Parenting Through Pain: How God Transforms Our Broken Places Into Beauty (w/ Andy Howard) - Archive Ep. 71

God does not waste our brokenness—in fact, He weaves it into something beautiful. For Christian parents facing heartache, disability, or shattered expectations, this truth is not only comforting—it is transformative.

In this powerful “Best Of” episode, host Catherine shares one of her most beloved interviews with Andy Howard, author of When Words Don’t Come Easy and father to a daughter with profound special needs. Together, they wrestle with the question: How does God bring beauty from the most broken parts of our lives?

Andy recounts his family’s journey after their daughter Peyton’s diagnosis—her lifelong inability to walk or speak, and the deep despair that followed. Yet, through a moving moment on a beach, God showed Andy that He cherishes the broken as much as the whole. Peyton’s life, though different from what he imagined, has become a source of profound joy, purpose, and testimony, touching more lives than Andy ever expected.

Catherine and Andy also discuss critically needed ways Christians can support families with special needs: by offering acknowledgment, compassion, and connection—treating every child and parent with the dignity and attention they deserve.

Key Insights and Takeaways:

• The Beauty in Brokenness – God often reframes what the world calls “broken”; Peyton’s life exemplifies beauty, purpose, and joy, reminding us that divine value supersedes worldly milestones.
• A Call to Compassion – Andy offers practical advice for supporting special needs families: acknowledge them, approach them, and affirm the dignity and purpose of every child. A simple greeting or act of kindness can mean the world.
• Strength for the Journey – For parents wondering if they are “strong enough,” Andy reiterates that it’s not about innate strength, but about building on the foundation of Christ. “Keep your foundation on God, on Christ. No matter what comes your way, you can do it. You really can with His help.”
• Perspective and Purpose – While Andy once prayed for a viral miracle, God had a different plan. Today, Peyton’s quiet witness and Andy’s message of hope encourage families across the globe.

About Andy Howard:
For over 20 years, Andy Howard has served in ministry as a youth pastor and marriage ministry pastor. A passionate advocate for mental health awareness, Andy has personally walked through the valley of depression—at one point tipping the scales at 345 lbs. as he tried to cope with family trauma through food. But God had more in store.

Together with his wife Tiffany, Andy has lost over 350 lbs. combined and co-founded a transformational health coaching business called Taking Back My Life, helping thousands reclaim physical and emotional wellness. Andy is the host of the When Words Don’t Come Easy podcast and author of a book by the same name. He lives in Bryan, Texas with Tiffany and their three beautiful daughters: Payton, Parker, and Presley.

 

Resources Mentioned:

• Andy’s WEBSITE
• Andy’s podcast: When Words Don’t Come Easy
• Andy’s book: When Words Don’t Come Easy
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