In the Word: Wonderfully Made
Welcome to Hope Mommies’ In the Word devotionals. Over the next several weeks, we will be studying Psalm 139 together. This Psalm is used often (and rightly so) to demonstrate the value of human life, and God's care for us from even before we were conceived. What can we learn about God's tender care for us and for our babies from these verses? How does a greater knowledge of these truths offer hope and comfort to us in the midst of grief?
Wonderfully Made
“For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I ...
Get to Know Her: 2019 Retreat Speaker
How many times have you heard someone say, “Oh, that just breaks my heart,” when looking at a picture of a mistreated puppy? I know I have. And I thought my heart was broken when the boy I had a crush on didn’t ask me to the school dance.
December 24, 1995 was the day my husband, two young daughters, and I were anticipating welcoming our newest family member—a baby boy! We had presents under the tree and were waiting. On December 15, Zachary Robert was stillborn due to a “one in 10 million” amniotic band cord accident. Our lives—and the lives of my ...
Choose Hope for 2019
October 15I would imagine most of us didn’t know this date as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day until after we experienced our own loss of a child. Maybe this will be your first year acknowledging this day, and you are wondering what to do, how to honor and remember your baby. As we approach this day, there are three things I want you to know.
You don’t have to celebrate.
You don’t have to do anything. October 15 can just be October 15. There’s no grieving mother’s rule that says this day must be recognized. Not a day goes by where we ...
Ravyn’s Story
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a mother. So, when I found out I was pregnant for the first time in November 2017, I was so happy. My husband was at work when I found out, and I couldn’t even wait until he got home to tell him. We announced I was pregnant to our church and to our families. Everyone was so excited and praised God for this sweet baby. Then, on the morning of December 4, 2017, I woke up bleeding. After spending all day in the emergency room, my husband took me home that night, and I miscarried our first child early the next morning. We ...
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Grief is often accompanied by a myriad of temptations: anger, bitterness, fear, and despair, just to name a few. But God has provided us with everything we need to overcome these temptations, and to move forward in our sorrow with His strength. In this series, we will be studying the various pieces of our spiritual armor, and how each of these pieces uniquely equip us to cling to the hope we have been given in Christ.
A few weeks ago, my husband and I sat down on the couch together to rest after a long day. Just moments after our backs hit the cushions, we ...
In the Word: Never Alone (Part 2)
Welcome to Hope Mommies’ In the Word devotionals. Over the next several weeks, we will be studying Psalm 139 together. This Psalm is used often (and rightly so) to demonstrate the value of human life, and God's care for us from even before we were conceived. What can we learn about God's tender care for us and for our babies from these verses? How does a greater knowledge of these truths offer hope and comfort to us in the midst of grief?
NEVER ALONE (Part 2)
"Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I ...
The Belt of Truth
Grief is often accompanied by a myriad of temptations: anger, bitterness, fear, and despair, just to name a few. But God has provided us with everything we need to overcome these temptations, and to move forward in our sorrow with His strength. In this series, we will be studying the various pieces of our spiritual armor, and how each of these pieces uniquely equip us to cling to the hope we have been given in Christ.
When Max died, I had so many feelings. Feelings of anger, disbelief, confusion, and doubt in my own body. I was sadder than I have ...
Cereese’s Story
In the fall of 2017, our family decided that we wanted to have another child. We began praying together that God would answer the desire of our hearts, specifically for a son. Our prayers were answered almost immediately, and I became pregnant. I didn’t recognize it at the time, but I now know that I miscarried shortly after in December. It wasn’t until I learned that we were again expecting the following March, and I was flooded with the same symptoms, that I became cognizant of my miscarriage just months before. While staring at the positive lines, the tinge of ...
The Gift of Anna Joy
As we consider the profound impact that our Hope Babies have had on our lives, we can be filled with gratitude toward them, and toward the Lord. In this series, we reflect on some of the ways that we can say "thank you" to our precious babe(s) for the gifts that they have been and continue to be to us. We welcome you to contribute to this series by writing your own reflection on the impact your baby(ies) has had on your life and submitting it HERE.
My sweet Anna, You were so longed for, and are still so loved. You were the answer to a ...
Kristin’s Retreat Experience
A few months after Abby died, I received a Hope Box in the mail. It was my first introduction to Hope Mommies. I was intrigued. Their annual retreat was something that caught my eye, and soon enough, I had convinced another Hope Mom to go to this retreat with me in Texas.
It all sounded like a great idea at the time, but as the weekend of the retreat drew near, it sounded like a terrible, anxiety-ridden, I-think-I’m-gonna-pass-out kind of idea. I mean, lots of talking with people I don’t know? PANIC. Bunking with roommates? NOPE. Before Abby died, I would have ...
