God is Good…We Promise, Vivian’s Story

About the Episode

In this conversation, Vivian Cate shares her journey as a caregiver and mother navigating the complexities of raising children with special needs and addiction. She reflects on the challenges faced, the importance of faith, community support, and the transformative power of prayer. Vivian emphasizes the significance of seeing God's goodness in difficult times and encourages parents to hold onto hope and not give up on their children. Her mantra, 'But God,' serves as a reminder to look beyond circumstances and trust in God's plan.

Related Links: Community Groups

Moment of Reflection:

One powerful takeaway from Vivian’s story is the simple phrase, “but God.” In seasons that didn’t make sense—when the pain felt heavy and the answers felt far away—those two words became a declaration of trust. Not a denial of hurt, but a reminder that God is still present, still working, and still good.

Where in your story do you need to add “but God”? Is there a situation that feels unresolved, painful, or confusing—where you’re being invited to trust before you see the outcome?

Clarity may not have come yet. The waiting may not be over. But even there… but God.

God is Good…We Promise- Carrissa’s story

Summary:

In part two of our series, “God Is Good… We Promise,” we continue sharing real stories of God’s goodness—even when life doesn’t make sense. This week, we’re joined by Carrissa Mackie, Director of Operations for Rising Above who bravely opens up about an incredibly challenging season in her life.

Carrissa shares how a serious leg injury became an unexpected place where God revealed His goodness in a deeply personal way. Through vulnerability and honesty, she reflects on how her faith was tested, how it grew, and how she learned to truly trust God’s will—especially when the future felt uncertain. Her story is a powerful reminder that God is still good, even in pain, waiting, and unanswered questions.

Related Links:

Practical Ways to Come Alongside Families

Moment of Reflection:

For this week’s Moment of Reflection, Carrissa shared how, after her injury, she experienced a deeper desire to draw close to God. She explained that she now strives to make no decision and take no step forward without first seeking assurance that it aligns with God’s will for her life.

As parents of children with disabilities, there are countless decisions to navigate—many of them heavy and life-altering. Are there areas of life right now that feel unsettled or uncertain, leaving questions about which direction to take?

This week, consider bringing those questions to God. Spend intentional time with Him, asking for clarity, guidance, and wisdom for the next step, and for a greater ability to recognize and hear His voice.

Series: God is Good…We Promise, Stories of God’s goodness when life doesn’t make sense

Episode Summary:

This week’s episode kicks off a brand-new February series, “God Is Good… We Promise,” where host Becky Davidson invites listeners into honest, hope-filled conversations about trusting God’s goodness when life doesn’t make sense. Becky is joined by Carrissa Mackie from the Rising Above team to share the heart behind the series and why these stories of faith, pain, and perseverance matter. Becky also opens up about her own journey, reflecting on moments when God’s goodness was present even in seasons marked by confusion, loss, and deep hardship.

The episode closes with a powerful time of reflection, encouraging listeners to consider where their trust in God may feel shaky. Becky shares a meaningful reminder often spoken by her husband during suffering: “When we feel we cannot trust God’s actions in our life, we must trust His heart.” Listeners are invited to bring their doubts and questions to God and ask Him to reveal His good heart for themselves, their children, and their families. Be sure to join next week as Carrissa shares her own story and how she experienced the goodness of God through a very challenging season.

Related Link:

Check out the Jerri Cross video on the app!

Moment of Reflection:

For this week’s moment of reflection, I want to come back to something my husband often said, even in the middle of his pain and suffering: “When we feel we cannot trust God’s actions in our life, we must trust His heart.”

Are there areas where your trust feels shaky right now? Places where doubt has quietly crept in? I want to encourage you to spend some time talking with God about those things. Ask Him to help you see His heart for you, for your child, and for your family—and to remind you that His heart is good, even when life doesn’t make sense.