Newborn Promise Podcast

"To be quite honest, I felt like God betrayed us. We just stepped off the mission field and committed ourselves to full-time ministry, and this is what we got?" When Diane Dokko Kim learned that her two-year-old son was autistic, she said her spiritual life went "blue screen," and her faith was gutted. She said she was hit with two diagnoses: her son's and then her own disabled spirit. For the next five years Diane wrestled with God through his Word, searching for meaning in her devastating circumstance. The result was a phenomenal book, Unbroken Faith: Spiritual Recovery for the Special-Needs Parent. Any parent who has experienced trauma and asked the questions: If you're a good God, how could you let this happen? Why us? Why our child? Is this how you're going to treat us? How are you going to fix this? And if not, how am I going to trust you again? will benefit from Diane's experience of digging deeper to understand how the Bible answers.

It’s true that with children the days drag on slowly and the years pass quickly. How do we make the most of the time we are given with our children? In this episode, Carlos Whittaker, a dynamic speaker, writer and hope-dealer, shares about his book “Moment Maker” and how fathers can turn mere minutes into lasting moments.

Most new parents long to be intentional with their children, but it can be hard to know where to begin. How do we convey large spiritual concepts to the little faces covered in applesauce and washable marker streaks. What’s the starting day to teach tiny hearts about our big God? In this episode, Dr. Mary Manz Simon pours over new moms and dads with her wealth of professional experience from her PhD in early childhood education, her personal wisdom, and compassion for moms and dads in the thick of it.

Hear the first-hand experiences of international adoption specialist Erica Ho, as she and Audra Haney discuss private, special needs, and international adoptions—how they work, what the needs are, and why the Ho family’s faith has grown along the way with God’s guiding care. For related information, visit America World Adoption.

Can you find true joy, contentment, and purpose in the trenches of everyday parenting? Can you see past the months of exhaustion and piles of diapers to see the beauty of it all? Rachel Jankovic, the mother of seven children ranging from two years old to pre-teen, is the author of “Loving the Little Years” and encourages parents that a little change in perspective might be all it takes.

Join our conversation with Dove Award winner Ellie Holcomb as she shares about the inspiration behind her recent album “Red Sea Road”–and how a season of suffering, trials, and busy motherhood has brought her closer to Jesus.

When James and Inez Jackson got married, they didn’t think getting pregnant would be difficult. But after two miscarriages, they felt God leading them to adoption. Inez shares the emotions she had to wade through, the challenges of giving up her dream of pregnancy, and how God ultimately used the adoption process to beautifully refine her journey as a mother.

For many parents, overcoming fear or anxiety may seem impossible at this stage of life. It’s so natural to envision the worst and fret over the unimaginable in our parenting. But this episode’s guest, Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and author, Micca Campbell, says walking through the very pit of tragedy has helped her chose a life of faith instead of fear. As she shares her testimony, parents will be both inspired by the bravery in her personal testimony and equipped with practical advice to conquer their every day fears.

In this episode, author Karis Kimmel Murray continues the discussion about her book Grace Based Discipline. With practical ideas and exercises to help families set healthy boundaries, examine appropriate consequences, and understand loved ones a little better--Karis equips parents to be calm and prepared "first responders" to the discipline issues in their home.

We believe the life of the unborn child matters. So, how can the church become a place of love, safety, and encouragement instead of hate and controversy? Today, pro-life speaker and author Kirk Walden shares how the everyday person can support the sanctity of life with their natural gifts and abilities—and how a loving church can help build families like never before.

Rachel Jankovic, author of "Loving the Little Years," shares a wealth of wisdom for new parents on how to continue seeking God, overcome the temptation to compare, and how to avoid self-indulgence as you seek out true soul-care and joy.

Sometimes our own children bring out the worst in us, especially when they in an age and stage of constant need for discipline. But who wants to be the heavy all the time? Enter Karis Kimmel Murray with a light touch of humor and an arsenal of proactive strategies for you.     Join Karis on a two-part Newborn Promise Podcast as she discusses topics in her book "Grace Based Discipline: How to Be at Your Best When Your Kids are at Their Worst," which leans heavily on biblical wisdom and her own practical experience growing up with parents Tim and Darcy Kimmel, founders of Family Matters and Grace Based Parenting.

In Part two, discussion continues on the painful loss of a son or daughter early in life, as Rebecca shares her own story, and gives helpful advice for supporting others experiencing child loss. This is Part two of two episodes.

Psychologist and mother Rebecca McCutchan helps expecting women prepare for the possibility of developing postpartum depression, how to recognize when you have it, and ways to overcome it.

Songwriter, recording artist, and worship leader Matt Maher shares the heart and inspiration behind his latest album "Echoes." Influenced by both his children and the sudden loss of his father while recording, Matt explains how both the generation before and the generation coming behind shaped the message of his music. Matt also tells new parents about the greatest lessons he's learned about fatherhood and how it has profoundly impacted his faith.

Losing a son or daughter early on in life, having known them but a few weeks, is one of the most painful experiences. Rebecca shares her own story, which she writes about in her book, A Symphony in the Dark, and gives helpful advice for supporting others experiencing child loss. This is Part one of two episodes.

We know that our babies are fearfully and wonderfully made, and come in awe-inspiring packages. But, it's hard to know exactly what's going on in your baby's brain or how to interact with them from the first few months of life. In this episode, licensed marriage and family therapist Kelsey Myers talks with Newborn Promise Podcast Host Audra Haney about your baby's neurobiology and how interaction from the earliest days helps shape mental and spiritual health.

When new babies are born, new parents are born--and new grandparents too! In this episode, Margy Tripp, wife of Dr. Tedd Tripp and co-founder of Shepherding the Heart Ministries, shares encouraging and challenging advice for grandparents. Pulling from her experience with her nine grandchildren, Margy leaves grandparents with the assurance that their role is valuable and their influence immense.

As couples wait longer to marry and have children, infertility becomes a stumbling block to their family plans and causes a struggle in their faith.  How do they cope with not getting pregnant month after month? Why does God permit that? What are his plans? Find encouragement and hope in Newborn Promise Project co-author Charissa Kolar's story.

What are those first few days and months like for a new dad? Guest Timothy Ateek, director of Breakaway Ministries, talks with host Audra Haney about his high points, low points, and what has helped him the most in this major transition.