In this intimate conversation, Jackie opens up about her unexpected pregnancy journey, the beautiful transformation she’s experienced, and how embracing the unexpected has led to healing and joy.
Creative Director & Photographer : Kendra Harris Talent : Jackie S. Bartholomew HMU : Bonnie White Stylist : Katherine Rousonelos
Kendra: Jackie, your pregnancy journey has been quite unexpected. How would you describe it?
Jackie: I never imagined I'd be pregnant, and honestly, I didn't want to be. When I first found out, I was in shambles. I always thought pregnancy was the worst thing that could happen to me. I had this association with pregnancy and motherhood as something tragic, being dependent on yourself, being vulnerable and struggling, because that's what I saw growing up.
But pregnancy has shown me that vulnerability isn't a weakness. In fact, it's been a path to healing in ways I never expected.
Kendra: How has pregnancy been a path to healing for you?
Jackie: It's just this feeling of safety. I never expected to feel this supported by my husband, but seeing him step into this new role as a father has been eye-opening. I married him because I felt safe with him, but I never imagined pregnancy would be part of our journey since neither of us wanted kids. We tried everything not to be parents, but here we are. But now, seeing how he's fully embraced his role, it's like, "Wow, this is what it's supposed to be like."
It's made me realize I need to heal some old wounds, like with my dad. I never saw him step up for my mom the way my husband is for me, and that's been huge for me.
Kendra: What surprised you most about this journey?
Jackie: I didn't realize how much of my self-worth was tied to productivity. As a model, I measured my value by how many big jobs I could book or what names were on my resume. I was venting to my husband about how I felt unproductive, and he said, "Are you kidding? You're literally partnering with God right now. That's probably the most important job you'll ever have." That really shifted my perspective. I'm learning that my worth isn't about the jobs I book or the success I achieve. It's about being part of something bigger.
I'm creating the next generation, raising a man of God in a world that desperately needs it. My body is creating life—and that's more important than any career achievement.
Kendra: It seems like embracing the unexpected has led to some profound shifts. How would you describe that transformation, and what has the process of letting go been like for you?
Jackie: At first, embracing the unexpected felt impossible. I've heard people say motherhood changes you, but for me, the transformation really started during pregnancy. Old Jackie was incredibly stubborn with very clear ideas about what I wanted in life. I needed control, which came from not having control during childhood.
But being pregnant forced me to let go. It started with a simple prayer: surrendering to God's plan, even though it wasn't what I wanted. And that's when something started to shift. The joy didn't come immediately, but over time, my perspective changed. Pregnancy no longer felt like a burden; it felt like an adventure.
Thomas would keep reminding me, "We're going to have so much fun," and that lightened the experience. Once I accepted God's plan, the pressure melted away, and joy slowly replaced it. I realized I thought | had surrendered before, but pregnancy really put that to the test. There's so much out of my control—my pregnancy, the baby's health, the delivery-but I'm learning to trust God with all of it.
Kendra: As a model, how have you adjusted to your body changing?
Jackie: Honestly, the more l've embraced the idea that l'm partnering with God to create life, the less I care about things like stretch marks. These are proof that I carried a baby. People will book me for work whether I have stretch marks or not. In fact, I had a producer call me yesterday about a job after l've recovered. My body is doing something incredible, and that's the focus now-not the way it looks.
Kendra: To wrap it up, what advice would you give to expectant mothers or anyone facing an unexpected situation?
Jackie: I'd say, even when it hurts, even when it feels impossible, trust God's plan for you. I always think of the verse from Jeremiah-God has plans to prosper you, not to harm you. It might not look like what you expected, but trust that He's working it all out for your good, and joy will come in time.
For expectant moms, especially when everything feels out of control, keep your trust in the Lord. When that joy finally arrives, you'll see His promises are real. I know for sure, no one can tell me God isn't real after this journey.