Hope Mommies Podcast - Gospel Hope for Grieving Moms

In this episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast, Jennie Parks is joined by Jenny Burghardt for a tender and deeply meaningful conversation about navigating grief within the family after the loss of a baby. Jenny is a wife, mother, and author of More Love to Pour Out: A Redemptive Story of Loss and Meaning for Siblings. After losing her daughter Ruthie, Jenny found herself not only grieving as a mother, but also learning how to help her living child understand the sister he would never meet this side of heaven. Together, they talk about what it looks like to hold grief and love at the same time within a home. Jenny shares about her pregnancy with Ruthie, the experience of carrying another baby while grieving, and the moment she realized the importance of telling her son about the sister he has in heaven. They discuss why it matters for children to know and remember their siblings, and how parents can gently and truthfully explain miscarriage and infant loss in ways that are both age-appropriate and anchored in hope. Jenny offers practical guidance for families who feel unsure of what to say, as well as encouragement for parents who long to honor all of their children, both here and in heaven. This conversation also highlights the heart behind Jenny's book, tracing the progression of love from parent to child, to the baby who died, and ultimately to the greater Love that holds it all together. This episode is for the family learning to carry grief together, for the parent searching for words, and for anyone who desires to help children understand loss through the lens of truth, love, and eternal hope. Links: Buy More Love to Pour Out on Amazon Jenny Burghardt's Facebook Jenny Burghardt's Instagram Hope Mommies Website Subscribe to our Newsletter Join our online Facebook Group Connect with us on Facebook Connect with us on Instagram Podcast Guest Submission Make a Donation Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative.

In this episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast, Jennie sits down with Rachel Dickey for a thoughtful and deeply grounded conversation about pregnancy loss, trauma, theology, and the steady hope we have in Christ. Rachel is a former Labor and Delivery nurse, author, wife, and mom to three boys—two here and one in heaven. After losing her son Asher at eighteen weeks gestation in 2018, Rachel found herself navigating not only overwhelming grief, but also the hard theological questions that often follow the loss of a baby during pregnancy. As someone trained in birth and medicine, she understood the physical realities of pregnancy. But as a grieving mother, she longed for clear biblical truth about the life of her son and the character of God in the midst of heartbreak. That longing led her to write A Water Lily Among the Wildflowers: Hope and Truth for Moms after Pregnancy Loss, a book created to help mothers understand what Scripture says about unborn life, eternity, and the deep ache of loss that can feel invisible or minimized by the world. In this conversation, Jennie and Rachel explore the distinction between grief and trauma and why pregnancy loss often carries both. Rachel speaks candidly about what is commonly misunderstood about pregnancy loss and about difficult theological questions such as whether God values life in the womb and whether mothers will see their babies again in heaven. Rachel also shares how men and women often grieve differently and why it was important for her husband to contribute a chapter in her book specifically for fathers. With pastoral gentleness and biblical clarity, she offers words of encouragement to the mom who feels paralyzed in early grief or who finds herself questioning God's goodness in the aftermath of loss. This episode is for the mother longing for solid ground beneath her feet, for the woman wrestling with spiritual questions, and for anyone who wants to better understand how Scripture speaks to the sacredness of unborn life and the hope of eternity. Links: Rachel's Website Hope Mommies Website Subscribe to our Newsletter Join our online Facebook Group Connect with us on Facebook Connect with us on Instagram Podcast Guest Submission Make a Donation Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby In Loving Memory This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored by Keeley Moore in honor of her precious Hope Baby, Madelyn. She writes, "Happy first birthday, Madelyn. We miss you always and love you forever. We will see you again one day in heaven." A verse that has carried Keeley through this first year without her baby is Psalm 62:5-6. It reads, "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken." Keeley, it is an honor to remember Madelyn with you. Thank you for being part of our community and for sponsoring this episode. If you would like to sponsor a podcast episode in honor of your Hope Baby, or on behalf of a Hope Mom you love, visit hopemommies.org The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative.

Finding reasons to be thankful in the middle of suffering isn't easy. In this episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast, Kristin Hernandez is joined by author and Hope Mom Allison Brost to talk about what it looks like to cultivate gratitude. Allison shares the story of her son Solomon, who went to be with the Lord in 2018, and reflects on how her journey through loss has shaped her relationship with the Lord. Together, they discuss the tension of holding sorrow and thankfulness at the same time, the importance of authentic community, and how God redeems even the broken pieces of our stories. Allison also shares practical ways to nurture a heart of gratitude—including honesty with God, surrender, and remembering His goodness. Whether you're navigating deep grief, struggling to find thankfulness in hard seasons, or simply wanting to root your heart in gratitude, this conversation offers encouragement and hope. This Thanksgiving, we hope you're reminded that gratitude doesn't ignore pain—it transforms it. Allison Brost is an author and independent singer/songwriter from Janesville, Wisconsin. She loves to share daily encouragement online for those journeying in their faith over at This Side of Perfect. Her passion is to share words of hope—both through books and song—that can point people to Jesus and meet them in the hard, the mundane, and every moment inbetween. When she's not busy homeschooling her kids or leading worship, you can find her outside, most likely with a cup of chai in hand. Links: Allison Brost's Website Grateful: 30 Days of Growing in Thankfulness This Side of Perfect: Holding Onto Hope When Life Gets Hard Hope Mommies Website Subscribe to our Newsletter Join our online Facebook Group Connect with us on Facebook Connect with us on Instagram Podcast Guest Submission Make a Donation Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby With Special Thanks This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is made possible by Mother of Wilde. Mother of Wilde creates personalized birth portraits, heirloom prints, and remembrance memorials for families walking through loss. What began as a single print has grown into thousands of cherished keepsakes treasured by families across the country and around the world. Their heart is to honor babies of all ages and trimesters through meaningful, custom prints. With a variety of layouts and styles to choose from, each piece is designed to celebrate the deep love parents have for their sons and daughters. You can learn more on instagram @motherofwilde and place your order at motherofwilde.com. Use the coupon code HOPEMOM for a $5 discount at checkout. The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative.

Kristin Hernandez is joined by Ryan and Jessica McDaniel, licensed professional counselors and founders of McDaniel Counseling, to talk about intimacy, sex, and marriage after the loss of a baby. Drawing from over 15 years of professional counseling experience as well as their own story of loss, Ryan and Jessica offer compassionate, God-centered wisdom for navigating this deeply personal area of marriage. Ryan and Jessica remind us that intimacy is so much more than physical connection—it's knowing and being known, both by our spouse and by God who sees us intimately. Together, we explore practical tools for couples facing misaligned desires, navigating feelings of emotional and physical disconnection, and receiving support from trusted advisors. While this episode may be slightly more PG than our usual content, this topic is handled with the utmost respect, biblical hope, and a heart for helping married couples take steps toward the healing only God can provide. Links: McDaniel Counseling The McDaniel's Recommended Reading List Hope Mommies Website Subscribe to our Newsletter Join our online Facebook Group Connect with us on Facebook Connect with us on Instagram Podcast Guest Submission Make a Donation Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby With Special Thanks This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is made possible by Comfort Candles. Based in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Comfort Candles has been our candle supplier for Hope Boxes for many years, bringing light and comfort to countless women in their grief. Each candle is handcrafted by Ben, their master candle maker, using a premium soy wax blend, all-cotton wicks, and the finest fragrances—resulting in a clean, long-lasting burn. With more than 40 heavenly fragrances to choose from, they also offer wax melts, fragrance sprays, travel tins, and more. We're grateful for the care Comfort Candles pours into every product, and we're excited to share a special offer with you. Use the code HOPE20 for 20% off your order at comfortcandlecompany.com. You can also subscribe to their email list to receive 20% off as a first-time buyer. The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative.

This special episode features the complete audio from the Hope Mommies 2025 Wave of Light event, adapted slightly for podcast format. Every year on October 15—Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day—families around the world light candles at 7:00 PM local time, creating a continuous "wave of light" and raising awareness for miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss. This prerecorded event is designed for you to press play at 7:00 PM in your own time zone, no matter where you live, so you can join us in the wave of light. If you'd like to watch the full event video, you can find it here: Hope Mommies Wave of Light Video Stream This session includes: A message of hope from Jessalyn Hutto Worship led by Jamie Dodson of Flourish Creative, featuring: Come Thou Fount / King of Kings Great Are You Lord Faithful Still

No parent is prepared to hear that their baby's life will likely be far shorter than they imagined. For families walking through a life-limiting diagnosis, pregnancy can become a season of both deep sorrow and deep love. In this episode, Kristin Hernandez is joined by Matt and Taylor Walker, Directors of Family Care at Abel Speaks, to talk about the unique challenges—and unexpected joys—of carrying a baby with a life-limiting diagnosis. Matt and Taylor share the story of their son, Copeland, who was diagnosed with trisomy 18 and lived for 55 precious minutes after birth. They reflect on how God met them in their pain, what prayer looked like in that season, and how their faith was ultimately strengthened through their loss. They also offer practical wisdom for families preparing to welcome a child with a life-limiting diagnosis and share about their current work with Abel Speaks, a ministry that walks alongside parents navigating the same journey. If you or someone you love is facing a prenatal diagnosis, this conversation offers compassion, encouragement, and the reminder that every life—no matter how brief—is deeply valuable and worthy of being cherished. Matt and Taylor Walker live in Oklahoma with their two children, Vera (8) and Jack (4). Their middle child, Copeland, was born in 2019 and lived a brief but deeply impactful life with Trisomy 18. Together, Matt and Taylor serve as Directors of Family Care at Abel Speaks, where they count it a privilege to walk alongside families navigating the heartbreak of a life-limiting diagnosis. Links: Abel Speaks Website Copeland's Story - Abel Speaks Hope Mommies Website Subscribe to our Newsletter Join our online Facebook Group Connect with us on Facebook Connect with us on Instagram Podcast Guest Submission Make a Donation Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby Advertise with us The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative.

In this episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast, host Kristin Hernandez is joined by licensed professional counselor Shundria Riddick for a heartfelt conversation about trauma, emotions, and what it means to live in victory in Christ—even with tear-filled eyes. Shundria shares the heartbreaking story of losing her daughter Grace and her son Caleb, and how God tenderly met her in the midst of her grief and wrestling. Together, we discuss the unique challenges Christian women may face in grief, the reality of suffering as believers, the impact of trauma on the brain and body, and the help that can be found in both community and counseling. Shundria is wife to Chris and the mother of six children–three in her arms and three in the presence of Jesus. She and her husband live outside of Dallas, where she works as a licensed professional counselor. Her counseling practice is focused on guiding others with the truth of God's Word into the hope and freedom that is promised through Christ. You can connect with Shundria at ShundriaRiddick.com. Links: ShundriaRiddick.com Shundria's Story October 15 Info & Pre-orders Hope Mommies Website Join our online Facebook Group Connect with us on Facebook Connect with us on Instagram Podcast Guest Submission Make a Donation Tribute Sponsor: This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored by Michelle and Roman Pavlovich in honor of Anna Joy. Michelle and Roman share, "Happy first birthday Anna Joy! We miss your bright eyes and beautiful smile every day. We love you and are grateful you've been made whole in heaven." Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative.

Host Kristin Hernandez welcomes Ashley Opliger—founder and executive director of Bridget's Cradles—to share how God lovingly draws near in our grief, cradling us in hope as He cradles our babies in heaven. Ashley tells the story of her daughter Bridget, who was stillborn in 2014, and how her loss became the catalyst for a ministry that now provides handmade cradles to bereaved families across the country. Together, Kristin and Ashley talk about bringing our raw emotions to Jesus, the danger of letting feelings define our view of God, and the vital need for sound theology in sorrow. They also discuss Ashley's new book, Cradled in Hope: Trusting Jesus to Heal Your Heart as He Holds Your Baby in Heaven—a biblical guide for grieving miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss. Ashley is married to Matt and is the mother of three—one daughter in heaven and two sons on earth. After Bridget was stillborn at 24 weeks, Ashley left her career as a speech-language pathologist to launch Bridget's Cradles. In addition to leading this ministry, she also hosts the Cradled in Hope podcast. In her free time, she enjoys making memories with family and friends, being outside, playing her electric drums, and studying scripture. P.S. Ashley Opliger is also our 2026 retreat speaker! Join us at our annual Hope Mommies Retreat February 27 - March 1 in Giddings, Texas. Registration opens October 1. Links: Cradled in Hope: Trusting Jesus to Heal Your Heart as He Holds Your Baby in Heaven--A Biblical Guide for Grieving Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss Audio Book: Cradled in Hope Ashley's Website Bridget's Cradles Hope Mommies Website Join our online Facebook Group Connect with us on Facebook Connect with us on Instagram Podcast Guest Submission Make a Donation Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative.