Lauren Akins Shares Her Moving Story of Motherhood and Marriage
From Supporting Her Husband Thomas Rhett’s Career to the Journey of Adoption, Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression – An Emboldened, Sacrificial Life
PLANO, Texas, July 11, 2024 — In the new White Chair Film released by global storytelling organization I Am Second, Lauren Akins, now in the joyful “victory lap” of marriage with husband superstar Thomas Rhett, reflects on her story, detailing the ups and downs of being a wife and mom.
Lauren grew up in a wholesome home, surrounded by a tight-knit community. Following her marriage to high school sweetheart, Thomas Rhett, the couple agreed that they needed to be together in their first year of marriage, so Lauren sacrificed her career in traditional nursing to accompany her husband on the road.
“I started talking about that with my husband...like, ‘You know, this isn’t how I saw our life going,’” says Lauren in the film, recalling a key conversation in their marriage. “‘I want to support you, but I feel like I need to find my own path in this, too.’”
Shortly thereafter, Lauren attended a short-term medical mission trip to Haiti, where she ultimately felt moved to continue with the ministry in an ongoing capacity. After a trip to Uganda, the Akins' lives would be forever changed after Lauren met a little girl who they would later adopt to become their daughter.
“It was very intense, and there were so many roadblocks,” shares Lauren, thinking back on the difficult adoption process. “I don’t even know that I recognize the person that I used to be before Willa Gray.”
During the adoption journey, Lauren discovered she was pregnant. As the adoption went through, so did her pregnancy and eventual delivery — leading the couple to bring home both children just three months apart from one another, increasing their family from two to four, practically overnight.
“His life went on, and mine stopped. I felt like we weren’t doing it together anymore,” says Lauren. “I just hit a breaking point...”
This pivotal moment led the couple to set up an intensive counseling retreat, where they shared “everything,” bringing restoration to the pieces of their relationship that needed healing. In 2020, after the couple experienced a “restart,” Lauren gave birth to their third child.
Finally in a peaceful place, excited about life and “cruising” through it, Lauren began to feel she had “this mom-of-three thing down” during a “good page” in their marriage. She would soon discover that she was pregnant, yet again.
“The aftereffects of having a fourth child really took me under. I felt like I was drowning...I sunk to the bottom...and struggled with postpartum depression,” shares Lauren. “I wasn’t myself.”
Wondering how long this depression would last, Lauren realized that she could not handle the overwhelming burden on her own. Through the timely gift of a close friend, Lauren found unexpected physical support that turned out to be the answer she needed — ultimately bringing healing to her body, mind and relationships as she learned how to “live open-handedly” in motherhood and marriage.
As Lauren and Thomas Rhett now find themselves thriving in marriage, stronger and more united than ever before, they have learned to embrace the unexpected together and in a new way.
To watch the exclusive I Am Second film, visit iamsecond.com/film/lauren-akins.
About Lauren Akins
Lauren Akins is a devoted mother, wife and philanthropist who lives in Nashville, TN with her husband, Country superstar Thomas Rhett and their four girls Willa Gray, Ada James, Lennon Love and Lillie Carolina. Her memoir LIVE IN LOVE: Growing Together Through Life’s Changes (Ballantine Books) became an instant New York Times Best-Seller which led to her breakout podcast “Live in Love With Lauren Akins.” Now in its third season, it has garnered over 1 million downloads, featuring “honest and heartfelt" (Southern Living) conversations, Akins welcomes special guests to share new stories and expand upon the most loved topics found in her book. She has been a passionate supporter and active volunteer for years, and is enthusiastically continuing to support children in Uganda through her efforts with Love One International.
About I Am Second
I Am Second is a nonprofit launched in 2008 that ignites hope and inspires people to live for God and for others. Its website, iamsecond.com, features written and film-based stories of more than 190 athletes, actors, models, musicians, cultural influencers and everyday people who have stepped in front of the camera and declared, “I Am Second.” For information, visit iamsecond.com.
Media Contact:
Victoria Johnson
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