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

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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

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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

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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.

Finding reasons to be thankful in the middle of suffering isn't easy. In this episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast, Kristin Hernandez is joined by author and Hope Mom Allison Brost to talk about what it looks like to cultivate gratitude. Allison shares the story of her son Solomon, who went to be with the Lord in 2018, and reflects on how her journey through loss has shaped her relationship with the Lord.

Together, they discuss the tension of holding sorrow and thankfulness at the same time, the importance of authentic community, and how God redeems even the broken pieces of our stories. Allison also shares practical ways to nurture a heart of gratitude—including honesty with God, surrender, and remembering His goodness.

Whether you're navigating deep grief, struggling to find thankfulness in hard seasons, or simply wanting to root your heart in gratitude, this conversation offers encouragement and hope. This Thanksgiving, we hope you're reminded that gratitude doesn't ignore pain—it transforms it.

Allison Brost is an author and independent singer/songwriter from Janesville, Wisconsin. She loves to share daily encouragement online for those journeying in their faith over at This Side of Perfect. Her passion is to share words of hope—both through books and song—that can point people to Jesus and meet them in the hard, the mundane, and every moment inbetween. When she's not busy homeschooling her kids or leading worship, you can find her outside, most likely with a cup of chai in hand.

Links:

Allison Brost's Website

Grateful: 30 Days of Growing in Thankfulness

This Side of Perfect: Holding Onto Hope When Life Gets Hard

Hope Mommies Website

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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 Mother of Wilde. Mother of Wilde creates personalized birth portraits, heirloom prints, and remembrance memorials for families walking through loss. What began as a single print has grown into thousands of cherished keepsakes treasured by families across the country and around the world. Their heart is to honor babies of all ages and trimesters through meaningful, custom prints. With a variety of layouts and styles to choose from, each piece is designed to celebrate the deep love parents have for their sons and daughters. You can learn more on instagram @motherofwilde and place your order at motherofwilde.com. Use the coupon code HOPEMOM for a $5 discount at checkout.

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.

Kristin Hernandez is joined by Ryan and Jessica McDaniel, licensed professional counselors and founders of McDaniel Counseling, to talk about intimacy, sex, and marriage after the loss of a baby. Drawing from over 15 years of professional counseling experience as well as their own story of loss, Ryan and Jessica offer compassionate, God-centered wisdom for navigating this deeply personal area of marriage.

Ryan and Jessica remind us that intimacy is so much more than physical connection—it's knowing and being known, both by our spouse and by God who sees us intimately. Together, we explore practical tools for couples facing misaligned desires, navigating feelings of emotional and physical disconnection, and receiving support from trusted advisors. While this episode may be slightly more PG than our usual content, this topic is handled with the utmost respect, biblical hope, and a heart for helping married couples take steps toward the healing only God can provide.

Links:

McDaniel Counseling

The McDaniel's Recommended Reading List

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.

October 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day—a day of remembrance, but also a day to consider how God can bring eternal impact out of even the shortest lives. In this episode of the Hope Mommies Podcast, host Kristin Hernandez is joined by fellow hope mom Kristin Jackson to talk about the power of our stories and how the Lord can use them as a platform for sharing the gospel.

Kristin Jackson shares the story of her daughter, Abigail Faith, and how God has used the story of her life to bring hope to others. Together, Kristin and Kristin reflect on how God comforts us in our sorrow and equips us to extend that comfort to others. They discuss the many ways our babies' lives can point to Jesus—sometimes quietly within our own homes and sometimes more publicly—and how moms can thoughtfully and gently, yet boldly share their testimonies of Christ's work in their lives. This conversation offers biblical encouragement, practical ideas, and grace-filled reminders that whether or not we share publicly, God is always at work in and through our stories.

The intro compilation includes stories from:

• MaKenzie Van Hook

• Kayla Pesce

• Stephanie Kallestad

• Amy Allen

• Kimmie McInerney

Links:

Retreat Registration

Wave of Light 2025

Hope Mommies Website

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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 Grieving with Hope Through Miscarriage, a new book by Mollie Euhus. This heartfelt guide was written for anyone navigating the deep sorrow of pregnancy loss. Drawing on personal experience, biblical wisdom, and the stories of other women, Mollie offers comfort, practical help, and encouragement rooted in God's love. I believe this book is a beautiful companion for anyone walking through miscarriage, and I'm thankful to share it with you today. You can find Grieving with Hope Through Miscarriage 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.

This special episode features the complete audio from the Hope Mommies 2025 Wave of Light event, adapted slightly for podcast format.

Every year on October 15—Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day—families around the world light candles at 7:00 PM local time, creating a continuous "wave of light" and raising awareness for miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss.

This prerecorded event is designed for you to press play at 7:00 PM in your own time zone, no matter where you live, so you can join us in the wave of light.

If you'd like to watch the full event video, you can find it here:
Hope Mommies Wave of Light Video Stream

This session includes:

• A message of hope from Jessalyn Hutto

• Worship led by Jamie Dodson of Flourish Creative, featuring:

  • Come Thou Fount / King of Kings

  • Great Are You Lord

  • Faithful Still