Hope Group Testimonies

Hope Groups are small groups of women who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss (up to two years of age) at any point in their life. It’s a collection of women who meet and share their stories with one another, pray together, ask questions, share hurts, share happinesses, and cling to His Word to find that there is still hope after the death of their precious sons and daughters.

Hope Groups are nine-week Bible study small groups. Some meet online through Facebook and some meet in person. Each group will establish a specific meeting time. Even if you can’t make it for that specific time each week, the topics will be posted online and dialogue will continue beyond the specified time throughout the week.

Here is what other women who have gone through Hope Groups in the past have to say:

 

Hope Groups have been a place where I can share my journey openly and not feel strange because I have suffered repeated loss. They are a safe place to build lifelong friendships with women who truly understand your heartache.

Jessica B., Hope Mom to Scribbles, Guppy, Pickles, Bimmer, Abigail Jewel and Joanna Grace – Spring 2016 Hope Group Participant

 

After suffering our 3rd late miscarriage in 2 years I found myself floundering immensely.  I felt like my foundation had been shaken.  I needed people to speak truth into my life. Hope Groups did just that.  Each of the ladies understood where I was, I could be open and honest about all the ugliness I felt and there was no judgement – only encouragement, truth, and hope. I am so grateful to have met and studied with these amazing, strong Hope Mommies.

Sarah S., Hope Mom to Solomon, Celeste, and Gabriel – Spring 2016 Hope Group Participant

 

My leader was so good at caring for us, drawing us out, being real about her struggles, and bringing our hearts back to the Scripture. I was so blessed by her.  Much to my surprise, the online chat via Facebook worked extremely well.  Sometimes it is easier for me to listen to things than to say what I am feeling to people that I don’t really know.  But not with this group.  It felt so easy and natural to connect and now I want to meet everyone in my group in person!  This was a place of refreshment.  A place I could choke with my broken heart and be encouraged to trust God through it.  I valued seeing others were struggling in similar ways and I valued the wisdom others have gathered on their journeys.  I value friendships beginning and I hope they will continue though we are not all geographically near.  It is a blessing to be in a group that understands my heartache and where we can support and encourage each other.

Spring 2016 Hope Group Participant

 

My Hope Group leader provided the perfect balance of love, kindness, and comfort with hard truths. She was open about her own experiences and that was so helpful – to know that it’s possible to achieve a new normal and be in a good place with God and others after such a loss.  Our online group was just what I expected and perfect for my needs.  The relationships developed are wonderful. The only people who truly understand such a loss are others who have experienced one and it was great to having a place to be honest with what I was feeling. I liked that it was a small group and you don’t get ‘lost’ like you can on the main pages.

Spring 2016 Hope Group Participant

 

My leader was amazing. I felt welcomed and safe to share my broken heart. She gently and consistently pointed us to Jesus.  I was extremely skeptical about how Facebook messenger would work for a weekly meeting, but was pleasantly surprised. I felt like we were still able to form close, friendship bonds despite not ever meeting in person.  I gained so much from hearing other Hope Moms’ experiences and perspectives. I appreciated knowing other women were facing similar doubts and questions, while still clinging to the truths of God’s character. It felt like a safe place to share completely honestly about all aspects of my grief.

Spring 2016 Hope Group Participant

 

I’m very excited to lead an “Anchored” Hope Group in Abilene this fall to help build community between local moms.  I believe the Lord will restore brokenness and build up hope when we dive into His Word for answers.

JoDee, Fall 2016 Hope Group Leader – In-person “Anchored” Group In Abilene, Texas

 

I want to be a Hope Group leader because I want to comfort other women with the comfort God has given me.  The ladies of Hope Mommies have supported me through very hard times and reminded me of the hope I have in Christ, and I want to share that with other women who are suffering through such a tragic loss.

Rhiannon, Fall 2016 Hope Group Leader – In-person “I AM” Group in Dallas, Texas

 

I began participating in Hope Groups a few weeks after we lost our first son, Stockton. I wasn’t sure I was ready, but it was a huge blessing. I believe this spring Hope Group was my 4th Hope Group to participate in. Each time not only do I learn more about the grieving process and Christ’s love, but I also am able to create lasting relationships with women who can unfortunately relate to the heartache I have felt. I encourage any woman who has lost a child to participate in the groups. It will not only help you through the process but will also touch your heart in amazing ways.

Whitney, Hope Mom to Stockton Ray – Spring 2016 Hope Group Participant

 

 

Being a part of a Hope Group allowed the most broken part of my heart to be exposed, understood, and then ultimately met with the Gospel. As I walk this journey of learning to live without Ava, I often find that the overwhelming emotion that seeks to well up inside of me, aside from sheer sadness, is that of loneliness. I have an incredible family and precious group of friends, and yet the unique grief that comes from losing a child can feel so isolating in moments. And yet on the flip side, the mutual understanding and undeniable bond that I have found with other Hope Moms has been so instrumental in helping me learn how to live in the beautiful, messy, bittersweet of this life. The thought of being able to come alongside others and meet them in their pain with the same tenderness and patience that was shown to me, feels like such a high calling and privilege. Though it comes at such a high cost, there is such great joy in being a Hope Mama.

Anne, Fall 2016 Hope Group Co-Leader – In-person “Anchored” Group at Northwest Bible Church in Dallas, Texas

 

Being a part of a Hope Group was so helpful to me last year – just to have a designated time each week to grieve with others who understood where I was coming from and also to feel like Faith’s mom every week, even though she wasn’t with me. I think it’s so important for girls to not feel alone in their grief and that is what the Hope Group provided for me.

Lauren, Fall 2016 Hope Group Co-Leader – In-person “Anchored” Group at Northwest Bible Church in Dallas, Texas

 

When my son died back in November of 2013, my world had fallen. In the spring of 2014 I went to a Hope Group for the first time, with so many tears and questions, carrying a faith that had been shaken down to a cracked foundation. Not only was I met with grace and mamas that understood, but I was also met, right there where I was, by the One who holds my babies in heaven. I want every single mother that has had to give their child or children back to have the same opportunity to be met and understood right where they are and to be loved and to find confidence that this is not the end of their story.

Michelle, Fall 2016 Hope Group Co-Leader – In-person Hope Group at Irving Bible Church in Irving, Texas

 

I had the privilege of leading a Hope Group this spring in my home. It was such a blessing to spend time with these amazing women and get to know them and their sweet children week after week. Hope Groups were a sweet time of healing, transparency, support and hope. I am so thankful for the friendships I have made through Hope Mommies.

Becca, Fall 2016 Hope Group Leader – In-person “I AM” Group in Bryan, Texas

 

During my Hope Group I gained so much from hearing other Hope Moms’ experiences and perspectives. I appreciated knowing other women were facing similar doubts and questions, while still clinging to the truths of God’s character. It felt like a safe place to share completely and honestly about all aspects of my grief.

Spring 2016 Hope Group Participant

 

 

 

I want to lead a Hope Group to connect with other moms that have walked and are walking the same path I am walking. Suffering loss and death is so hard and can be very isolating…doing it in community can help you not feel so alone.

Mimi, Fall 2016 Hope Group Leader – In-person “Anchored” Group in Johnson City, Tennessee

  

I’m so excited to get to know you and hear about your precious baby in this safe place. There is something so unique and special about being surrounded by other women who completely understand your grief. I’m looking forward to having that fellowship as we grow closer to the Lord together!

Emily, Fall 2016 Hope Group Co-Leader – In-person Hope Group in Temple, Texas

 

Registration for our Fall 2016 Hope Groups is now open!  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with other women, share your story, and experience the hope of Christ!

Hope Groups will run from the week of September 18 through the week of November 13.

To learn more and register for a group follow this link –> Hope Groups

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