It would be interesting to understand how much of her motives were that. Your theory would be more accurate. As I reflect on family members, I see that their church/social presentation was vastly different than who they are when they don't need to act.

"a son": I can see reasons for wanting a son or daughter, but I wonder if it is Jim that wanted the son and she wanted to please him. I see a trend with toxic men and also Biblically encouraged that sons are more valuable. In my experience men wanted sons because they view females as of little value. It is disturbing to me the intensity of needing a first child to be a son. I am struck by the examples I know: It was suggested that my biological father, after producing several daughters, over a span of years and various women, stayed with the woman who produced a son. It was the first time he didn't ditch a woman.

Is this magical thinking: the "Jim and I" bonded happiness picture and God's assurance? She proved God was not speaking to her or granting them their wishes.

"method of Bible reading": sadly I learned to operate this way too. Curious to explore how this is taught to us.