We've all had those moments on the bathroom floor, overwhelmed by grief—and what a gift that God meets us there.

In this episode, we welcome Amber Smith—Hope Mom, speaker, and author of The Girl on the Bathroom Floor: Held Together When Everything is Falling Apart—to share about the sustaining peace of God's presence in the midst of deep sorrow.

Amber opens up about the heartbreaking loss of her son, River, in a tragic drowning accident in 2019, and the grief that followed. With honesty and tenderness, she shares how God met her on the bathroom floor, carrying her through the pain and reminding her of His unshakable sovereignty, even when life felt like it was falling apart.

If you are in a season of heartbreak, Amber's story and her reminder to rest in God's sovereignty and cling to Scripture will encourage you that even on the bathroom floor, hope is not lost.

Amber Smith is a Christ follower, wife, and mother of four. She is a speaker, serves at her local church, hosts the Arise with Amber podcast, and is Founder of the River Kelly Fund. Her aim is to know Jesus and make Him known. Amber is passionate about studying scripture and walking with others through the painful parts of life. She and her husband, Granger Smith, live on a little farm in central Texas with their children, London, Lincoln, and Maverick.

Links:

The Girl on the Bathroom Floor: Held Together When Everything is Falling Apart

The Girl on the Bathroom Floor (Amazon)

Arise with Amber (Amber's Website)

Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward after Loss and Heartache

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This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored by the McInerney Family-Mommy, Daddy, and big sister Nadia Eden in honor of Ivy Noelle McInerney. The McInerney family writes, "Happy 1st birthday, Ivy! Heaven must be so sweet. Do you feel our invisible string tugging at your heart? We ask Jesus to share our love with you all the time! It has been so good to tell others about you and share how faithful God has been because you touched our lives. Missing you today and every day!" If you'd like to sponsor an episode in honor of your Hope Baby, or on behalf of a Hope Mom you know, visit hopemommies.org

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

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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.

October 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day—a day of remembrance, but also a day to consider how God can bring eternal impact out of even the shortest lives. In this episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast, host Kristin Hernandez is joined by fellow hope mom Kristin Jackson to talk about the power of our stories and how the Lord can use them as a platform for sharing the gospel.

Kristin Jackson shares the story of her daughter, Abigail Faith, and how God has used the story of her life to bring hope to others. Together, Kristin and Kristin reflect on how God comforts us in our sorrow and equips us to extend that comfort to others. They discuss the many ways our babies' lives can point to Jesus—sometimes quietly within our own homes and sometimes more publicly—and how moms can thoughtfully and gently, yet boldly share their testimonies of Christ's work in their lives. This conversation offers biblical encouragement, practical ideas, and grace-filled reminders that whether or not we share publicly, God is always at work in and through our stories.

The intro compilation includes stories from:

• MaKenzie Van Hook

• Kayla Pesce

• Stephanie Kallestad

• Amy Allen

• Kimmie McInerney

Links:

Retreat Registration

Wave of Light 2025

Hope Mommies Website

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Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby

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This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is made possible by Grieving with Hope Through Miscarriage, a new book by Mollie Euhus. This heartfelt guide was written for anyone navigating the deep sorrow of pregnancy loss. Drawing on personal experience, biblical wisdom, and the stories of other women, Mollie offers comfort, practical help, and encouragement rooted in God's love. I believe this book is a beautiful companion for anyone walking through miscarriage, and I'm thankful to share it with you today. You can find Grieving with Hope Through Miscarriage on Amazon.

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

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month—a special time to remember and honor our Hope Babies, share our stories, and shine the light of Christ into the darkness. But what is the purpose of remembrance? What does Scripture teach us about it? And how might we remember not only our babies, but also all that God has done for us?

In this episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast, Kristin Hernandez and Jennie Parks reflect on the significance of remembrance—not only as a way to honor and cherish our children, but also as a way to recall God's goodness and faithfulness in the midst of grief. Together, they explore biblical examples of remembrance, from the memorial stones in Joshua 4 to the observance of holy days and practices like communion.

Kristin and Jennie also share personal rhythms of remembrance, such as journaling, prayer, setting up "memorial stones," telling stories, and celebrating anniversaries. You'll also hear practical ways to commemorate this month, including resources offered by Hope Mommies throughout October.

No matter how you choose to walk through this month, our prayer is that you would feel the nearness of our loving Father as you remember.

Links:

Retreat RegistrationWave of Light 2025https://www.gotquestions.org/stones-of-remembrance.html https://www.gotquestions.org/Ebenezer.html https://www.gotquestions.org/forgetting-the-past.html Hope Mommies WebsiteSubscribe to our Newsletter Join our online Facebook Group

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Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby

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Special Thanks:

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is made possible by Grieving with Hope Through Miscarriage, a new book by Mollie Euhus. This heartfelt guide was written for anyone navigating the deep sorrow of pregnancy loss. Drawing on personal experience, biblical wisdom, and the stories of other women, Mollie offers comfort, practical help, and encouragement rooted in God's love. I believe this book is a beautiful companion for anyone walking through miscarriage, and I'm thankful to share it with you today. You can find Grieving with Hope Through Miscarriage on Amazon.

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.

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

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Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby

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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.

Grieving the loss of a baby while caring for young children at home can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Kristin Hernandez is joined by Jennie Parks and Julie Lehman to discuss what it looks like to walk through grief while also parenting living children. We talk about tending to our own sorrow while helping children navigate theirs, talking about death and heaven in age-appropriate ways, and resources that were helpful.

If you're parenting through grief, we hope this conversation reminds you that you don't have to do it perfectly. You don't have to have all the right answers. What your children need most is your presence, your honesty, and your dependence on Jesus — the One who walks with us in every valley.

Links:

Hope Mommies Website

Heaven - God's Promise for Me

Audrey Bunny

Jesus Storybook Bible

The Story of God's Love for You

Heaven for Kids

Where did TJ Go?

The Awesome Super Fantastic Forever Party

Goodbye to Goodbyes

The Moon is Always Round

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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, 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

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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.

How do we face emotions like fear and anger in a way that honors God? And how do we carry the weight of those emotions without letting go of our grip on Christ?

In this episode, Kristin sits down with author, Bible teacher, and fellow Hope Mom Courtney Reissig to talk about repeated griefs, high-risk pregnancies, and learning to express deep emotions in a way that draws us closer to God. Both share their personal stories of extended hospital bedrest following previous loss—journeys that ended in celebration yet were marked by uncertainty and wrestling.

Together, we explore:

• What it's like to live in the tension of hope and heartbreak

• How to process painful emotions in a godly and honest way

• The example of Christ–Who expressed human emotion

• How the Psalms can teach us to pray, lament, and trust

• The unchanging nature of Christ in the face of life's uncertainties

• What it looks like to choose not to walk away from God—even when it's hard

Courtney also shares about her upcoming book, Someone to Believe In, which invites readers to cling to the steadfast character of Jesus when everything else feels unsteady.

Courtney Reissig is an author and Bible teacher living in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is the author of numerous books and Bible studies, including Someone to Believe In: Embracing the Savior Who Stays the Same When Everything Else Changes. Whether she is teaching the Bible to a room full of women or teaching literature to a class of high school students, Courtney is passionate about readers of all ages finding their experience in a compelling story.

Whether you're in the thick of a high-risk pregnancy, grieving a loss, or just feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, this conversation is a gentle, Christ-centered reminder that you are not alone, that no emotion is too big for God, and that Jesus is with you, even in the waiting.

Links:

CourtneyReissig.com

Teach Me To Feel: Worshiping Through the Psalms in Every Season of Life

Someone to Believe In: Embracing the Savior Who Stays the Same When Everything Else Changes

Hope Mommies Website

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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.

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

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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.