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

In this hope-filled episode, Ashley welcomes author, speaker, and fellow Bethany House author Lisa Appelo to discuss her new devotional, God of Comfort. After losing her husband unexpectedly and later walking alongside her son and daughter-in-law through the stillbirth of their baby, Lisa shares how grief transformed her faith, priorities, and understanding of God's presence in suffering. Together, Ashley and Lisa explore the unique challenges of devastating loss, the lies grief often whispers to hurting hearts, and the biblical practice of bringing our deepest questions, fears, and emotions directly to God. Through personal stories, Scripture, and honest reflection, they discuss surrender, God's sovereignty, the hope of Heaven, and the comfort available to every grieving heart through Christ. This conversation offers encouragement that God is not intimidated by your questions, your tears, or your pain. He invites you to bring it all to Him and discover that the pathway through grief is not a formula or a set of stages—but the God of all comfort Himself. In this episode, we discussed: Lisa's story of unexpectedly losing her husband, Dan, overnight, and becoming a widow with seven children Walking through the recent stillbirth of her grandson and supporting her grieving son and daughter-in-law How grandparents experience a unique "double grief" when a grandchild dies Practical ways to support grieving families without inserting your own story or taking control The lies grief often whispers, including fears that joy will never return Regret, guilt, and the "what if" questions that frequently accompany loss Learning to surrender control and trust God's sovereignty when life does not make sense Letting go of the life you expected and embracing the life God has given you The sanctifying work God accomplishes through suffering and grief Why grief is not a tidy process and cannot be reduced to a series of stages Wrestling with the question "Why?" and learning to trust God's character even without answers How suffering deepens our longing for Heaven and reshapes our earthly priorities The gifts that can emerge from grief, including compassion, intimacy with God, and eternal perspective Lisa's devotional God of Comfort and how it helps grieving people encounter God's character through Scripture, prayer, journaling, and reflection Finding hope in the truth that God comforts us so we can comfort others with the same comfort we have received from Him This conversation is a beautiful reminder that grief may change us, but it does not have the final word. As Lisa shares, the way through grief is not found in a method, a timeline, or a set of steps—it is found in a Person. If you are carrying sorrow, wrestling with unanswered questions, or wondering if joy will ever return, this episode will encourage you to bring your broken heart to the God of Comfort, who sees you, loves you, and promises to walk with you every step of the journey. GET THE BOOK! Cradled in Hope is sold on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Christianbook, and Baker Bookhouse. [www.bridgetscradles.com/book] EPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT: [www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode71] • 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 ★

In this moving episode, Ashley welcomes her friend Aubrey Pavlacka to share the story of her daughter, Timber Kai. What began as a joyful babymoon in Kauai quickly became a devastating journey through premature labor, ten days of hospitalization, and the heartbreaking loss of a much-loved baby girl at 22 weeks. With remarkable honesty, Aubrey recounts the days she spent fighting to keep Timber alive, the faith that sustained her through unimaginable uncertainty, and the grief that followed after returning home without her daughter. Together, Ashley and Aubrey explore difficult questions about suffering, unanswered prayers, pregnancy after loss, and the tension of holding both deep sorrow and deep hope at the same time. Throughout the conversation, they reflect on God's faithfulness in grief, the promise of Heaven, and the ways a baby's life can continue to impact others. This episode is a powerful reminder that while loss changes us forever, our hope in Christ remains secure. In this episode, we discussed: Aubrey's pregnancy with Timber and the unexpected complications that began during a trip to Kauai Giving birth to Timber at 22 weeks and the precious hours Aubrey and Justin spent with her Returning home after loss and navigating the early days of grief How Exodus 14:14 ("The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still") became an anchor during the crisis Wrestling with unanswered prayers while continuing to trust God's character The impact Timber's life had on others and how God continues to use her story Pregnancy after loss, cervical insufficiency, and the anxiety of carrying another baby Honest conversations about "what ifs," regrets, and the realities of being a grieving mother Raising children with an awareness of Heaven and helping siblings know and remember their sister How grief reshaped priorities, family life, and Aubrey's perspective on what matters most Finding hope in the promise of reunion and eternity with our children in Heaven If you are grieving a baby, struggling with unanswered questions, navigating pregnancy after loss, or longing for reassurance that your child's life mattered, this conversation will encourage your heart. Aubrey's story is a beautiful testimony of faith in the midst of heartbreak, reminding us that while we may not understand every part of our suffering, we can trust the God who walks with us through it—and cling to the hope that one day we will be reunited with our children in Heaven. GET THE BOOK! Cradled in Hope is sold on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Christianbook, and Baker Bookhouse. [www.bridgetscradles.com/book] EPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT: [www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode70] • 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 ★

In this deeply vulnerable and spiritually honest episode, Ashley welcomes Lisa Rowell—host of the Silent Footprints Podcast and founder of Julianna Grace Ministry—for a conversation that moves beyond advocacy into the raw realities of grief, mental health, spiritual warfare, and identity in Christ. Lisa has become a powerful voice for families impacted by pregnancy and infant loss—providing grief boxes worldwide, helping pass the Stillbirth Prevention Act in Louisiana, advocating for the Shine for Autumn Act, and funding cooling cots for hospitals. Together, Ashley and Lisa speak candidly about the mental health struggles that can follow loss, including seasons of despair and even suicidal thoughts. They discuss how grief can open the door to spiritual warfare, lies from the enemy, and distorted views of God—especially when father wounds shape how we interpret suffering. They explore the tension between faith and works, the temptation to strive for healing through doing, and what it means to transform heartbreak into holy purpose. In this episode, we discussed: Lisa’s story and the founding of Julianna Grace Ministry How grief boxes provide tangible comfort and remind parents they are not alone The mental health impact of grief, including suicidal thoughts and despair Spiritual warfare and the enemy’s lies during vulnerable seasons The importance of cooling cots and giving families time and dignity to say goodbye Legislative advocacy surrounding stillbirth and infant loss, including the Stillbirth Prevention Act and the Shine for Autumn Act What it means to carry your baby’s legacy forward through action Advocacy as a form of love, remembrance, and honoring our children The spiritual tension between faith and works—serving from love vs. striving for worth How grief can expose deeper wounds, including father wounds that affect how we see God The sacred responsibility of stewarding our babies’ legacies This episode is both tender and empowering—a reminder that while we never would have chosen this path, God can use even our deepest sorrow to bring comfort, awareness, and change. Whether you are newly grieving or years into your journey, this episode offers encouragement that your baby’s life matters—and your voice does too. GET THE BOOK! Cradled in Hope is sold on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Christianbook, and Baker Bookhouse. [www.bridgetscradles.com/book] EPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT: [www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode69] • 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 ★

In this heartfelt and powerful Father’s Day episode, Ashley welcomes back her friend and returning guest, Eric Schumacher. Eric is a pastor, biblical counselor, husband, and father of nine children—five on earth and four in Heaven. Through his own journey of miscarriage and grief, Eric has become a compassionate voice for grieving dads, and today he joins us to share about his newest book: Dads Hurt Too: A Father’s Memoir of Miscarriage. Together, Ashley and Eric have an honest, gospel-centered conversation about the often-overlooked grief of fathers who have lost a baby. Eric vulnerably shares the raw emotions he experienced during each of his family’s four miscarriages—and the spiritual battle he faced with what he calls the “little foxes” of comparison, shame, culture, and loneliness. Through Scripture, story, and deep theology, Eric offers dads a pathway to healing: not by hiding their pain, but by bringing it into the light of Christ. Whether you are a grieving father, a wife who wants to better understand her husband’s grief, or a ministry leader supporting families through loss—this episode will give you language for the ache, truth for the lies, and hope rooted in the character of God. In this episode, we discussed: Why Eric wrote Dads Hurt Too and the story behind its humble beginnings Why men often grieve miscarriage in silence and how shame or comparison can silence their sorrow The “four foxes” that threaten our healing: comparison, shame, culture, and loneliness What it means to abide in Christ when grief feels isolating and unspoken How Jesus’ own grief, sorrow, and physical weakness give men permission to feel and express emotion The danger of believing false gospels in the midst of suffering—and how right theology leads to deeper healing The importance of spiritual community and safe spaces where dads can be honest about their pain How the culture’s devaluation of life impacts grieving parents, and how Scripture restores the dignity of every baby lost The true gospel of Jesus: that He meets us in our sorrow, carries our burdens, and will return to make all things new This episode is an invitation for every dad to know: Your grief matters. You are not alone. And Jesus sees you. He is the perfect Father who draws near to the brokenhearted—and He promises to one day restore what has been lost. GET THE BOOK! Cradled in Hope is sold on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Christianbook, and Baker Bookhouse. [www.bridgetscradles.com/book] EPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT: [www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode68] • 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 ★

In this deeply moving episode, Ashley welcomes Emily Curtis—author, poet, and founder of Hope in the Mourning—to share her story of layered grief, enduring faith, and Gospel-centered hope. What unfolds is a sacred conversation about sorrow upon sorrow: multiple pregnancy losses and the death of her beloved father. Emily invites listeners into the holy space of lament. Through poetry, Scripture, testimony, and raw honesty, this episode creates room for sorrow to be named, carried, and surrendered before a God who sees every tear and remains steadfastly good. This conversation is both tender and theologically rich, offering comfort to grieving mothers while equipping the Church to love better. Whether you are walking through miscarriage, compounded grief, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers language for pain, permission to lament, and hope rooted firmly in Christ. In this episode, we discussed: Navigating compound grief—when sorrow stacks upon sorrow Wrestling honestly with God when grief feels unfair or overwhelming Why lament is biblical (and how to lament, based on the pattern of the Psalms) Naming babies in Heaven and the healing power of honoring their lives What not to say to grieving parents and why Christian platitudes aren't helpful The ministry and mission behind Hope in the Mourning Poetry as a form of lament, worship, and hope GET THE BOOK! Cradled in Hope is sold on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Christianbook, and Baker Bookhouse. [www.bridgetscradles.com/book] EPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT: [www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode67] • 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 ★