Cradled in Hope

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 of every month. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a single episode! read less

37 - Finding Community and Renewing My Faith after My Son's Full-Term Stillbirth with Heather Cohen
May 1 2023
37 - Finding Community and Renewing My Faith after My Son's Full-Term Stillbirth with Heather Cohen
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 ★
36 - God So Close - Relying on the Holy Spirit as a Grieving Mom with Becky Thompson
Apr 1 2023
36 - God So Close - Relying on the Holy Spirit as a Grieving Mom with Becky Thompson
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 ★
34 - Redemption in our Marriage and Family after Losing our Daughter with Steve and Heather Colvin
Feb 1 2023
34 - Redemption in our Marriage and Family after Losing our Daughter with Steve and Heather Colvin
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 ★
33 - The Beautiful Brokenness of Grief with Kelcey Crone
Jan 1 2023
33 - The Beautiful Brokenness of Grief with Kelcey Crone
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 ★
32 - The Moon is Always Round – Seeing God’s Goodness Even When Your Baby Has Died with Jonathan and Jackie Gibson
Dec 15 2022
32 - The Moon is Always Round – Seeing God’s Goodness Even When Your Baby Has Died with Jonathan and Jackie Gibson
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 ★
31 - Hope When the Holidays Hurt with Kristin Hernandez
Dec 1 2022
31 - Hope When the Holidays Hurt with Kristin Hernandez
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 ★
30 - The Gift of One Day – How to Grieve a Grandchild and Support an Adult Child Who Lost a Baby with Kerry and Chris Shook
Nov 15 2022
30 - The Gift of One Day – How to Grieve a Grandchild and Support an Adult Child Who Lost a Baby with Kerry and Chris Shook
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 Day EPISODE 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 ★
29 - Joyful Sorrow – Finding Hope in the Darkness of Grief and Trauma with Julie Busler
Nov 1 2022
29 - Joyful Sorrow – Finding Hope in the Darkness of Grief and Trauma with Julie Busler
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 ChristianWhat to do about intrusive thoughts even if they initially seem innocentHow to get help and tell someone that you're strugglingPTSD and how the loss of a baby is traumaticWhat is trauma and how does it affect our mind and body?Amygdala hijack and its impact on usUnhealthy coping mechanisms in griefThe importance of allowing yourself to grieveWhy is it so easy for us to pretend we are okay?Allowing Jesus to use our pain and struggles to help othersScience and faith (and why therapy and medicine can be good things)Cognitive distortions and how they impact our thinkingLetting God use our weakness and humanity for His gloryEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode29CRADLED 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 ★
28 - Trusting God’s Character after Losing a Baby with Ashley Opliger
Jul 15 2022
28 - Trusting God’s Character after Losing a Baby with Ashley Opliger
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 lossHow could a good God allow bad things to happen?Walking with Jesus in the trenches of lifeTrusting God's good natureThe immutability of God and why circumstances can't change HimHow God numbers the days of our lives and our babies' livesGod's sovereignty and faithfulness and why this brings us hopeFinding joy and purpose in serving HimEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode28CRADLED 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 ★
27 - Abortion, Pregnancy Loss, and the God Who Forgives and Comforts with Misty Phillip
Jul 1 2022
27 - Abortion, Pregnancy Loss, and the God Who Forgives and Comforts with Misty Phillip
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 abortionFinding freedom in Christ's forgiveness and graceThe importance of confession of sin and the sharing of our testimonyCombating the lies in culture from the EnemyHow God can heal the wounds of an abortionHonoring your baby's life by sharing the GospelHow do you become spiritually mature through trials?Gratitude in the midst of griefGod's sovereignty and how He never wastes our sufferingThe hope and promise of Heaven for all babies who pass awayEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode27CRADLED 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 ★
26 - Why Prophecy Gives Us Hope to Be Reunited with Our Babies in Heaven with Todd Hampson
Jun 15 2022
26 - Why Prophecy Gives Us Hope to Be Reunited with Our Babies in Heaven with Todd Hampson
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 salvationGrieving differently than your spouse from a father's perspectiveFaith becoming a matter of life and death and moving from theory to realityThe urgency in reaching people for Christ nowWhy people aren't talking about Bible prophecySystems of theology within eschatology (the study of the End Times)Interpreting the Bible literally and taking God's Word at face valueWhat Heaven will be likeLooking forward to the Rapture as a reunion with our babiesWhat 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/episode26CRADLED 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 ★
25 - Waiting in Hope through Infertility and Loss with Kelley Ramsey
Jun 1 2022
25 - Waiting in Hope through Infertility and Loss with Kelley Ramsey
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 sorrowWhy you need to grieve in order to find healingOur identity as mothers and as ChristiansSongs of lament in the middle of the waiting seasonIntimacy with Jesus in our brokennessHow our neediness leads us to dependence on ChristDesiring God's will more than having a babyHow babies can become idols and what should our hope be in?The even-if mentality and coming to a place of surrenderHeaven's perspective and how it changes usMore information about the ministry of Waiting in HopeEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode25CRADLED 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 ★
24 - Compassionate Care and Dignified Decisions for Grieving Families with Rebekah Beresford
May 15 2022
24 - Compassionate Care and Dignified Decisions for Grieving Families with Rebekah Beresford
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 nursesWhy offering dignified decisions should be the standard of care at hospitalsThe victory of Jesus and how He will redeem and restore our painHow do we find justice in devastating experiences?God's presence in pain and how to feel Him when He feels far awayHow God loves us so personally and how much He loves our babiesRachel's gift organization and what they offer to hospitalsWhy there must be a distinction between human life and trashServing others and being a voice for our babies in HeavenEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode24CRADLED 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 ★
23 - Expecting Loss and Valuing Life with Labor of Hope
May 1 2022
23 - Expecting Loss and Valuing Life with Labor of Hope
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 diagnosisCherishing moments in pregnancy even with a grim prognosisLeaning on the local church and believersGrief during the first year after lossWhy we experience fresh grief at the three month markGod's grace for each dayThe role of bereavement doulasChoices at the hospital and advocating for your decisionsHaving a birth plan and informed consent at the hospitalHow to create memories during pregnancy and at birthAll about Labor of Hope and what they doSharing our babies' stories and celebrating every lifeEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode23CRADLED 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 ★
22 - Bible Prophecy for the Grieving Mother with Jessica Speas
Apr 15 2022
22 - Bible Prophecy for the Grieving Mother with Jessica Speas
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/episode22CRADLED 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 ★
21 - Grieving Differently after Pregnancy Loss with Moria Rooney
Apr 1 2022
21 - Grieving Differently after Pregnancy Loss with Moria Rooney
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 forWhat it's like giving birth to deathWhy don't we blame Satan for our loss instead of God?Suffering's role in the Christian's lifeSearching for answers and the 'why'The complexities of sharing photos of our babies who have diedWhy memorial prints are so special and importantHow Mother of Wilde began and what they doPlanting seeds for the GospelUsing your strengths, skills, and even college degrees for God's gloryA coupon code for 15% off a baby memorial printEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode21CRADLED 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 ★
20 - Holding on to Love after You've Lost a Baby with Candy McVicar
Mar 15 2022
20 - Holding on to Love after You've Lost a Baby with Candy McVicar
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 lossHow she connected with Dr. Gary Chapman to write her book, Holding on to Love after You've Lost a BabyParenting your baby in Heaven and giving them a legacyDifferences in how men and women grieveMarriage struggles she experienced after lossThe Crazy Cycle of Love & Respect in marriageDiscovering authentic faith by asking the hard questionsServing others to get out of the depths of dark griefThe Missing GRACE FoundationEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode20CRADLED 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 ★
19 - When Wishes Change with Tricia Roos
Mar 1 2022
19 - When Wishes Change with Tricia Roos
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 pregnancyFinding healing in embracing God's willHow to find purpose in your pain (and why)Discovering and using your gifts for goodGrief presenting itself years later and how that can be normalLife milestones and how they can trigger griefExperiencing joy again (when you don't think you ever will)What you can learn from friends who are further along in their griefGender disappointment with rainbow babies and complicated feelings in griefThe value of time and viewing each day as a giftAll about her book, When Wishes ChangeEPISODE SHOW NOTES, FULL TRANSCRIPT, & FREE PDF HOPE GUIDE:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode19CRADLED 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 ★