The Gift of the Unexpected: Discovering Who You Were Meant to Be When Life Goes Off Plan - Paperback

by Jillian Benfield (Author)

When a 20-second phone call shattered Jillian Benfield's life, she never dreamed it would be her greatest gift.

With raw honesty, Jillian weaves her riveting story with biblical teachings and scientific and social research to offer incredible hope for others living in their unexpected moments. She shows how God uses these moments, if we are willing, to show us who we are--and who he dreams of us becoming. She'll help you break down the false constructs you've built around God and your identity, truly feel your pain in a healing way, and turn your internal transformation into external purpose. We were never meant to overcome the unexpected and remain the same, but instead, undergo it so we can be transformed.

Back Jacket

"Intense. Stunning. Needed. Jillian's words will help you discover beauty in the unexpected."--LESLIE MEANS, creator of Her View From Home

"Thoughtful and honest, Jillian's story of transformation reminds us that God is present and pursuing us, even in the most unexpected moments of our lives. Read and be changed."--KAYLA CRAIG, author of To Light Their Way and creator of Liturgies for Parents

What if the unexpected is the beginning of becoming your truest self?

Jillian Benfield was living life in the spotlight as a TV journalist, but after receiving a life-altering diagnosis for her unborn son, she realized no camera-ready outfit could dress up her grief.

Overcoming this unexpected circumstance wasn't an option. She would have to undergo it instead. In doing so, she discovered who she was and who God wanted her to become.

In this riveting story filled with grit and grace, Jillian helps you break down the false constructs you've built around God and your identity. You won't avoid your pain, but you'll learn to feel it, in a healing way. And you'll discover how your internal transformation leads to external purpose.

No matter what you're going through, you're invited to open this gift: The Gift of the Unexpected

Author Biography

Jillian Benfield is a former journalist and news anchor. She holds a broadcast journalism degree from the University of Georgia. As a freelance writer, her essays about living an unexpected life have appeared on sites such as TODAY, Good Morning America, Yahoo! News, and ABC News. Jillian regularly advocates for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in her writings, community, and as a part of the National Down Syndrome Congress's National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition. Jillian and her husband, Andy, and their three children make their home on Florida's Space Coast. For more, visit jillianbenfield.com.