Today's episode is with Jessica Ronne—author, speaker, nonprofit executive director, documentary producer, and a mother of eight, including a son with profound disabilities. Jessica’s newest devotional, Caregiving with Grit and Grace, is a powerful resource of encouragement and hope for caregivers navigating the complexities of caregiving.

Jessica shares her journey of faith, beginning with her son Lucas’ diagnosis after a devastating stroke and the heartbreaking season of walking alongside her late husband through brain cancer. Through these experiences, Jessica’s relationship with God deepened as He shepherded her through unimaginable pain, strengthening her trust and surrender to His plan.

In this episode, Jessica opens up about:

• How God transformed her understanding of His role as a loving Father during her most difficult seasons.

• The importance of self-care for caregivers and trusting God in seasons of exhaustion and burnout.

• Why caregivers need recognition, respite, and tangible support—and how her nonprofit seeks to meet those needs.

• Stories of caregiving challenges and the importance of community support, even in long-term situations where help often fades over time.

• The inspiration behind her devotional and how it became a lifeline during her hardest moments.

Jessica also encourages us to surrender our plans to God and trust that He is working for our good, even when we don’t understand His timing or will.

Whether you’re a caregiver or know someone walking this road, Jessica’s message is a beacon of hope and practical wisdom for finding strength in God’s presence.

Bio:

Jessica Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host of Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of the “Unseen Documentary,” and caregiver advocate. She is founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a non-profit dedicated to serving parent caregivers with recognition, respite, and resources.

She and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their eight children, including their son Lucas who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes is detailed in her memoir “Sunlight Burning at Midnight.”

Anchor Verses:

Psalm 23

Luke 22: 39-44

Connect with Jess:

Website: https://www.jessplusthemess.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessplusthemess

FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AcdtaY5Mz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Learn about her nonprofit and caregiving resources: The Lucas Project

Order Jessica’s newest devotional, Caregiving with Grit and Grace: Available here.

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