Cradled in Hope | Gospel-Focused Podcast for Grieving Moms

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

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. 54 | Managing Emotions in Grief with Science + Scripture | Alicia Michelle

    NOV 1

    54 | Managing Emotions in Grief with Science + Scripture | Alicia Michelle

    Join us for a hope-filled conversation with Alicia Michelle about managing emotions in grief with science and Scripture. Alicia, who previously shared her story of losing her son in an early miscarriage in Episode 12 of the Cradled in Hope Podcast, has recently written a book titled Emotional Confidence. Using three simple steps from her book, Alicia shares how we can face difficult emotions and choose to live differently in light of them. As we focus on God's character while at the same time caring for our brains & bodies, healing can happen. Alicia shares practical wisdom for grieving moms to navigate their grief journey, blending faith with their emotional well-being. In this episode, we discussed: A framework for managing emotionsWhat are the 3 steps (Acknowledge, Discern, Decide)?Choosing where we emotionally dwellWhat happens if we get stuck?How to move past culture's expectations of usThe emotional icebergIt's okay to hate deathDisconnect between our heart and headCracks in the foundation of our faithThe mystery of GodWhat is "emotional prep"?Being good stewards of our bodies• EPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:[www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode54] • 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 ★

    57 min
  2. 53 | Leelynd's Story with NBC's The Voice Josh Sanders and His Wife, Kendra

    OCT 1

    53 | Leelynd's Story with NBC's The Voice Josh Sanders and His Wife, Kendra

    Join us for a hope-filled conversation with NBC's The Voice contestant Josh Sanders and his wife, Kendra. Josh was the runner-up on Season 25 of The Voice on Team Reba McEntire. On national television, Josh shared his story of losing his precious son, Leelynd, in 2020 on his own birthday. When his story aired, NBC showed a photo of him and Kendra holding Leelynd in a Bridget's cradle. Ashley [Bridget's Cradles founder + Cradled in Hope podcast host] and Kendra connected and formed a friendship. In this episode, you'll hear Josh and Kendra share Leelynd's story and how they navigated their grief journey both individually and as a couple. Grounded in their faith in God and commitment to each other, they authentically share the ups and downs of marriage after loss. You won't want to miss hearing their honest and vulnerable testimony of hope in the midst of deep pain. Exciting Announcement: This month, Josh and Kendra are flying from their home state of North Carolina to Bridget's Cradles headquarters in Wichita, Kansas. Josh will sing at Bridget's Cradles' event, Wave of Light, on October 15th, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Visit www.bridgetscradles.com/waveoflight for more information and to register to attend! In this episode, we discussed: Grief is a symptom of loveWhat it looks like when spouses grieve differentlyLosing a baby and having a funeral during the pandemicMarital tension after lossSurface-level feelings vs. deeper soul emotionsWhy Josh auditioned for NBC's The VoiceHis experience being on the show on Reba's teamHolding our life plans looselySpiritual warfare in griefWhy we shouldn't pretend to be put togetherHow God takes our mess and turns it into a messageTheir experience holding Leelynd in a Bridget's cradleJosh singing at Wave of Light 2024 and their hopes for the eventA special prayer from Josh for grieving parents• EPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:[www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode53] • 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 ★

    1h 13m
  3. 52 | Praying for a Child or Baby in a Medical Crisis | Eric Schumacher & Jessika Sanders

    SEP 1

    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
  4. 51 | Preaching Truth to Myself After Losing Three Sons | Sara Horton

    JUL 1

    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
  5. 50 | Men Grieving Miscarriage | Eric Schumacher

    JUN 1

    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
  6. 49 | We Shall All Be Changed | Whitney Pipkin

    MAY 1

    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
  7. 48 | My Baby Died When I Got COVID | Mattie Steinhilpert

    APR 1

    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
5
out of 5
198 Ratings

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!

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada