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

In this episode, Ashley walks through Chapter 13 of Cradled in Hope, “With the Same Comfort: When You Want to Use Your Grief for Good.” She reflects on how God can use our heartbreak to minister to others and reminds grieving moms that purpose flows from a transformed heart—not from striving or pressure to “make meaning” out of tragedy.

Ashley shares a powerful story about the day of Bridget’s funeral and how their procession unknowingly passed by the future headquarters of Bridget’s Cradles—a building not yet built, but already known to God. This moment, years later, became a testimony to His faithfulness and sovereign plan.

In this episode, Ashley shared:

• The story of Bridget’s funeral day and the moment sunbeams broke through the clouds over the cemetery

• Why grief feels unbearable at first and how Ashley once told God, “Nothing good will ever come from this”

• How years of walking through loss, including her dad’s death, revealed that God could redeem her pain for good

• A reflection on 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 and how we’re called to comfort others with the same comfort we’ve received from God

• Why moms don’t need to strive to honor their babies—their value is inherent, and they are already honored in Heaven

• The distinction between serving God from love and gratitude vs. striving to earn worth or validation

• How Bridget’s Cradles is not just a grief project but a ministry rooted in obedience and the Great Commission

• Encouragement that everyone’s calling will look different—and why obedience in small acts is where impact begins

• How her ministry started with a single cradle in Bridget’s nursery, and grew through thousands of small, unseen yeses

• An explanation of the difference between purpose (which is always to serve Jesus) and calling (which is specific to each woman)

• Testimonies of grieving moms who’ve found unique ways to serve others and share the hope of Christ

• A reminder that we may never see the fruit of our obedience here on earth—but God sees every seed planted

• An encouragement to keep serving, keep shining, and keep running your race until the day you hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Ashley reminds us that we are called to serve the one who sees us—Jesus—and to love the one in front of us, even in small ways. We don’t have to do something grand. We just have to begin.

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/bookclub14]

• 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 12 of Cradled in Hope, “More Than Gold: When You Allow God to Transform You,” and reflects on how her faith has been shaped through trials—even before losing Bridget. She shares how past hardships prepared her to walk through grief with Jesus and how those earlier seasons of suffering laid a foundation of trust in God's goodness.

Ashley explains that transformation doesn’t mean moving on from grief—it’s about sanctification: becoming more like Christ through the pain. Rooted in 1 Peter 1:6–7, she talks about how God can use the fire of loss to refine our faith. With honesty and hope, she encourages grieving moms to surrender their broken hearts to Jesus and to consider how He might be working in them—even in the midst of deep sorrow.

In this episode, Ashley shared:

• How suffering is often the way Jesus molds and refines us through trials

• The biblical meaning behind the title “More Than Gold” from 1 Peter 1:6–7

• Her personal story of walking through many painful trials—including a divorce due to adultery, Bridget’s death, her son Brenner’s medical crisis, and her father’s tragic death

• A chart she includes in the book illustrating that in life, we are always either about to enter, in the middle of, or coming out of a trial

• How her questions to God have shifted over time—from “Why me?” to “What do You want to teach me through this?”

• Why pruning is part of the process of bearing more fruit for God’s Kingdom (John 15)

• How our desperation in grief leads us into deeper dependence on Jesus

• Scriptural promises that link suffering with future glory and purpose

• The urgency to live for eternity, invest in Heavenly treasure, and serve God out of gratitude—not obligation

Ashley gently reminds moms that God never wastes our pain. If we allow Him, He will take the ashes of grief and turn them into something more beautiful and eternal than we could ever imagine—faith that is more precious than gold.

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/bookclub13]

• 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 shares a deeply personal story of how grief resurfaced during her third pregnancy, years after the loss of her daughter Bridget. Centered on Chapter 11 of Cradled in Hope, “Holding Both: When You Experience Both Joy and Sorrow,” she reflects on how conflicting emotions—gratitude and grief, joy and sadness—can coexist and create confusion, guilt, and shame for grieving moms.

Through honest storytelling and gentle encouragement, Ashley invites listeners to reframe “either/or” thinking into “both/and” truth. With grace, she reminds moms that it’s possible to feel immense love for one child while still mourning another, and that sorrow and joy can live side-by-side in the sacred space of a grieving mother’s heart.

In this episode, Ashley shared:

• The emotional experience of finding out her third child was a boy, and the waves of unexpected grief that followed

• The phrase “holding both” and how her counselor introduced it as a healing framework for complex emotions

• How expectations versus reality can lead to disappointment—and how the enemy uses that gap to plant lies

• Real-life examples of “both/and” experiences in grief (e.g., being thankful and heartbroken, smiling while missing your baby)

• Why joy does not cancel out sorrow, and laughter is not a betrayal of your grief

• The temptation to tie grief up with a “rainbow baby” happy ending—and why only Jesus can be our redemption

• How rainbow babies can bring joy, but should never bear the burden of being our hope or healing

• Encouragement to trust God’s sovereignty even when your story doesn’t go the way you planned

Ashley reminds grieving moms that time alone does not heal all wounds—but Jesus does. And though we live in the tension now, one day in Heaven, we will no longer have to hold both—because we’ll be holding our babies again.

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/bookclub12]

• 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 the many ways grief after losing a baby can trigger anxiety, panic, and overwhelm in daily life. Centered on Chapter 10 of Cradled in Hope, she shares real examples of past, present, and future (anticipatory) triggers and how they impact grieving moms emotionally and physically. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical wisdom, Ashley offers practical tools for navigating triggers and renewing your mind through Christ.

Ashley shared:

• The difference between past, present, and future triggers—and examples of each from real life (like birth trauma, seeing baby items in stores, or dreading future events)

• Why grieving moms may relive the past or spiral in anxious thoughts (including "what if" ruminations and anticipatory anxiety)

• The neuroscience behind trauma and anxiety—including how amygdala hijack and the nervous system affect your reactions

• Practical ways to protect your heart and set healthy boundaries during grief (social media breaks, saying no to events, unfollowing or muting triggers)

• How to prepare for difficult situations and give yourself grace to step away if needed

• The power of grounding techniques and Scripture to calm your nervous system and refocus on the present

• How worship, biblical imagery, and speaking affirmations can bring peace in moments of panic

• Encouragement to seek counseling or professional help for intense grief, anxiety, or depression—alongside Christ-centered support groups

Ashley reminds grieving moms that protecting your heart is not selfish—it’s a wise and loving act that gives Jesus space to heal you. When we choose to invite Him into the overwhelm, He replaces our panic with His peace.

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/bookclub11]

• 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

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 Heaven
• Opening remarks by emcee Scott Evans and an opening prayer by Pastor John Carney of Central Community Church
• A message from Christ Church Pastor Doug Hodgens, representing this year’s Presenting Sponsor, sharing their mission of compassion and faith in Christ
• Worship 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 Grace
• Brice’s personal testimony of loss, faith, and the sustaining hope of Jesus
• Ashley 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 Thomas
• A call to faith and salvation, inviting attendees to find hope in Jesus and connect with local churches for ongoing support
• The 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 aloud
• The 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 possible

The 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/waveoflight2025

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