Cradled in Hope | Gospel-Focused Podcast for Grieving Moms

Ashley Opliger of Bridget's Cradles
Cradled in Hope | Gospel-Focused Podcast for Grieving Moms Podcast

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!

  1. 52 | Praying for a Child or Baby in a Medical Crisis | Eric Schumacher & Jessika Sanders

    1 SEPT

    52 | Praying for a Child or Baby in a Medical Crisis | Eric Schumacher & Jessika Sanders

    Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Eric Schumacher and Jessika Sanders about how to pray for a child or baby in a medical crisis. Eric is a grieving father and author of Ours: Biblical Comfort for Men Grieving Miscarriage. Jessika is the founder and Executive Director of Praying through Ministries. Together, they wrote In His Hands: Prayers for Your Child or Baby in a Medical Crisis. In this episode, we discussed: Going to God before GoogleSurrendering our children's lives to the LordThe impact of trauma on our brainsThe power of intercessory prayerAll about their book, In His HandsWhen God doesn't answer our prayers in our timing or waysTrials and how they build our (and our kids') testimonySuffering and our sanctificationReasons why we believe in JesusPraying through Ministries and how they help grieving families• EPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:[www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode52] • 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 ★

    58 min
  2. 51 | Preaching Truth to Myself After Losing Three Sons | Sara Horton

    1 JUL

    51 | Preaching Truth to Myself After Losing Three Sons | Sara Horton

    Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Sara Horton, a bereaved mom, and a perinatal bereavement nurse. Sara has experienced the loss of three boys, all born sleeping. She received cradles for two of her sons and began attending Hope Online. Sara is passionate about sharing Christ's truth and hope with grieving moms struggling to understand God's goodness while suffering through deep waters.  In this episode, we discussed: How stepping out of her comfort zone (to attend Hope Online) blessed herWhat is it like attending a support group for the first time?Reconciling your circumstances with your faithThe difference between our spiritual good and our materialistic goodWrestling with doubt and resting in the Truth of God's Word"Even if" kind of faithPracticing biblical lamentSanctification in sufferingBeing honest with God and expressing your emotionsPraying even when you don't have the wordsIs there a quota on trials and tribulations?Rethinking what it means to be brokenWhat is the difference between joy and happiness?Advice for nurses caring for grieving families• EPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:[www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode51] • 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 ★

    43 min
  3. 50 | Men Grieving Miscarriage | Eric Schumacher

    1 JUN

    50 | Men Grieving Miscarriage | Eric Schumacher

    Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Eric Schumacher, author of Ours: Biblical Comfort for Men Grieving Miscarriage. After experiencing multiple miscarriages in his marriage, Eric felt called to write a book for fellow dads, encouraging them to grieve alongside their wives. He journeys through the Gospel of Luke to lead dads to Jesus. In this episode, we discussed: Compounded grief, how it impacts us, and why we need to grieve wellDoes time heal all wounds?The different components of loss and how we experience them over timeSanctification in the midst of griefJesus as a friend and how He showed us it's okay to show emotionWhy don't we blame Satan for our loss?Nothing is outside God's controlGod is the only solution to our painWhy we should read the Gospels and run to JesusPractical ways for fathers to grieveHow a husband can support his wife (even when he can't fix it)An explanation of a father's grief timeline after pregnancy lossSharing grief in marriage, even when spouses grieve differently• EPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:[www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode50] • 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 ★

    45 min
  4. 49 | We Shall All Be Changed | Whitney Pipkin

    1 MAY

    49 | We Shall All Be Changed | Whitney Pipkin

    Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Whitney Pipkin, author of We Shall All Be Changed. Whitney wrote the book after experiencing the loss of two babies to miscarriage and her mom after a twenty-year battle with cancer. She reminds us that God changes us through grief, often in unexpected and beautiful ways. In this episode, we discussed: Holding joy and sorrow togetherHaving a timid hope through pregnancyCoping with anticipatory grief and facing grief head-onDeveloping a "theology of death" using the metanarrative of ScriptureThe difference between redemption and consummationWhen will our hearts be healed?1 Corinthians 15 and the ResurrectionSharing in the sufferings of ChristHow to feel the Lord's presenceThe story of Elijah and why eating and sleeping is importantWhy sanctification is more important than trying to perform or be productiveSitting in the hard parts so we can stay soft and allow God to mold us Receiving Christ's care Taking care of living children after pregnancy lossStewarding your sadness in your kids' lives EPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT: www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode49CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources www.bridgetscradles.com/podcastCRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS: www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhopeFOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES www.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradlesCONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER www.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

    41 min
  5. 48 | My Baby Died When I Got COVID | Mattie Steinhilpert

    1 APR

    48 | My Baby Died When I Got COVID | Mattie Steinhilpert

    Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Mattie Steinhilpert, who lost her daughter, Sloane, after getting sick with COVID in her pregnancy. Mattie shares the story of how God saved her when she was on the brink of death herself. Sadly, her daughter died after delivery. Mattie and her husband relied on their faith in God to get them through the devastating, traumatic experience they faced so early in their marriage. With their hope in Heaven, they found renewed joy and purpose as God continued to grow their family. In this episode, we discussed:• COVID and its impact on pregnancy and placentas• What it was like being on the news right after their daughter's death • Being surrounded by Christ-like love in the hospital • Asking the Lord to provide the strength to get through each moment • Choosing to rely on their faith in the midst of deep grief • Jesus is the only solution to our problem • Navigating the loss of a baby in the first year of marriage • Growing love and respect for our spouse through grief • How grief changed when they had another little girl • Rainbow babies are not replacement babies • Giving grace and forgiveness to people who say the wrong thing • Breaking free from victim mentality • Why she loves Romans 8:28 and Numbers 6:24-26 • Looking forward to Jesus' return • EPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:[www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode48] • 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 ★

    59 min
  6. 46 | I Used to Be Pregnant | Chuck and Ashley Elliott

    1 FEB

    46 | I Used to Be Pregnant | Chuck and Ashley Elliott

    Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Chuck and Ashley Elliott about navigating the relational aspects of loss. Drawing from their own loss experience and their background as counselors, Chuck and Ashley share helpful advice on how to face the complexities of grief.  After experiencing recurrent miscarriage, Chuck and Ashley felt called to write a book called I Used to Be which provides biblical and mental health techniques to develop healthy ways to see yourself, your life, and your loved ones. We discuss these techniques and the intricacies of handling the hurt others may cause us in grief. You will be blessed and encouraged by the practical wisdom they share! In this episode, we discussed: Keeping our faith intact when we feel distant from GodPraising God in the midst of the painNeutralizing emotional triggers in griefGiving grace to those who have hurt usThe ways that grief lies to usHow to help people help usThe importance of communicating our needsGrieving in marriage from the father's perspectiveComparison and why it is destructiveWhy they wrote the book, I Used to BeEPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode46 CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcast CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradles CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger #cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

    51 min
  7. 45 | Miscarried Hope | Rachel Lohman

    1 JAN

    45 | Miscarried Hope | Rachel Lohman

    Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Rachel Lohman, founder of Hope Again Collective and the author of Miscarried Hope. After losing her first baby to miscarriage, Rachel felt that the rug had been pulled out from underneath her and her faith. Over time, God led her to recover her faith and hope in Him by trusting in His goodness despite her circumstances. In this episode, we discussed: Struggling with your faith after lossReconciling His goodness during difficult timesThe Five Stages of Hope from her bookHow Jesus modeled how to grieve during His time on earthWhy Rachel wrote Miscarried HopeAll about Rachel's jewelry line for bereaved moms, Hope Again CollectiveThe role of empathy in supporting a friend or family member who lost a babyFinding purpose in pain (and having a posture of open-handedness)Encouragement for moms fresh in griefEPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode45 CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resourceswww.bridgetscradles.com/podcast CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLESwww.facebook.com/bridgetscradleswww.instagram.com/bridgetscradleswww.pinterest.com/bridgetscradles CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGERwww.ashleyopliger.comwww.facebook.com/ashleyopligerwww.instagram.com/ashleyopliger #cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles ★ Support this podcast ★

    44 min

About

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!

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