AFA’s own Ed and Dianne Vitagliano come on to share their story of loss. Dianne experienced loss many years ago, however, she was willing to share how that loss still affects her today. Ed mentions how one thing he would change in his life would be to have more children and wonders who that little baby would be today. Ed and Dianne walked through loss when it was not a popular subject to bring up at the dinner table. She shares how that impacted her and how she was able to grieve the life of her unborn baby. 

AFA - A treasure we might not be given

Ashley O joins us for a second time to tell more  about her book, Cradled and Hope, that was recently released. It is a book written in memory of her sweet baby Bridget, who passed away in 2014. Ashley desires to encourage other loss moms to clean to Jesus as they walk through the unimaginable loss of a child.

The doctors warned Ashley her baby may be stillborn.  Ashley's mother responded to God's prompting and turned a knit baby blanket into a tiny crib for baby Bridgette.  Even though the baby went to Heaven before she was born, the crib added some dignity to a tragic situation.  Now, hospitals everywhere are requesting knit cribs for premature and stillborn babies, and Bridgette's memory lives on.

Jackie Gibson returns for a part two of her story to continue her story of child loss. She shares about special ways she remembers her sweet Leila and encourages others to make ways to remember their babies in heaven. Jackie’s husband has also authored a childrens’ book to help siblings after loss. The Moon is Always Round is a precious book to honor Leila and also help children understand that God is always good even when life doesn’t feel too good. 

The Moon Is Always Round: Jonathan Gibson, Joe Hox, Joe Hox: 9781645070276: Amazon.com: Books

I am Still Her Mother by Jackie Gibson | New Growth Press

Author and mother, Jackie Gibson comes on to share her personal story of loss. She knows all too well what tragedy looks like when it comes to losing a baby. She honors her sweet baby girl, Leila’s, story throughout her interview. In her book, Jackie invites women to cling to the Lord as they walk through the hardest days of their life. She is an inspiration to anyone who knows what it’s like to say goodbye to their baby before they ever get to say “Hello.” 

I am Still Her Mother by Jackie Gibson | New Growth Press

The Moon Is Always Round: Jonathan Gibson, Joe Hox, Joe Hox: 9781645070276: Amazon.com: Books

Mary Todd Gordon continues her story of God's grace after her reality was shaken by postpartum psychosis.

We've touched on the subject of postpartum depression from time to time.  This discussion deals with the very real issue of postpartum psychosis.  Our guest Mary Todd Gordon shares how God intervened after this issue strained her marriage and threatened her family's wellbeing.

Women waiting to be moms may idealize motherhood in their imaginations.  But, new mothers may be surprised to find that, in reality, children are sinners, just like the rest of us.  It seems they have an in-born capacity for naughtiness.  Kendra and Anne discuss the patience, creativity and prayer required to deal with their children's sin nature.

Nothing could prepare Rebecca Davis for the moment they couldn't find a heartbeat on the ultrasound. But one sweet couple who acknowledged their loss brought encouragement and kindness in an unexpected and small way. This powerful episode explores Rebecca's story as she reflects on her miscarriage from many years ago. 

Pastor Andrew Maddox gives some helpful hints to churches which would like to help local foster care workers, parents and children.  Pastor Andrew found and excellent use for spare space in the church and now the entire foster care community in his area is benefitting from the Wrap Closet of Giles County.

Lindsey Chaney tells her story

Natalie Ritchie

Anne and Kendra welcome guests Emily Brooks and Lauren Watson into the studio and discuss emotions of moms or people hoping to become moms as Mothers Day approaches.

Adopting or fostering older children can be intimidating but oh it can be so rewarding! Dave White is a licensed therapist who adopted three older children. He shares practical tips from his own journey and encourages others to consider this important kingdom work.

Adopting or fostering older children can be intimidating but oh it can be so rewarding! Dave White is a licensed therapist who adopted three older children. He shares practical tips from his own journey and encourages others to consider this important kingdom work.

Christian singer/song writer, Phil King, comes on to talk about his brand new single called “Miscarriages.” Phil shares his heart behind the song and, although, miscarriage is not part of his or his wife’s story he knew there was a need to minister to those who have walked through miscarriages. After a friend lost their baby, Phil wrote this song as a tribute to that sweet life that was gone too soon. 

https://youtu.be/ljpnZj98IXU?si=RCq6houjvv3CRRG5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlBSbFMgx8U&pp=ygUXbm90IGZvcmdvdHRlbiBwaGlsIGtpbmc%3D

Ryan and Kelsi tell the rest of the story of their tragic loss and then talk about the ministry that resulted from that loss.

In this episode Anne and her husband Will discuss child loss with a couple who know the feelings all too well. Ryan and Kelsi Cole share intimate details of what they walked through as a couple and as individuals after their son, Witson, passed away at 38 weeks. Ryan gives a unique and needed view of what loss is like from a father’s and husband’s perspective. So much attention is placed on the mother of the baby who passed (and that is so needed) however, the dads grieve as well. Ryan shares how he felt the need to be completely available to his wife, but wondered how he was supposed to grieve the loss of their sweet baby also.

This episode we continue the Carters’ story of loss but learn just how God can redeem our losses in this world if we let him. We learned about the ministries that were started after their daughter, Katie Beth, unexpectedly passed away. The Carters now travel to many states to offer hope through Jesus and walk with other parents who have experienced a child passing away. We also learned about a ministry that was founded in memory of KB in Nicaragua and how many children receive their education through that ministry. 

Jason and Amy Carter come on to share their tragic story of loss and how the Lord has never their side through it all. We talk about their book which was inspired by their daughter, Katie Beth and discuss what inspired the cover of their book- smashed bricks and an acorn. We learn about their sweet KB who is remembered most for how she “Lived and loved well.” 

Ministries mentioned in the show:

www.liveandloveministries.com

www.whilewerewaiting.org

www.lb4c.org