Parenting is one of the most meaningful and challenging journeys a family can walk through — especially when you’re raising kids while still healing yourself.
In this episode, we have an honest conversation about parenting while healing from past trauma, navigating personal growth as parents, and what it really looks like to build a family while you’re still becoming whole yourself.
Many couples and parents assume they need to be “fully healed” before they can lead their families well. But the reality is that healing and parenting often happen at the same time — especially during seasons of transition, marriage, relocation, and spiritual realignment.
In this conversation, we explore:
Parenting while healing from childhood trauma
Personal growth during marriage and parenthood
Raising children while navigating emotional healing
How therapy supports parents and families
The impact of unresolved wounds on family rhythms
Faith, healing, and parenting through hard seasons
How community support helps parents grow and heal
Marriage is often viewed as a fresh start, but for many couples it reveals areas that still need healing. We talk about preparing for marriage, personal development, and how emotional healing can surface unexpectedly once you begin sharing life, space, and responsibility with another person.
Parenting has a way of bringing old wounds to the surface. As families grow — especially when welcoming additional children — new challenges can highlight the need for deeper healing. We discuss how parenting can be a catalyst for healing, self-awareness, and faith-driven growth.
We also talk openly about therapy for parents, the importance of addressing trauma, and the powerful realizations that come from doing the inner work. Healing isn’t always comfortable, but it is often necessary for building healthier families and relationships.
No family is meant to heal or grow alone. Community plays a vital role in helping parents navigate healing, faith, and family life. Spaces like the Breakthrough Community exist to offer support, understanding, and connection for parents walking similar paths.
Healing while parenting is not a destination — it’s an ongoing process. This episode is for parents, couples, and families who are:
Raising kids while still healing
Navigating faith and family transitions
Learning to lead their homes without having it all figured out
Choosing honesty over perfection
If you’re parenting in the middle of your own healing journey, you’re not alone.
👉 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, family rhythms, marriage, healing, and life transitions.
👉 Join our community and continue the journey of parenting, healing, and growing together.
Parenting, Marriage, and Personal GrowthHealing Past Trauma While Raising a FamilyTherapy, Trauma, and Emotional HealingThe Importance of Community SupportParenting While Healing Is a Journey
In this episode, we dive deep into our journey of relocating from Connecticut to Georgia.
Hear about the emotional and practical challenges we faced, the adjustments in our daily lives, and the support we've found in our new community.
From beloved sneakers to navigating DMV procedures, we cover it all. Plus, discover how this move has impacted our family dynamics and individual growth. Join us as we share insightful reflections on embracing change and finding stability in a new environment.
In this episode, we discuss our recent trip to the Dominican Republic, sharing our initial impressions and experiences navigating a new culture and language. We recount stories from our travels, including an encounter with locals using machetes, and our thoughts on the area's economic disparities. We reflect on our observations of local life and the importance of investing in communities meaningfully. We also share how these experiences influence our ideas for future business ventures and community development. Tune in for insights on cultural exposure, personal growth, and a special announcement about our upcoming couples' health challenge.00:00 Introduction: Machete in the Grass00:18 Virgin Islands Gym Adventure01:03 First Impressions of the Dominican Republic02:21 Navigating the Airport and Local Help05:11 Driving in the Dominican Republic08:02 Cultural Observations and Reflections13:20 Economic Disparities and Local Labor17:18 Creating Opportunities and Final Thoughts19:23 Building Local Economies19:52 The Power of Exposure20:23 Understanding Community Needs21:09 Reflections on Personal Gain22:14 Teaching and Empowering Others22:58 Navigating Business Opportunities26:20 Cultural Exposure for Children30:09 Future Business Ideas36:02 Upcoming Challenge Announcement37:48 Final Thoughts and Subscriber GoalTwo ways we can help you:The Breakthrough is where faith, fitness, and calling collide.A real community to break patterns, build strength, and move forward with clarity, courage, and God-aligned purpose. https://www.skool.com/the-word-wellne...Join the book club! Join us in exploring Church Girl by Sarita Lyons—a heartfelt journey designed for those seeking a deeper connection with God and community. This book is perfect for new believers, those who feel a call for a closer relationship with Christ, women being called to ministry, and anyone who has been churched but knows they desire more than a surface-level faith.https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%...[0]=AT1WGcA6o_PWnLMH4VYp5Y-lqzZY7tPxGVzeWSsu_u24cWaGroCDt1JOjb1zCwvlPOhhio20VpNdWX26HyCNLUy2WMs-ksX61wMqXCj-qdL3r6S0fy7GuFZXPqAWGZpx-zdoR7VzWQauk1tDBJt4CdsRsd__sY6-qK-bQPzVVsWMdx3tjqybtcF4jb8
Introduction: The Journey Begins
Raising a child with special needs is a journey filled with unique challenges—and profound rewards. In this conversation, we explore the realities of parenting an adult child on the autism spectrum, from early diagnosis to adulthood, sharing struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned.
Our daughter was diagnosed at age three. Parenting didn’t follow the typical script. As a single mom, balancing life with a child in a neurodivergent world required patience, strength, and adaptability.
Educating ourselves on autism helped us move from confusion to advocacy. By honoring our daughter’s unique abilities, we fostered an environment where she could thrive.
Now a graduate of a renowned culinary institute, our daughter inspires us daily. But parenting an adult child with autism brings new challenges—society often expects conformity rather than celebrating diversity.
Our journey involves helping her find confidence in her identity while navigating life’s milestones in her own way. It’s about letting go while supporting her individuality.
Having friends and family who truly understand makes a world of difference. Even small acts of support can have a big impact.
Faith has been our anchor. We’ve learned to steward our daughter’s life rather than control it, trusting God’s timing and plan. This trust has brought freedom and peace in the midst of challenges.
To parents on a similar path: stay resilient, love steadfastly, and celebrate every small victory. Progress isn’t always linear, but God guides every step.
We hope our story inspires other families to approach their journey with hope, faith, and love.
We’d love for you to be part of our Book Club on Sarta Lyons’ Church Girl starting January 8th. It’s a free space to get honest, aligned, and moving.
Here’s what you’ll get:
Spot blind spots driving your patterns
Break cycles keeping you stuck
Build real strength spiritually, mentally, and physically
Align faith, habits, and calling
Lead with clarity and courage
No perfection. No pretending. Just presence, purpose, and progress—together. 🏠 Welcome home.
Book Club Link: Join Here
Separate from the book club, The Breakthrough is a space to strengthen your body, renew your mind, and walk boldly in God’s calling.
What you’ll experience:
Spot blind spots driving your patterns
Break cycles keeping you stuck
Build real strength spiritually, mentally, and physically
Align faith, habits, and calling
Lead with clarity and courage
No perfection. No pretending. Just presence, purpose, and progress—together. 🏠
The Breakthrough Link: Join Here
Understanding Autism and Family DynamicsNavigating Young AdulthoodThe Importance of a Support SystemFaith and Parenting: Trusting the ProcessFinal Thoughts: Encouragement for ParentsJoin the Conversation: Book Club ✅Grow With Us: The Breakthrough Community
We were ONE minute from missing our cruise.
One door closing away from disaster.
What was supposed to be an exciting family trip turned into a full-blown sprint through the terminal… luggage in hand… a stranger yelling… our nerves shot… and a door about to close in our faces.
Traffic. Delays. Miscommunication. One bad assumption about “boarding time” almost canceled everything.
In this episode, we break down:
• The exact moment we thought we were too late
• Why driving to Miami almost cost us the whole trip
• The lesson nobody tells you about cruise departure times
• How ONE Uber driver saved the day
• What nearly losing the trip taught us about stress, marriage, rest, and real life
And then… something deeper happened.
When we finally got on board?
No rush.
No pressure.
No chaos.
Just people laughing… connecting… breathing… living.
Which made us realize something scary…
👉 The only time we rest… is when life forces us to.
Not because we chose it.
We talk about how we learned that rest is a muscle.
And if you don’t intentionally train it — you won’t have it when you’re back in “real life.”
If you’ve ever:
• Been running late
• Felt life moving too fast
• Lived in survival mode
• Been tired without knowing why
…this episode is for you.
Drop a comment:
💬 “Have you ever had a close call like this?”
💬 “What’s the most stressful travel story you’ve lived?”
And if you’re planning a cruise soon…
Watch this before you go.
Ever take a vacation and realize… you didn’t know how tired you really were?
This cruise wasn’t just a getaway. It was a confrontation with burnout, expectations, and what real rest actually feels like.
In this video, we share what God revealed to us while sailing the Caribbean — traveling from Georgia to Miami, racing through traffic, almost missing the ship, and finally being forced to slow down. What started as a trip became a mirror, exposing emotional exhaustion, spiritual misalignment, and why rest is not lazy — it’s obedience.
If you’re an entrepreneur, a parent, a leader, or someone silently carrying too much… this message is for you.
Why burnout is usually emotional before it’s physical
How God uses discomfort to reset your priorities
Why rest is a spiritual discipline, not a luxury
What cruise life revealed about our addiction to stress
How expectations quietly steal your peace
Why slowing down feels uncomfortable at first
What faith looks like when you’re actually tired
How God speaks when you finally sit still
This journey was unexpected.
From Lyft delays… to Uber miracles… to making the dock by minutes… all of it echoed a deeper truth:
We rush through life. God invites us to walk.
If you’ve been feeling:
Disconnected spiritually
Burned out emotionally
Overworked mentally
Numb internally
Tired but unable to rest
Busy but unfulfilled
Then stay until the end.
This isn’t travel content. This is soul content.
🙏 CREATOR NOTES This cruise wasn’t sponsored. This wasn’t perfect. This was real.
Shoutout to:
Norwegian Cruise Lines for the atmosphere
My friend D Green for the hoodie + love
If this helped you, comment: “I’m learning to rest.”
Subscribe if you want content built on: Faith. Truth. Depth. Clarity. Rest for your soul.
The pain we carry
How we heal
What my bones know
Yoga and healing
Healing is resistance
You’ll discover:
Parenting frustration hits different when you’re juggling kids, marriage, responsibilities, and your own emotional bandwidth. In this episode, we break down real-life moments of parental frustration, how it shows up in your body, and why it’s not always about the thing your kid is doing — it’s about everything that’s piled up before it.
We talk openly about:
✨ The moment we knew our frustration was no longer about the situation
✨ How suppressing emotions turns you into a pressure cooker
✨ How parents can support each other in heated moments
✨ Why kids mirror our stress
✨ Gentle parenting vs. “Malcolm X mode” (😂 you tell it beautifully)
✨ How frustration builds up in marriage and family life
✨ Practical ways to emotionally regulate before you snap
✨ Why understanding your spouse’s stress signals saves the whole day
✨ How to avoid spiritually bypassing your real feelings
✨ The mistakes we made early in marriage — and what changed everything
This conversation is raw, relatable, and full of wisdom for parents, married couples, and anyone feeling overwhelmed right now.
(You can add exact timestamps after you upload.)
00:00 – Why Frustration Sneaks Up on You
02:45 – Kids + Chaos: The Perfect Storm
06:20 – When You Know You’re Not Actually Mad at the Thing
09:15 – Gentle Parenting vs. Real Life
12:40 – How Marriage Helps Regulate Emotion
14:55 – Preventing a “Frustration Day”
18:10 – Parenting Two Kids at Different Ages
20:25 – Boundaries, Balance, and Letting Kids Into the Experience
⏱️ Timestamps
Join us on a heartfelt journey of faith, family, and new beginnings as we navigate one of the biggest transitions of our lives—moving from Connecticut to Georgia.
In this episode, we share our experiences of selling a cherished home, stepping into the unknown, and embracing the transformative world of homeschooling.
From the emotional farewell of our old house to the excitement and challenges of a new state, this story explores the power of trusting God’s plan, navigating life transitions, and finding community in unexpected places.
Whether you’re considering a relocation, exploring homeschooling for your kids, or seeking inspiration to embrace change with courage, our journey is a testament to the strength found in faith, family, and intentional living.
Highlights in this video include:
Emotional reflections on leaving a longtime home
Lessons learned from unexpected life changes
How we embraced homeschooling in Georgia
Building a supportive community of like-minded families
Insights on faith, trust, and stepping into the unknown
If you’re on a journey of personal growth, relocation, or simply looking for family inspiration, this video is for you.
👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of faith, family, and living intentionally.
In this episode, we take a journey into the heart of a question every believer wrestles with at some point: Is following God’s will really better than following my own?
Through real stories, Scripture, and honest conversation, we explore what it looks like to:
Trust God when life feels inconvenient
Surrender control and release your own plans
Hear God’s voice amid the noise of doubt
Step into obedience, even when it stretches you beyond comfort
Along the way, we dive into biblical stories of faith, sacrifice, and unexpected doors that only obedience can open. If you’ve ever hesitated, questioned, or wondered whether your path should bend to God’s calling, this episode is for you — a reminder that when we align our steps with Him, the journey transforms everything: our faith, our purpose, and even our identity.
🌿 Reconnect With Purpose
Hey — if you’ve been feeling disconnected from who you are or what God’s called you to do, this is for you.
Our Skool Community isn’t just another program. It’s a space to reconnect, grow in faith, and walk out our purpose with confidence.
We move, pray, and grow together.
Join us for $19/month — your transformation starts here:
👉 Join The Word + Wellness Community
🛍️ Shop With Mika
Be empowered with style and purpose:
🎧 Listen to the Life With The Cost Podcast
Faith. Family. Real growth.
Life is full of its fair share of frustrations, from handling kid stories and parenting challenges to managing adult responsibilities, work stress, and maintaining healthy relationships. In this blog post, [Names Redacted] dive into how they handle everyday frustrations and offer practical insights into finding emotional balance, stress relief, and peace in these challenging moments.
We kicked off our conversation on frustration with some personal anecdotes that brought a smile to our faces. From a 6-year-old's creative pedicure session to the unexpected path to Dunkin' Donuts, these stories highlight the joys of parenting, family life, and everyday moments. These little parenting experiences remind us how humor, patience, and perspective can help manage stress and family dynamics.
Frustration can take on many forms, from work stress and financial pressures to relationship conflicts and parenting challenges. It often stems from unmet expectations or delays in life’s plans. Whether it’s dealing with customer service issues, car repairs, or miscommunications with loved ones, frustration is a universal human experience. We discussed the importance of emotional intelligence, identifying triggers, and developing strategies for stress management and constructive problem-solving.
In a fast-paced world filled with daily frustrations, maintaining emotional control and practicing mindfulness can be difficult. We shared personal experiences where past impulsive reactions created more stress, emphasizing the value of keeping long-term goals and family harmony in mind.
Parenting naturally brings its own set of frustrations and requires patience, understanding, and compassion. Real-life examples of gentle parenting show that acknowledging both parent and child emotions can improve behavior management, build stronger bonds, and create a calmer home environment. Practicing positive discipline, active listening, and empathy helps parents navigate challenges and reinforce healthy family communication.
Frustrations within marriage can also add layers of complexity to life. Understanding each partner’s emotional needs, encouraging open communication, and showing empathy can strengthen relationships and reduce conflict. Couples can benefit from conflict resolution techniques, marriage counseling tips, and proactive strategies for maintaining intimacy, trust, and mutual respect during stressful times.
From a spiritual perspective, frustration often tests our patience, faith, and identity. Our journey with God teaches perseverance and trust, even when life feels uncertain. Reflecting on Philippians 4:6 encourages believers to replace anxiety with prayer, bringing concerns and frustrations to God while cultivating spiritual peace and emotional resilience.
Family routines, chores, and trips can create stress when balancing different needs and age groups. Setting realistic expectations, clear boundaries, and effective family planning are key strategies for reducing household stress. Understanding family dynamics, fostering teamwork, and prioritizing self-care can make daily life and shared experiences more enjoyable.
God, what are we doing today?“Every morning I wake up and ask, ‘God, what are we doing today?’ Because every day we get to decide what energy we’re putting into the world. I choose positivity — not because life is perfect, but because I know Who I’m walking with.” Donna Middlebrooks ✨ Join the Word & Wellness Community$47/year for monthly workouts, motivation, encouragement, and upliftment — come grow with us!https://www.skool.com/the-word-wellness-community-6348/about💛 Helping your little one navigate big emotions?This 8-page digital workbook makes it easier for them to understand their feelings — and for you to understand them.https://www.drewcost.com/product-page/my-anger-thermometer-printable-for-kids-faith-based-emotion-worksheet-calm
Join us as we hit the road on our unexpected RV journey! In this episode, we share our RV camping preparations, lessons learned, and the excitement of exploring the outdoors.
From solar panel tips to battery maintenance, we cover everything new RVers need to know. Plus, get a peek at our Costco run and why their pizza is a must-try!
Highlights include:00:00 Impromptu Road Trip Adventure
🚗00:20 RV Camping Plans & Prep
🏕️01:07 Learning the RV Lifestyle
⚡08:08 Family Fun & Costco Pizza 🍕We also give a shout-out to
YouTube resources like The Harveys, and talk about our goals: reconnecting with nature, meeting new people, and even a potential outreach project.
🔔 Subscribe for more RV adventures, camping tips, and family road trip fun!
Join us on a 25-minute road trip as we delve into our recent experiences and thoughts on parenting, marriage, and chasing dreams. We discuss the challenges of balancing individual aspirations with family responsibilities, parenting dynamics from raising a 20-year-old to a 6-year-old, and the importance of maintaining a united front as a couple. Reflecting on our journey, we share insights on how God’s guidance and flexibility have shaped our paths. Please tune in for candid conversations, personal growth stories, and the lessons we've learned on this ongoing adventure.00:00 Introduction and Road Trip Tease00:24 Camping Preparations and Tips01:09 Aaliyah's Swimming Milestone01:56 Parenting Reflections and Challenges04:38 Balancing Dreams and Family09:15 Homeschooling Insights10:39 Faith and Family Dynamics19:55 Business Ventures and Lessons21:55 Conclusion and Viewer Engagemen
In this episode of Count Up the Cost, we dive deep into facing fear and embracing new adventures — from planning our first family camping trip to tackling the emotional, spiritual, and relational challenges that fear brings.We talk about what it really means to overcome fear in marriage, parenting, and personal growth, and how to trust God when stepping into unfamiliar territory. Whether you’re learning to let go of control, navigating fear in relationships, or preparing for new life experiences, this conversation will inspire you to take bold steps of faith.💬 What you’ll learn:How fear shows up in marriage and family lifePractical ways to confront and defeat fearSpiritual insights on trusting God through uncertaintyThe link between control, trust, and peaceLessons from our first family camping trip and what it revealed about courage🎧 Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Video Plans00:36 Preparing for the First Camping Trip02:47 Discussing Fear and Overcoming It05:43 Personal Experiences with Fear08:04 Facing Fear in New Environments11:01 Control and Fear in Daily Life21:28 Trust and Decision Making in Relationships25:55 The Burden of Control26:55 Mentorship and Marriage29:07 Roles and Responsibilities31:16 Facing Fear in Marriage33:22 The Impact of Fear47:16 Practical Steps to Overcome Fear50:37 Family and Future Plans
In this powerful episode, we have real talk about spiritual bypassing, emotional healing, and faith-based growth. We unpack what spiritual bypassing really means — using faith or spiritual practices to avoid emotional pain — and how it quietly affects our relationships, family life, and personal growth.
We also share personal stories from our marriage, insights from hard family conversations, and honest reflections on answering tough questions from kids about life and death. This episode dives deep into emotional intelligence, accountability, and inner healing through faith.
If you’ve ever struggled with avoiding your emotions in the name of “staying positive”, or if you want to learn how to face your feelings and grow spiritually without suppressing what’s real — this is for you.
✨ In this episode you’ll learn:
What spiritual bypassing is and how to recognize it in your life
How to navigate emotional pain, relationships, and personal growth
Why faith doesn’t mean avoiding hard emotions
How to have real, healing conversations in your family and marriage
Practical steps for emotional and spiritual healing
🙏 Whether you’re on a faith journey, working on emotional maturity, or seeking healthy family communication, this conversation will help you grow stronger inside and out.
00:00 – Family Updates & New Mics
00:48 – Answering Kids’ Hard Questions
02:31 – What is Spiritual Bypassing?
07:53 – Our Personal Experience with Avoiding Pain
11:39 – Why Hard Conversations Heal
19:08 – Marriage Lessons & Emotional Growth
32:23 – Spiritual Bypassing and Faith Maturity
44:11 – Practical Steps for Inner Healing
51:59 – Reflections on Marriage & Community
In this episode, we explore the concept of anointing and what it means to be chosen by God for a specific purpose.
We delve into biblical examples like David, Moses, and Esther to illustrate how anointing requires us to confront challenges and fulfill our divine callings.
The discussion emphasizes that anointing is not about personal gain but about helping others and following God's plan.
Through various anecdotes and personal reflections, the message encourages viewers to lean into their anointing, trust in God's support, and embrace their appointed tasks with confidence.
Hey fam—remember how COVID stopped everything? Schools, churches, our plans…all of it.In this episode, we unpack what God was really doing when the world went silent:family stretched thin, fear everywhere, faith getting tested.I share the lessons I missed in the moment, what I’d do differently now, and why God’s plan still wins even when nothing makes sense.Pull up a chair, let’s talk faith, family, and the kind of trust that only grows when life gets stripped bare.👉 Watch now, hit subscribe, and share this with someone who’s still trying to make sense of those years.
Join Jermika on a heartfelt journey of repentance, healing, and overcoming prejudice. On the 24th anniversary of 9/11, she shares how trauma, fear, and societal biases shaped her thoughts and how she is actively working to confront internal biases through prayer, self-reflection, and faith.
In this video, you’ll learn:
How to identify and address personal prejudices
Practical steps for healing from fear and anxiety
Ways to foster love, unity, and understanding in your community
Jermika’s story is raw, honest, and meant to inspire viewers to examine their own biases and take action toward personal growth and reconciliation.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction & Purpose
01:31 Reflecting on 9/11 and Its Lasting Impact
02:58 Personal Experience with Anxiety & Fear
04:20 Confronting Personal Biases
08:41 Seeking Guidance & Finding Peace
13:17 Call to Action: Promote Love & Understanding
Keywords/Tags: repentance, healing, overcoming prejudice, confronting bias, racism, self-reflection, faith-based healing, 9/11 reflection, personal growth, emotional healing, Jermika story, unity, community building
Jermika shares the power of saying yes to God—and how it transforms salvation, relationships, prayer, and healing. This message will challenge and encourage you to embrace faith, trust His plan, and step into divine purpose.
Ever felt stuck, like you’re pushing but nothing is moving? 👊🏽 Sometimes all it takes is a little nudge. In this episode, we share a powerful story about our daughter Aaliyah and how small steps forward lead to big breakthroughs.
We connect her journey to timeless biblical stories that remind us: God doesn’t always move with a shove—often, it’s just a gentle push that changes everything. 💡
👉 If you’re looking for encouragement, faith-driven parenting insights, or a reminder that your progress matters (even when it’s small), this is for you.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
00:00 – Introduction: Seeking Help
00:34 – Aaliyah’s Story: Overcoming Challenges
01:48 – The Lesson: Small Progress is Still Progress
02:18 – Parental Guidance: Teaching Resilience
03:16 – Spiritual Insights: God’s Nudge
05:20 – Biblical Examples of Divine Assistance
07:36 – Conclusion: Embrace the Push
✨ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone who just needs a little encouragement today.
#Faith #Parenting #Breakthrough #Family #BiblicalWisdom