Hannah's Heart

Mother’s Day is an important day to honor all the hard-working moms out there. But when your heart desperately longs to be a mom, that day is filled with grief and overwhelming moments of emotion. How do we honor God and other moms in the midst of so much pain? Jade joins Anne and Kendra for this very special discussion packed with powerful truths from God’s word.

From empty arms….to 5 boys in about 3 years! Kristen Meeks and her husband had no idea that saying yes to God would bring five of the most wild, hilarious and precious gifts they would ever receive. May is Foster Care Awareness month! Keep listening for more episodes from amazing foster families.

Foreign Adoption is not for the faint of heart–long waits, crazy and eye-opening trips to foreign countries, culture shock and a lot of transitions. But it’s also one of the most rewarding and beautiful experiences of a lifetime. Jessica and Spencer Gray share about their amazing trips to South Korea and the miraculous story of God’s sustaining power that brought their miracle daughter Evelyn into their lives. You can listen to part one of of Jessica and Spencer’s story here: https://afr.net/podcasts/hannah-s-heart/2022/05-may/jessica-spencer-s-story/

Paige Curbow was a planner. But after years of trying to conceive, nothing was going according to plan! It wasn’t until one summer when she said “Ok, God not my way but…. yours” that things started happening. On a busy church van filled with youth, a random chaperone announced “Does anyone know someone who needs a baby?” And the miracle story started to unfold!

When you’re trying to have a baby, it’s easy to let your heart get carried away daydreaming of the “one days” and thinking of future baby names. But infertility is cruel and living in a fallen, broken world constantly reminds us that nothing— not even having children is for certain. But one thing in this world is constant. You can take it to the bank. God is faithful, loving, merciful and just and His character and nature will not change. In this episode, Anne and Kendra start a new series exploring the Hebrew names of God and the powerful eternal truth wrapped up in each name/title. Truths that can carry you through any disappointment or season of life.

The amazing ladies from Foreknown Ministries are back again to share a powerful new resource. This 30 day guide through grief and loss is perfect for any woman who has suffered miscarriage or infant loss and it’s written by women who have been there and get it. There is joy after loss!

In the middle of a long and painful journey with infertility, it’s easy to get stuck feeling sorry for yourself all the time. Many couples find it helpful to stop and recognize another person's pain and suffering and look for ways to serve them. In this episode, Hannah Meador discusses the evil world of sex trafficking and how Christians should get involved in this fight for freedom.

Mary Matt was thrilled to find out she was expecting twins! But unfortunately, one of her precious babies passed away mid pregnancy. This episode discusses the mixture of joy and grief and the power of God to sustain a momma through every high and low. Mary is filled with compassion and encouragement for other momma’s of sunrise/sunset twins or mamas facing any kind of infant loss.

Many guests on our show share about their long and difficult journeys with infertility and the various creative ways God ends up building their family. But sometimes it’s nice to hear from someone who is still in the middle of their story. Lauren Watson is a returning guest here to share an update on the long and tedious season of testing as she waits on the Lord every step of the way.

No matter how old your baby is when you lose them, it’s excruciating. Joy Lucius shares about losing her adult son Chris after a long battle with cancer, and Anne discusses the similarities and differences of losing an infant son. But the answer to finding hope to push through the grief is the same: Jesus.

Julia Crouch never became a mom and to be honest, the ache of wanting a child never fully went away. But God showed up in her life in an incredible way giving her true joy and purpose to help her walk through the grief and learn to depend on Him fully to sustain her weary soul.

Tamah and her family were excited to welcome their second baby girl! Everything felt completely “fine” until sweet Amelia came into the world. Tamah’s doctor, who was also her best friend, was scared to tell Tamah, “your baby girl has Down syndrome.” However, when she did, Tamah didn’t let worry steal her JOY from her perfectly made baby girl! This is their little story of a little girl with a very big, happy heart!

Infertility typically adds so much stress to a marriage. And sadly many marriages do not survive after the tragedy of miscarriage or child loss. BUT GOD is rich in mercy and more than able to use these challenges to strengthen your relationship with Him and each other. It IS possible to not only get through these difficulties but also to find joy in the midst of your sorrow and the strength to serve each other through tough times.

It’s tough watching your friends get married and have children while you are still waiting for God to bring your spouse into the picture. And Valentine's day can be extra brutal when people keep asking “have you found someone yet?” In this episode, Anne’s sister Sarah shares from her personal experience trusting the Lord and looking forward to the day she will be “wife and mother.”

Kara Jones joins Anne and Jade as she shares about the devastating infertility diagnosis she received at such an early age. Being told she would not be able to carry children was hard news to receive as a teenager, but Kara learned to trust God with the story He had for her. Little did she know, God would grow her family in ways she never imagined.

After losing her precious baby less than an hour after she was born, Emily went on to have multiple, multiple miscarriages. The journey moving forward felt cruel and pointless at times. And the desire to be a momma never went away. But through God’s grace, Emily learned to love children that were not her own and pour all her energy into the kingdom of God.

No one expected Poppy to live through delivery. But she did. A few minutes after she was born, her family sang “Revelation Song” as they passed her around and soaked up every precious moment of her life. “I like to think she heard us singing and then when she died she immediately heard Heaven singing the same song to the Lord in the throne room,” says Poppy’s mom. Don’t miss this powerful story of life, loss and enduring love!

Is IVF my only option? Artificial Reproductive Technology (ART) is not for everyone. Many Christians have ethical, financial, emotional or physical concerns with procedures like IVF or IUI. Fortunately, there is an exciting new option many couples have never heard about! It’s called Natural Procreative Technology (NaPro Technology). Join Dr. Naomi Whittaker as she talks about the latest research, medicine, and surgery options available to help women wishing to achieve pregnancy in accordance with their natural fertility.

In the middle of infertility or miscarriage, it's hard to find the strength to hope again. Anna and Kendra talk about how to go into the new year focused on Christ, so that others will see your testimony and be drawn to Jesus.

Does it make you angry how much IVF costs? What about the price of adoption? As Christians, how do we trust God to provide for us on our journey to build our families? And what practical things can we do to manage our finances and build character along the way?

After years of infertility, Tara was ready to be done. She was mad at God and becoming more and more bitter each day. Little did she know, God was about to use this time in her life to forever strengthen her faith and her marriage.

Will and Anne share the tragic story of losing their baby John-Micah and the supernatural grace that God poured out on their lives in the midst of so much pain.

After realizing that biological children would not be a part of their story, the Brooks family applied for adoption and waited three years to get “the call.” During the painful wait, Emily clung to Isaiah 49:16 which says, “I will not forget you, see I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” And sure enough…God had not forgotten them.

Emily hasn’t gone a day in her life without pain. Even as a little girl, her severe rheumatoid arthritis had her wheelchair bound and constantly missing out on normal childhood activities. The idea that her condition might one day keep her from bearing children didn’t really start to sink in until college. But thankfully, Emily was raised in a God-fearing Christian family who taught her the importance of choosing joy and leaning on the faithfulness of God– two lessons that would stick with her through a lifetime of challenges.

For anyone who has ever prayed for a baby by Christmas– we get it! The holidays mark the passing of time and another year without an extra stocking to hang. But we have SO much to be grateful for this season. Focusing on all that Christ did for us and remembering who He is… is the key to finding joy in the middle of life’s trials.

After multiple miscarriages, the Pipkin’s were offered a free round of IVF if they participated in a research study. This seemed like a miracle and Crystal was instantly on board! But Ethan had some serious reservations about the way the embryos would be treated and wanted to seek God over the decision. Years of infertility and loss had left Crystal feeling bitter and hard and she just couldn’t believe that her husband would turn down such an opportunity! Was this “miracle invitation” actually going to break up their marriage? Or was God’s grace strong enough to hold them together through the hardest storm imaginable?

Dr. Heather is back with more helpful tips for anyone struggling with infertility. She’s a former pharmacist turned holistic hormone healing expert. She has a passion for empowering women to learn, listen, and heal their bodies in ways that are natural and practical. Other episodes with or about Dr Heather: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX0yOMflONM&list=PLTG6q2kW0RI6W8RnoDzFamN8tCG11rb3t&index=31 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZeGKUKZVJQ&t=1154s

There are several women in the Bible who struggled with infertility, and there is so much we can learn from their stories! Michal was King David’s first wife. Initially, she was in love with David and they had a celebrity marriage… but somewhere along the way, something happened, and she began to despise him in her heart. Jade and Kendra discuss her story and how to cling to a healthy marriage while struggling with infertility.

It’s hard to find someone more passionate about fostering and adoption than Mackenzie Killough– seriously, her selfless love for children shines out of every part of her story! But she’s also not afraid to share the hard stuff. You know, like that time she got punched in the face and ended up with a black eye. If you are considering fostering or adoption, this is a must watch episode. She tackles important topics such as how to navigate a failed adoption or placement, how to help older children adjust to a new life and so much more!

Yes! It’s possible to breastfeed your adopted baby and many people have done it! Many women who have struggled with infertility and end up adopting, grieve over the missed opportunity to feed and nurture their little one through nursing– but according to lactation consultant Anna Chamblee, that doesn’t have to be the case. Also many adoptive moms who have never struggled with infertility desire to breastfeed because of the close bond it creates and the many health benefits for both baby and mama. That was the case for Mackenzie Killough. Join Anna and Mackenzie as they both share from their experiences!

Anyone struggling with infertility or miscarriage has probably felt very alone at least once. But the truth is, soooo many couples are dealing with this and are silently hurting. Our enemy, the devil, would like to isolate each of us so that he can prey on our weaknesses and fill our hearts with despair. God designed us to grieve and endure hardships together with the help of other believers. Community is so important! Hannah’s Heart celebrates our 2-year anniversary and the beautiful community God is forming. We also recognize October as pregnancy and infant loss awareness month and encourage anyone struggling to reach out for prayer and support at [email protected]

Infertility can often feel like an unending journey of pain and suffering. Anyone who has endured such a season knows that it is absolutely crucial to have daily reminders of God’s grace and love as you cling to Christ through every month of disappointment. God is ready to pour out extra portions of His love and grace on anyone who asks, we just have to be willing to see them and receive them! Beth Forbus shares the powerful story behind her new book “Daily Double Portions:100 Devotions For Your Journey Through Infertility.” https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Double-Portions-Devotions-Infertility/dp/B0C92F8B2S https://www.sarahs-laughter.com/

Laura Petherbridge shares about the unique dynamics growing up in and marrying into a stepfamily. In this raw and authentic episode, she gives blended families hope-filled tips to stay focused on Christ even on the hard days.

Laura Petherbridge is a speaker and author of many books, including “The Smart Stepmom.” She shares her reasons for choosing not to have children after marrying her husband and gaining two stepsons. In this episode you will hear the unique dynamics of being in a stepfamily, the ups and downs as well as the aim to understand every individual involved through the lens of Christ.

Can becoming a mom become an idol? Absolutely! An idol can be anything or anyone that captures our hearts, minds and affections more than God. In this episode, Jade and Kendra talk about the dangerous trap of turning the desire to be a mom into an idol and how to avoid it.

Losing a loved one is a lot like learning to live as an amputee. You do heal, but you will always have a piece of you missing. The hope of heaven becomes even stronger when someone you love is waiting for you there. In this episode Matt Powell (Anne Cockrell’s pastor) continues to share powerful wisdom for anyone suffering loss. Matt and Andrea’s full story starts here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nejU0VlyvEo&list=PLTG6q2kW0RI6W8RnoDzFamN8tCG11rb3t&index=46 Please send condolences and encouragement to the Cockrill family by emailing [email protected]

Hannah’s Heart host Anne Cockrell suffered a terrible loss on July 17th, 2023 when her precious baby John-Micah Thomas Cockrell passed away only moments after an emergency procedure to save his life. Her pastor Matt Powell (a man well acquainted with grief) preached a powerful and beautiful message at the funeral service while Anne lifted her hands in worship to the only God powerful enough to carry us through such heart-break and suffering. Matt comes on the show to share hope with anyone facing tragedy.

“Ma’am, don’t you think it’s a little selfish to carry a baby with down syndrome full term?” said Tammy’s doctor as he showed her the ultrasound footage and made his case for terminating the little life that wiggled inside her. But praise God…Tammy knew that God had INCREDIBLE plans for Josh’s life though even she didn’t know ALL that God had in store. Society likes to tell us that a fetus with “abnormalities” should be discarded. God’s word…says otherwise! This powerful story will inspire anyone who takes a moment to listen.

Sometimes infertility can be caused by past decisions or surgeries we have made such as: abortions, cross sex hormones/surgeries, tube removal, etc. The devil can use our past choices to pile guilt and condemnation on believers who have already confessed and moved on from their regrets. Today’s guest, Laura Perry Smalts lived almost nine years as a man, taking cross sex hormones and having surgeries before God radically transformed her life! She gives hope and encouragement to anyone suffering from regret and also shares how God can fulfill our desire to nurture others by giving us spiritual children when biological ones are not possible. https://inhisimage.movie/

When it comes to infertility, there are a lot of things we can’t control. We just have to be patient and wait for God to move in our lives. But that doesn’t mean doing nothing. Often God asks us to take steps and make preparations by: changing our diet, getting more sleep, saving money, doing research etc. How do we balance being proactive about our fertility/adoption with waiting on God and His timing? https://www.drheatherrhodes.com/

When it comes to infertility, there are a lot of things we can’t control. We just have to be patient and wait for God to move in our lives. But that doesn’t mean doing nothing. Often God asks us to take steps and make preparations by: changing our diet, getting more sleep, saving money, doing research etc. How do we balance being proactive about our fertility/adoption with waiting on God and His timing?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX0yOMflONM&t=10s

Some people today think you should not foster or adopt a child that doesn’t look like you. But what does the bible teach? Today’s guest Ryan Bomberger has a rather unique perspective of the innate nature of Purpose. His biological mother was raped yet courageously gave him a chance to live and the beautiful gift of adoption. He was adopted at 6 weeks of age and grew up in a loving, multi-“racial” Christian family of 15. Connect with Ryan: https://radiancefoundation.org/ or https://radiancefoundation.org/adoption/

If you’re struggling with infertility, it can be confusing and painful when you hear sermons telling Christians to “be fruitful and multiply.” What does this mean for those who may never have physical children? Anne and Kendra discuss this and share some encouraging updates from the Hannah’s Heart Family.

Hosts Anne and Kendra give life updates and ask for prayer from Hannah’s Heart listeners. Anne’s unexpected pregnancy faces some medical concerns and Kendra plans for baby number 2

Many couples today are told that third-party sperm or egg donors are their only path to biological children. But is this option Biblical? What sort of psychological/emotional impact does it have on the children born in this way? Special guest Jennifer Friesen is the Director of Operations at Them Before Us and is the author of “My Daddy’s Name is Donor,” an article examining a study on young adults conceived by sperm donation. Find the full article here: https://thembeforeus.com/my-daddys-name-is-donor-study/

“I know I’m supposed to be happy for you…but it hurts so much!” – that’s how many women dealing with infertility feel when they hear about a pregnancy announcement. How can you give and receive this news in a God honoring way? Find out on this week’s episode.

Little Josiah drew a picture of his family. Next to him was momma, daddy, and....a little brother and baby sister. But the Hewuse family was out of resources for fertility treatments. This picture went into "the dream box," and the prayers begin.

Kendra’s Sister-in-Law Alisha shares three powerful adoption stories that lead her to the beautiful family she has today and the necklace she wore to remind her of God’s promises along the journey.

Anne talks with Maggie who tells of the unexpected news of her delayed fertility and how the Lord saw fit to answer her many prayers.

It’s National Foster Care Awareness month and Maddy Wellum has earned the honored tile of “foster Momma.” Join us this episode as we hear her powerful story full of twists, turns and surprises.