Finding Hope in an Unexpected Pregnancy: A Detailed Summary of the Focus on the Family Podcast

Podcast Information:

• Title: Focus on the Family with Jim Daly
• Host/Author: Focus on the Family
• Episode: Finding Hope in an Unexpected Pregnancy
• Release Date: February 18, 2025

Introduction: Addressing Unplanned Pregnancies

In this poignant episode of Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, hosts Jim Daly and John Fuller delve into the emotional and spiritual journey of handling unexpected pregnancies. With an aim to provide support and guidance to Christian families navigating similar challenges, the discussion is anchored by the experiences of guest Leslie Laland Fields, a former university professor, author, and international speaker.

Meet Leslie Laland Fields

Leslie Laland Fields returns to the show to share her deeply personal story, as chronicled in her book, Surprise: Finding Hope in Unexpected Pregnancy. Balancing her roles as an English professor at the University of Alaska and a salmon fisherman alongside her husband, Leslie embodies resilience and faith amidst life's unpredictabilities.

The Shock of an Unplanned Pregnancy

At 42 years old, while managing a busy career and raising four children, Leslie discovers she is unexpectedly pregnant. This revelation triggers a whirlwind of emotions:

• Overwhelming Fear and Shock:

  • "It feels impossible. It honestly feels impossible in the moment that you discover you're pregnant..." (00:03)
  • Leslie describes her initial reaction upon seeing the positive pregnancy test: "I was shocked because we were using birth control and we were done... It feels so far beyond your ability." (05:08)

• Immediate Concerns:

  • Financial implications and the potential delay in retirement plans weigh heavily on Leslie and her husband.
  • "We could really share our fears together. Some husbands might respond beautifully, but my husband could join me in that hard place." (09:22)

Emotional and Spiritual Struggles

Leslie candidly discusses the intense internal conflict she faces:

• Questioning God's Plan:

  • "My goodness, God, what are you doing... This is God, what are you doing here?" (07:00)
  • Despite her fears, Leslie senses a divine purpose, prompting her to seek strength through faith.

• Resisting Negative Emotions:

  • The weight of feeling like a "failed mom" momentarily overwhelms her, but her faith provides a pathway to resilience.
  • "The Holy Spirit who lives inside it was very clear, you know, this child isn't yours. You don't get to decide." (14:28)

Husband's Support and Mutual Faith

Leslie emphasizes the importance of mutual support with her husband during this tumultuous period:

• "We could really share our fears together. Some husbands might respond beautifully... but my husband could join me in that hard place." (09:22)

Their shared Christian faith becomes a cornerstone in navigating the unexpected pregnancy, fostering a united front against their anxieties.

A Second Unexpected Pregnancy

A year into managing her first unplanned pregnancy, Leslie faces another surprise: she is pregnant again at 44. This second occurrence coincides with significant upheavals in her personal and professional life, including:

• Job Insecurity and Financial Strain:

  • Her husband's job is in jeopardy, and their home requires extensive repairs, escalating their financial burdens.

• Profound Desperation:

  • Leslie admits contemplating ending the pregnancy: "I suddenly thought I had this flash, like, this could go away... I had that thought." (12:47)

However, her unwavering faith prevents her from taking that path:

• Divine Purpose Over Personal Despair:
  • "I know that this child isn't mine to get rid of. And I know that God has some kind of purpose and intent through it." (13:58)

Choosing Faith Over Career

Faced with the demands of motherhood and an unplanned pregnancy, Leslie makes a life-altering decision:

• Stepping Away from Her Career:

  • "I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I'm walking away from teaching." (16:15)

• Embracing Motherhood as a Ministry:

  • Leslie views raising her children as an extension of her ministry, deepening her relationship with God and expanding her life's purpose.
  • "Every morning... I knew what God's will for me was that day. To love this child I was carrying, to care for this child..." (17:27)

Despite cultural narratives suggesting women must choose between career and motherhood, Leslie's experience underscores the possibility of integrating both through faith and divine guidance.

Cultural Reflections and Encouragement

Leslie challenges contemporary societal pressures that devalue motherhood:

• "We think that having a child suddenly confines us to the home and that it's a small life. I have found the opposite to be true..." (22:00)

She advocates for recognizing the profound impact and value of raising children, emphasizing that motherhood enriches one's life and contributes significantly to the future generation.

Conclusion: Embracing God's Plan

Leslie's journey from despair to hope exemplifies the transformative power of faith. Her story offers solace and encouragement to women facing unexpected pregnancies, illustrating that with God's guidance, what initially seems insurmountable becomes a source of growth and joy.

• Final Reflection:
  • "Time is going to zoom by." (22:09)
  • Leslie reassures listeners that the challenges of motherhood are temporary and that the rewards are everlasting.

Notable Quotes:

• "It feels impossible. It honestly feels impossible in the moment that you discover you're pregnant..." – Leslie Laland Fields (00:03)

• "I was shocked because we were using birth control and we were done... It feels so far beyond your ability." – Leslie Laland Fields (05:08)

• "The Holy Spirit who lives inside it was very clear... you don't get to decide." – Leslie Laland Fields (14:28)

• "I know that this child isn't mine to get rid of. And I know that God has some kind of purpose and intent through it." – Leslie Laland Fields (13:58)

• "Every morning... I knew what God's will for me was that day. To love this child I was carrying, to care for this child..." – Leslie Laland Fields (17:27)

Key Takeaways:

• Faith as a Foundation: Leslie's unwavering trust in God provided the strength to navigate unexpected pregnancies.

• Mutual Support in Marriage: Open communication and shared faith between spouses are crucial in overcoming challenges.

• Cultural Narratives vs. Personal Calling: Contrary to societal beliefs that force women to choose between career and motherhood, Leslie illustrates that both can coexist harmoniously through divine guidance.

• Motherhood as Ministry: Viewing raising children as a spiritual calling can transform personal struggles into fulfilling experiences.

For those facing similar challenges or seeking support, the episode offers hope and practical guidance grounded in faith. Leslie’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of Christian families and the transformative power of embracing God’s plan.