In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with Ashley Opliger—author, speaker, and founder of Bridget’s Cradles—as she shares her story of grief, hope, and the redemptive love of Jesus. Ashley opens up about the heartbreaking stillbirth of her daughter, Bridget, and how God birthed a nationwide ministry through her loss. She also vulnerably shares about the sudden and tragic death of her father and how she continues to cling to the hope of heaven.
We talk about what it means to walk through unimaginable grief while still trusting in God’s goodness. Ashley shares how Bridget’s Cradles now comforts grieving families across all 50 states and how God continues to multiply her small steps of obedience for His glory.
We cover:
• The sacred moment of holding Bridget and how her cradle brought peace
• Walking through deep trauma and the loss of her father to a drunk driver
• Wrestling with God’s sovereignty and the goodness of God in the middle of suffering
• The importance of presence over platitudes when comforting someone grieving
• Encouragement for those who want to turn their pain into purpose
• Her favorite scriptures and how suffering has drawn her closer to Jesus
This episode is for anyone walking through grief, asking hard theological questions, or wondering how God can redeem even the most painful parts of our story.
Bio:
Ashley is Bridget's Mommy and co-founder and President of Bridget's Cradles. She is married to Matt and they have three children: a daughter in Heaven, Bridget, and two sons, Branton and Brenner.
Ashley is a fully-devoted follower of Christ and longs to glorify Him with her life. She desires to share the hope of Heaven with moms grieving the loss of their baby.
Ashley enjoys spending time with her family and friends, crafting, reading, and podcasting. You can read more about her daughter's life story here and watch a short video of her story here. To watch a short documentary filmed by Grotto Network on Ashley's work with Bridget's Cradles, visit here.
Anchor Verses:
1 Peter-entire book, read chapter 1: 6-7
Connect with Ashley:
Website: https://www.ashleyopliger.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyopliger
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ashleyopliger
Business Website: https://www.bridgetscradles.com
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
• Ashley’s book Cradled in Hope
• Bridget’s Cradles Ministry: www.bridgetscradles.com
• Free eBook: How to Support a Loved One Who’s Lost a Baby
• Cradled in Hope Podcast
• Ashley’s personal story and her dad’s tribute: ashleyopliger.com
💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!
📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $35, VIP: $50 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating
https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain
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