Episode Details

In this deeply vulnerable and spiritually honest episode, Ashley welcomes Lisa Rowell—host of the Silent Footprints Podcast and founder of Julianna Grace Ministry—for a conversation that moves beyond advocacy into the raw realities of grief, mental health, spiritual warfare, and identity in Christ.

Lisa has become a powerful voice for families impacted by pregnancy and infant loss—providing grief boxes worldwide, helping pass the Stillbirth Prevention Act in Louisiana, advocating for the Shine for Autumn Act, and funding cooling cots for hospitals.

Together, Ashley and Lisa speak candidly about the mental health struggles that can follow loss, including seasons of despair and even suicidal thoughts. They discuss how grief can open the door to spiritual warfare, lies from the enemy, and distorted views of God—especially when father wounds shape how we interpret suffering. They explore the tension between faith and works, the temptation to strive for healing through doing, and what it means to transform heartbreak into holy purpose.

In this episode, we discussed:

• Lisa’s story and the founding of Julianna Grace Ministry
• How grief boxes provide tangible comfort and remind parents they are not alone
• The mental health impact of grief, including suicidal thoughts and despair
• Spiritual warfare and the enemy’s lies during vulnerable seasons
• The importance of cooling cots and giving families time and dignity to say goodbye
• Legislative advocacy surrounding stillbirth and infant loss, including the Stillbirth Prevention Act and the Shine for Autumn Act
• What it means to carry your baby’s legacy forward through action
• Advocacy as a form of love, remembrance, and honoring our children
• The spiritual tension between faith and works—serving from love vs. striving for worth
• How grief can expose deeper wounds, including father wounds that affect how we see God
• The sacred responsibility of stewarding our babies’ legacies

This episode is both tender and empowering—a reminder that while we never would have chosen this path, God can use even our deepest sorrow to bring comfort, awareness, and change. Whether you are newly grieving or years into your journey, this episode offers encouragement that your baby’s life matters—and your voice does too.

GET THE BOOK! Cradled in Hope is sold on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Christianbook, and Baker Bookhouse.
[www.bridgetscradles.com/book]

EPISODE SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT:
[www.bridgetscradles.com/post/episode69]

• CRADLED IN HOPE PODCAST WEBSITE:
Sign up here to receive email updates and hope-filled resources
[www.bridgetscradles.com/podcast]

• CRADLED IN HOPE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY FOR GRIEVING MOMS:
[www.facebook.com/groups/cradledinhope]

• FOLLOW BRIDGET'S CRADLES
[www.facebook.com/bridgetscradles]
[www.instagram.com/bridgetscradles]
[www.pinterest.com/bridgetscradles]

• CONNECT WITH THE HOST | ASHLEY OPLIGER
[www.ashleyopliger.com]
[www.facebook.com/ashleyopliger]
[www.instagram.com/ashleyopliger]

#cradledinhope #cradledinhopepodcast #bridgetscradles