Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved

Bowler relates the effort she and Toban put into getting pregnant after 10 years of avoiding pregnancy. Bowler’s experiences with fertility doctors mirror her experience with the doctors who could not figure out why she had no strength in her arms. One physician recommended that the couple continue to try while simply monitoring Bowler’s hormones for several months.

During this time, Bowler observes many of her prosperity church friends rejoice when many wonderful things go their way. Those who want money get money. Those who want possessions get possessions. Those who want social status acquire that. Bowler and her friend Chelsea find that the things that they’re hoping for don’t seem to come their way.

On one occasion, the “first lady” of the church, or wife of the senior minister, rises in the middle of the service and tells everybody to start shouting out to the Lord what they want, because the Lord wants to shower blessings down upon them. While people all around Bowler shout about cars, possessions, and other desires, Bowler quietly says she wants a baby.

Afterward, Bowler takes three separate pregnancy tests, all of which come back positive. Still in the bathroom, she yells out to Toban that she is pregnant, then adds, “But I could be wrong” (47).