In a heartfelt and candid new White Chair Film with “I Am Second,” Lauren Akins, wife of country music star Thomas Rhett, opens up about her life journey, the challenges she faced, and how her faith in Jesus Christ has been the guiding light through it all. From her early years in Gilbertsville, Tennessee, to the trials and triumphs of adoption, motherhood, and marriage, Lauren’s story is one of unwavering faith, love, and resilience.
Lauren Akins’ Journey of Faith, Love, and Resilience
Lauren begins by reflecting on her upbringing in Madison, Tennessee. She speaks warmly of her parents, describing them as two of the best people she has ever known. From the day she was born, Jesus was a constant presence in her life. Her parents prayed over her and instilled in her a deep faith that would become her refuge during tough times.
Growing up, Lauren had a close-knit circle of friends, one of whom was her future husband, Thomas Rhett. Their paths intertwined from elementary school through high school, and eventually, their friendship blossomed into a lifelong partnership and God-honoring marriage.
The Unexpected Path
After graduating from nursing school, Lauren envisioned a future working in a hospital. However, life had different plans. As Thomas Rhett’s music career took off, he was touring extensively, performing over 200 shows a year. Realizing the importance of staying together during the early years of their marriage, Lauren decided to join him on tour.
It wasn’t long before Lauren recognized that her initial career aspirations were not aligning with the reality of their life on the road. She had an honest conversation with Thomas Rhett about her feelings and the need to find her own path within their shared journey. They prayed together for guidance, and soon, an unexpected opportunity arose.
A Calling to Serve
A friend from college mentioned a medical mission trip to Haiti organized by his aunt’s nonprofit. Coincidentally, they needed a nurse. Feeling a divine nudge, Lauren decided to join the trip. This experience proved to be transformative. Serving the people of Haiti ignited a passion in her heart for medical missions and humanitarian work.
On the plane ride home, Lauren confided in Suzanne Mayernick, the founder of the nonprofit, Love One International. She expressed her desire to be involved in the organization’s work long-term. Suzanne’s response was enthusiastic: “Buckle up.”
The Journey to Adoption
In April of the following year, Lauren traveled to Uganda with Suzanne’s organization. It was there that she met a five-month-old orphan girl. Lauren felt an immediate connection and a call to help the baby find a forever home. During a FaceTime call with Thomas Rhett, she shared her feelings. To her surprise, he instantly agreed that they should adopt her. The couple named her Willa Gray.
The adoption process was arduous and filled with challenges. Lauren spent 13 months fostering Willa Gray in Uganda, facing numerous obstacles, including a shutdown of their adoption agency and significant bureaucratic delays. Simultaneously, Lauren discovered she was pregnant with their first biological child, Ada James. The physical strain of pregnancy, coupled with the emotional toll of the adoption process, tested her faith and strength.
A Season of Growth and Challenge
Returning to the United States for medical care, Lauren had to leave Willa Gray temporarily. Her parents stepped in, ultimately bringing Willa Gray home. This period was transformative for Lauren. She describes feeling spiritually attacked and facing deep valleys of doubt and fear. However, she also witnessed miraculous interventions and divine timing that reinforced her faith.
The transition from a family of two to a family of four was swift. Three months after Willa Gray’s arrival, Lauren gave birth to Ada James. The rapid changes brought about new dynamics and challenges in their marriage. Lauren candidly shares about the resentment and miscommunication that crept into their relationship during this time.
