Hope Mommies Podcast

“What I want most for them is for their lives to be used by God for his glory and to point others to Jesus. And I think: Wow, God has done that with Annabelle's life. And it's not about me sitting here sharing on a podcast or putting her story in a book…I saw Him doing the work on day one of that diagnosis, when I was lonely and afraid in the dark on my knees…There in the dark when no one knew who Annabelle was, God was doing the work and God was drawing a heart to Christ and causing those lips to speak praise to His name.” - Kristen Ironside

In this episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast, Kristen Ironside shares her journey of carrying her daughter Annabelle, following a terminal prenatal diagnosis. Kristen speaks about her daughter’s life and how God met her in a season of deep grief. We talk about the rest that comes with surrendering to God’s will, favorite scriptures of comfort, and practical tips for loved ones who want to support a grieving friend or family member. We also discuss Kristen’s involvement with Hope in the Mourning: A Hope-Filled Guide Through Grief, compiled by Emily Curtis. 

Kristen and her husband of 12 years, Brandon, live in Greenville, SC with their three sons, ages 7, 4, and 2. Kristen is a classical pianist who specializes in performing and teaching chamber music. She splits her time between being an active collaborative pianist and being at home with her boys.

Links:

Hope in the Mourning website

Hope in the Mourning on Amazon

Hope Mommies Website

Connect with us on Facebook

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Sponsorship:

If you’d like to sponsor an episode in honor of your Hope Baby, or on behalf of a Hope Mommy you know, visit hopemommies.org.

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. 

Hope Mommies’ Annual Retreat is just that–a retreat from the everyday battle of busyness and heartache and adjusting to your “new normal” as a Hope Mom. It is a unique week of sharing stories, worshiping the Lord together, and listening to Biblical teaching as we look to God’s word to illuminate our sorrows and point us to Jesus, the only hope we have for healing and Heaven.

Brooke Schuelke, Emily Copeland, Jennie Parks, Kristin Hernandez, and Sarah Hutchinson join the podcast to discuss various topics related to Hope Mommies’ Annual Retreat. We talk about our first time attending retreat, some of our favorite retreat memories, and give a sneak peek into the upcoming 2025 retreat in Mineral Wells, Texas.

Links:

2025 Hope Mommies Retreat (Abide)

Hope Mommies Retreats

Hope Mommies Website

Connect with us on Facebook

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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. 

Grief can feel especially complex for Hope Grandparents as they mourn the loss of a precious grandchild while carrying the heartache of their own son or daughter. In this episode, Bonnie Klein (mother of Sarah Hutchinson), Marie Donley (mother of Jennie Parks), and Rene De La Cruz (father of Kristin Hernandez) join the podcast to discuss the unique ways grandparents grieve the loss of a Hope Baby. Bonnie, Marie, and Rene each share their own stories of losing grandchildren and how this deep grief compares to other sorrows they have faced. They share encouragement for other grandparents who have lost a grandchild, as well as for grieving parents who are struggling to relate to their own parents after loss. Whether you are a parent or a grandparent, we pray you are encouraged by this conversation. 

Links:

Episode 1 (Kristin’s Story)

Episode 2 (Jennie’s Story)

Episode 18 (Sarah’s Story)

October 15 Wave of Light (Info)

October 15 T-shirt & Candle Order Form (Sales run Sept. 1-15)

Hope Mommies Website

Connect with us on Facebook

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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. 

In this episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast, Kristin Hernandez is joined by Hope Mom and licensed professional counselor associate, Shannon Owen, to discuss the practice of lament as a powerful tool in processing grief. Shannon shares her personal experiences with suffering, including an ectopic pregnancy and raising a child with a rare genetic physical disability. Shannon outlines the four stages of lament and emphasizes how lament can be an important tool for drawing near to the Lord, integrating grief, and moving forward with hope. 

Shannon Owen, M.A., LPC-A, is a counselor based in Texas who loves working with moms through the various joys and hardships motherhood can bring. Shannon has experience working with moms through grief, anxiety, perinatal mental health, and parenting. Shannon was the keynote speaker at the Hope Mommies Retreat in 2017 and has contributed to the Hope Mommies Blog. This ministry is close to Shannon's heart, not only because of her professional experience working with parents who have experienced the unique grief of losing a child, but also because of her personal experience with ectopic pregnancy. Shannon actively serves in her church, and in her sparse amounts of free time she loves reading and being with friends. Shannon lives in Houston with her husband, Lee, and their two girls. 

Links:

HM Blog: Shannon’s Story

Hope Mommies Website

Connect with us on Facebook

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Sponsorship

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored by Justin, Elena, and Josiah in honor of Everett Venegas. The Venegas Family writes, “Everett, through your life you taught us more about Jesus—that our Heavenly Father will never leave nor forsake us. We love and miss you and look forward to reuniting with you in His presence in Heaven.”

 If you’d like to sponsor an episode in honor of your Hope Baby, or on behalf of a Hope Mommy you know, visit hopemommies.org.

 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.

In this episode, Kristin Hernandez is joined by Katie Cobbs, the voice behind 'Sparrow Song,' to discuss what it looks like to worship through seasons of grief and suffering. We talk about what it means to worship, the various forms worship can take, and the way our grief can result in worship to the Lord. Katie also gives a behind-the-scenes look at how ‘Sparrow Song’ was inspired, written, and recorded, as well as what projects she is working on today.  

Katie and her husband, Bruce, live in Georgetown, TX and have three sweet kiddos this side of heaven. Katie miscarried between her second and third living child. Katie homeschools her kids part-time through a hybrid homeschool model and works with her brothers to run their family business. She loves serving their local church through leading worship and by serving on the Missions Council. The Lord has given her a heart for worship and a heart for leading people into worship and considers it a huge joy and privilege to be used in this way to glorify the Lord.

Links:

Katie Cobbs

Flourish Creative

Katie Cobbs on Apple Music

Katie Cobbs on Spotfiy

Katie Cobbs on YouTube

Songs of Suffering by Joni Eareckson Tada

Hope Mommies Website

Connect with us on Facebook

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Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast

The music in the Hope Mommies Podcast made possible by the generosity and talents of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative. Flourish Creative is a non-profit organization in Austin, TX that exists to help artists, churches and ministries bless their communities through the arts. You can learn more at flourishcreative.org.

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 Sara Paradoski, Kristin Jackson, and Megan Thivierge to discuss important dates in our Hope Babies’ stories, such as birthdays, due dates, and diagnosis days. They discuss dates that have been the most difficult, how moms can prepare their hearts for these milestones, ideas for making those days special, and tips for including family and friends. Kristin H., Sara, Kristin J., and Megan also discuss the importance of communicating needs, letting go of perfectionism, and resting in the assurance of an eternal celebration with Jesus Christ, where we will never experience brokenness. 

Sara Paradoski serves as the President of the Hope Mommies’ Houston Chapter and is Hope Mom to Charlotte Hope. Kristin Jackson serves as the President of the Central Oklahoma Chapter and is Hope Mom to Abigail Faith. Megan Thivierge serves as the President of the Texas Hill Country Chapter and is Hope Mom to Blakelee Grace.

Links:

One Year Closer Box

The Awesome Super Fantastic Forever Party

Hope Mommies Website

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on Instagram

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.

Kristin Hernandez is joined by Sarah Klein Hutchinson, Community Director for Hope Mommies, to talk about the importance of community in grief. Sarah shares her story of losing two daughters, Eisley and Ava, and how she found solace and support in the Hope Mommies community. Sarah shares how other grieving women can find support through social media, Bible studies, online support groups, and in-person retreats. Kristin and Sarah discuss the importance of allowing others to walk alongside us when we grieve, and how shared experience can foster meaningful friendships.

Sarah lives in Northern California and is the Hope Mommies Community Director. She is married to Tanner and they are parents to Eisley, Ava, Nova and Collins. Together they love a good family movie night, summers on the lake and forever restoring their historical home.

Links:

Hope Group Info & Registration

HM Online Community

Hope Mommies Website

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on Instagram

Sponsorship

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored by Wendell & Crystal Frank in honor of their precious baby, Aleiyah Lee Frank. Wendell and Crystal write: “Our sweet fairy, you have eternally changed us. Our hearts ache to hold you again. Thank you for choosing us as your mommy and daddy, and for giving us more love than we could have imagined. We love you forever.” If you’d like to sponsor an episode in honor of your Hope Baby, or on behalf of a Hope Mommy you know, visit hopemommies.org.

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.

In today’s episode, Vaneetha Risner joins Kristin Hernandez to share how God has met and comforted her through multiple seasons of grief, including the death of her infant son, Paul, and her struggle with post-polio syndrome. Vaneetha answers the question, “If God loves me, why would He have let this happen?” in a truthful and biblical way that will deeply encourage your heart. Vaneetha talks about finding comfort in God’s sovereignty and reconciling His love for us when our nightmares have come true, as well as lament and the intimacy that comes from talking “real” to God. 

Vaneetha Risner writes and speaks about finding hope in suffering. Her Bible study, Desperate for Hope: Questions We Ask God in Suffering, Loss, and Longing as well as her memoir, Walking Through Fire, encourage readers to turn to Christ in their pain. Vaneetha writes at her website, vaneetha.com, is a regular contributor to Desiring God, and has been featured on Family Life Today, Joni & Friends and Christianity Today.

Links:

https://www.vaneetha.com/ 

Held - Natalie Grant

The Loneliness of Suffering (Desiring God)

Walking Through Fire: A Memoir of Loss and Redemption 

The Scars That Have Shaped Me: How God Meets us in Suffering

Desperate for Hope: Questions We Ask God in Suffering, Loss, and Longing (Lifeway Bible Study)

Sponsorship:

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored by Kalee Morales in honor of Miracle Joy and Moses Ricardo. Kalee writes, “We thank God for using your stories to bring healing, hope and restoration to other families experiencing loss. We love you and will always hold you in our hearts until we hold you in Heaven.”

If you’d like to sponsor an episode in honor of your Hope Baby, or on behalf of a Hope Mommy you know, visit hopemommies.org.

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. 

“I had to remind myself of the love of the Lord, of the goodness of the Lord, of His faithfulness. Even when I wasn't feeling it, looking to the Lord daily, sometimes minute by minute…turn to the Lord because He is so good and He is so faithful and He will meet you right where you're at in your journey.” -Emily Copeland

Kristin Hernandez is joined by Emily Copeland to talk about Hope Boxes and the incredible impact a small gift can have on the life of a newly bereaved mother. Emily shares her personal story of losing her son, Caleb, and how God worked through this heartbreaking experience to create a platform to share Christ with others who are deeply grieving. Kristin and Emily talk about Hope Boxes, how to send one to a friend, how to host a Box Gathering, and tips for creating connections with local hospitals. 

Emily Copeland lives in central Texas with her husband, Josh, and four living children. She is Hope Mom to her son Caleb. Emily is the Box Ministry Coordinator for Hope Mommies and founder of the Central Texas Chapter. In addition to serving with Hope Mommies, Emily enjoys spending time with her family, helping at her childrens' schools, being involved with her church, working with her horses, and reading. Emily is so thankful to help others share hope in Jesus through this ministry. 

Links:

Hope Boxes

Miles for Hope

Hope Mommies Website

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on Instagram

Sponsorship

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored by Kellie Gibson in honor of her precious daughter, Kate Hope Gibson. Kellie writes, 

“I’m so grateful to be your mommy. Happy 2.5 years in heaven!”

If you’d like to sponsor an episode in honor of your Hope Baby, or on behalf of a Hope Mommy you know, visit hopemommies.org.

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. 

In this special Father's Day episode, Kristin Hernandez welcomes Blair Cushman, husband to Erin and Hope Dad to Gwendolyn and Baby C. Blair shares Gwendolyn’s story from a father’s perspective and imparts biblical wisdom for grieving fathers and for mothers who want to support their husbands through grief. Whether you are a Hope Dad, or love a Hope Dad in your life, this episode will leave you with much encouragement and hope!

Blair Cushman grew up in a rural dairy farming community in southwest Wisconsin and was saved at age 12 at summer camp. After completing his degree in pastoral studies at Moody Bible Institute, he served on the staff of two churches before being sent to plant Redemption Bible Church in New Braunfels, TX. Along the way, he and his wife Erin have also started a summer camp program at Camp Eagle and founded Hope Mommies after their firstborn Gwendolyn went home to the Lord.

Links:

Miles for Hope

Hope Mommies Website

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on Instagram

Sponsorship

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored by Tanner and Sarah Hutchinson in honor of their precious daughters, Eisley and Ava. Tanner and Sarah write,

“We are thankful for what each of your stories have taught us and how it has brought us closer to Jesus. We love you deeply and each day is one day closer to holding you both again.”

If you’d like to sponsor an episode in honor of your Hope Baby, or on behalf of a Hope Mommy you know, visit hopemommies.org.

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.