Hope Mommies Podcast - Gospel Hope for Grieving Moms

Episode 70: A Father's Perspective: A Conversation About Grief, Marriage, and Hope with Brooke & Clint Schuelke

In this episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast, Brooke Schuelke is joined by her husband, Clint, for a deeply honest conversation about grief, marriage, and walking through the loss of their daughter, Blair, together. As Father's Day approaches, this episode creates space to acknowledge and honor Hope Dads and the often unseen ways fathers carry grief after the loss of a baby. Together, Brooke and Clint reflect on losing Blair at 37 weeks after a healthy pregnancy and share how differently grief unfolded for each of them in the months and years that followed. They talk about the helplessness and pressure Clint felt as a husband and father, the physical and emotional weight Brooke carried as a grieving mother, and the challenges of navigating loss while remaining united in marriage. Throughout the conversation, they discuss practical topics many couples quietly wrestle with after loss, including communication, intimacy, fear during future pregnancies, going back to work, grief triggers, feeling disconnected from one another, and learning how to give grace when husband and wife are grieving in very different ways. They also speak candidly about the tension of joy and sorrow coexisting, the guilt that can come when grief feels "easier" over time, and the importance of building a marriage on Christ when suffering comes. Fourteen years after losing Blair, Brooke and Clint share how the Lord has continued to meet them in grief, strengthen their marriage, and use their story to encourage others. This episode is filled with biblical encouragement, practical wisdom, and hope for couples navigating the painful and complicated road of grieving a baby together. Whether you are in the earliest days of loss or many years down the road, our prayer is that this conversation reminds you that you are not alone, your marriage is worth fighting for, and there is still hope in Christ even in the midst of deep sorrow. Links: Hope Mommies Website [https://hopemommies.org/] Subscribe to our Newsletter [https://hopemommies.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=3d9990764303b816fb7f5bbdb&id=e5e3ac4e45&fbclid=IwY2xjawFZm99leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRilwqyE-oxoLx8zeSmpQBC4rKOp6a-D2yeAEl-oiWLnkPhlnabzyPvlvA_aem_RPN0RnoTZy_AdSZuFwx1vQ] Join our online Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/hopemommies] Connect with us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/HopeMommies/] Connect with us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hopemommies/] Podcast Guest Submission [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFC72StykkjnHHfRGPdjGgtdfteEjtNtR2Y0KQR829vfz4ww/viewform] Make a Donation [https://hopemommies.org/donate-blackbaud] Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby [https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/HopeMommies/podcastsponsorship.html] 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.

Episode 69: A Water Lily Among the Wildflowers: Hope and Truth for Moms after Pregnancy Loss with Rachel Dickey

In this episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast, Jennie sits down with Rachel Dickey for a thoughtful and deeply grounded conversation about pregnancy loss, trauma, theology, and the steady hope we have in Christ. Rachel is a former Labor and Delivery nurse, author, wife, and mom to three boys—two here and one in heaven. After losing her son Asher at eighteen weeks gestation in 2018, Rachel found herself navigating not only overwhelming grief, but also the hard theological questions that often follow the loss of a baby during pregnancy. As someone trained in birth and medicine, she understood the physical realities of pregnancy. But as a grieving mother, she longed for clear biblical truth about the life of her son and the character of God in the midst of heartbreak. That longing led her to write A Water Lily Among the Wildflowers: Hope and Truth for Moms after Pregnancy Loss, a book created to help mothers understand what Scripture says about unborn life, eternity, and the deep ache of loss that can feel invisible or minimized by the world. In this conversation, Jennie and Rachel explore the distinction between grief and trauma and why pregnancy loss often carries both. Rachel speaks candidly about what is commonly misunderstood about pregnancy loss and about difficult theological questions such as whether God values life in the womb and whether mothers will see their babies again in heaven. Rachel also shares how men and women often grieve differently and why it was important for her husband to contribute a chapter in her book specifically for fathers. With pastoral gentleness and biblical clarity, she offers words of encouragement to the mom who feels paralyzed in early grief or who finds herself questioning God's goodness in the aftermath of loss. This episode is for the mother longing for solid ground beneath her feet, for the woman wrestling with spiritual questions, and for anyone who wants to better understand how Scripture speaks to the sacredness of unborn life and the hope of eternity. Links: Rachel's Website [https://rachelcdickey.com/] Hope Mommies Website [https://hopemommies.org/] Subscribe to our Newsletter [https://hopemommies.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=3d9990764303b816fb7f5bbdb&id=e5e3ac4e45&fbclid=IwY2xjawFZm99leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRilwqyE-oxoLx8zeSmpQBC4rKOp6a-D2yeAEl-oiWLnkPhlnabzyPvlvA_aem_RPN0RnoTZy_AdSZuFwx1vQ] Join our online Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/hopemommies] Connect with us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/HopeMommies/] Connect with us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hopemommies/] Podcast Guest Submission [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFC72StykkjnHHfRGPdjGgtdfteEjtNtR2Y0KQR829vfz4ww/viewform] Make a Donation [https://hopemommies.org/donate-blackbaud] Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby [https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/HopeMommies/podcastsponsorship.html] In Loving Memory This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored by Keeley Moore in honor of her precious Hope Baby, Madelyn. She writes, "Happy first birthday, Madelyn. We miss you always and love you forever. We will see you again one day in heaven." A verse that has carried Keeley through this first year without her baby is Psalm 62:5-6. It reads, "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken." Keeley, it is an honor to remember Madelyn with you. Thank you for being part of our community and for sponsoring this episode. If you would like to sponsor a podcast episode in honor of your Hope Baby, or on behalf of a Hope Mom you love, 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.

Episode 68: A Heartfelt Goodbye with Kristin Hernandez Trusting God in the Next Chapter

In this special episode, Jennie sits down with Kristin as she shares that she is stepping away from her role as host of the Hope Mommies Podcast. Kristin has been a steady and compassionate voice since the podcast launched in January 2024, helping shape it into a space where grieving moms are met with truth, gentleness, and the hope of Christ. In this conversation, Jennie and Kristin reflect on the beginning of the podcast and how it came to life, look back on meaningful moments, and share how the Lord has used this season to deepen their faith. They also talk through Kristin's decision, what God is leading her into next, and what the future looks like for the podcast. They also speak honestly about change, how even good, God-led transitions can feel like loss, and the deep trust it takes to follow the Lord's leading when it's hard. While this is a goodbye for now, it is also a reminder that the same God who has met us in every episode has not changed. He will continue to meet us here. If you'd like to share a note of encouragement or say goodbye to Kristin, we would love that. You can email us at info@hopemommies.org or leave a comment on our Instagram or Facebook posts. Links: Hope Mommies Website [https://hopemommies.org/] Subscribe to our Newsletter [https://hopemommies.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=3d9990764303b816fb7f5bbdb&id=e5e3ac4e45&fbclid=IwY2xjawFZm99leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRilwqyE-oxoLx8zeSmpQBC4rKOp6a-D2yeAEl-oiWLnkPhlnabzyPvlvA_aem_RPN0RnoTZy_AdSZuFwx1vQ] Join our online Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/hopemommies] Connect with us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/HopeMommies/] Connect with us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hopemommies/] Podcast Guest Submission [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFC72StykkjnHHfRGPdjGgtdfteEjtNtR2Y0KQR829vfz4ww/viewform] Make a Donation [https://hopemommies.org/donate-blackbaud] Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby [https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/HopeMommies/podcastsponsorship.html] Register for a Hope Group [https://hopemommies.org/hope-groups] 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.

Episode 67: Mother's Day After Loss: A conversation for the grieving mom whose baby is in heaven with Kelly Ransdell, Brooke Schuelke, and Jennie Parks

In this episode, Jennie Parks is joined by Kelly Ransdell and Brooke Schuelke for a thoughtful conversation about navigating Mother's Day after the loss of a baby. Mother's Day can be one of the most tender days of the year for grieving mothers. While the world celebrates motherhood with flowers, brunch, and family photos, many Hope Moms are quietly carrying the ache of a child who is missing from their arms. Together, Jennie, Kelly, and Brooke talk honestly about the tension of holding grief and joy at the same time. They share how the Lord has met them in quiet moments on Mother's Day, how our identity as mothers is not erased by death, and why Scripture offers a firm foundation for the motherhood of women whose babies are in heaven. They also talk about approaching the day with honesty and grace. From giving yourself permission to rest and grieve, to making simple plans for the day ahead, this conversation offers gentle encouragement for navigating a day that can feel both meaningful and painful. For the mama approaching her first Mother's Day after loss, this episode gently reminds her of something the world often forgets: Your baby's life mattered. Your love matters. And your motherhood is real. Even when your baby lives in heaven and not in your home, the Lord sees you, knows your story, and holds every part of your motherhood in His hands. Links: Episode 11: Mother's Day Hope From One Hope Mom to Another [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-11-mothers-day-hope-from-one-hope-mom-to-another/id1712963046?i=1000654161793] Blog Post: A Prayer For Your Mother's Day [https://hopemommies.org/a-prayer-for-your-mothers-day] Hope Mommies Website [https://hopemommies.org/] Subscribe to our Newsletter [https://hopemommies.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=3d9990764303b816fb7f5bbdb&id=e5e3ac4e45&fbclid=IwY2xjawFZm99leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRilwqyE-oxoLx8zeSmpQBC4rKOp6a-D2yeAEl-oiWLnkPhlnabzyPvlvA_aem_RPN0RnoTZy_AdSZuFwx1vQ] Join our online Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/hopemommies] Connect with us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/HopeMommies/] Connect with us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hopemommies/] Podcast Guest Submission [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFC72StykkjnHHfRGPdjGgtdfteEjtNtR2Y0KQR829vfz4ww/viewform] Make a Donation [https://hopemommies.org/donate-blackbaud] Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby [https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/HopeMommies/podcastsponsorship.html] Miles for Hope [https://hopemommies.org/miles-for-hope] 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.

Episode 66: When God Writes a Different Story Trusting God Through Infertility, Recurrent Loss, and Unmet Expectations with Julie Fowler

In this episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast, Kristin sits down with Julie Fowler for a deeply honest conversation about recurrent loss, infertility, unmet expectations, and learning to trust God when life unfolds far differently than we hoped. Julie shares her journey into marriage filled with anticipation for motherhood, followed quickly by heartbreak through miscarriage, years of infertility, failed fertility treatments, and failed adoptions. As friends around her grew their families, Julie wrestled not only with grief, but with comparison, feeling left behind, and disappointment with God Himself. She speaks candidly about how she processed those emotions honestly before the Lord and how Scripture became a lifeline when prayers felt unanswered. Her story includes repeated loss, including the premature birth and death of her identical twin daughters, Annie Grace and Kate Morgan. Through seasons of profound sorrow, Julie clung to God's Word, community, and the truth of God's sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances felt crushing and confusing. Out of her own waiting and grief, Julie sensed God's invitation not to sit out, but to walk faithfully forward. That calling led her to found and lead an infertility and miscarriage ministry that has supported women and couples for more than two decades and has impacted families across the country. Now an author, speaker, and ministry trainer, Julie helps others navigate grief and disappointment with biblical hope and compassionate truth. In this conversation, Kristin and Julie talk about disappointment with God, the ache of watching life move forward for others while feeling stuck, and what it looks like to trust God with a story He is writing, even when it bears little resemblance to the one we imagined. This episode is for anyone walking through infertility, recurrent loss, or a story that feels painfully different than expected, and for those learning to trust God again in the waiting. Links: Julie's Website [https://www.juliefowlerministries.com/] Hope Mommies Website [https://hopemommies.org/] Subscribe to our Newsletter [https://hopemommies.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=3d9990764303b816fb7f5bbdb&id=e5e3ac4e45&fbclid=IwY2xjawFZm99leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRilwqyE-oxoLx8zeSmpQBC4rKOp6a-D2yeAEl-oiWLnkPhlnabzyPvlvA_aem_RPN0RnoTZy_AdSZuFwx1vQ] Join our online Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/hopemommies] Connect with us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/HopeMommies/] Connect with us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hopemommies/] Podcast Guest Submission [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFC72StykkjnHHfRGPdjGgtdfteEjtNtR2Y0KQR829vfz4ww/viewform] Make a Donation [https://hopemommies.org/donate-blackbaud] Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby [https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/HopeMommies/podcastsponsorship.html] 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.