In this profoundly powerful episode, Ashley welcomes national bestselling author and Midnight Mom Devotional founder Becky Thompson back to the podcast to talk about her newest book, Healing Rest. Together, they share an unforgettable conversation about rest for the weary, peace for the anxious, and the healing presence of Jesus for grieving hearts.

What begins as an interview soon becomes a Spirit-led encounter with God’s tender presence. Becky invites listeners into the “closet” of vulnerability and surrender—the safe place where we meet Jesus, fall apart in His arms, and find the rest our souls are desperately craving. Through stories, Scripture, prayer, and Holy Spirit-led moments of pause, this episode offers more than just words—it offers sacred space to be held by the One who knows your pain and never leaves your side.

Whether you are overwhelmed by grief, carrying the weight of trauma, or longing for peace in the midst of chaos, this episode is a gentle invitation to experience healing rest in the arms of Jesus.

In this episode, we discussed:

• Becky's inspiration for writing Healing Rest and how it builds upon her previous book Peace
  
  
• Why grief reveals the world isn’t safe—and how we can still rest in the safety of Jesus’ presence

• The “closet moment”: where we break down, cry, surrender, and are tenderly met by the Comforter

• The difference between pushing through and truly surrendering what we carry

• What it means to be safely held, even in a broken world

• A Spirit-led, guided invitation to closet time with Jesus—including a real-time prayer experience

• Practical steps for slowing down, calming a dysregulated nervous system, and finding rest for your body, mind, and soul

• The importance of reading God’s Word as a place to encounter His presence, not just gain knowledge

• Healing from trauma and grief by asking Jesus where He was in your story

• The eternal perspective: what it means to be held by the same arms that cradle your baby in Heaven

This is not just an episode to listen to—it’s one to experience. A holy moment to sit still, breathe deep, and let Jesus meet you right where you are. If your heart is heavy, come and find rest. If your soul is weary, let Him hold you. You are safely held. You are deeply loved. And you are cradled in 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/episode63]

• 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

In this final episode of the Cradled in Hope Book Club, Ashley reflects on the sacred journey of walking chapter by chapter through grief and healing alongside grieving moms from across the country. She offers heartfelt thanks to every listener who showed up, shared their tears, and let Jesus meet them in the midst of sorrow.

Reading a section from the final pages of the book, Ashley compares this closing moment to a “Midwest goodbye”—the kind where no one really wants to leave. With tenderness, she reminds grieving moms that this is not goodbye, but see you later. The journey doesn't end here, and Jesus has more to show you.

Ashley shares how you can continue your healing:

• Cradled in Hope Guided Journal – Available on Amazon or as a free download, the journal provides guided prompts, Scripture reflections, and sacred space to continue processing your grief with Jesus.

• YouVersion 7-Day Devotional – A short and powerful series drawn from the book to help you stay grounded in God’s Word when you need a quick dose of truth.

• Support Groups – Both in-person (Kansas) and virtual (Hope Online), Bridget’s Cradles offers Christ-centered community for grieving moms.

• Free eBooks – Practical and compassionate resources for every stage of the grief journey, from preparing to meet your baby to navigating holidays and anniversaries.

• Re-read the Book + Journal Together – With time, new truths will stand out. Healing is not linear, and God reveals new layers as we walk with Him.

• Share Hope – Gift a copy of the book to a grieving friend, hospital, or church to help others find comfort and hope in their darkest days.

• Keep Listening to the Podcast – With over 60 episodes and more coming in 2026 (including a powerful message from Becky Thompson on January 1), the Cradled in Hope podcast will continue walking with you in your journey.

Ashley also reads several moving Amazon reviews from readers, expressing deep gratitude for how God has used the book to speak healing into broken hearts. She encourages listeners to leave a review as a way of helping more grieving moms discover this hope-filled resource.

As the episode closes, Ashley reminds every mom:

• Your baby’s life has eternal value.
• Your grief is sacred to God.
• The hope of Heaven is sure.

Jesus is holding you and your baby close. Until we are reunited, He is faithful to carry you every step of the way.

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/bookclub16]

• 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

In this episode, Ashley walks through Chapter 14 of Cradled in Hope, “Our Future Forever: When You Long for Your Heavenly Home.” She invites grieving moms to set their eyes on eternity and live with urgency, hope, and peace in the promise that Jesus is coming back—and that we will be reunited with our babies in Heaven.

Ashley shares vivid memories of the day Bridget was born and went to Heaven, and how the fleeting nature of time shaped her longing for eternity. Through Scripture and personal reflections, she explains the biblical truth of the Resurrection, why she believes it is coming soon, and how we are called to live as we wait for Jesus’ return.

In this episode, Ashley shared:

• Why she ended the book by focusing on eternity and the return of Jesus

• A powerful visual using a skein of yarn to represent how brief our time on earth is compared to eternity

• Scriptural truths about the Resurrection, glorified bodies, and our Heavenly citizenship

• The comfort of knowing her daughter Bridget is already part of her eternal family

• Reflections on her own mortality and how the sudden loss of her dad deepened her desire to live with intention

• The difference between the Rapture and Second Coming, and why Ashley believes Jesus could return in our lifetime

• How Christians are called to “keep their lamps burning” and shine the light of Jesus as they wait

• A fresh perspective on the story of Lazarus and how it mirrors our hope in Jesus’ Resurrection power

• The word “Maranatha” and how it shaped the closing of this chapter and the entire book—He is coming soon!

Ashley encourages listeners to live every day with the mindset of “one day closer,” believing that suffering has an expiration date and that joy is coming forever. No matter how heavy the grief, there is a future full of glory and reunion ahead.

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/bookclub15]

• 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