Hope Mommies Podcast

Waiting can often feel discouraging and isolating. But is there value in these seasons of waiting? What does it mean to wait with hope, and where can we find that hope? In this episode, Kristin Hernandez is joined by Kelley Ramsey, Jen Hesse, and Jaclyn Toscas from Waiting in Hope Infertility Ministries to explore what it truly means to wait in hope. Together, we discuss important topics such as infertility, miscarriage, navigating feelings of guilt, the freedom to grieve various forms of loss, experiencing God's presence in sorrow, and discovering purpose during times of waiting. No matter what season of waiting you find yourself in today, we invite you to join us.

Links

Waiting in Hope Ministries

Waiting in Hope Infertility Podcast

Waiting In Hope: 31 Reflections for Walking with God Through Infertility

Hope Mommies Website

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on Instagram

Sponsorship

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. 

Join us for an audio format of Hope Mommies’ 2024 Annual Review. Losing a baby comes with so many complicated emotions and feelings. Grieving without God is a hopeless pursuit. We want Hope Moms to know their baby’s death is not their fault, it wasn’t a failing of their bodies or a lack of their faith. Our desire is for these women to filter life through the lens of the Gospel and to orient their grief around honest lament while they grow in Christ’s likeness. We seek to empower them to know God intimately, for first-hand knowledge of God and his Word are the best way to understand the gospel and to find joy amidst the sorrow that comes with miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss.Hope Mommies has faithfully been in this space offering truth + community for thirteen years, and we are trusting God to provide us with the means to continue in this work for many more years to come. 

We believe the work we do matters. This bonus episode contains brief testimonials of five individuals who have seen the impact of Hope Mommies, including:

Amy Allen, Hope Mom

Dr. Russ Fothergil, MD

Bev and Eric Van Note, Hope Grandparents

Chad and Lauren Rowell, Hope Parents

Dr. Kelsey Kelso, MD

...and an update from Jennie Parks, Hope Mommies Executive Director.

In the new year we want to provide more podcast conversations, new Hope Group curriculum, beautifully curated Hope Boxes, monthly support groups, streamlined internal processes, intentionally designed retreats and events, and rich, gospel-centered content through our devotionals, newsletters, and social media platforms. We know there are so many opportunities to give your hard earned dollars and there are countless needs to support in our world, so we present this request to you in all humility. Will you give a tax-deductible donation today to invest in the future of Hope Mommies? We can’t do this without you. Help us make a difference and give HOPE today!

Support Hope Mommies

Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast

Other ways to show your support for the content we provide: 

• Subscribe to our newsletter

• Like, Follow, and Share our posts on Facebook and Instagram

• Rate and Review the Podcast on the platform where you listen

• If you’ve read one of our books, create a Customer Review on Amazon sharing how God used the book in your life.

Thank you for supporting grieving women and for coming alongside us in our mission to make Hope Moms feel safe, known, encouraged and loved as they walk with the Lord toward their baby and Heaven.

Links

Hope Mommies Website

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on Instagram

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, Brooke Schuelke, Jennie Parks, and Kristin Hernandez shine light on several untrue phrases that often circulate within Christian communities. Our hope for this episode is not to shame, but rather to lovingly equip Hope Moms and those who love them with truth that lasts and truth that comforts. 

We discuss the phrases…

• “God must have needed another angel.” 
• “Everything happens for a reason.” 
• “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” 
• “Don’t be sad. Just have faith.”

…and look to the Bible to determine what is true. We take a look at how these phrases, while well-intentioned, can be unhelpful and misaligned with scripture, all while encouraging listeners to be encouraged by what scripture says (we think you’ll agree it’s so much richer than the alternative phrase) and to correct with gentleness as a platform for the gospel. 

[Note: We recognize the aforementioned phrases are not truly "Christian cliches" as they are not biblical. However, we chose the phrase "Christian cliche" to reflect misconceptions we often hear within Christian circles. These cliches do not reflect biblical Christianity and we are honored and humbled to discuss what scripture says about each.]

Links

Episode 4:Grace for Hurtful Words

Weep With Me -Katie Cobbs (Also available wherever you purchase or stream music)

Hope Mommies Website

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on Instagram

Sponsorship

The Hope Mommies Podcast is currently seeking sponsors for upcoming episodes. For only $25, you can sponsor an episode in honor of your Hope Baby, or as a gift to a friend or family member. When you submit an episode sponsorship, you are able to submit a personalized message that will be read aloud on the podcast.

If you'd like to sponsor an episode in honor of your Hope Baby or on behalf of a Hope Mom you know, visit the link below:

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. 

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5

Darkness takes on a new meaning when our babies die. It’s a place of sadness, tears, and heartache, but it’s in the darkness that Christ’s light can shine brightest. When we choose to turn to Him in grief, He will faithfully lead us to joy, peace, hope, and abundant life. When we choose to praise God amidst our pain, we allow our lives, and the lives of our precious children, to shine as testimonies to the goodness and faithfulness of God.

This episode contains the complete audio from Hope Mommies’ Shine Wave of Light 2024 event. The YouTube video can be found in the "Links" section below.

We invite you to join us as we reflect and remember the lives of your precious babies, draw near to God in worship and prayer, and reflect on the hope we have in Jesus Christ. 

Program:

Speaking: Jennie Parks

Worship: High Desert Church, in partnership with Kingdom One

Vocals: Kristin Hernandez

Guitar and Vocals: Landen Crouch

Keys: Scott Partridge

Songs:

Great Are You Lord - All Sons and Daughters

I Belong to Jesus - LifePoint Music

Good Plans - Red Rocks Worship

Links:

October 15 Wave of Light Video (YouTube)

October 15 Wave of Light (Info & Social Media Templates)

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.

“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

Connect with us on Instagram

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

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. 

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

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. 

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

Connect with us on Instagram

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

Connect with us on Instagram

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.