When Motherhood Doesn't Go as Planned: Finding God in the Unexpected with Kendall Mariah

Motherhood doesn't always unfold the way we expect.

In this episode, I'm joined by Kendall Mariah, author of This Little Fire of Mine, for a deeply honest conversation about infertility, adoption, anxiety, neurodivergence, faith, and learning to trust God when life takes unexpected turns.

Kendall shares her journey of discovering infertility before marriage, navigating diagnoses of PCOS and endometriosis, and ultimately pursuing adoption. We talk about the grief that can come with unmet expectations, the courage it takes to embrace a different path, and how God often meets us in the places we least expect.

We also dive into topics that are often left unspoken in Christian circles—including ADHD, autism, anxiety, sexual assault, purity culture, and the shame many women carry as a result. Kendall shares how becoming a mother led her to better understand her own neurodivergence and why breaking generational cycles of shame and silence matters for the next generation.

Whether you're navigating infertility, struggling with anxiety, questioning your identity, or simply walking through a season that looks different than you imagined, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone—and that God is still at work in your story.

Inside this episode, you'll learn:

  • Kendall's infertility journey and path to adoption

  • Living with PCOS, endometriosis, ADHD, and autism

  • The intersection of faith, anxiety, and shame

  • How purity culture can impact women's mental and emotional health

  • Breaking generational cycles of silence and shame

  • The realities of military spouse life and solo parenting during deployment

  • Finding community during difficult seasons

  • Learning to trust God when life doesn't go according to plan

Connect with Kendall Mariah:

Instagram: @kendallmariah

Visit her website: https://kendallmariah.com/

Grab a copy of This Little Fire of Mine wherever books are sold.

If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend who may need the reminder that God is present even in the unexpected chapters of her story.

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Disclaimer: Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, including Amazon links. This means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through them. Thank you for supporting the show!

Want More Support in the Postpartum Season?

If you’re longing for deeper support during postpartum, you’re invited to join my community Bible study, Postpartum on Purpose.

Inside this space, we have honest conversations about the real struggles moms face in postpartum while opening God’s Word together to see how His truth speaks into our mental health, identity, relationships, and healing.

You don’t have to walk this season alone.


 

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Beyond the Baby Registry: How to Prepare for the Transition to Motherhood with Nina Spears, The Baby Chick