Hannah's Heart

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.

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

After having one miracle baby through minimal stimulation ivf, Kendra immediately knew she wanted to have another. But trusting God through the details is hard! In this episode, kendra discusses her fertility treatments to expand her family, her difficult pregnancy and all the "God winks" she experienced along the way. ”

This is the story of Pastor Andrew who's creative use of available space grew into a ministry with multiple churches helping several foster care agencies. It's another beautiful example of the difference one man can make.

This week we continue our discussion of human trafficking with Colleen Fabling who is the safe house ministry director with Eight Days of Hope. She shares how the church can get involved with their ministry of building and maintaining safe houses for women and children who have been rescued. https://eightdaysofhope.com/what-we-do/safe-house-ministry/

Colleen Fabling comes on to speak with Anne and Kendra about the fastest growing crime in America- Human Trafficking. If we say we care about the sanctity of human life, then we must care about the horrific cases of Human trafficking. We know that it is hard to listen to and to think about, but extremely needed. She shares unbelievable statistics and how we as the Body of Christ can get involved and what signs to look for.

We continue this week with Emily Burns' story of infertility which led to two wonderful adoptions that made her family whole. She discusses what those adoptions looked like for her family and how the Lord was in every single detail. As we see over and over, the Lord is always there to heal the broken (and infertile) heart.

Emily Burns shares her story of what it was like to become a stepmom and how that little girl became a little girl she loved like her own. However, Emily still desired to carry a baby of her own. Unfortunately, a few years after becoming a stepmom she was given the news no woman wants to hear. Infertility made its way into her story, but that’s not where her story ends.

Ricky and Cathy Cockrell (Anne’s in-laws) come on to discuss what loosing a grandchild was like. They share the grief that they-as grandparents of the baby who passed away- still struggle with but also what it was like to watch their son walk through such awful loss. They recount what that day was like for them and give a little advice to grandparents who may, unfortunately, experience this same situation one day. They also share how they as a family remember John-Micah and keep his memory alive.

Anne Cockrell and her husband, Will, recount what walking through infertility was like for Will. What it looks like for a husband to support his wife during such rough times. How husbands just want to “fix it” and what that looks like when you can’t immediately give your wife the baby she’s desiring. How a husband’s desire for a baby may look different than his wife’s desire.

Following an appearance by our host, Anne, on Jeff Chamblee's radio show, The Stand, in a blatant act of cross promotion (lol), Jeff agreed to be a guest on Hannah's Heart. Actually, Jeff and his wife also have an interesting story of reproductive challenges.

After experiencing a stillbirth or other gestational loss, a mother may not be emotionally equipped to plan a memorial ceremony or funeral for that precious baby. Suzane Walker volunteered to help Anne and her family and did a masterful job at honoring the short life of John Micah Cockerell.

Anne continues her conversation with Dani Cap as Dani tells her story of loss and God's role in their journey.

Dani and her husband have walked through infertility for eight years now. Multiple surgeries, adoption, a surprise pregnancy, and then a loss are just a few things they have walked through together. They have grown closer to the Lord and closer to each other even though they’ve walked through such hard things. She continues to lead others to the Lord by her blog and instagram, as_im_waiting

Kendra returns briefly from maternity leave to discuss with Anne the challenges a couple dealing with loss or infertility may deal with especially at Christmas time.

Sharon Aikmen continues her story and shares about her children she has adopted through foster care. She also shares about her new book that tells her wonderful God-filled story.

Years and years passed with what felt like no answered prayers and the Lord being silent to Sharon. However, the Lord is always working things out for our good. Sharon shares how through heartache she grew closer to the Lord and has now been able to mother 19 children and even to adopt 9. What a testimony Sharon shares with us.

The holidays are a difficult time when you are struggling to conceive, and when Thanksgiving rolls around the enemy can make you feel like you don’t have anything to be thankful for!

Join the Morgans as they share their journey with infertility — multiple IUIs, applying for foster care starting on the road to NaPro (Natural Procreative Technology) and ultimately conceiving naturally without intervention. And how prayer has held them together through it all!

Emmie Chavers continues to share about her little guy with disabilities and shares how those disabilities led to her seeking out help from a ministry a few states away. While she was there the Lord spoke to her, and now that same type of ministry is just a few miles away.

Infertility doesn’t play a part in Emmie’s story, but lots of challenges have come her way through rare diagnosis in her youngest son. She and her family have had to lean on the Lord and each other as they have had to be advocates for this little boy. Not many specialists even knew how to diagnose such a rare condition. Emmie shares some of her everyday struggles of parenting a little with disabilities and also shares how that same little guy is one of her biggest blessings.

In 1 Samuel we meet a woman named Hannah who struggled with infertility. She poured her heart out to God in prayer and God heard her! The Hannah’s Heart show and podcast was named after this amazing woman and was launched three years ago. In today’s episode Anne and Kendra share deeper insights into Hannah’s story and also talk about how hosting the show has forever impacted their lives.

Did you know that EVERY major diaper company is pro choice and supports the abortion industry either financially or ideologically? It makes no sense that they would want to kill their clientele but sadly it’s true. Society acts like children are a huge burden and that it is almost shameful to want them! This can be particularly upsetting for godly Christian couples struggling to conceive. The good news is….someone is doing something about it! Don’t miss this eye-opening interview with Sarah Gabel Seifert, the president and co-founder of Everylife- the only prolife diaper company around!

Marie isn’t just a licensed counselor. She has also personally experienced the stress and anxiety of infertility. She now owns her own practice and helps others everyday. In this episode she shares several practical grounding techniques and tips for stress management to help couples deal with the pressures surrounding infertility. Oh and did I mention that she loves Jesus with all her heart? Every tip and trick is based in research and built on a Biblical worldview.

Marie was desperate to have a baby. It was all she could think about. Even when an emergency medical situation landed her in the hospital, she wasn’t worried about living–just whether or not she could still have a child after the procedure. Chaos and anxiety ruled in her mind…. until one day God captured her heart and filled her with a genuine joy and contentment that cannot be explained. Don’t miss her powerful story!

After 13 years of infertility and multiple rounds of fertility treatments, Allyn Ann was blessed with two precious children of her own. Now she has started a non profit to help other families afford treatments that help build families. To find out more about the grant process, visit defiantlyhopeful.org

Infertility and child loss never seems to stop affecting you. It even impacts the way we mother! Host Anne Cockrell returns from maternity leave to discuss having another baby after infant loss and some of the beautiful “God winks” that helped heal her heart as she welcomed baby Nora into the family.

Having medical problems or a disability not only makes trying to conceive difficult, it can also fill couples with a lot of fear about parenting. Kendra and her husband Eric discuss Eric’s disability and how God has used it to make him more like Jesus. They also discuss how they have overcome many parenting obstacles through God’s power and grace.

“When I thought I would be chained to my grief the rest of my life and I would just be "stuck" forever, our good God broke those chains and gave me true freedom in my grief.” These are powerful words from Stephanie Moeknkoff who lost her precious baby girl at just 32 weeks. Listen as she tells the powerful story of God rescuing her from the shell of a person she had become and allowing her to find freedom in the middle of her grief.

Beckett’s Blessing Box is a nonprofit organization that supports families who’ve lost a baby or child. It was founded in 2021 after Taylor and Linlee Morton lost their first son, Beckett to a placental abruption. Their mission and prayer is that these boxes provide comfort and tangible resources to help families grieve well while pointing them to Jesus in the midst of their heartbreak.

After 4 failed IUIs, a failed round of IVF, an ectopic pregnancy and a failed embryo adoption– Meagan and her husband were left wondering if they’d heard correctly from God. Somehow in the middle of all the closed doors and heartache, the Pearsons found peace and a path forward.

Yahweh Jireh is a Hebrew phrase that means “the Lord will provide.” Kendra and Jade discuss how anyone struggling with infertility can turn to the Lord to provide physical and emotional needs in the middle of the storm. They study the powerful story of Abraham offering his son Isaac on the alter where the phrase comes from.

Adoption is a sacred and holy calling. But it’s not without its difficult moments when you lock yourself in the bathroom to cry for a few minutes while setting a timer! Kenzie Killough knows all about the extremely high highs and the very low lows of adoption and she is passionate about sharing her powerful story with others to encourage others on their journey. Don’t miss this episode.

Kendra and her Mom discuss the Hebrew name of God “Yahweh -Shalom: The Lord is Peace” and discuss how couples can find peace in the middle of infertility and miscarriage. This powerful name of God comes from the story of Giddeon during a time when Israel was terrified of its enemies and oppressed in many ways. Despite our circumstances, we can know the God of peace!

Dr. Jessica Peck, host of Dr. Nurse Mama on AFR, shares her own personal story of suffering 3 miscarriages and raising a son with severe medical issues as well as 3 other healthy children. Anyone struggling with grief will be encouraged by this powerful story as Dr. Nurse Mama points them to her ultimate source of strength–Jesus Christ.

Bibles for babies is a week-long initiative to raise funds for mamas who chose life for their babies. This is in honor of John-Micah Cockrill (Anne’s precious baby who left this world too soon) and for all mommas who have lost a child. Anne and Kendra want to encourage couples struggling with infertility or child loss to selflessly serve others in the middle of their deep grief. A one-time gift of $10 will provide one new Bible for a precious new life on the way. Call after Sunday July 21st at 877-616-2396. Or Give online at: afr.net/biblesforbabies

There’s adoption….and then there is what Tami and Ronny Young did! They felt called to adopt an international sibling group who did not speak English! Despite the huge cultural differences and many other challenges, the Youngs formed a beautiful and love-filled family! They share many helpful resources for anyone considering international adoption.

This episode was recorded live from the NICU with returning guest Lauren Bragg as she shares the heartbreaking journey of a son born way too early and a family at home missing their mama while little Archie fought for his life and slowly met every milestone. Lauren felt guilty no matter where she was and needed God to sustain her every single day of this ongoing journey.

Courtney always wanted to be a mama. And not long after she got married, she saw those two pink lines! But all the joyous celebration came crashing down one night when she had an early miscarriage. She was filled with anger towards God and had so many questions. And yet…by the grace of God she found a power not her own to sustain her and help her find peace and acceptance.

Austin Brooks and his wife Emily are passionate about adoption and have adopted two precious children of their own. So naturally, they were heartbroken when they learned about how many babies are abandoned in the United States every year. But fortunately, there is now a secure, safe way for women who find themselves in unwanted pregnancies to legally surrender their newborns anonymously so they can be placed with loving adoptive families. As the director of American Family Studios, Austin produced a powerful documentary about a ministry called Safe Haven Baby Boxes and worked hard in his own community to bring one of these boxes to a fire station in Tupelo, Ms. https://www.shbb.org

After years of infertility, the Hursts were overjoyed to find out that Sheila was pregnant! But everything came crashing down when they discovered the pregnancy was ectopic and Sheila’s life was in danger. The Hursts share how they turned their own grief into a ministry of prayer and fasting for other couples. They also talk about their journey to discover natural procreative technology– a process that finally led to treatment of underlying medical issues. They are still waiting for God to show them the next steps in their story and are actively waiting on a God of miracles.

“Unexplained infertility” is a frustrating diagnosis. Just ask the Hurst family! Having completed six failed cycles of IUI, this precious couple faced so much pressure on their marriage and was left disappointed and filled with so many questions for the God they’ve always loved and served. Their journey of faith is a powerful testimony you won’t want to miss!

Christian couples who are praying about doing IVF have a lot to think about. One ethical dilemma that often comes up is the industry push for genetic testing of embryos. But what is PGT-A? Is it reliable and most importantly….is it ethical? Rejoice Fertility Medical Director Dr. John Gordon joins the ladies of Hannah’s Heart to break down this very important issue!

Because of some health concerns from her doctor, Olivia was told she should not pursue having another biological baby. After handling that devastating news, she and her husband, Chris knew they still wanted to grow their family. The Lord laid Foster Care on their hearts, and their lives have been changed ever since. They've gone through ups and downs, but now are in the process of their second adoption through Foster Care. Join us as Olivia shares her heart on how God’s plans are always better than our own.

Tackling foster care with a significant other is a challenge in itself, but being willing to commit to foster care as a single lady is a whole other commitment. Lane put her worries aside and trusted in Jesus to see her through what she thought would be a temporary thing, but turns out it was forever 💙 Listen and be encouraged as you hear how Lane leaned on the Lord (and her sweet support system) to see her through.