Cradled in Hope | Gospel-Focused Podcast for Grieving Moms

Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Mattie Steinhilpert, who lost her daughter, Sloane, after getting sick with COVID in her pregnancy. Mattie shares the story of how God saved her when she was on the brink of death herself. Sadly, her daughter died after delivery. Mattie and her husband relied on their faith in God to get them through the devastating, traumatic experience they faced so early in their marriage. With their hope in Heaven, they found renewed joy and purpose as God continued to grow their family.In this episode, we discussed:COVID and its impact on pregnancy and placentasWhat it was like being on the news right after their daughter's deathBeing surrounded by Christ-like love in the hospitalAsking the Lord to provide the strength to get through each momentChoosing to rely on their faith in the midst of deep griefJesus is the only solution to our problemNavigating the loss of a baby in the first year of marriageGrowing love and respect for our spouse through griefHow grief changed when they had another little girlRainbow babies are not replacement babiesGiving grace and forgiveness to people who say the wrong thingBreaking free from victim mentalityWhy she loves Romans 8:28 and Numbers 6:24-26Looking forward to Jesus' returnEPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode48CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Kathryn Johnson, grieving mom and founder of Hannah's Hope. After experiencing multiple losses, Kathryn chose to believe that one day, she would have a reason to celebrate. She trusted that God would grow her family in His timing. Kathryn shares how she found her way through grief and started a ministry to comfort others in the same way the Lord comforted her.In this episode, we discussed:How Hannah's Hope startedHaving faith for the future, even after multiple lossesThe power of worship in griefInfertility and waiting seasonsTaking our thoughts captiveLoss not becoming a part of our identityParenting after lossSanctification and becoming more like ChristEPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode47CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Chuck and Ashley Elliott about navigating the relational aspects of loss. Drawing from their own loss experience and their background as counselors, Chuck and Ashley share helpful advice on how to face the complexities of grief. After experiencing recurrent miscarriage, Chuck and Ashley felt called to write a book called I Used to Be which provides biblical and mental health techniques to develop healthy ways to see yourself, your life, and your loved ones. We discuss these techniques and the intricacies of handling the hurt others may cause us in grief. You will be blessed and encouraged by the practical wisdom they share!In this episode, we discussed:Keeping our faith intact when we feel distant from GodPraising God in the midst of the painNeutralizing emotional triggers in griefGiving grace to those who have hurt usThe ways that grief lies to usHow to help people help usThe importance of communicating our needsGrieving in marriage from the father's perspectiveComparison and why it is destructiveWhy they wrote the book, I Used to BeEPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode46CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Rachel Lohman, founder of Hope Again Collective and the author of Miscarried Hope. After losing her first baby to miscarriage, Rachel felt that the rug had been pulled out from underneath her and her faith. Over time, God led her to recover her faith and hope in Him by trusting in His goodness despite her circumstances.In this episode, we discussed:Struggling with your faith after lossReconciling His goodness during difficult timesThe Five Stages of Hope from her bookHow Jesus modeled how to grieve during His time on earthWhy Rachel wrote Miscarried HopeAll about Rachel's jewelry line for bereaved moms, Hope Again CollectiveThe role of empathy in supporting a friend or family member who lost a babyFinding purpose in pain (and having a posture of open-handedness)Encouragement for moms fresh in griefEPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode45CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Abigail Sikma, bereaved mom and founder of the ministry Something to Hold. After experiencing two early miscarriages, Abigail was confronted with the choice to either run from or turn to the faith she was raised with. For the first time in her life, she turned to her faith as her own and clung to the promises of God to get her through several years of infertility and miscarriage.In this episode, we discussed:Clinging to the faith you were brought up inTrusting God over GooglePerspective to get through dark seasonsGrowing the Kingdom through vulnerabilityReframing the "Why Me?" questionWhat is our number one mission as believers?The story of Something to Hold (How it started and what they do)How to get involved with their ministryA special Christmas giveaway for our listeners!EPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode44CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

This is a special bonus episode highlighting the program from the Wave of Light event that Bridget's Cradles hosted in Wichita, Kansas on October 15, 2023, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.  In this episode, we shared: The program and announcements from our Wave of Light 2023 eventPastor John Carney's remarks and Ashley Opliger's speech and prayer from eventA thank you to our generous corporate and memorial sponsorsThe Shine Their Light Award Winners' speech (Brandon and Sara Horton, parents to Charlie, Cooper, and Camden in Heaven)Reading of Names of Babies in Heaven (for families that registered/attended or sponsored the event)EPISODE SHOW NOTES:https://www.bridgetscradles.com/post/waveoflight2023CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for a conversation with Lianna Davis, bereaved mom, and author of Made for a Different Land. Lianna shares her story of losing her daughter, Noelle, at 42 weeks in her first pregnancy. Trusting in God's sovereignty, Lianna found hope in the living waters of Jesus as she navigated the deep waves of grief. In this episode, we discussed:Wanting to go to Heaven to be with your childAsking theological questions after losing a baby like, "How could a good God allow my baby to die?"God's original plan for babies and why sin broke His perfect designThe kindness and mercy of Jesus to choose to die for usThe good news of the Gospel for the grieving momGetting unstuck in your grief and releasing your sorrowEntering into deep emotions in the presence of JesusWhy grief connects us to our babies and how to move forwardIs it okay to laugh and smile when you're grieving?All about her book, Made for a Different LandHow to take comfort in God's sovereignty and plan for your lifeThe hard but beautiful work of sanctificationEPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode43CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for a conversation with Matt and Haley Phillips about how God radically changed their lives after the loss of their baby boy, Fletcher. From quitting a job to downsizing their house to starting a nonprofit, the Lord shifted their lives in a huge way. Matt and Haley started a nonprofit in their son's name called The Fletcher Foundation. Their mission is to walk alongside families who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth, particularly by providing financial assistance for medical bills related to their loss.In this episode, we discussed:Being young in marriage and experiencing pregnancy lossHow to show up for someone who has lost a baby in practical waysThe importance of proximity and presence in the midst of sufferingScripture as a balm to the soulAdvice for bereaved dads on how to be vulnerable in your griefProcessing grief differently in marriageAllowing God to radically change your life after lossChanneling your grief for goodThe story of the Fletcher Foundation and what they doOur babies in Heaven are still arrows in our quiverEPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode42CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

KC Tregoning is a bereaved mom who found out about Bridget’s Cradles after receiving a tiny knit heart in the delivery room. KC attended her first Hope Online support group with us just one month after Alan had passed.KC lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, Matt, and their three fur babies. She is the proud mom of Alan who reigns in Heaven. After a turbulent pregnancy, KC and Matt found out at their 31-week appointment that their son, Alan, had a condition that was not compatible with life.KC is passionate about spreading awareness for families facing life-limiting pregnancies. She loves sharing Alan's story and how God walked alongside them throughout their journey.In this episode, we discussed:Navigating a life-limiting diagnosis in pregnancyChoosing life even when the doctors encourage terminationBonding with your baby during pregnancyPicture taking after deliveryRecommended resources & organizations for life-limiting diagnosesCommunity and walking alongside other women who have experienced lossPursuing adoption after lossGrieving and planning for your baby’s first Heaven DayThe importance of attending a Christ-centered support groupFaith-based counselingGod’s presence in grief and how good can come from thisEPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode41CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for the final episode of our 3-part summer series called "Conversations of Hope with Ashley and Kristin." Ashley Opliger and Kristin Hernandez are both bereaved moms who desire to point other grieving moms to the hope they've found in Jesus. This month's episode is a Q&A with Ashley and Kristin using listener-submitted questions.In this episode, we discussed:How to navigate relationships after losing a babyForgiving friends and family who have hurt us in our griefWhy friendships may change after lossVictim mentality and identityPreparing our hearts for our baby's first Heaven dayWays to honor our baby on milestonesAnticipatory griefWhy it's sometimes harder to face the days leading up to a milestone than the day itselfMemorial ideas and random acts of kindnessHow the Church can better support grieving familiesWhat to do when you're in a waiting seasonHow do you know when you're ready to try again?What can you do to stop being mad at God?BONUS: Ashley and Kristin's Hope-Filled Worship Spotify PlaylistEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode40CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for this special 3-part summer series called "Conversations of Hope with Ashley and Kristin." Ashley Opliger and Kristin Hernandez are both bereaved moms who desire to point other grieving moms to the hope they've found in Jesus.  New episodes will release each summer month (June, July, and August) with this month's episode title being "Important Truths about Babies in Heaven."At the beginning of the episode, Ashley shares a personal update about her son, Brenner, and his recent surgery and medical issues.In this episode, we discussed:Where do babies go when they pass away?The differences between the temporary Heaven and the eternal HeavenWhat age will our babies be in Heaven?Do our babies become angels?Our babies taking part in the ResurrectionWhat purposes do angels serve in the Bible?Can my baby send me signs from Heaven?Is it OK to consult a medium to talk to my baby?New Age practices in grief (and why to stay away from them)The occult and how these roads lead to HellRepentance and accepting forgiveness for our sinsJesus Christ, our Mediator and IntercessorWhy the hope of the Gospel is better than the counterfeits offered by SatanEX-NEW AGE RESOURCES: “Don’t Dance with the Devil” - Understanding the Times Podcast (can be found on Spotify or Apple Podcasts too)Heaven and Healing Podcast by Angelamarie UcciI Used to be a Psychic - Mia MicheleEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode39CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for this special 3-part summer series called "Conversations of Hope with Ashley and Kristin." Ashley Opliger and Kristin Hernandez are both bereaved moms who desire to point other grieving moms to the hope they've found in Jesus.  New episodes will release each summer month (June, July, and August) with this month's episode title being "A Foundation of Biblical Hope." In this episode, we discussed:Where do we place our hope after we've lost a baby?What is "hope" anyway?Desiring to have a rainbow baby - is it okay to long for another baby?Releasing control and surrendering our plans to GodUnderstanding how to interpret Bible stories"Even If" kind of faithGod as the redeemerOur identity as mothers vs. our identity in ChristGod won't leave you empty-handedHow can my loss be considered "light and momentary"?Standing on Christ the Solid RockEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode38CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for a conversation with bereaved mother Heather Cohen about how she found community and renewed her faith after the full-term stillbirth of her son, Levi. Just days away from her scheduled c-section, Heather was shocked to discover that her son no longer had a heartbeat. Devastated and grieving, she turned to Bridget's Cradles and began attending our online support groups and volunteering to comfort others through the ministry. Hear Heather's story of finding hope in the midst of her heartache and how you, too, can find hope after the loss of your baby.In this episode, we discussed:Having questions about the cause of your baby's deathStruggling with shame and regret over decisions you made or didn't make during your pregnancyGod's sovereignty and why our theology of who He is mattersThe importance of finding community in griefWhy counseling is helpful and why you shouldn't be ashamed to seek helpMore about Bridget's Cradles Hope Online support groups from Heather's perspective of attending themCircumstances change but God never doesThe hope of what is to come in ScriptureHonoring our babies by serving others to bring God gloryHeather's volunteer experience with Bridget's CradlesEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode37CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for a conversation with Becky Thompson about how to rely on the Holy Spirit as a grieving mom. In the midst of a season of suffering, we do not have to wait to meet God on the other side; rather, He is a God so close Who longs to be near to us in our pain. Becky shares her story of losing her daughter at eight weeks and how the Lord brought hope to her broken heart. She decided to trust in Him knowing that she couldn't lose Him too.In this episode, we discussed:Loving and losing a life that nobody knew about yetPostpartum depression and anxiety after pregnancy lossReleasing anger and trusting that the Lord is weeping with youWho is the Holy Spirit and what does He do?What does it mean to be born again?Discerning God's voice from the lies of the enemyWhat is lie replacement strategy?Battling against our own sin nature and how the Holy Spirit convicts usStruggling in the forest of fear and trusting that God is with youWhy we need to address both the spiritual and physical aspects of anxietyBelieving in a God that is not far off and imagining Him holding you in your painMore about Becky's books, Peace, and God So CloseEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode36CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for a discussion with Ashley Opliger about the good that came from the birth and death of her daughter, Bridget. Ashley shares how her loss shifted her focus to Heaven and living for God's Kingdom. In this episode, Ashley encourages grieving moms to draw near to God by reading His Word. She invites moms into a relationship with Him because she believes He is the only One who can heal their broken hearts. His amazing gift of salvation gives us the hope of Heaven with Him and our babies who have gone there before us.EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode35CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for a conversation with Steve and Heather Colvin about how the Lord brought healing and redemption to their family after losing their daughter, AnnaJoy. Through a testimony of radical transformation in their marriage after AnnaJoy passed away, Steve and Heather founded a nonprofit ministry called AJ's Place: A Foundation of Hope. They help families afford memorial stones for their babies who have gone to Heaven too soon.In this episode, we discussed:How the Lord wants you in complete freedom in your healingThe lies we believe when we are grievingSatan and how he exploits our trauma and loss against usHow can God be good if He doesn't seem to be good to me?Looking for God's promises and miracles in the midst of the painFeelings of bitterness and resentment around other babiesHow to focus on the season you're in and keep your eyes fixed on JesusDifferent ways to handle being invited to a baby showerHumility and repentance in marriagePutting your spouse's needs first and asking what they need in their griefHealing and redemption through foster care and adoptionWhy they call AnnaJoy's grave her "place" and how their ministry startedThe importance of memorial stones and how AJ's Place can help you if cost is prohibiting you from getting one for your baby in HeavenEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode34CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for a conversation with Kelcey Crone about the beautiful brokenness of grief. After their son was born into Heaven, Kelcey and her husband were in a pit of despair. Not only were they grieving their son, but his loss exposed their sin from the past and in the present.In the nakedness of their grief, they turned to God, and He saved their marriage. Both individually and collectively, God radically transformed them and gave them a new purpose in serving others and living for Jesus.In this episode, we discussed:Vulnerability and how to process grief with your spouseSatan using your loss to wreak havoc in your marriageMaking the choice to choose God every dayBecoming 'one' in marriage after lossHow loss exposes past and current sin (and why that could be a good thing)Redemption and purpose after losing a babyThe value of community in griefBeing fed by the Bible and staying connected to TruthBible interpretation: what is exegesis and eisegesis?Why Jesus' Second Coming and the Rapture brings us hopeServing others can be a vital source of healingFinding joy again and looking toward the futureEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode33CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for a conversation with Jonathan and Jackie Gibson about seeing God's goodness even when your baby has died. After their daughter was stillborn, Jonathan wrote a book called The Moon is Always Round. The book is based on a catechism he taught his oldest living son about how God is always good even when we can't see it (just like how the moon is always round even when it's not fully visible).Jonathan (Jonny) shares the inspiration for his book as well as his grieving journey alongside his wife, Jackie. They share practical wisdom and hope with couples grieving a baby in Heaven.In this episode, we discussed:Processing grief and explaining the loss of a baby to living childrenConversations with siblings of a baby born stillbornThe story behind the book, The Moon is Always RoundWhy the Resurrection and New Creation Heaven brings us hopeFaith moving from theory to realityIntimacy with Jesus in the loneliness of griefGrieving differently than your spouse, but moving in the same directionHow to support bereaved dadsReading the Bible systematicallyAbout his new devotional book, Be Thou My VisionEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode32CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for a conversation with Kristin Hernandez about finding hope when the holidays hurt. Kristin shares from her new advent journal about how to grieve with hope through the Christmas season when you're missing a baby/ies in Heaven.After losing five precious babies, Kristin talks about how her faith helped her through the holidays. Our topic is Advent, which in Latin means "coming" referencing the longing of our Messiah. We discuss parallels between the Jews waiting in the Old Testament for Jesus' First Coming and now in the New Testament how we are currently awaiting His Second Coming!In this episode, we discussed:Experiencing grief and gratitude at the same timeHow conflicting emotions can coexistWhy we don't need to be grateful for all thingsWhat is Advent and why does it point to Jesus' Second Coming?Why Christmas (Jesus' First Coming) gives us hope for the futureThe faithfulness of God's promisesHow the Old Testament beginning in Genesis 3 points to JesusUnexpected grief on New Years and why moving on to a new year can be hardDo our babies need us to honor them with special traditions?Christmas memorial ideas in memory of our babies in HeavenEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode31CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for a conversation with Pastor Kerry and Chris Shook about how to grieve a grandchild and support an adult child who has lost a baby. After losing their grandson, Jude, they had to learn how to navigate grief both from the perspective of grandparents and parents. In this episode, they share how they came alongside their son and daughter-in-law and walked with them through their grief.Kerry and Chris give practical ideas on how to show up for your children who are grieving a baby and how to navigate family traditions and holidays. They also share hope-filled lessons they learned from Jude who lived for one day on this earth. Their story will inspire us to live with intention for Jesus in memory of our babies in Heaven.In this episode, we discussed:What to do when you can't fix your children's pain when they've lost a babyHow to be a safe place for your child who is grievingSeeing God work even in the middle of difficultiesStarting a Miracle Book and the impact it made on their faith"Just for today" prayersHonoring grandchildren in Heaven through family traditionsSpecial memorial ideas for the holidaysNormalizing talking about babies in Heaven and going to their gravesLearning the lesson: "Hard is not the opposite of good"The power of vulnerability, including in the ChurchAbout their book, The Gift of One DayEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode30CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★