Jillian Benfield, author, mom of three, former TV news anchor, and fierce advocate for access and inclusion of all types, is our guest this week. When she and her husband Andy were just 27 years old, they unexpectedly found out their son would be born with Down syndrome. Originally, devastated, they later, through months and years of learning and unlearning, realized their grief was largely tied to their ignorance and unknowing ableism.
It is not easy raising a child with a disability in an inaccessible world. It has been the most difficult and also the most beautiful experience of Jillian's life. It’s a life she wouldn’t trade. The unexpected gave her, heartache, yes. The unexpected also gave her a son. The unexpected gave her back to herself.
This, and more, are what we unpack in this week's episode with Jillian. We don't tie things up with a tidy bow. We lean into the real life struggle of what happens to our faith when our formulas fall apart, when we are on our knees on the bathroom floor confused and angry and grieving. When the unexpected comes into our lives and we are left wondering how we are going to make it through.
Give the episode a listen. We won't guarantee you any answers, but our conversation will offer you so much hope for your own unexpected gifts.
You can find Jillian at the following:
Instagram: @jillianbenfieldblog
Facebook: Jillian Benfield
Website: jillianbenfield.com
Book: The Gift of the Unexpected