Cradled in Hope: Recent Episodes
Ashley Opliger of Bridget's Cradles
Jesus cradles us in hope as He cradles our babies in Heaven.
What if the hope of Heaven had the power to heal your heart after the loss of your baby?
Miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss are heartbreaking experiences that no mother should ever have to endure. Drowning in sadness, you cry out in pain, "God, where are You? Why did You let my baby die?" You feel abandoned by Him and question His goodness. How will you ever live without your precious baby? Will you ever see him or her again?
Ashley Opliger asked these same questions when her daughter, Bridget, was born into Heaven at 24 weeks in her first pregnancy. In a crisis of faith, Ashley chose to surrender her suffering and allow God to heal her heart. She found purpose in her pain when she started Bridget's Cradles, a nonprofit that now comforts thousands of grieving families across the country.
Through her own story of heartbreak, Ashley will guide you on a journey to trust God's promise to restore your joy, use your grief for good, and spend eternity with your baby in Heaven.
Podcast episodes feature hope-filled messages, stories, and guest interviews. Grieving mothers will be reminded that though we may grieve, we do not grieve without hope!
Episodes release on the 1st and 15th of every month. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a single episode!
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 baby
- Forgiving friends and family who have hurt us in our grief
- Why friendships may change after loss
- Victim mentality and identity
- Preparing our hearts for our baby's first Heaven day
- Ways to honor our baby on milestones
- Anticipatory grief
- Why it's sometimes harder to face the days leading up to a milestone than the day itself
- Memorial ideas and random acts of kindness
- How the Church can better support grieving families
- What to do when you're in a waiting season
- How 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 Playlist
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode40
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
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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 Heaven
- What age will our babies be in Heaven?
- Do our babies become angels?
- Our babies taking part in the Resurrection
- What 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 Hell
- Repentance and accepting forgiveness for our sins
- Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Intercessor
- Why the hope of the Gospel is better than the counterfeits offered by Satan
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode39
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
www.facebook.com/ashleyopliger
www.instagram.com/ashleyopliger
cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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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 God
- Understanding how to interpret Bible stories
- "Even If" kind of faith
- God as the redeemer
- Our identity as mothers vs. our identity in Christ
- God won't leave you empty-handed
- How can my loss be considered "light and momentary"?
- Standing on Christ the Solid Rock
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode38
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
www.facebook.com/ashleyopliger
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cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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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 time
- How conflicting emotions can coexist
- Why we don't need to be grateful for all things
- What is Advent and why does it point to Jesus' Second Coming?
- Why Christmas (Jesus' First Coming) gives us hope for the future
- The faithfulness of God's promises
- How the Old Testament beginning in Genesis 3 points to Jesus
- Unexpected grief on New Years and why moving on to a new year can be hard
- Do our babies need us to honor them with special traditions?
- Christmas memorial ideas in memory of our babies in Heaven
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode31
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
www.facebook.com/ashleyopliger
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cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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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 baby
- How to be a safe place for your child who is grieving
- Seeing God work even in the middle of difficulties
- Starting a Miracle Book and the impact it made on their faith
- "Just for today" prayers
- Honoring grandchildren in Heaven through family traditions
- Special memorial ideas for the holidays
- Normalizing talking about babies in Heaven and going to their graves
- Learning the lesson: "Hard is not the opposite of good"
- The power of vulnerability, including in the Church
- About their book, The Gift of One Day
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode30
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
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CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
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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, 2022, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
In this episode, we shared:
- The program and announcements from our Wave of Light 2022 event
- Scott Evans' remarks and Ashley Opliger's speech and prayer from event
- A thank you to our generous corporate and memorial sponsors
- The Shine Their Light Award Winners' speech (Jon and Kelcey Crone, parents to David Bruce Crone 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/waveoflight2022
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
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www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
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Join us for a conversation with Julie Busler about mental illness amidst loss and grief. Julie shares her story of how loss and trauma impacted her mental health and caused her to become suicidal. As a missionary overseas, she was hospitalized in a Turkish psychiatric ward due to her suicidal ideation.
Through intense healing from the Lord, medication, and therapy, Julie found hope and joy again. But God didn't heal her entirely of her depression. She has learned how to allow joy and sorrow to coexist in her life. In this episode, Julie shares her testimony of finding hope through the Gospel and how grieving moms can find hope after the loss of a baby.
In this episode, we discussed:
- It's okay to struggle even as a Christian
- What to do about intrusive thoughts even if they initially seem innocent
- How to get help and tell someone that you're struggling
- PTSD and how the loss of a baby is traumatic
- What is trauma and how does it affect our mind and body?
- Amygdala hijack and its impact on us
- Unhealthy coping mechanisms in grief
- The importance of allowing yourself to grieve
- Why is it so easy for us to pretend we are okay?
- Allowing Jesus to use our pain and struggles to help others
- Science and faith (and why therapy and medicine can be good things)
- Cognitive distortions and how they impact our thinking
- Letting God use our weakness and humanity for His glory
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode29
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
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When you lose a baby, your whole world falls apart. It's common to wonder where God is and why He would allow you to suffer in this way. You feel abandoned by Him and question why He would let your baby die.
Unfortunately, we are not immune to the fallen nature of our world corrupted by sin and death. But take heart! Jesus has overcome the world and defeated death forever. And, best of all, He promises us eternity in Heaven with Him and our babies through salvation in Him. In this short episode, Ashley shares her story of trusting God's character after losing her daughter, Bridget. She encourages grieving moms to find healing by studying His Word and drawing near to His heart.
In this episode, Ashley discusses:
- Feeling abandoned by God after loss
- How could a good God allow bad things to happen?
- Walking with Jesus in the trenches of life
- Trusting God's good nature
- The immutability of God and why circumstances can't change Him
- How God numbers the days of our lives and our babies' lives
- God's sovereignty and faithfulness and why this brings us hope
- Finding joy and purpose in serving Him
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode28
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
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CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
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Join us for a conversation with Misty Phillip about abortion, pregnancy loss, and the God who forgives and comforts. Misty shares her vulnerable testimony of finding freedom in God's forgiveness after having an abortion. Through her repentance, she has become an advocate for the unborn and shares about the sanctity of human life.
After also experiencing pregnancy loss and the stillbirth of a baby boy with a life-limiting diagnosis (and choosing to carry him), Misty shares how she grew in faith through her losses and pain. Her testimony is one of redemption and points us to the hope of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
In this episode, we discussed:
- Guilt and shame after having an abortion
- Finding freedom in Christ's forgiveness and grace
- The importance of confession of sin and the sharing of our testimony
- Combating the lies in culture from the Enemy
- How God can heal the wounds of an abortion
- Honoring your baby's life by sharing the Gospel
- How do you become spiritually mature through trials?
- Gratitude in the midst of grief
- God's sovereignty and how He never wastes our suffering
- The hope and promise of Heaven for all babies who pass away
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode27
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
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Join us for a conversation with Todd Hampson about why Bible Prophecy gives us hope to see our babies again in Heaven. Todd is the co-host of the Prophecy Pros' Podcast and a grieving father to two babies in Heaven.
Todd shares about the unexpected death of his son, Ethan, and how his faith proved to be real as he trusted in God to carry him through. His love for Scripture and Bible Prophecy allowed him to find hope in the midst of his grief. Todd encourages us to focus on our glorious future and spend the short amount of time we have on earth to reach people for Christ.
In this episode, we discussed:
- The apologetic of fulfilled prophecy and how it led to Todd's salvation
- Grieving differently than your spouse from a father's perspective
- Faith becoming a matter of life and death and moving from theory to reality
- The urgency in reaching people for Christ now
- Why people aren't talking about Bible prophecy
- Systems of theology within eschatology (the study of the End Times)
- Interpreting the Bible literally and taking God's Word at face value
- What Heaven will be like
- Looking forward to the Rapture as a reunion with our babies
- What will we do during the 7-Year Tribulation and the Millennial Kingdom?
- What is the Bema Seat of Christ?
- How old will our babies be in Heaven?
- Where is the hope for grieving parents in these dark times?
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode26
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
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CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
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Join us for a conversation with Kelley Ramsey about waiting in hope through infertility and pregnancy loss. Kelley is the founder of Waiting in Hope Infertility Ministries and has experienced multiple miscarriages and waiting seasons as she has tried to grow her family.
In her heartache, God revealed to her where her true hope really lies—not in a baby—but in her Savior. As she walked with Jesus in her sorrow, she surrendered her desires and trusted God's will for her life. Kelley encourages grieving moms to trust that God knows what is best for them and will use their pain for His glory.
In this episode, we discussed:
- Relying on God in moments of utter despair and sorrow
- Why you need to grieve in order to find healing
- Our identity as mothers and as Christians
- Songs of lament in the middle of the waiting season
- Intimacy with Jesus in our brokenness
- How our neediness leads us to dependence on Christ
- Desiring God's will more than having a baby
- How babies can become idols and what should our hope be in?
- The even-if mentality and coming to a place of surrender
- Heaven's perspective and how it changes us
- More information about the ministry of Waiting in Hope
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode25
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
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Join us for a conversation with Rebekah Beresford about how she found hope and healing after a traumatic experience delivering her stillborn daughter, Eliana, at a hospital. She was not offered to hold or see her daughter and later realized that Eliana's ashes were taken as medical waste to a landfill.
Through her story of deep pain and sorrow, Rebekah shares why offering compassionate care and dignified decisions at the hospital is crucial for grieving families to have peace in their grieving journey. She shares practical advice for nurses and points them to pursue bereavement training through the organization Rachel's gift. Rebekah speaks to grieving moms about how Jesus' light can overcome the darkness of grief and trauma.
In this episode, we discussed:
- What is hospital disposition and why are babies being taken to landfills?
- The importance of bereavement training for nurses
- Why offering dignified decisions should be the standard of care at hospitals
- The victory of Jesus and how He will redeem and restore our pain
- How do we find justice in devastating experiences?
- God's presence in pain and how to feel Him when He feels far away
- How God loves us so personally and how much He loves our babies
- Rachel's gift organization and what they offer to hospitals
- Why there must be a distinction between human life and trash
- Serving others and being a voice for our babies in Heaven
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode24
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
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Join us for a conversation with Ryley Chestnut and Hayley Martinez from Labor of Hope. They are both certified bereavement doulas who have lost children due to a life-limiting condition in pregnancy.
Labor of Hope is an organization that exists to value every life and support couples who have been given a life-limiting diagnosis in pregnancy. Ryley and Hayley advocate for choosing life and making memories with your child. From their own heartbreaking experience, they share their grief and healing journey.
In this episode, we discussed:
- Choosing life and carrying a baby with a life-limiting diagnosis
- Cherishing moments in pregnancy even with a grim prognosis
- Leaning on the local church and believers
- Grief during the first year after loss
- Why we experience fresh grief at the three month mark
- God's grace for each day
- The role of bereavement doulas
- Choices at the hospital and advocating for your decisions
- Having a birth plan and informed consent at the hospital
- How to create memories during pregnancy and at birth
- All about Labor of Hope and what they do
- Sharing our babies' stories and celebrating every life
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode23
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
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Join us for a conversation with Jessica Speas about Bible Prophecy and The End Times. This is an opportunity for grieving mothers to learn more about Bible Prophecy and the hope we have as we await Jesus' Second Coming. With a third of the Bible being about prophecy, this is a topic we cannot ignore as Christ-followers.
In our season of grief and in this broken world we live, our hope can only be found in Jesus who has promised to return to this earth to rule and reign. Jessica, a grieving mom herself, is passionate about teaching Bible Prophecy and encouraging women to "look up" for their Blessed Hope.
In this episode, we answered these questions:
- Why does Bible Prophecy matter to the grieving mom?
- Why aren't more people talking about prophecy?
- What will the future Heaven be like?
- When will we be reunited with our babies?
- What is the rapture and when will it happen in the timeline?
- Who is the Anti-Christ and what will he do?
- What is the Seven-Year Tribulation and the mark of the beast?
- What End Times signs should we be looking for?
- Why is prophecy centered on Israel?
- What is globalism and how does it play a role?
- How can I find hope in these difficult days?
- Where in the Bible can I read about the End Times?
- What other resources are available to learn more about Bible Prophecy?
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode22
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
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Join us for a conversation with Moria Rooney, founder of Mother of Wilde. After losing her son, Noah Wilde, she started a business that sells memorial prints of babies who passed due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.
Moria shares how her faith in Jesus allowed her to grieve differently than the world grieves: with hope. Even after unanswered prayers and a devastating loss, she learned to trust in God's good and unchanging character. Now, she blesses grieving moms with beautiful prints of their babies to remind them of the hope they have to see their babies again in Heaven.
In this episode, we discussed:
- How to have faith when God doesn't perform the miracle you prayed for
- What it's like giving birth to death
- Why don't we blame Satan for our loss instead of God?
- Suffering's role in the Christian's life
- Searching for answers and the 'why'
- The complexities of sharing photos of our babies who have died
- Why memorial prints are so special and important
- How Mother of Wilde began and what they do
- Planting seeds for the Gospel
- Using your strengths, skills, and even college degrees for God's glory
- A coupon code for 15% off a baby memorial print
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode21
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
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cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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Join us for a conversation with Candy McVicar, author of Holding on to Love after You've Lost a Baby, a book she co-wrote with Dr. Gary Chapman. Candy, who has two children in Heaven, shares how to use the 5 Love Languages to strengthen your marriage after loss. Learning how to love your spouse in the midst of sorrow is a powerful way to support each other and grow closer to God and one another.
Candy is the founder of the Missing GRACE Foundation. She is passionate about providing resources and education to bereaved families and encouraging couples to love each other well in their grief.
In this episode, we discussed:
- The 5 Love Languages - what they are and how they can help your marriage after pregnancy or infant loss
- How she connected with Dr. Gary Chapman to write her book, Holding on to Love after You've Lost a Baby
- Parenting your baby in Heaven and giving them a legacy
- Differences in how men and women grieve
- Marriage struggles she experienced after loss
- The Crazy Cycle of Love & Respect in marriage
- Discovering authentic faith by asking the hard questions
- Serving others to get out of the depths of dark grief
- The Missing GRACE Foundation
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode20
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
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cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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Join us for a conversation with Tricia Roos on pursuing and accepting God's will when your motherhood journey looks nothing like what you had hoped or expected it to be. After her daughter, Annabelle, was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, Tricia was advised to get an abortion. Tricia chose life and watched God perform a miracle: allowing Annabelle to live for six days and defy all medical odds.
Tricia shares Annabelle's story in her new book, When Wishes Change, which describes how God walked her through her grief and showed her how to embrace His will for her life. She is passionate about encouraging grieving moms to find purpose in their pain and use their God-given gifts for good.
In this episode, we discussed:
- Choosing life despite a fatal diagnosis in pregnancy
- Finding healing in embracing God's will
- How to find purpose in your pain (and why)
- Discovering and using your gifts for good
- Grief presenting itself years later and how that can be normal
- Life milestones and how they can trigger grief
- Experiencing joy again (when you don't think you ever will)
- What you can learn from friends who are further along in their grief
- Gender disappointment with rainbow babies and complicated feelings in grief
- The value of time and viewing each day as a gift
- All about her book, When Wishes Change
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode19
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
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cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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In this episode, Ashley Opliger is joined with her husband, Matt, for a conversation about strengthening your marriage after pregnancy loss. Together, they discuss the struggles they faced in navigating complications in Ashley's pregnancy with Bridget and how they walked together after her death. Matt shares his perspective, as the father and husband, of what grieving has been like for him.
The loss of a baby is one of the most heartbreaking experiences a couple can face in their marriage. However, even in the pain and sadness, there are opportunities to grow closer together. Matt and Ashley's prayer for couples is that they would draw near to God and learn to love and support each other through their grief.
In this episode, Matt and Ashley discuss:
- Personality differences and struggles with different perspectives
- How men and women grieve differently
- Supporting each other in the way we grieve
- How Matt bonded with Bridget and what his grief has looked like
- The importance of communication and grace in marriage
- Using a Marriage Journal to make communication intentional
- Questions you can ask your spouse to support them in grief
- How the 5 Love Languages helped us love each other better
- Why Heaven has given us so much hope
- Finding meaning in your baby's life
- The impact Bridget has made on our parenting with our boys
- Advice for grieving couples from what they've learned
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode18
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
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CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
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Join us for "real talk" on pregnancy loss with Rachel Lewis, author of Unexpecting: Real Talk on Pregnancy Loss. Rachel has five children in Heaven and regularly writes about life after loss. She is the founder of Brave Mamas, an online community for grieving mothers.
Rachel shares about her new book, Unexpecting, which walks grieving moms through loss, lament, love, and legacy after the loss of a baby.
In this episode, we discussed:
- Birth trauma and PTSD after pregnancy loss
- Foster care and grief following reunification
- Wrestling with doubt and finding authentic faith
- The Book of Job
- Heaven being "home" and familiar
- Continuing Bonds grief theory and how bereaved parents grieve differently
- Ways to create a legacy for your baby in Heaven
- How to parent your baby in Heaven in community
- Mount St. Helens and an analogy of finding beauty from ashes
- Turning the question after loss from Why? to What Now?
- All about her book, Unexpecting: Real Talk on Pregnancy Loss
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode17
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
www.pinterest.com/bridgetscradles
CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
www.facebook.com/ashleyopliger
www.instagram.com/ashleyopliger
cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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Join us for a conversation about pregnancy after loss with Jenny Albers, author of Courageously Expecting. After losing two precious babies, Jenny created Still Loved, an online space for grieving families to share their stories.
She is passionate about giving bereaved parents a voice in their grief as well as supporting women in their pregnancies after loss. Jenny shares about her new book, Courageously Expecting, which provides women with 30 days of encouragement for pregnancy after loss.
In this episode, we discussed:
- The emotions and fears of pregnancy after loss
- Professional remembrance photography, regrets and wishes
- The physical aspect of grief and what it does to your body
- Surrender as a daily practice
- What surprised Jenny about her experience with loss
- Entering back into the deep waves of grief, even years later
- The beauty of online communities for bereaved parents
- The power of writing down and sharing your baby’s story
- All about her new book, Courageously Expecting
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode16
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
www.pinterest.com/bridgetscradles
CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
www.facebook.com/ashleyopliger
www.instagram.com/ashleyopliger
cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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Join us for a conversation with Casey Nestor about grieving with the Gospel. After losing her sons Judah and Caleb, Casey found herself laying on the floor in deep grief, crying out at the foot of the Cross.
Through her tears and questions, she depended on Jesus to survive the suffering and be sanctified in His image.Because she received a cradle for her son, Casey was connected to Bridget's Cradles and has become a part of our Hope Online community. Her testimony of faith has been a source of encouragement for many grieving moms.
In this episode, we discussed:
- Her experience receiving a Bridget's Cradle for her son, Judah
- What attending an online support group has been like for her (and why she was skeptical at first!)
- The importance of attending a Christ-centered support group
- How to believe God is good even when life hurts so bad
- Standing on the Word of God in the midst of grief and why we can't rely on our feelings or our own "truth"
- Culture's trend of seeking "mediums" to contact their babies (and why that's dangerous!)
- A beautiful illustration of the impact of the Gospel
- Grieving your old self and finding a new identity in Christ in the New Year
- Looking away from ourselves and toward helping others to find hope
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode15
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
www.pinterest.com/bridgetscradles
CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
www.facebook.com/ashleyopliger
www.instagram.com/ashleyopliger
cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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Join us for a conversation with Alyson and Kelsi of Foreknown Ministries about the power of community for grieving mothers. Alyson and Kelsi are best friends who lost their babies two weeks apart from each other. In the deepest of grief, they leaned on their faith and friendship.
Now they host weekend retreats, digital support groups, and a texting community for women who have experienced pregnancy loss. They believe in having a "cross" of support: vertical from God and horizontal from community. In this episode, they share advice on how to make friendships with other grieving moms and point you to find hope past the grave.
In this episode, we discussed:
- Walking through grief with a friend
- Having answers and finding closure
- Viewing the time you were pregnant with your baby as a gift
- How God led them to start Foreknown Ministries
- Circling through the stages of grief and dealing with grief head-on
- Finding intimacy with God in your grieving season
- Relearning God's character and letting Him put your broken heart back together
- Weekend retreats and why they are helpful
- How to get involved in their texting community to receive daily support
- Shame and how Satan uses it to keep us silent and alone
- The power of being vulnerable and sharing your baby's story
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode14
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
www.facebook.com/ashleyopliger
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cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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In this special episode, Ashley Opliger shares a heartfelt message and prayer for mothers who are grieving during the holidays. This Christmas season was supposed to be a time of joy and making memories with your baby, but now is filled with overwhelming sadness and pain.
Ashley shares practical ideas for "coping with hope" through the holidays when grief is magnified and our hearts miss our babies in Heaven more than we can stand. With a focus on grace and communication, Ashley gives advice on how to navigate holiday gatherings and relationships with friends and family. This hope-filled episode will leave you celebrating the reason for the season—Jesus, the baby born in a manger who gives us hope to see our babies in Heaven one day.
In this episode, Ashley discusses:
- How to survive the holiday/winter season
- Giving yourself and others grace to strengthen your relationships
- Protecting your heart and putting up boundaries
- Why it's okay to say "no" or do things differently this year (and why you shouldn't feel guilty about it)
- Creating space to grieve
- How to set up our families for success to support and love us well
- Traditions and ways to honor your baby in Heaven for Christmas
- Allowing yourself to "hold both" and feel both happiness and sorrow
- Scripture and Christmas songs that bring hope in this season
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode13
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
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cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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Join us for a conversation with Alicia Michelle, host of the Vibrant Christian Living Podcast, about renewing our minds after pregnancy loss. Alicia is a Bible Teacher and certified NeuroCoach. She equips women with practical brain-and-Biblically based tools to overcome negative thinking and cultivate godly confidence.
After losing her son in an early miscarriage, Alicia struggled with overwhelming sadness. Through her journey, God has given her wisdom on how to cope with grief in a healthy way. She teaches us how to manage our thoughts and get out of the negative spirals that we get stuck in so that we can draw closer to God in our grief.
In this episode, we discussed:
- Giving voice and legacy to our babies in Heaven
- The nearness of Heaven and how we can talk to our babies (through Jesus!)
- What Alicia wishes she would have known when she was grieving her baby
- How to honor our grief and allow it to exist
- Sin tendencies and how our brains can trap us into negative habits
- Self-sabotaging behaviors and why we do them
- Amygdala hijack and how to stop moments of panic
- The root problems of fear and control and why they impact our grief
- How to trust in a God who allowed your baby to die
- The American dream vs. the Kingdom dream
- Going deeper in fellowship with God and being refined in our pain
- How to combat the enemy's schemes to destroy your healing work
- Surrender and the fruit of spiritual gifts and good works
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode12
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
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CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
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FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
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cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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Join us for a conversation with Lindsay Johnson, founder of Aspyn Arrows, about pressing into the pain after infant loss. Lindsay shares the tragic story of finding her one-month-old daughter, Aspyn, unresponsive in her crib.
Following her daughter's death, she struggled with suicidal thoughts. She leaned into her faith and God brought beauty from ashes. In this episode, Lindsay shares her story and more about Aspyn Arrows (the nonprofit organization she started to educate families on safe sleep practices and empower them to sleep with peace of mind by providing them with Owlet Baby Care monitors).
In this episode, we discussed:
- Praying hard prayers and trusting God's will
- What to do with baby items in your home after you've lost an infant
- How death still hurts even when you have the hope of Heaven
- Seeing God work in the middle of grief and why it's a blessing
- Books that Lindsay found helpful in her healing journey
- How to redirect your thoughts when the pain is too heavy to carry
- The difference between longing for Heaven and being suicidal
- The benefits of being in community and staying physically active
- Talking about your baby and special family traditions in their memory
- Parenting living children after the loss of a baby
- Why guilt is not from God and how to forgive yourself
- Postpartum anxiety with subsequent pregnancies after loss
- SIDs and other sleep-related deaths and about Owlet monitors
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode11
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
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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 15th, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
In this episode, we shared:
- The program and announcements from Bridget's Cradles Wave of Light 2021 event
- Ashley Opliger's speech and prayer from the event
- A thank you to our generous corporate and memorial sponsors
- The Shine Their Light Award Winners and David Steinhilpert's speech
- Reading of Names of Babies in Heaven (for families that registered/attended or sponsored the event)
EPISODE SHOW NOTES:
https://www.bridgetscradles.com/post/waveoflight2021
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
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FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
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Join us for a conversation with Anesha Stanley, founder of Keys of Hope Foundation, about walking through the valley of the shadow of death after recurrent pregnancy loss. Anesha shares how she struggled with suicidal thoughts after losing five babies to miscarriage and life-threatening ectopic pregnancies.
As she walked this painful road of depression, God began to guide her out of the valley and renew her joy. In this episode, Anesha shares her triumphant testimony of overcoming the darkness of grief and how God led her to start a nonprofit to serve grieving mothers in her community.
In this episode, we discussed:
- Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and nightmares after pregnancy loss
- Suicide ideation in grief and how to find the right counselor
- What does "justice" look like for a grieving mother?
- How to rely on God in your weakness and surrender your children to Him
- The power of worship music in the middle of grief
- Scripture that came to life for Anesha in her darkest days
- Self-care routines and how they can bring peace to your mind and body
- How to strengthen friendships after loss
- The six "Keys of Hope" that are the foundation of Anesha's Hope Classes
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode10
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
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cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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Join us for a conversation with Jess McClenahan about how the Gospel anchored her to hope after the loss of her 11-month-old daughter, Cora. Jess shares Cora's story of being diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer and how she clung to her faith after Cora's passing to Heaven.
In her heartbreak, Jess discovered God's character and learned to trust Him in a new and deeper way. Jess shares how she found abundant life in Christ and redefined what blessing looked like. She encourages grieving mothers to study God's Word and anchor their hearts to the hope of Jesus.
In this episode, we discussed:
- How can you trust God with the death of your child?
- What does abundant life look like as a believer?
- Why God's wrath and our sin matters in the story of the Gospel
- Salvation and why it's our greatest need
- Jesus is the only way to Heaven and to see our babies again
- Why does God allow suffering?
- Putting God in a box and why that affects our ability to trust Him
- An analogy of an Earthly vs. Heavenly perspective
- Symbolic traditions in memory of your baby to bring healing
- The power of God's Word as a lifeline to survive grief
- Why sharing your story matters and can plant seeds of faith for others
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode9
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
www.facebook.com/ashleyopliger
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cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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Join us for a conversation with Johanna Mutz and Denise Wolfe, founders of laurelbox, about how to nurture the heart of a grieving mother. Johanna and Denise share their story of starting a company to offer beautiful gifts for women who have experienced loss.
After Denise's friend lost a baby and Johanna experienced a miscarriage herself, they knew there was a need to nourish broken hearts after loss. Starting laurelboxwas their response to that need. Now they offer thoughtfully curated gift boxes to support women who want to support their loved ones through grief.
In this episode, we discussed:
- How to show up for someone who's grieving even if you don't know what to do or have the right words to say
- Why it's important to give ourselves and our loved ones permission to grieve
- How to cultivate a tender heart toward moms who have experienced loss
- Why it takes practice being a good grief supporter
- Misconceptions about grief and talking about the loss of our babies
- The love and care that goes into each laurelbox gift
- Tangible ways to support a bereaved mom during October Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Month
- Practical gifts and ideas to honor a baby in Heaven and nourish the heart of a grieving mom
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode8
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
www.facebook.com/ashleyopliger
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cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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Join us for a conversation with Lori Beth Blaney, founder of Rachel's Gift about improving hospital experiences for grieving families. Lori Beth shares her story of losing her daughter, Rachel, in a tragic car accident, and choosing to forgive the teenager who caused the crash.
Lori Beth discusses with Ashley why she started a nonprofit to support grieving families and train hospital staff on bereavement care. She is an advocate for families to have options and guidance while making decisions in the hospital.
In this episode, we discussed:
- Why it's important to talk about your baby and tell your story
- Overcoming anger and bitterness with the power of forgiveness
- Not knowing what or how to pray when in deep grief
- Regrets of choices made at the hospital while in trauma/shock
- The need for nurses to be trained on bereavement care
- Why "time, space, and privacy" is not what grieving parents need
- The importance of consistent patient care
- Rachel's Gift services for hospitals and families
- Bridget's Cradles and complementing vs. competing with other resources
- How God will equip you if He calls you to ministry
- The partnership between Rachel's Gift and Bridget's Cradles
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode7
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
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www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
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www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
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CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
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cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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In this episode, Ashley Opliger discusses how to raise Rainbow Babies (or older living children) to remember their sibling in Heaven. Through her experience of raising two boys on earth after the loss of her daughter, Ashley shares four practical ways you can help your living children honor their sibling in Heaven.
Ashley is joined by her four-year-old son, Branton, for a few minutes during this episode to demonstrate how to talk to a young child about God, Heaven, and their sibling in Heaven. This short episode is a sweet glimpse into Ashley's life mothering children on earth and in Heaven. If you have lost a baby and desire for your living children to know about them, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Ashley shares:
- How to talk to your living children about their sibling in Heaven
- Traditions you can do to honor your baby's place in your family
- How to involve your living children in Celebrations of Life for your baby in Heaven such as a Heaven Day Birthday Party
- Acts of Kindness you can do in memory of your baby in Heaven (plus a link to 50 ideas and a free personalized template card)
- How Bridget's life has positively impacted her parenting
- Why having a baby in Heaven has allowed them to share the Gospel in a very real and tangible way with their living children
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode6
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
www.pinterest.com/bridgetscradles
CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
www.facebook.com/ashleyopliger
www.instagram.com/ashleyopliger
cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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Join us for a conversation with Kristin Hernandez, author of Sunlight in December, about wrestling well with God through recurrent pregnancy loss. Kristin shares her story of losing five babies: a baby boy, Ethan, due to a life-limiting condition, and four precious babies to early miscarriage.
In her heartbreak, Kristin discusses with Ashley how she turned to her faith in God and embraced the suffering. She believes that God will meet moms in the storm of grief and show them His goodness.
In this episode, we discussed:
- Wrestling well with God through loss and pain
- What does wrestling with God mean and how do we wrestle in a healthy way?
- How to navigate a life-limiting diagnosis in pregnancy
- Not having answers for why miscarriage and recurrent loss happens
- How grief exposes errors in our theology
- The problem with prosperity thinking
- Why we should expect and embrace suffering
- Finding God's goodness in the messy middle of grief
- Why our hope isn't (and shouldn't be) in a rainbow baby
- Surrendering our desires for God's will
- How we can turn to God even when we doubt Him
Guest Info | Kristin HernandezKristin is a writer, podcaster, wife, and mother to six children—one in her arms and five with Jesus. Kristin is the author of Sunlight in December and the co-host of the Through the Lens podcast.
www.sunlightindecember.com
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode5
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
www.pinterest.com/bridgetscradles
CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
www.facebook.com/ashleyopliger
www.instagram.com/ashleyopliger
cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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Join us for a conversation with Amy Balentine about her story of receiving a life-limiting diagnosis for her son, Simon. Amy shares her journey of walking through Simon's pregnancy and the seven days he lived on earth before going to Heaven.
After grieving Simon's death, Amy and her husband also lost three other babies early in pregnancy. Amy discusses with Ashley how this shaped her faith journey and why she has chosen to look for blessings in the middle of her suffering. She encourages grieving moms to lean on Jesus in the darkness of grief.
In this episode, we discussed:
- Navigating a life-limiting diagnosis in pregnancy
- How to handle people who encourage you to "end the suffering"
- Choosing life and letting the Lord decide when Simon would pass away
- Why it's important to trust God to lead and carry you through this difficult season
- The difference between miracles and tragedies
- Finding blessings in the midst of suffering
- How to surrender control and choose our reactions to unwanted circumstances
- Faith statements and how we can teach our heart to feel what our brain knows to be true: "God is good even when my baby dies."
- How to handle lonely, dark nights filled with worry when carrying a baby who is expected to pass away
- Celebrating your baby's life even when you're sad
- Ways to connect with and cherish your baby in your pregnancy
- Amy's ministry You Made Me Mom and the importance of hospitality in pregnancy loss support groups
Guest Info | Amy BalentineAmy is the founder of You Made Me Mom, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports grieving mothers.
www.youmadememom.com
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode4
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
www.pinterest.com/bridgetscradles
CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
www.facebook.com/ashleyopliger
www.instagram.com/ashleyopliger
cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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Join us for a conversation with Sarah Philpott, author of Loved Baby, about how to navigate the painful journey of grief after pregnancy loss. Sarah shares her story of growing up as a rainbow baby herself and then experiencing multiple miscarriages while trying to grow her own family.
Living a life acquainted with loss, Sarah discusses with Ashley how she grieved with hope and found joy in the perfection of Heaven. She encourages grieving moms to embrace Christ and use their spiritual gifts to shine His light after pregnancy loss.
In this episode, we discussed:
- Why you shouldn't feel guilty for grieving losses early in pregnancy
- Practical ways to navigate triggers such as baby registry emails in your inbox, formula packets coming in the mail, and invitations to baby showers
- How to protect your heart while you're grieving by putting up boundaries with social media and friends or family who are pregnant
- Breakdowns in marriage after loss and how to reconnect with your spouse
- Why our spouse cannot be our source of healing and how to rely on Christ instead (and give our spouses grace in the process)
- How to choose faith over fear when trying to conceive again
- Honoring our babies and our Father in Heaven by rejoicing in our suffering, shining the light of Jesus, and being sanctified to be more like Him
- Sarah's healing process of writing Loved Baby and how God used her spiritual gifts to comfort other grieving moms
Guest Info | Sarah PhilpottSarah is the author of Loved Baby: 31 Devotions Helping You Grieve and Cherish Your Child After Pregnancy Loss.
www.allamericanmom.net
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode3
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
www.pinterest.com/bridgetscradles
CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
www.facebook.com/ashleyopliger
www.instagram.com/ashleyopliger
cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
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Join us for a conversation with Alisha Illian about how to find peace after miscarriage. Alisha shares her story of finding out that her second baby had no heartbeat while she was all alone at a routine doctor's appointment.
Blindsighted by grief, Alisha discusses with Ashley how she learned to rely on God and surrender her plans for her life. She encourages grieving moms to stay in Scripture and fixate on Jesus in order to find peace after pregnancy loss.
In this episode, we discussed:
- How God stretches us when life doesn't go as planned so that we can learn to depend on Him
- Why are we not talking about pregnancy loss more?
- Feelings of guilt after losing a baby
- How God gave us a motherly instinct to bond with our baby right from the start
- Why nothing can satisfy or comfort us like God can
- Learning to surrender control and not depend on our own adequacy
- Scripture memory and why it's a powerful healing tool during grief
- The perfection of Jesus and how amazing Heaven will be with Him and our babies for all of eternity
- The fact that our babies didn't have to suffer on earth
- How hustle culture and staying busy can negatively impact our grief
- Why it's important to get in our Bibles and read Truth
- Alisha's ministry Women (re)Purposed and her book Chasing Perfect and how they can help you grow closer to God in grief
Guest Info | Alisha IllianAlisha is the founder of Women (re)Purposed, the author of Chasing Perfect, and an avid teacher and student of the Bible.
www.womenrepurposed.com
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode2
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
www.pinterest.com/bridgetscradles
CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
www.facebook.com/ashleyopliger
www.instagram.com/ashleyopliger
cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
★ Support this podcast ★
This first episode is an opening message from our Founder and Bridget's mom, Ashley Opliger. Ashley shares her heart behind starting the Cradled in Hope podcast and welcomes grieving moms to this sacred space.
She reads the first chapter of the book she is writing which is also titled Cradled in Hope. This chapter is a letter to grieving moms letting them know they are loved and not alone in their grief. Ashley welcomes brokenhearted moms to meet her in spirit at the blue barn building that Bridget's Cradles calls their headquarters. Here, she wants to sit in your sadness with you and hear your baby's story. Together, we will find hope and healing through faith in Jesus.
This is the heart behind the podcast, and we pray this first episode points you to our hope in Jesus! We have many more wonderful episodes to come, so we hope you'll sign up for updates and stay awhile. Come as you are. Your grief is welcome here. Though we may grieve, we do not grieve without hope. Welcome to Cradled in Hope!
EPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:
www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode1
CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast
CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope
FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles
www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles
www.pinterest.com/bridgetscradles
CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
www.ashleyopliger.com
www.facebook.com/ashleyopliger
www.instagram.com/ashleyopliger
cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles
★ Support this podcast ★