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

In this very special episode, Ashley welcomes her longtime friend and behind-the-scenes podcast team member, Maria Childs, to the microphone. Maria has faithfully served Cradled in Hope since its launch in 2021, designing the beautiful graphics and quote carousels that listeners see each week. But in this sacred conversation, Maria steps out from behind the screen to share her deeply personal story of grief, faith, and healing.Maria opens her heart about the stillbirth of her daughter, Taylor Ann, at 39 weeks, and the early miscarriage she experienced just six months later. She shares how her grief led her to Bridget’s Cradles through a sticker giveaway (yes—really!), and how God used a Facebook post to begin a redemptive story of connection, service, and purpose.Together, Ashley and Maria reflect on the power of community, the healing that comes through telling your story, and how serving grieving moms has helped Maria honor her babies in Heaven while encouraging others through their pain. This episode is a beautiful testimony of how God brings purpose from heartbreak and knits friendships together through shared sorrow and eternal hope.In this episode, we discussed:The traumatic experience of arriving at the hospital expecting to meet her baby—only to hear the words no parent should ever hearThe shock and confusion of receiving no medical explanation for Taylor’s passing, and the miscarriage that followed six months laterHow God led Maria to Cradled in Hope through a social media giveaway, and how she messaged Ashley after Episode 1, saying, “I want to come to the little blue barn.”The journey of moving from silent sorrow to openly sharing her story—and how each Bridget's Cradles event and connection helped her find the courage to speak her daughter’s nameMaria’s work as a graphic designer, and how using her gifts for the podcast became a healing outlet and purposeful way to honor her babiesThe Facebook group ministry and how Maria lovingly welcomes grieving moms through personal messages and prayerful connectionWhy answering the question, “How many children do you have?” is hard—and how Maria learned to confidently include her babies in HeavenHer bold step of faith in speaking at Manhattan, Kansas’ Pregnancy & Infant Loss event, and how Bridget’s Cradles resources helped other families that dayThe importance of walking with moms in fresh grief while also pointing them toward the hope of healing and the promise of HeavenMaria’s favorite chapter from Ashley's book, Cradled in Hope, and how she rereads it when grief resurfacesHow Cradled in Hope and the podcast offer gospel truth in a variety of voices and stories—all pointing to the same eternal hopeMaria’s favorite verse, Matthew 6:34, and how God has gently led her to take each day as it comesWhether you’re in the crashing waves of fresh grief or standing on the shore years later, this episode reminds us that community, compassion, and Christ-centered truth are essential to healing. Maria’s story is a beautiful testimony of pain transformed into purpose—and of a mom who continues to serve, create, and share in memory of the babies she will one day hold again.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/episode66]• 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 honest and powerful episode, Ashley welcomes Anne Cockrell—wife, mom, and cohost of Hannah’s Heart on American Family Radio—to share her remarkable story of faith, surrender, loss, and hope. Anne vulnerably walks us through her journey of infertility, miscarriage, foster care, adoption, and the heartbreaking loss of her baby boy, John-Micah, who lived 27 precious minutes on earth before entering eternity.With wisdom and a tender spirit, Anne shares how God met her in the moments of deepest grief—from chemical pregnancies and delayed diagnoses to a traumatic emergency C-section and saying goodbye far too soon. She also beautifully shares how God brought life and redemption through the births of her daughters, the adoption of her son, and the sacred calling of foster care.This episode is a gentle reminder that love is always worth the risk—and that Jesus is faithful to meet us in every part of our story. Whether you’re walking through infertility, pregnancy after loss, or discerning your next step in growing your family, Anne’s story will comfort and encourage your heart.In this episode, we discussed:Anne and her husband's unexpected road through infertility and lossThe heartbreak of multiple early miscarriages and the confusing grief of chemical pregnanciesTheir decision to pursue foster care and how loving children in crisis shaped their hearts and faithThe bittersweet beauty of adoption and the complex emotions that come with itThe power of surrender—Anne’s pivotal moment at the washing machine when she fully gave her motherhood journey to GodHow God surprised them with two miracle pregnancies after surrendering fertility treatments and plansThe story of Anne’s son, John-Micah, and the devastating day she delivered him via emergency C-section at 26 weeksHow it felt to hold her son after his passing, and the powerful peace of God's presence in the hospital roomWhy Anne would do it all again—just to hold her son one more timeHow God led Anne to cohost Hannah’s Heart on American Family Radio, and how the ministry now supports families walking through infertility, miscarriage, and lossThe inspiration behind the name Hannah’s Heart and what it means to offer your answered prayers back to GodIf you’re facing an uncertain path, longing for motherhood, or grieving a baby you never got to raise, this episode will speak directly to your heart. Through every twist and turn, God is writing a redemptive story—and He is holding both you and your baby in His love.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/episode65]• 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 ★

Ashley welcomes longtime friends Tim and Yolanda Thomas to the Cradled in Hope podcast to share their journey through back-to-back pregnancy losses and the long road of grief, healing, and hope that followed.Tim and Yolanda share the stories of their daughters, Abundynce and Joyana, and speak candidly about what it was like to walk through compounded loss, unanswered questions, and seasons of deep darkness—both individually and as a married couple. With humility and grace, they reflect on how grief tested their faith, strained communication, and reshaped their understanding of suffering, while also drawing them into a deeper dependence on the sovereignty of God.This episode offers a rare and compassionate look at grief from both a mother’s and a father’s perspective, addressing the realities of grieving differently in marriage, navigating church hurt, and learning how to honor the lives of babies in Heaven while still allowing joy to return.In this episode, we discussed:Walking through compounded grief after back-to-back losses and the weight of unanswered questionsGrieving differently as husband and wife—and learning to honor each other’s timelinesHow pregnancy and infant loss impact marriage, parenting, and family lifeWrestling with God’s sovereignty and finding rest when answers don’t comeThe pain of church hurt, Christian clichés, and feeling unseen in griefWhy “weeping with those who weep” matters more than fixing or explaining sufferingReleasing guilt around “moving forward” and understanding that joy does not erase love or remembranceThe eternal perspective: trusting that our babies are safely held in the arms of JesusWhether you are newly grieving, walking through loss as a couple, or seeking to better support someone who is suffering, this episode offers reassurance that healing is possible, that joy can return, and that God remains faithful even in the darkest seasons.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/episode64]• 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 profoundly powerful episode, Ashley welcomes national bestselling author and Midnight Mom Devotional founder Becky Thompson back to the podcast to talk about her newest book, Healing Rest. Together, they share an unforgettable conversation about rest for the weary, peace for the anxious, and the healing presence of Jesus for grieving hearts.What begins as an interview soon becomes a Spirit-led encounter with God’s tender presence. Becky invites listeners into the “closet” of vulnerability and surrender—the safe place where we meet Jesus, fall apart in His arms, and find the rest our souls are desperately craving. Through stories, Scripture, prayer, and Holy Spirit-led moments of pause, this episode offers more than just words—it offers sacred space to be held by the One who knows your pain and never leaves your side.Whether you are overwhelmed by grief, carrying the weight of trauma, or longing for peace in the midst of chaos, this episode is a gentle invitation to experience healing rest in the arms of Jesus.In this episode, we discussed:Becky's inspiration for writing Healing Rest and how it builds upon her previous book PeaceWhy grief reveals the world isn’t safe—and how we can still rest in the safety of Jesus’ presenceThe “closet moment”: where we break down, cry, surrender, and are tenderly met by the ComforterThe difference between pushing through and truly surrendering what we carryWhat it means to be safely held, even in a broken worldA Spirit-led, guided invitation to closet time with Jesus—including a real-time prayer experiencePractical steps for slowing down, calming a dysregulated nervous system, and finding rest for your body, mind, and soulThe importance of reading God’s Word as a place to encounter His presence, not just gain knowledgeHealing from trauma and grief by asking Jesus where He was in your storyThe eternal perspective: what it means to be held by the same arms that cradle your baby in HeavenThis is not just an episode to listen to—it’s one to experience. A holy moment to sit still, breathe deep, and let Jesus meet you right where you are. If your heart is heavy, come and find rest. If your soul is weary, let Him hold you. You are safely held. You are deeply loved. And you are cradled in 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/episode63]• 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 final episode of the Cradled in Hope Book Club, Ashley reflects on the sacred journey of walking chapter by chapter through grief and healing alongside grieving moms from across the country. She offers heartfelt thanks to every listener who showed up, shared their tears, and let Jesus meet them in the midst of sorrow.Reading a section from the final pages of the book, Ashley compares this closing moment to a “Midwest goodbye”—the kind where no one really wants to leave. With tenderness, she reminds grieving moms that this is not goodbye, but see you later. The journey doesn't end here, and Jesus has more to show you.Ashley shares how you can continue your healing:Cradled in Hope Guided Journal – Available on Amazon or as a free download, the journal provides guided prompts, Scripture reflections, and sacred space to continue processing your grief with Jesus.YouVersion 7-Day Devotional – A short and powerful series drawn from the book to help you stay grounded in God’s Word when you need a quick dose of truth.Support Groups – Both in-person (Kansas) and virtual (Hope Online), Bridget’s Cradles offers Christ-centered community for grieving moms.Free eBooks – Practical and compassionate resources for every stage of the grief journey, from preparing to meet your baby to navigating holidays and anniversaries.Re-read the Book + Journal Together – With time, new truths will stand out. Healing is not linear, and God reveals new layers as we walk with Him.Share Hope – Gift a copy of the book to a grieving friend, hospital, or church to help others find comfort and hope in their darkest days.Keep Listening to the Podcast – With over 60 episodes and more coming in 2026 (including a powerful message from Becky Thompson on January 1), the Cradled in Hope podcast will continue walking with you in your journey.Ashley also reads several moving Amazon reviews from readers, expressing deep gratitude for how God has used the book to speak healing into broken hearts. She encourages listeners to leave a review as a way of helping more grieving moms discover this hope-filled resource.As the episode closes, Ashley reminds every mom:Your baby’s life has eternal value.Your grief is sacred to God.The hope of Heaven is sure.Jesus is holding you and your baby close. Until we are reunited, He is faithful to carry you every step of the way.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/bookclub16]• 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 ★