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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.y in Heaven.

Full transcript below.

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CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST

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MEET OUR HOST

Ashley Opliger is the Executive Director of Bridget’s Cradles, a nonprofit organization based in Wichita, Kansas that donates cradles to over 1,500 hospitals in all 50 states and comforts over 30,000 bereaved families a year.

Ashley is married to Matt and they have three children: Bridget (in Heaven), and two sons. She is a follower of Christ who desires to share the hope of Heaven with families grieving the loss of a baby.

Connect with Ashley:

Facebook /ashleyopliger

Instagram @ashleyopliger

Pinterest /ashleyopliger

www.ashleyopliger.com

Follow Bridget’s Cradles:

Facebook /bridgetscradles

Instagram @bridgetscradles

Pinterest /bridgetscradles

www.bridgetscradles.com

Follow Cradled in Hope Podcast:

Facebook /cradledinhope

Instagram @cradledinhope

Hashtags:

#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast

#bridgetscradles

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT