67. 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 autismThe intersection of faith, anxiety, and shameHow purity culture can impact women's mental and emotional healthBreaking generational cycles of silence and shameThe realities of military spouse life and solo parenting during deploymentFinding community during difficult seasonsLearning to trust God when life doesn't go according to planConnect with Kendall Mariah:Instagram: @kendallmariahVisit 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. Resources Mentioned:Joined Postpartum on Purpose Bible Study hereSupport the show>>To submit a question for future podcasts, click here.>>Don’t forget to follow along over on Instagram at @abridgetomotherhood for more everyday life and postpartum doula tips>>Visit our website: www.abridgetomotherhood.comLeave a ReviewIf you love the podcast, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening from.After you review the show — take a screenshot and upload it here — so I can send you some happy mail with a little surprise as a thank you.Your feedback means so much to me and helps us reach new moms who desperately need to hear that they are worthy of support!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!