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How Churches Can Reflect Every Family: Disability Inclusion with Sandra Peoples [Ep 548]
Don't Mom Alone Podcast
11/10/25
•47m
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When life doesn’t go as planned, it can be hard to see where God is working. In this powerful conversation, Sandra Peoples, author, special needs mom, and ministry leader, opens up about her journey from growing up with a sister with Down syndrome to parenting a son with autism.
Sandra shares how her family’s story revealed a gap in the church for families impacted by disability, and how God called her to help fill it. From starting a special needs ministry to creating sensory rooms and buddy systems, Sandra offers practical and spiritual wisdom for pastors, volunteers, and parents alike. Here is some of what we cover:
Connect with Sandra Peoples
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Sandra shares how her family’s story revealed a gap in the church for families impacted by disability, and how God called her to help fill it. From starting a special needs ministry to creating sensory rooms and buddy systems, Sandra offers practical and spiritual wisdom for pastors, volunteers, and parents alike. Here is some of what we cover:
- Disability families are often unreached — the church has an incredible opportunity to serve and love them.
- Support for the whole family — offer counseling, respite nights, and peer connection for parents and siblings.
- The church should be a whole picture of the body of Christ including those with disabilities who often enter into worship in the most beautiful ways.
- What questions to ask your friends who are hesitant to come to church with their special needs child.
- Hope for the mom that feels unseen or hopeless. Psalm 126:5- Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
Connect with Sandra Peoples
- Website: Sandra Peoples: Equipping Churches and Encouraging Families
- Instagram: Sandra Peoples (@sandrapeoples)
- Facebook: Sandra Peoples
Links Mentioned:
- Accessible Church: By Sandra Peoples
- Held: Learning to Live in God's Grip: By Sandra Peoples
- Unexpected Blessings: By Sandra Peoples
- 99 Balloons
Related Episodes:
- Adopting Special Needs :: Alice and Candace [Ep 213]
- Mothering Autism: Navigating Grief, Marriage, and Community :: Carrie Cariello, Kate Swenson, and Adrian Wood [Ep 515]
- Parenting Neurodivergent Children–Summer Edition :: Carrie Cassell [Ep 413]
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Previous Episode
Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt on Bravery and Motherhood [Ep 547]
November 3, 2025
•34m
In this episode, New York Times bestselling author Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt joins us to talk about parenting, faith, and finding courage, especially in the spotlight. Katherine opens up about her new children’s book, Kat and Brandy, an inspiring story about overcoming fear, bravery, and the bond between animals and humans.
She shares how growing up in a politically influential family shaped her values, why protecting her kids’ privacy matters deeply to her, and how faith and humor help her stay grounded in motherhood. From her childhood journals to her love of animals Katherine reveals the experiences that built her courage, and how she hopes to pass those lessons on. Here is some of what we cover:
She shares how growing up in a politically influential family shaped her values, why protecting her kids’ privacy matters deeply to her, and how faith and humor help her stay grounded in motherhood. From her childhood journals to her love of animals Katherine reveals the experiences that built her courage, and how she hopes to pass those lessons on. Here is some of what we cover:
- Balancing Fame and Family: How Katherine and Chris Pratt navigate parenting in the public eye while prioritizing a grounded, private childhood for their kids.
- Why boredom, journaling, and quiet moments sparked her lifelong passion for storytelling and creativity.
- Motherhood with Humor and Grace: Katherine’s honest reflections on mom life, finding laughter in chaos, and building a community that uplifts and supports.
- Encouragement for Overwhelmed Moms: find humor in things, get outside, and give yourself grace.
- Website: Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt
- Instagram: Katherine Schwarzenegger (@katherineschwarzenegger)
- Facebook: Katherine Schwarzenegger
- Kat and Brandy: By Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt
- Jingle All the Way Christmas Movie
- Black Beauty: By Anna Sewell
- BDA Baby® Podcast
- Honoring Moms, the Unsung Heroes :: Rebecca St. James [Ep 466]
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- From Blockbusters to Blanket Forts: Patricia Heaton on Parenting, Faith, and Comedy [Ep 521]
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Next Episode
As a young mom, I felt the tension of wanting to have it all together: the boys in matching outfits, the house spotless, and dinner on the table. But no matter how hard I tried, it always felt just out of reach.
Today, Ashleigh Surratt joins me to talk about what it means to be a Type C mom — a blend of Type A and Type B — and how this mix shapes the way we experience motherhood. She is a mom and faith-filled encourager who speaks honestly about motherhood, identity, and finding God’s grace in the messiest seasons of life. Her perspective helps moms release perfectionism and embrace the freedom found in authenticity. We talk about:
Related Episodes:
Today, Ashleigh Surratt joins me to talk about what it means to be a Type C mom — a blend of Type A and Type B — and how this mix shapes the way we experience motherhood. She is a mom and faith-filled encourager who speaks honestly about motherhood, identity, and finding God’s grace in the messiest seasons of life. Her perspective helps moms release perfectionism and embrace the freedom found in authenticity. We talk about:
- How to stop comparing yourself and embrace what truly matters to you
- How “ideal mom” expectations can become an idol
- Why authenticity and vulnerability invite connection rather than shame
- Create simple “catch-all” systems to manage chaos in your home
- When you feel drained, pause and invite God into the overwhelm
- Instagram: Ashleigh Surratt (@ashleigh.surratt)
- Facebook: Ashleigh Surratt
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- Honeylove: Treat yourself or someone special to the most comfortable and innovative bras on earth this holiday season. Save 20% off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA. Use our exclusive link to get 20% off
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