Church can be one of the hardest places to be when you're grieving—and yet, it can be one of the most vital. In this conversation, Kristin sits down with author and pastor Eric Schumacher to talk honestly about when church feels hard, especially after loss.

Together they explore why gathering with believers can stir both comfort and pain, how shame often gets tangled up with sorrow in church settings, and what helps us keep showing up when it would be easier to stay home. Eric shares from his own experience of pastoring through grief and reminds us of the beauty of being part of Christ's body—even when (or especially when) our hearts feel heavy.

They also discuss:

• The importance of hearing others sing, pray, and confess when we're hurting

• How baptism and communion point us back to our hope in Christ

• Practical ways churches can better care for grieving families

• What it means to be "saved into a family" rather than a solo faith

If being in church feels especially tender right now, this episode is for you. May it remind you that Jesus has not given up on His Church, no matter how difficult things may appear.

Links:

Dads Hurt Too: A Father's Memoir of Miscarriage

Eric Schumacher

Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ Is Essential (The Gospel Coalition and 9Marks) by Collin Hansen and Jonathan Leeman

Hope Mommies Website

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Join our online Facebook Group

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on Instagram

Podcast Guest Submission

Make a Donation

In Loving Memory

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored by the McInerney Family, in honor of Teagan Paul McInerney. The McInerney Family shares,

"Happy birthday, beloved boy! How humbling to think you've been part of our family for 6 years. We miss you greatly, but rejoice knowing that heaven is your home and one day Jesus will call us to Himself and reunite us all. What a day that will be! Holding onto hope and eternal purpose has been one of the most challenging journeys of our lives - yet until we are together, we promise to send hugs and kisses and keep looking for Teagan Turtles!"

Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby

With Special Thanks

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is made possible by Dads Hurt Too: A Father's Memoir of Miscarriage by Eric M. Schumacher.

Miscarriage is not only a mother's grief—dads hurt too. In this honest and grace-filled memoir, Eric opens his heart about his own journey through loss, giving voice to a sorrow many fathers silently carry. With humility and hope, he reminds dads that their grief matters and that they are not alone.

This short, accessible book offers gospel-centered comfort for fathers in the raw hours and weeks after loss, pointing them to the God who draws near to the brokenhearted and promises resurrection through Jesus Christ.

Dads Hurt Too is a meaningful resource for grieving dads, as well as for friends, family, and church leaders who want to care for them well. Order your copy of Dads Hurt Too by Eric M. Schumacher on Amazon.

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.

Losing a baby doesn't just break your heart—it can shake your sense of who you are.

In this episode, Jennie Parks and Kristin Hernandez discuss the ways miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss often reshape our sense of identity. Together, we reflect on the "before loss" and "after loss" versions of ourselves—the parts we miss, the growth we've seen, and the good fruit God has brought from deep sorrow. We talk honestly about the pain of change—how loss can affect our relationships, personality, confidence, and even our walk with the Lord—and how, even in all that shifting, our identity in Christ never changes.

With Scripture and personal reflection, Jennie and Kristin remind us that while grief may change aspects of who we are, it doesn't change whose we are.

Links:

Hope Mommies Website

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Join our online Facebook Group

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on Instagram

Podcast Guest Submission

Make a Donation

In Loving Memory

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is sponsored by the Morgan Family in honor of Thomas Michael. The Morgan Family shares, "Sweet Thomas, your four months on earth were the most joyous days of our lives. We love you so much and miss you every day. We hold fast to the hope that we will see you again, because of Christ. Love, Mama, Daddy, Charlotte, and John".  If you'd like to sponsor an episode in honor of your baby or on behalf of a Hope Mom you know, visit hope mommies.org.

Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby

With Special Thanks

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is made possible by Comfort Candles. Based in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Comfort Candles has been our candle supplier for Hope Boxes for many years, bringing light and comfort to countless women in their grief. Each candle is handcrafted by Ben, their master candle maker, using a premium soy wax blend, all-cotton wicks, and the finest fragrances—resulting in a clean, long-lasting burn. With more than 40 heavenly fragrances to choose from, they also offer wax melts, fragrance sprays, travel tins, and more.

We're grateful for the care Comfort Candles pours into every product, and we're excited to share a special offer with you. Use the code HOPE20 for 20% off your order at comfortcandlecompany.com. You can also subscribe to their email list to receive 20% off as a first-time buyer.

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 Christmas season can feel especially tender for a mom who has lost her baby. In this episode, Brooke Schuelke, Jennie Parks, and Kristin Hernandez talk about walking through Advent—a season of longing and hope. Together, we reflect on how Advent mirrors the experience of grief, the comfort of Emmanuel—God with us, and practical ways to hold both sorrow and joy in this holiday season.

Wherever you find yourself this Christmas season, we pray this conversation points you to Christ, reminds you to rest in Him, and reassures you that you don't have to feel festive to celebrate the deep hope of Christmas.

Links:

Hope Mommies Website

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Join our online Facebook Group

Connect with us on Facebook

Connect with us on Instagram

Podcast Guest Submission

Make a Donation

Sponsor an episode of the HM Podcast in honor of a Hope Baby

With Special Thanks

This episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast is made possible by Comfort Candles.

Based in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Comfort Candles has been our candle supplier for Hope Boxes for many years, bringing light and comfort to countless women in their grief. Each candle is handcrafted by Ben, their master candle maker, using a premium soy wax blend, all-cotton wicks, and the finest fragrances—resulting in a clean, long-lasting burn. With more than 40 heavenly fragrances to choose from, they also offer wax melts, fragrance sprays, travel tins, and more.

We're grateful for the care Comfort Candles pours into every product, and we're excited to share a special offer with you. Use the code HOPE20 for 20% off your order at comfortcandlecompany.com. You can also subscribe to their email list to receive 20% off as a first-time buyer.

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.