In Part 2 of this powerful conversation on This Unexpected Life, Carrie M. Holt continues her interview with Anna Harp, a young writer living with cerebral palsy who is discovering her God-given purpose through storytelling.

Anna opens up about the ongoing grief that can come with disability and the freedom of realizing that grief is not failure—it’s part of the journey. Through reflections on Psalm 23 and God’s “withness” in the wilderness, she shares how God meets us in our hardest places and gently reshapes our understanding of purpose.

You’ll also hear how Anna discovered her calling as a fantasy writer, creating stories where characters with disabilities are seen, valued, and empowered. Her passion is to help teens with disabilities feel understood, less alone, and full of hope.

This episode is a deeply encouraging reminder that:

• Your child’s story matters
• Disability does not disqualify purpose
• God uses the broken things for beauty and impact

Whether you are parenting a child with special needs or walking through your own unexpected journey, this conversation will strengthen your faith and remind you that God is always at work—even in the wilderness.

Eps. 45; April 14, 2026

Resources:

• Subscribe to Anna’s Monthly Newsletter
• Purchase Book Featuring Her Writing
• Anna’s Website

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*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.

In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, Carrie sits down with Anna Harp, a young adult living with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, to share her story of faith, fear, and transformation.

Born at just 27 weeks and spending nearly three months in the NICU, Anna’s life began with immense challenges. As she grew, she wrestled deeply with feeling “less than,” questioning God’s goodness, and navigating the emotional weight of living with a disability.

In this honest and hope-filled episode, Anna shares:

• When she first realized she was different
• Her struggle with comparison, anger, and faith
• The moment her faith became personal
• Her life-changing spinal surgery and recovery
• How she relearned to walk—step by step—with Jesus

This episode is for any parent raising a child with disabilities, and for anyone walking through fear, grief, or uncertainty. Anna’s story is a reminder that even in the unexpected places—Jesus is there

Eps. 44; April 7, 2026

Resources:

• Subscribe to Anna’s Monthly Newsletter
• Purchase Book Featuring Her Writing
• Anna’s Website

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*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.

What happens when the life you planned falls apart—and God builds something completely unexpected in its place?

In this episode of This Unexpected Life, Carrie sits down with Barb Stanley, founder of Wonderful Works Ministry, to talk about losing everything she thought defined her success… and discovering a deeper calling rooted in surrender, identity, and purpose.

Barb shares how her journey through career loss, disappointment, and shame led to the unexpected birth of a ministry that is now helping churches across the country become more accessible to families impacted by disability.

Together, they unpack:

• The truth about identity and why your worth is not tied to what you do
• A harmful misconception about disability ministry in the church
• The scripture often misused when talking about disability—and why it matters
• How families impacted by disability are essential to the future and revival of the Church
• Practical ways churches and families can begin working together

If you’ve ever felt unseen, exhausted, or like you don’t belong in church because of your child’s needs—this conversation will remind you: your story matters, your presence matters, and you are deeply needed in the Kingdom of God.

Eps. 43; March 24, 2026

Resources:
Barb’s Facebook & Instagram
Wonderful Works Ministry

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*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.