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 book

• Her 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 book

• The structure and layout of the book, and how it’s designed to move grieving moms from heartbreak to healing, grounded in biblical truth

• The companion Cradled in Hope Guided Journal, available as a free download or printed version, to help moms reflect and engage more deeply with each chapter

• How each chapter title is intentionally written to offer a spiritual truth or comfort paired with a relatable emotion or struggle in grief

• A 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 community

• The importance of inviting Jesus into the center of our pain and trusting Him to walk with us through the darkest seasons of loss

Ashley 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

In this second part of a deeply heartfelt conversation, Ashley continues her discussion with dear friend and fellow grieving mom, Kristin Hernandez, as they dive deeper into the story behind Cradled in Hope. With warmth, vulnerability, and unwavering faith, Ashley shares how the book was born out of her ministry work, her personal healing journey following the loss of her daughter, Bridget, and her longing to walk alongside grieving mothers with truth and compassion.

They explore how the book was shaped by years of support group ministry at Bridget’s Cradles, Ashley’s own story of loss, and the refining grief of losing her father during the final stages of editing. Ashley also offers an inside look at the writing and publication process—from weekends spent writing in quiet solitude to the God-ordained partnership with her literary agent and publisher. Through it all, her desire is to point hurting hearts to the comfort of Christ and the eternal hope of Heaven.

This episode is an honest and hope-filled look at the heart, process, and purpose behind Cradled in Hope. Whether you are newly grieving or supporting someone who is, Ashley’s vulnerability and biblical encouragement will remind you that you are not alone—and you are cradled in hope.

In this episode, we discussed:

• How Cradled in Hope originated from years of support group messages and real conversations with grieving moms

• The structure of the book: felt needs as subtitles and biblical truth as chapter titles

• How the book ties into the mission of Bridget’s Cradles and serves as more than a book—it’s a doorway to community and Christ-centered healing

• The free downloadable Cradled in Hope Journal companion guide and how it complements each chapter with Scripture, prompts, and practical reflection

• The vision for churches, hospitals, counselors, and support groups to use the book as a biblical resource for grieving moms

• Ashley’s writing process—including weekend retreats, long writing sessions, and her “rock tumbler” metaphor for editing

• The emotional weight of sharing vulnerable stories, including Ashley’s experience of holding both grief and gratitude during her pregnancy after loss

• How her editor encouraged her to share even the hard-to-admit feelings so other moms could feel safe and understood

• A tender conversation about the eternal family we long for—and how God's plan is good even when it doesn’t match our expectations

• Kristin’s powerful closing prayer over Ashley, the book, and every grieving listener holding on to hope

This episode will meet you in the midst of sorrow and remind you: you are seen, loved, and never alone. Jesus is with you, holding your broken heart as He holds your baby in Heaven.

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/episode62-2]

• 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 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 moms
• The vision behind the book’s structure and how each chapter addresses a specific emotion or struggle
• Kristin’s personal reaction to reading the book and how God used it to minister to her heart, even ten years into her grief journey
• The importance of meeting moms in both the raw pain of fresh loss and the long road of ongoing healing
• How Ashley revisited her early grief through journals and how her father’s death during the editing process deepened the book’s emotional depth
• Honoring 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 computer
• The meaning behind the title Cradled in Hope and the cover illustration of Jesus cradling both a baby in Heaven and a grieving mom on earth
• Why our hope isn’t wishful thinking—it’s rooted in the unshakable truth of Jesus, who holds both us and our babies
• What to expect from the upcoming Cradled in Hope Book Club podcast series launching July 22

This 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