In this heartfelt episode of A Little Extra Love, host Rachael Vermeulen sits down with Julie Hornok, co-founder of Labeled and Loved, wife of 28 years, and mom of three—including her daughter Lizzie, who was diagnosed with autism at age two.

Julie opens up about her family’s journey through grief, surrender, and surprising joy as God met her in the places she couldn’t control. From the moment she first stepped into a church’s special needs ministry, to navigating the fears and questions of Lizzie’s baptism, Julie’s story shines with vulnerability, redemption, and hope.

Together, Rachael and Julie talk about the labels parents carry, the suffering of our children, and the unshakable faithfulness of God. You’ll also hear the powerful story behind Labeled and Loved, the nationwide ministry creating lifelines for moms of children with disabilities through retreats, sisterhood circles, and support.

Whether you’re weary, carrying labels you never asked for, or just in need of a reminder that God is working even in what feels broken—this conversation will meet you there.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Julie’s journey through Lizzie’s early autism diagnosis and God’s provision along the way.
• The moment of surrender that shifted her motherhood and faith.
• How the church can respond with tenderness and love to families of children with disabilities.
• Wrestling with questions about faith and baptism in children with special needs.
• Holding hope when healing looks different than expected.
• The birth and growth of Labeled and Loved—and how it’s changing lives across the country.
• A reminder for moms: God is working while you rest.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Labeled and Loved Website
• Learn more about the Weekend of Hope Retreat and Sisterhood Circles

Scripture References:

• Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you...”
• Proverbs 3:24 – “When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”

Connect with Julie Hornok:

• Instagram: @juliehornok
• Labeled and Loved Instagram

Connect with Rachael Vermeulen & A Little Extra Love:

• Instagram: @alittleextralove
• Instagram: @rachvermeulen
• Website: alittleextralove.com

In this profoundly honest and tender episode, Rachael sits down with Sunita Theiss, an autistic and ADHD writer, advocate, and mother of two neurodivergent children, to explore what it means to be seen by God even when life feels misaligned, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood.

Sunita shares how her children’s diagnoses led her to her own, and how, in the midst of that unraveling, she encountered the unshakable presence of God. From her Hindu upbringing to the grief of losing her father, from substance use to late diagnosis, Sunita’s journey testifies to the faithfulness of a God who was present all along.

This episode is an invitation to every weary parent, especially those raising children with disabilities, to remember: you are not alone, and your story is not outside the bounds of redemption.

• Finding joy in small, sensory-centered moments
• Navigating late autism and ADHD diagnosis as a mother
• Reframing disability not as brokenness, but as intentional design
• Letting motherhood reveal God's nature and love
• How spiritual formation looks different in neurodivergent homes
• Dispelling toxic theology around suffering and disability
• Creating support systems rooted in faith, honesty, and mutual understanding
• How prayer and presence can sustain a weary heart
• Embracing God's mercy through healing, therapy, and honest community

“Maybe the brokenness in this world is not your child's disability—but the failure to accommodate.”

“You're not broken, you're being built. Moment by moment, mercy by mercy.”

“God knew before I did. And He called it good.”

• Providence: God’s hand in our lives even before we have language for our experiences
• Imago Dei: The dignity and divine image reflected in neurodivergent children and adults
• Sanctification through parenting: How motherhood reveals and refines our faith
• Theology of suffering: Honest reflection on grief, loss, and the presence of God in pain
• Prayer as regulation: Integrating faith into daily sensory and emotional practices

• Sunita’s Upcoming Workshop: Parenting PDA with a Biblical Lens
• Free Resources for Christian Parents Navigating Neurodivergence
• Virtual Support Group for Christian Moms of PDA Children
• Writing Groups and Creative Support Spaces
• Letter Writing Tool: FutureMe.com

Follow Sunita:

https://sunitatheiss.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sunitatheiss/

Resources:

Low Demand Coaching

Biblical Truths for Neurdivergent Kids

If you've ever questioned how your story fits into God’s plan, this episode will remind you that His faithfulness isn't dependent on your clarity. He is...

In this heartfelt conversation, Renee Sellers shares her journey as a mother of two autistic daughters, exploring the intersection of faith and disability. She discusses the initial struggles with the diagnosis, the shift from despair to joy, and the importance of celebrating her daughters' uniqueness. The conversation emphasizes the need for church communities to be inclusive and supportive, recognizing the beauty in every individual's story. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Renee highlights God's presence in their journey, encouraging other parents to trust in His love and timing.

Follow Renee Sellers on Instagram

Inclusive Pathways equips churches to create vibrant, inclusive communities where individuals with disabilities and their families thrive. Learn more about Inclusive Pathways here !

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey of Parenting with Disabilities
• 00:05 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments
• 02:41 Reconciling Faith with Diagnosis
• 05:27 The Shift from Despair to Joy
• 08:02 God's Promises and Rainbows
• 10:36 Celebrating Autism and Acceptance
• 13:09 The Role of Church in Disability Advocacy
• 15:36 Feeling Seen in the Faith Community
• 18:10 Trusting God in the Waiting
• 20:45 Encouragement for Moms in the Journey
• 23:25 Closing Prayer and Reflections
• 24:36 New Chapter

disability, autism, faith, parenting, church inclusion, joy, acceptance, God's promises, community support, motherhood