Jillian Benfield: Down Syndrome, Bravery, and The Gift of the Unexpected

02/06/23 • 42 min

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Jillian Benfield is a former news anchor and reporter with a broadcast journalism degree from the University of Georgia. She and her husband got the surprise of their life when they found out their unborn son was rockin' an extra chromosome- also known as Down syndrome. Jillian's writings about living an unexpected life have been featured on Good Morning American, The Today Show and Her View From Home.
We dive deep into Jillian's story of the Unexpected: losing her career in TV after a military move; a surprise pregnancy and Down Syndrome diagnosis for her son, Anderson; and other unexpected left turns in her story of motherhood.
During our conversation, she shares her wisdom and faith with honesty, thoughtfulness, and authenticity. Jillian shares how she felt bitter and stuck and how she found her light and hope again in life. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I enjoyed speaking to her!
Find Jillian here:
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Previous Episode

Brittany Meng: When you can't embrace it

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Got 5 minutes? This is the perfect "I see you" moment for your Monday morning.
This chapter, When you can't embrace it, is an excerpt from my audiobook Unexpected: Learning to love your unpredictable story. For this month, anyone who signs up to be a $3 patron on Patreon will received a free Audible download of the whole book. If you become a $5 patron, I will send you a signed hard copy of the book.

Thanks for listening! If you’d like to receive an audio version of my book or a hardcopy, please visit patreon.com/themotherhoodmetamorphosis

About Unexpected: Learning to love your unpredictable story
Are you going through the unexpected right now, this very moment?

I've been there too: From an unexpected twin pregnancy; Autism and ADHD diagnoses for my sons; a devastating miscarriage; the loss of my career; dealing with depression and anxiety; being a military wife, and so much more. With honesty and compassion, I explores themes such as grief, anger, rest, waiting, community, patience, supporting others through difficult circumstances, and loving others when it is hard.

Each chapter contains a brief reading, scripture to meditate on, and challenge questions to ponder, pray over, journal about, or discuss in a group. My hope and prayer is that as you are going through this unexpected season, my story will encourage you and provide comfort and support as you bravely walk this unfamiliar path.

NOTE: I write about my faith so this book may not speak to you in your personal journey. However, I strive to be inclusive and encouraging (and NOT preachy) and women who are not Christians have enjoyed reading it as well.

Thanks for listening! If you’d like to receive an audio version of my book or a hardcopy, please visit patreon.com/themotherhoodmetamorphosis

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Next Episode

Whitney Fleming: Parenting teens, vulnerability, and finding yourself in motherhood

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Whitney Fleming is a mom of three teen girls and married to one of the most patient men on Earth. She is the co-manager of the popular blog Parenting Teens and Tweens, and writes musings on her Facebook and Instagram at Whitney Fleming Writes. She brings an authentic and realistic voice to topics such as marriage, mid-life, and mental health, and believes being vulnerable and sharing your story is the most powerful way we can help others.
Whitney and I dive into all things raising teens in this episode! The teenage years can be a huge transition for mothers and can leave us feeling like we are in the goop all over again, wondering who we are as women and who we are becoming as our kids grow up.
We talk about transitions and vulnerability, the power of going first, feeling lonely and trying to find community during the teen years, growing into new versions of ourselves, and growth as women even as our children begin their journey out of the home.
Beautiful, honest, and encouraging conversation. Don't miss this (even if you aren't in the teen years yet!)
Find Whitney here: www.parentingteensandtweens.com
Whitney Fleming Writes

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