Cradled in Hope | Podcast for Grieving Moms | Biblical Hope for Miscarriage, Stillbirth, & Infant Loss

In this episode, Ashley reflects on the raw emotions that come in the early days of grief after pregnancy or infant loss. Centered on Chapter 1 of Cradled in Hope, “Sitting with Jesus | When You Are Overwhelmed with Sadness,” she invites grieving moms to slow down, feel the weight of their sorrow, and meet Jesus in their pain. 

Ashley explains how grief is not just sadness—it’s love. She encourages moms to express t...

Join us for a sacred conversation as Ashley Opliger kicks off the Cradled in Hope Book Club on launch day, July 22nd. In this heartfelt introduction episode, Ashley shares the powerful story behind the book, from the long road to publication to the sudden loss of her father just after submitting her manuscript. With raw vulnerability and deep faith, she explains how this book became even more personal in the wake of fresh ...

In this second part of a deeply heartfelt conversation, Ashley continues her discussion with dear friend and fellow grieving mom, Kristin Hernandez, as they dive deeper into the story behind Cradled in Hope. With warmth, vulnerability, and unwavering faith, Ashley shares how the book was born out of her ministry work, her personal healing journey following the loss of her daughter, Bridget, and her longing to walk alongsid...

In this tender and powerful episode, Ashley welcomes her dear friend Kristin Hernandez back to the Cradled in Hope Podcast—this time, not as the guest, but as the one asking the questions. Kristin, a longtime ministry partner, fellow grieving mom, and author of Sunlight in December, turns the microphone around to interview Ashley about her upcoming book, Cradled in Hope.

Together, they share a sacred and heartfelt c...

In this deeply vulnerable and hope-filled episode, Ashley welcomes her friend Emily Shove to share her powerful testimony of miscarriage, addiction recovery, and transformation through Jesus. Emily shares the story of her son, Phoenix, and the emotional and physical trauma of her miscarriage. She also bravely opens up about her past struggles with alcohol, the temptation to relapse in the depths of grief, and how God used ...

In this heartfelt and Spirit-led episode, Ashley welcomes returning guest Moria Rooney to share the God-breathed vision behind her new ministry, Holy Ground Retreats. A follow-up to Episode 21, this conversation continues Moria’s story of grief, healing, and purpose after the loss of her son, Noah. Moria opens up about her calling to step away from her first ministry, Mother of Wilde, and follow God into the unknown of hos...

In this solo episode, host Ashley Opliger shares a heartfelt message inspired by Psalm 23, offering hope and encouragement to grieving moms walking through the valley of loss. Reflecting on her personal grief journey—including the death of her daughter, Bridget, and her father—Ashley reminds listeners that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, walks with us through suffering and sorrow.

She also announces exciting ministry updates, in...

Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Erin Nelson and Colleen Montague from Jessica's House, a dedicated grief support center for children and families. Erin shares her personal journey through loss and how her experiences gave her a passion for supporting others. Colleen provides insights into her role as a therapist and highlights their Heartstrings program, which supports children grieving the loss of a sibling du...

Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Jennie Parks, the Executive Director of Hope Mommies, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support and hope for grieving mothers who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Jennie shares her personal story of losing her daughter, Paige, and how her profound loss inspired her to help others through their grief.

Ashley and Jennie discuss the complexities of navigatin...

Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Janet Boxx, a mother who has faced indescribable trauma and loss in her family. Janet shares her profound journey, beginning with the stillbirth of her son, Cole, the developmental disorders of her daughters Gracen and Katie, the tragic loss of her daughters Bethany and Katie in a car accident, and the impact of Gracen's resulting disabilities.

Through her story, Janet emphasizes ...

Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Caleb and Stefanie Rouse, relationship mentors and digital creators who focus on guiding couples toward faith-based, resilient relationships. Caleb and Stefanie share their personal journey of loss, having unexpectedly lost their twin sons, Shiloh and Asher, after years of praying and hoping to grow their family. Despite their heartbreak, they invited God into their pain and allo...

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, 2024, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
 
 In this episode, we shared: 

• The program and announcements from our Wave of Light 2024 event
• Emcee Scott Evans and Pastor John Carney's remarks and Ashley Opliger's speech from the event
• A thank you to our generous co...

Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Alicia Michelle about managing emotions in grief with science and Scripture. Alicia, who previously shared her story of losing her son in an early miscarriage in Episode 12 of the Cradled in Hope Podcast, has recently written a book titled Emotional Confidence. Using three simple steps from her book, Alicia shares how we can face difficult emotions and choose to live differently ...

Join us for a hope-filled conversation with NBC's The Voice contestant Josh Sanders and his wife, Kendra. Josh was the runner-up on Season 25 of The Voice on Team Reba McEntire. On national television, Josh shared his story of losing his precious son, Leelynd, in 2020 on his own birthday. When his story aired, NBC showed a photo of him and Kendra holding Leelynd in a Bridget's cradle.

Ashley [Bridget's Cradles founder + Cr...

Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Eric Schumacher and Jessika Sanders about how to pray for a child or baby in a medical crisis. Eric is a grieving father and author of Ours: Biblical Comfort for Men Grieving Miscarriage. Jessika is the founder and Executive Director of Praying through Ministries. Together, they wrote In His Hands: Prayers for Your Child or Baby in a Medical Crisis.

In this episode, we dis...

Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Sara Horton, a bereaved mom, and a perinatal bereavement nurse. Sara has experienced the loss of three boys, all born sleeping. She received cradles for two of her sons and began attending Hope Online. Sara is passionate about sharing Christ's truth and hope with grieving moms struggling to understand God's goodness while suffering through deep waters. 

In this episode, we dis...

Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Eric Schumacher, author of Ours: Biblical Comfort for Men Grieving Miscarriage. After experiencing multiple miscarriages in his marriage, Eric felt called to write a book for fellow dads, encouraging them to grieve alongside their wives. He journeys through the Gospel of Luke to lead dads to Jesus.

In this episode, we discussed:

• Compounded grief, how it impacts us, and why we n...

Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Whitney Pipkin, author of We Shall All Be Changed. Whitney wrote the book after experiencing the loss of two babies to miscarriage and her mom after a twenty-year battle with cancer. She reminds us that God changes us through grief, often in unexpected and beautiful ways.

In this episode, we discussed:

• Holding joy and sorrow together
• Having a timid hope through pregnancy
• Coping w...

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. Wit...