Impact Story: The Jones Family
We would like to introduce you to the Jones family! This family has become very special to Rising Above Ministries over the last few years, and we know you will love hearing their story.
Tell us a little bit about the members of the Jones family and what you all enjoy doing together…
We are the Jones Family....Elizabeth and Brandon Jones. We have two girls Jordan who is eight and Rickie Rose who is four. We adopted Rickie from China when she was 11 months old.
Which member of your family has special needs?
Rickie Rose was diagnosed with cerebral palsy a year later, and she bring so much joy to our lives.
What was your response to your child’s diagnosis? Your spouse’s response? How did it affect your other children?
There were a lot of tears but we ultimately knew God had a plan. He sent us half way across the world to get her so I knew it was bigger than us. My husband immediately said “how can we complain, for we are her happily ever after.” That blew me away and it was so true. She could have been left in that orphanage with no one and no future. Now she changes everyone that meets her without even speaking a word. We have made amazing new friends through this, seen God show up and get the glory, and our walk with Him has been deepened.
How did you first learn about Rising Above?
Through the River Community Church. We heard about it several times but never knew how important it was going to be for us. Brandon went to a vision dinner (annual fundraising dinner) before we even got a diagnosis. God is so awesome that years before, he put us in this church where we needed to be in order to hear about Rising Above! There are so many other churches but we ended up right where we needed to be.
We can go to events with Rickie Rose since she is in a wheelchair. But it can be hard since not every building or event accommodates a wheelchair. Also we have made incredible connections and friends who get our lives and can give us advice. I have someone to turn to at each stage to bounce ideas off of them or seek information. This is a big scary journey at times and having those that have gone before you that you can learn from is huge!
“This is a big scary journey at times and having those that have gone before you that you can learn from is huge!”
Are there specific Rising Above events that your family enjoys?
Easter and Hero’s ball are our favorites. It’s so fun. The Easter egg hunt has eggs for her to get on Shepard Poles since she is in her wheelchair. Hero’s ball is just so fun to come dress up as someone else, dance the night away, and forget all the hard for a few hours.
Pictured right: The Jones family walking the red carpet at our Heroes’ Ball Sockhop in 2019!
Pictured below: Elizabeth and Rickie Rose playing a game at Easter Eggstravaganza in 2019.
How has Rising Above impacted your life?
Rising Above isn’t just an organization to us. It is our FAMILY!
“Rising Above isn’t just an organization to us. It is our FAMILY! ”
They have truly been integrated into the family! Brandon now serves on our board of directors. Elizabeth is a huge blessing as a part of our decorating team. She uses her gifts and talents to bless others at almost every event! Brandon and Elizabeth are both a part of our small groups for moms and dads. We can’t wait to see how God works through this family to reach the special needs community!
We are grateful for so many donors and volunteers who make stories like this a reality every day. Your partnership makes it possible for us to continue to pursue our mission of bringing the love of God and hope in Christ to special-needs families in the Upper Cumberland, across the nation, and around the world.