The Unexpected Treasures of Down Syndrome with Jillian Benfield

When unexpected moments change life’s trajectory, we’re left with a choice: Do we overcome the unexpected, as the world recommends, or undergo it? In this conversation with Sharon Betters and Chuck L. Betters, Author Jillian Benfield says experiencing an unexpected season begins a transformation that deconstructs our old self and reconstructs us into who God intends us to become. Jillian shares the story of how her son Anderson’s Down Syndrome and congenital heart defect diagnoses faced her with hard questions about her definition of success, her value, her son’s value, and her view of God. She encourages listeners not to gloss over the hard parts of the human condition. Instead, she says, undergoing the unexpected gives us the opportunity to let go of our old selves, tearing down false beliefs about our identities, humanity, and God. In a culture where the prosperity gospel (control) and the American dream (achievement) are glorified, Jillian says God uses the unexpected to disorient us from the ideals of Western society. His surprising gift equips believers to relate to the world’s pain and recognize how our worth and purpose rest in Him. We need this message! Listen and Share! Jillianbenefield.com