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.

As we kick off summer and step into Miles for Hope, we’re straying from our usual every-other-week release schedule and bringing you a brand new episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast every Wednesday during June! To kick things off, Kristin is joined by Holly Colonna, a fitness instructor and Hope Mom, to talk about how exercise can be a powerful tool when we are grieving. Holly shares her personal story of losing identical twins during pregnancy and her firstborn son, Benjamin, at 10-weeks of age, and how exercise has helped her process through various emotions. Holly delves into the science behind exercise and cognitive health, while emphasizing the importance of relying on Christ alone to sustain us and give us identity.

Holly Colonna is a Christ-follower, fitness professional, wife, and mother of children both in heaven and on earth. After miscarrying identical twins in 2014, Holly became a mother to Benjamin in 2015 who lived to be 10 weeks of age. She gave birth to fraternal twins in 2016, who are now seven years old. Holly's grief journey caused her to take a deeper look into exercise and the benefits of movement for grief, mood, and mental health. Holly has worked in personal training for over 15 years and is grateful to merge her love of fitness with God's good design and the encouragement of others.

Links:

Miles for Hope

Through the Lens Podcast

Hope Mommies Website

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on Instagram

Sponsorship

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored in honor of two very precious babies, Zion and Dallas. The message reads, "Mallory and Hannah, your commitment to choose life is inspirational. You are loved by the Father above and all your friends from New Beginnings."

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.

What is the definition and the purpose of prayer? How can we reconcile the goodness of God when He says “no” to a specific request that is so precious to us?

In this episode, Jennie Parks and Kristin Hernandez delve deeper into what the Bible says about prayer and God’s goodness. They discuss how we can confidently and boldly approach God in prayer, because of the saving work of Jesus Christ. They also explore various types of prayer, such as petition and lament, templates given by Jesus and the Psalms, and maintaining constant conversation with God, our Good Father. Jennie and Kristin also share their personal experiences with prayer and reconciling the goodness of God since walking through the loss of a child.

Links:

Got Questions: What is Prayer

Sweet Comfort by Sanda McCracken

Hope Mommies Website

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on Instagram

Connect with us on X

Sponsorship

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored by Aaron and Amanda Phillips in honor of Harrison Edward Phillips.

“Happy 7th Birthday in Heaven, sweet boy! You are such a precious gift to our family! We are so thankful we got 29 weeks with you! We love you and miss you so much! Love, Daddy, Momma, Lenora, and Oliver.”

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.

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 is joined by Shelly Templin, a Hope Mom 28 years into her journey of grieving with hope. Shelly shares about her son Zachary and the ways the Lord has worked in her life over the past three decades. We chat about clinging to the Hope of Christ in seasons of deep sorrow, what it was like to walk through loss in a pre-social media age, and the invitation we have to be honest with God. Shelly and Kristin also talk about Miles for Hope, a walkathon-type event designed to raise awareness and financial support.

Shelly D. Templin is an author, speaker and blogger who shares a message of hope – with humor. She has written for Focus on the Family, is a regular contributor to Hopemommies.org and has guest blogged for numerous ministries. Shelly has a heart to encourage women to be hope-filled overcomers. She is the author of Pushing to the Peak: A Story of the Success-ability of Dr. J. Glen House.

Shelly lives in Flower Mound, Texas with her husband, Jack, of 36 years and their dog. She has three daughters, two son-in-laws, and two darling granddaughters. In addition to loving her family, Shelly loves Texas, ice cream, reading, being outdoors, sunsets, hummingbirds and her dog – not necessarily in that order.

Links:

Miles for Hope

Shelly’s Blog

Hope Mommies Website

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on Instagram

Connect with us on Twitter

Sponsor:

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored by The Johnson Family in honor of Gavyn Nelle Johnson

“Happy Heavenly Birthday to our sweet boy Gavyn!! Mom, Dad & your sister True miss you very much!! We have HOPE know that we will see you again one day, We love you so much.”

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.

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.

We’re snowed in! In this special bonus episode, the Hope Mommies Leadership shares live from their annual leadership summit in Truckee, California. Brooke Schuelke, Constance Ray, Emily Copeland, Jennie Parks, Kristin Hernandez, and Sarah Hutchinson reflect on highlights from the previous year and exciting plans for the year ahead, and laugh about the unexpected joys and challenges of being stuck in the mountains.

Links:

Hope Mommies Website

Sign up for Miles for Hope

Sign up for a Hope Group

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.