Episode 48: Cradled in Hope - second trimester loss, God's nearness in grief, and the importance of sound theology with Ashley Opliger

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.