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

This special bonus episode highlights the program from the Wave of Light 2025 event that Bridget’s Cradles hosted in Wichita, Kansas, on October 15, 2025, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. In this episode, we shared: The full program from the 2025 Wave of Light candlelight vigil at Beech Lake, including worship, messages of hope, and the reading of babies’ names in HeavenOpening remarks by emcee Scott Evans and an opening prayer by Pastor John Carney of Central Community ChurchA message from Christ Church Pastor Doug Hodgens, representing this year’s Presenting Sponsor, sharing their mission of compassion and faith in ChristWorship led by Brice Basquez and the Christ Church Worship Band, featuring heartfelt songs such as Firm Foundation, It Is Well, Homesick for Heaven, and Amazing GraceBrice’s personal testimony of loss, faith, and the sustaining hope of JesusAshley Opliger’s speech, which included gratitude for sponsors, volunteers, and families; a tribute to Susan Burrus and the Burrus family; fundraising updates for the Shine Their Light campaign; and excerpts from her book Cradled in Hope connecting each worship song to Scripture and themes of Heaven, healing, and eternal reunion with our babies.Recognition of fundraising families, including Stephen and Laura Ondrovich, who received the Shine Their Light Award in memory of their son ThomasA call to faith and salvation, inviting attendees to find hope in Jesus and connect with local churches for ongoing supportThe Hope Walk—a candlelit remembrance through rows of 50,000 pink, blue, and white lights, followed by a lantern release over the lake as each baby’s name was lovingly read aloudThe Reading of Names of Babies in Heaven (for families that registered, attended, or sponsored the event)A closing performance of “Amazing Grace” and final words of gratitude to all who made the night possibleThe episode captures a sacred evening of remembrance, worship, and community—celebrating the promise that one day, we will see our babies again in Heaven through faith in Jesus Christ.EPISODE SHOW NOTES:https://www.bridgetscradles.com/post/waveoflight2025CRADLED 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 ★

In this episode, Ashley speaks to the deep wounds that can come from others’ words—or their silence—after the loss of a baby. Centered on Chapter 8 of Cradled in Hope, “They Know Not What They Do: When You Are Hurt by Others,” she gently walks alongside grieving moms who have experienced secondary pain in the wake of their primary loss. Whether through insensitive comments or heartbreaking absence, Ashley shares how Jesus understands—and how He calls us to respond with grace.Through personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical tools, Ashley invites listeners to process their relational grief with honesty and hope. With heartfelt compassion, she shares how Jesus, even in His own suffering, forgave those who hurt Him—and how we, too, can follow His example, even when it’s hard.In this episode, Ashley shared:How a stranger’s comment at a park triggered unexpected waves of griefThe “Tale of Two Cups” analogy that explains why small remarks can feel so big when our emotional cup is fullThe concept of the “Grace Cup”—a mindset of pre-filling our hearts with grace for othersReal-life examples of insensitive things people say—and how to lovingly respond or set boundariesHow to identify your love language in grief and communicate your specific needs to othersWhy some friendships fade while others deepen—and how grief can clarify who your true community isEncouragement to forgive those who’ve hurt you, even if they never realize it—just as Jesus did on the crossAn invitation to find support through Bridget’s Cradles’ Hope Online groups or your local communityAshley reminds us that while grief may reveal who stands beside us and who stays silent, God is always faithful. And He often brings new, meaningful relationships in the midst of our pain. In Jesus, we find the grace to forgive, the wisdom to communicate, and the strength to heal.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/bookclub9]• 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 episode, Ashley walks tenderly through one of the hardest struggles grieving mothers face: trusting that God is still good, even after the loss of a baby. In Chapter 6 of Cradled in Hope, “For He is Good: When You Question Who God Is,” she unpacks the emotional, theological, and spiritual wrestlings that come when prayers go unanswered—and babies die.To help grieving hearts rebuild trust in God’s character, Ashley shares five biblical attributes that anchor our faith in who God is, even in the most devastating times of life. This chapter is structured around these five truths as pillars of hope for moms who are asking, “If God is good, why did this happen?” With honesty, compassion, and Scripture, Ashley reminds us that God’s goodness is not changed by our circumstances—but by His unchanging character.The 5 Key Attributes of God that Ashley explores in the chapter:God is Good– He is blameless, loving, and kind.God is Sovereign – He is in control, even when our lives feel like chaos.God is Just– He is fair and righteous, and will make all things right one day.God is Faithful– He keeps His promises and never leaves us.God is Immutable (Unchanging) – His character never changes. He is constant and secure.Ashley acknowledges how grief can shake our faith and make us question everything we thought we knew about God. But rather than hiding from the hard questions, she invites us to bring them into the light. Through Scripture and personal experience, she guides listeners back to the firm foundation of who God is, even in the midst of their heartbreak.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/bookclub7]• 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 episode, Ashley addresses one of the most common and vulnerable aspects of grief and faith: doubt. In Chapter 4 of Cradled in Hope, “A Firm Foundation: When You Wrestle with Doubts,” she shares why it’s vital to know what you believe about Jesus and why. With honesty and conviction, Ashley lays out the case for Christ’s identity as the risen Savior and explains why our hope of seeing our babies again rests entirely on the truth of the Gospel.This chapter provides a gentle introduction to apologetics and helps grieving moms wrestle through the hard questions of faith, especially when it feels like God is distant or unseen. Ashley walks through biblical evidence, historical testimony, and personal reflection, making a compelling case for why Jesus is not a lunatic or liar—but truly the Lord. When the ground beneath us feels shaky, this chapter offers a firm place to stand: Christ alone.In this episode, Ashley shared:Why it’s essential to know why you believe what you believe, especially when grievingA raw moment of doubt: wishing to see Heaven and Bridget face-to-face for comfort and assuranceThe struggle of believing in a God we cannot see, and Paul’s encouragement to live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:6–7)The example of “Doubting Thomas” and why even the apostles wrestled with belief after the resurrectionA breakdown of C.S. Lewis’ famous apologetics argument: Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or the LordWhy the testimony of the disciples—who were tortured and martyred for proclaiming Jesus—matters so deeplyThe power of eyewitness accounts and how the resurrection is central to our eternal hopeBridget’s name meaning (“Strongest Faith”) and the significance of naming your babyWhy our core beliefs about life, death, and eternity shape how we grieve and healAshley invites listeners to reflect on their own faith journey and ask honest questions. She reminds us that faith doesn’t mean we never wrestle, but it means we keep leaning in, trusting that Jesus truly is who He said He is: the Way, the Truth, and the Life.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/bookclub5]• 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 episode, Ashley explores one of the most tender and difficult aspects of grief: the feeling of abandonment by God. In Chapter 2, "Broken and Bleeding: When You Feel Abandoned by God," Ashley shares her personal wrestling with faith during her pregnancy with Bridget and the raw questions that arose when her prayers went unanswered. With profound honesty and biblical truth, she unpacks how to grieve in the tension between what our hearts feel and what our heads know to be true.This chapter is an invitation to examine your core beliefs about God, especially when pain tempts you to question His goodness or presence. Ashley shares how to shift your perspective from a feeling-driven view of God to a truth-rooted faith grounded in Scripture. Through theology, personal experience, and practical steps, she reminds us that we are not alone in our grief—Jesus is with us in the darkness, and there is light at the end of the tunnel.In this episode, Ashley shared:Her personal struggle with feeling forsaken by God during her pregnancy complications with BridgetWhy understanding original sin is key to rightly viewing the cause of suffering and baby lossA powerful moment of identifying with Jesus as broken and bleeding—and how our Savior relates to our physical and emotional painThe difference between letting your feelings shape your view of God vs. letting God’s truth reshape your feelings and circumstancesHow a right view of God leads to trust, and how a wrong view leads to mistrust The danger of the prosperity gospel and how it can distort our understanding of suffering and blessingThe critical importance of reading the Bible with the right hermeneutic (interpretation method)Why Scripture is the balm our souls need in grief, even when it feels hard to open the BibleAshley invites listeners to sit honestly with their doubts, bring their questions to God, and allow His Word to bring clarity, comfort, and truth in the middle of confusion. She gently reminds us that the tunnel of grief is still dark, even with Jesus—but with Him, we are never alone, and there is light at the end.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/bookclub3]• 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 ★

Join us for a sacred conversation as Ashley Opliger kicks off the Cradled in Hope Book Club on launch day, July 22nd. In this heartfelt introduction episode, Ashley shares the powerful story behind the book, from the long road to publication to the sudden loss of her father just after submitting her manuscript. With raw vulnerability and deep faith, she explains how this book became even more personal in the wake of fresh grief.Ashley unpacks the unique structure of Cradled in Hope and shares her prayer for how it will minister to moms who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. She introduces the heart behind the preface (“Hands”) and the introduction (“Hugs at the Door”) and describes how each chapter is designed to move readers from heartbreak to healing through Jesus. This episode sets the foundation for a grace-filled journey through grief and points to the only One who can truly cradle us in hope.In this episode, Ashley shared:The heartfelt backstory of Cradled in Hope, including how her own journey through grief—first with Bridget and then with the sudden loss of her dad—deepened the message and tone of the bookHer emotional dedication of the book to her daughter Bridget, her Savior Jesus, and her father Steven, including a touching poem he wrote that's printed in the bookThe structure and layout of the book, and how it’s designed to move grieving moms from heartbreak to healing, grounded in biblical truthThe companion Cradled in Hope Guided Journal, available as a free download or printed version, to help moms reflect and engage more deeply with each chapterHow each chapter title is intentionally written to offer a spiritual truth or comfort paired with a relatable emotion or struggle in griefA powerful look at the Preface (“Hands”) and Introduction (“Hugs at the Door”), and how these sections invite moms to feel seen, known, and lovingly welcomed into the book and communityThe importance of inviting Jesus into the center of our pain and trusting Him to walk with us through the darkest seasons of lossAshley also shared her vision for this podcast book club as a safe place for grieving moms to walk chapter by chapter together, like sitting with a friend in the little blue barn in Kechi, Kansas. She invites each listener to come as they are, bring their broken heart, and begin this sacred journey of grieving with 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/bookclub1]• 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 tender and powerful episode, Ashley welcomes her dear friend Kristin Hernandez back to the Cradled in Hope Podcast—this time, not as the guest, but as the one asking the questions. Kristin, a longtime ministry partner, fellow grieving mom, and author of Sunlight in December, turns the microphone around to interview Ashley about her upcoming book, Cradled in Hope.Together, they share a sacred and heartfelt conversation about grief, faith, and the story behind the book. Ashley opens up about the writing process, the spiritual and emotional depths she revisited to bring comfort to hurting moms, and how God’s timing—even through the tragedy of losing her father to a drunk driver—shaped the final manuscript. Kristin shares how deeply the book ministered to her heart, even a decade after the loss of her son, Ethan. Through tears and truth, these two friends remind grieving moms that they are seen, loved, and never alone.This episode is the first in a two-part series where Kristin interviews Ashley. It marks the beginning of a special summer season leading up to the launch of Cradled in Hope and the companion Book Club podcast series beginning July 22.In this episode, we discussed:Why Cradled in Hope was written and how it offers biblical truth, compassionate guidance, and practical wisdom for grieving momsThe vision behind the book’s structure and how each chapter addresses a specific emotion or struggleKristin’s personal reaction to reading the book and how God used it to minister to her heart, even ten years into her grief journeyThe importance of meeting moms in both the raw pain of fresh loss and the long road of ongoing healingHow Ashley revisited her early grief through journals and how her father’s death during the editing process deepened the book’s emotional depthHonoring Ashley’s dad, Steve Golik, in the book—including the poem he wrote for Bridget and the special story of editing the manuscript on his computerThe meaning behind the title Cradled in Hope and the cover illustration of Jesus cradling both a baby in Heaven and a grieving mom on earthWhy our hope isn’t wishful thinking—it’s rooted in the unshakable truth of Jesus, who holds both us and our babiesWhat to expect from the upcoming Cradled in Hope Book Club podcast series launching July 22This episode is a gentle invitation to trust Jesus to heal your heart as He holds your baby in Heaven. Whether you are newly grieving or years into your journey, Cradled in Hope is a tender companion to walk with you toward healing, with Gospel truth and eternal hope on every page.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/episode62-1]• 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 ★