.png)
The Silent Footprints | Stillbirth, Miscarriage, SIDS, Stigma, Baby Loss, Grief, SHINE for Autumn Act, Advocate, Legislation, Infant Loss, Pregnancy Loss, Maternity
Have you lost a baby to miscarriage, stillbirth, or SIDS? Do you feel like no one understands the depth of your grief? Maybe you’re angry, bitter, depressed—or drowning in a sea of emotions that feel impossible to name, let alone explain. Perhaps you’ve heard well-meaning but hurtful comments or received advice that made you feel even more isolated. You might be wondering, Where is God in all of this? Or why our country hasn’t done more to prevent stillbirths and support grieving families.
You are not alone. And this podcast is for you.
I’m Lisa Rowell. In 2013, I gave birth to my stillborn daughter, Julianna Grace. That moment shattered my world. I didn’t know how to survive the pain. I wrestled with God, with grief, with questions no one seemed to want to answer. Ten years ago, I found myself on the edge of despair, holding a bottle of liquor and a handful of pills, ready to give up—until God stepped in and changed everything.
From the ashes of that heartbreak, a calling was born.
Through The Silent Footprints, I invite you into a space that is real, raw, and unapologetically honest about infant loss. Here, we break the silence and stigma around miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, and early infant death. We talk about what it's like to grieve in a world that doesn’t know what to say—and how to heal when your heart feels shattered.
My Christian faith has been the foundation of my journey, and it’s through God’s strength that I found purpose in my pain. I started the Julianna Grace Ministry by creating grieving baskets for parents like me. That effort grew into funding cuddle cots and caring cradles for local hospitals—tools that allow families precious time with their babies. Later, God opened the door for me to help pass legislation in Louisiana, offering tax credits to families of stillborn babies and giving dignity through certificates of miscarriage.
This podcast isn’t just about healing—it's about action. I believe we can change the way our nation handles stillbirth and miscarriage. I believe grieving families deserve recognition, support, and resources. You’ll hear about efforts to pass laws across the country, tools like fetal monitoring apps, and ways you can advocate in your own state or even at the national level.
Through heartfelt stories, faith-filled encouragement, and practical advocacy tips, The Silent Footprints empowers grieving parents to honor their babies and reclaim their voices. Whether you're freshly grieving or years down the road, this podcast will walk with you through the valleys and help you find purpose on the other side of pain.
You may feel broken right now, but God is not finished with your story. You are not alone. Your baby’s life mattered. And your life still holds meaning.
As Psalm 27:13 says, “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” I never thought I’d feel joy again—but God made a way. Now I want to share that hope with you.
So, if you're tired of suffering in silence, if you're ready to heal, speak out, and even create change—subscribe and join me. Let’s walk this road together, one step, one story, one prayer at a time.
“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord.” – Psalm 27:14
The Silent Footprints | Stillbirth, Miscarriage, SIDS, Stigma, Baby Loss, Grief, SHINE for Autumn Act, Advocate, Legislation, Infant Loss, Pregnancy Loss, Maternity
79 | A Tiny Cradle, A Big Calling with Ashley Opliger | Bridget's Cradles
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In today’s episode, Ashley Opliger of Bridget’s Cradles shares the powerful story behind her ministry and the life of her daughter, Bridget Faith. Ashley lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her family, and her journey began in 2014 when Bridget was born still at just 24 weeks and 5 days after a pregnancy filled with complications, including a subchorionic hemorrhage, 11 weeks of bed rest, and ultimately a placental abruption.
As Ashley’s mother lovingly prepared for her granddaughter’s early arrival, she felt led by God to knit the sides of a small blanket into what would become a tiny cradle. When Bridget Faith was born weighing only 13 ounces, that handmade cradle allowed Ashley and her family to hold her—a moment of comfort that would forever change Ashley’s life.
After returning home in grief, Ashley cried out to God and felt Him calling her to create Bridget’s Cradles, a ministry that now brings comfort to countless families experiencing loss.
Listen as Ashley shares how her faith transformed from lukewarm to fully on fire, and how God turned unimaginable ashes into something beautiful. Be sure to explore the links below to connect with Ashley’s podcast, book, and website.
LETS STAY CONNECTED:
Link Tree
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Website
Give if you feel led. All donations will go to the Julianna Grace Ministry. Click on general then the Julianna Grace Ministry.
