2 | Cradled in Hope Book Club | Ch 1 | Ashley Opliger

In this episode, Ashley reflects on the raw emotions that come in the early days of grief after pregnancy or infant loss. Centered on Chapter 1 of Cradled in Hope, “Sitting with Jesus | When You Are Overwhelmed with Sadness,” she invites grieving moms to slow down, feel the weight of their sorrow, and meet Jesus in their pain.

Ashley explains how grief is not just sadness—it’s love. She encourages moms to express that love in healthy, meaningful ways that honor their baby in Heaven. With personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical survival tips, this chapter is a gentle invitation to sit in the sadness with Jesus, who grieves with us and comforts us in our sorrow.

In this episode, Ashley shared:

• Real reflections from grieving moms on what grief feels like

• How grief is rooted in love, and why the pain is so deep when death has separated us from our baby

• Personal experiences from the early days after Bridget’s death, and how Ashley found healing in the quiet space of sitting with Jesus

• The cultural and personal pressures to “move on” from grief—and why true healing requires slowing down and lamenting

• Practical ways to survive the early days of loss, including self-care, sleep, nutrition, and realistic expectations

• Why Jesus is the safest place for our grief and how He connects us directly to our babies through His Spirit

• Biblical truths from the story of Elijah and Jesus' promise to comfort those who mourn (Matthew 5:4)

Ashley reminds us that grief is rooted in deep love—and that we don’t have to hide our pain or rush our healing. With compassion and honesty, Ashley encourages grieving moms to let the tears fall and begin learning what it means to grieve with Jesus, one breath and one day at a time.

GET THE BOOK! Cradled in Hope is sold on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Christianbook, and Baker Bookhouse.
[www.bridgetscradles.com/book]

EPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:
[www.bridgetscradles.com/post/bookclub2]

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