this episode bc it gives me hope. It’s given me the chance to be honest with myself and give it to the Lord. Thank yall for the discussion and your testimonies. It’s very much needed. God bless!

[@TairraHoover]

This was soooo needed.. I’m an autism mother of a 4 year old beautiful little girl! She is amazing and often i beat myself up because of her diagnoses.. This really encouraged me!

[@katg8630]

SPOT ON!! WE The Church must step up in leading the way to care for and wrap our hearts and arms around our brothers and sisters with special needs children/family. 🙏

[@melanieodell5834]

Thank you for sharing your story. My husband and I are parents of a 14 year old non-verbal autistic son. I always say he has taught me more than I can ever teach him. Our church has been so amazing and helpful with him.

[@shamiraholmes2873]

Thank you for this conversation!!! My Gabriella is Six and non verbal! The church can be a mean place. Especially for a baby who vocally stims!

[@kishispiritesthetics]

I pray I can mother my son like Ashley. 😢 so good. Praise god for the grace God gave you to raise them.

[@bd8560]

This literally made me cry. As someone with a special needs family member, this really touched my heart ❤ thanks Megan 🙏🏽

[@MeoshiaLawless]

This had me emotional 😩😭 I pray for y’all protection as God takes you to new levels that will yield more attacks from the enemy.. stay strong! God is using y’all mightily & it’s so inspiring! You both have helped me in more ways than you know. I love y’all!🥰❤️ & may your friendship & ministry continue to blossom.. in Jesus name! Amen 🙏🏽

[@shondataylor2091]

This episode touched me deeply because I'm the mom of a special needs child, and the fear of leaving her when I transition from the physical world is so frightening for me. It's refreshing to know, though, that I'm not alone.

[@CorneliaS0308]

I have a nephew with autism ❤ and we need more talks for this topic and God!

[@elisaesteban9891]

There’s a good book called: Autism and your church by Newman, that has some practical ideas on how to support kids with autism in the church even if your church is smaller.

[@siddyceo4267]

I’m watching this in tears. I’m so happy I came across this podcast. So many hidden gems that gave me so much revelation! I feel So blessed watching this

[@gthugg1]

So many gems Meg brought in this episode, thank all of you 🤍🤍

[@jaazielyy3856]

As a person that works with elementary kids with special needs, this podcast was so beautiful and refreshing to hear. Thank you guys for the vulnerability. It helps us who work with these kiddos who aren’t parents to them also feel heard and seen. And it helps us understand more. Please keep talking about this, it is so important and these people are still image bearers. Let’s continue to share and live out the Gospel for them❤️and we GOTTA do more in our churches!!!!

[@Fashion4We]

I volunteer in children’s church and we do have a couple of special needs children, and this hits home for me because our church is not really equipped to really help them. And I really do wish that more churches would have some type of program or hire some specialist in that area to help moms and to help these children.

[@stephaniemorriar7578]

There is so much work to be done on all levels. We need to keep having this conversation so that we can keep moving forward on this issue. I had two children with autism in my former church. One of them would have sudden outbursts during service. Because of my backward I knew the children had special needs and would explain to other members what the issue was. Much prayer and conversation is needed for all. Let’s truly love one another

[@cbooker-0808]

Thank you ALL for this talk! You each have BLESSED my heart. This is part of my assignment. I believe God created ALL children for a purpose with purpose. I am called as a pediatric Occupational Therapist and have had the honor of serving in ministry years ago at Lakewood Church in Houston Texas in their Champions Club. It’s exactly what you are speaking of and I wanted to share. They have an amazing community and seek to serve our beautiful babies with special needs and are doing it in real time. They minister to the caregivers and children, “ALL” children in the way that each unique child needs. For our Champions (special needs children) they have a sensory room, a OT therapy room, and a classroom. They focus on ministering to the whole child mind, body, spirit. I hope this blesses someone. I know we need to continue disciplining others to ensure we embrace and love on all families and all children at their point of need.

[@andreneadams7688]

This video was sooo much of what I never knew I needed. Meagan have me here bawling out my eyes but the messages, the responses to the challenges or the fear is sooo powerful. Thank you so much for this podcast.

[@Kiyomi_camps]

The way megan held back every tear is quite admirable; also the way you never go into detail about your past pod and friendship breakup is very mature and i have gained a real love and admiration for you. keep trusting meg gods got master plans for you.

[@Demontray]

How I love the both of you. Amazing episode!

[@TOSORIO-q8h]

I totally understand as a Police Officer that has worked with all kind of people. I took my own time into learning about people. And talking so I could learn how to deal with each person individually. And definitely they can place that on an identification card with like a symbol so when Officers and others see it they know. I do agree they need to be trained this. I trained on mental health as well and worked psych wards and I took it on to learn about mental health as well. So I could be a better Officer .

[@mickalder]

This is the first time i have in a very long time I have ever had the pleasure to hear another black woman and her opinons on church and people with special needs. Keep it up Megan. You are high Influential!! If you /we can get enoigh people all relating this way, with the Lord on our side we can change the world for the better.

[@samanthaisblessed]

How Jackie supported Preston to get the conversation he needed. Megan's understanding and explanation of how the faith should treat kids with special needs, that question about alerting the police !!!!!!!!!!!!! This whole conversation had me so teary.🤧❤

[@ndindajackline]

This is so refreshing, just the intro had me in tears. The way Jackie was watching Megan share... ❤

[@BridgetOwens-g2x]

I work with children with autism and one of my parents told me that their church has started a kids ministry/childcare for children with special needs. It's a small step but it made me so happy.

[@MegaPaige92]

This was such a beautiful vulnerable episode, thank you

[@tlwilliams-boucher6866]

This is such a great episode. So many things to share but one thing I want to point out is that Jackie stated that she read to understand Preston’s brother. Folks, need to READ! Also, having been a part of a church that implemented sensory sensitive services, it was so nice to have that kind of awareness. Totally agree🙌🏾💜

[@SheSharpNotFlat]

Wow wow wow wow. I got midway through this episode and got busy so had to cut it off a few days ago. I saw today that there was still another half to get through. Man, I will be forever grateful that I came back to finish this video. Although I don’t have a special needs child, I plan to go to my church home and present this idea of a sensory room and other ways we could provide and help families with special needs children as we do have members at our church who would benefit. Also, Preston’s testimony’s got me in tears. I feel another “Story time with Preston” coming up! Thank you all