Hannah's Heart

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.

Special guest Brandance Smith discusses our country's dire need for foster families and challenges new families to get involved.

Abby has committed her life to helping children in foster care. As a social worker she sees the needs up-close and personal. This episode is packed with helpful tips for first-time foster families or anyone wanting to make a difference in the foster care system.

Encouraging songs, scriptures and prayers to help those with infertility not just survive but thrive this Mother’s Day.

Parkgate Pregnancy Center Director Andrea Powell shares how women can be a part of the pro-life movement in a powerful way by donating their time and energy to a pregnancy center. This might be hard for a woman struggling with infertility, but it can also be oh so healing.

Meet Foreknown Ministries, an incredible ministry of first responders for couples struggling with infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss. These ladies have been through it, and through the power of the Holy Spirit they are ministering to others.

Wendy shares tips from her book to help you replace the object of your wait with the God of your faith! Learn from the life of David who was anointed king but then served many years in the pasture before taking his position in the palace.

Elaine got the diagnoses in her early twenties and it hung over her like a dark cloud. “Who would ever want to marry me?” she wondered. But God had a beautiful story in store for her.

School Teacher Lynn Baker shares her heartbreaking story of miscarriage and reads from the prayer journal she used during that painful season.

Alyson and Kelsie were best friends, expecting healthy babies 2 weeks apart. But tragedy struck, and neither one brought home a baby. BUT GOD! He rescued their hurting hearts, picked up the broken pieces and started a ministry to help others heal from the heartache of miscarriage.

We've all heard God answers prayers, and sometimes His answer is, "No." But sometimes His answer is, "Yes." This is the testimony of a woman who was far from God and unable to have a baby. Through prayers of friends God blessed Pat with a baby and saved her soul!

International hit series “The Chosen” takes on the theme of trusting God in the midst of a miscarriage. Show creator/director Dallas Jenkins discusses these powerful scenes and the many lives that have been impacted by them.

This sweet guest shares her heart on struggling with infertility while also walking through the adoption process. We also learn of her second miscarriage, and how she continues to rely on the Lord as she grieves the loss of her tiny baby girl.

Kendra and Anne continue their discussion with Kendra's father who also happens to be a licensed clinical social worker with more than 30 years professional experience. He is also a compassionate parent to both biological and adoptive children. This program includes more of the particulars and some alarming observations about special needs adoptions.

Kendra and Anne discuss the topic of special needs adoptions with their guest, Kendra's Dad who also happens to be a licensed clinical social worker with more than 30 years experience. He is familiar with the process from several perspectives, including social worker and adoptive parent. And Kendra's relationship with her dad makes this an extra special interview.

In addition to being a Christian Radio personality, JJ Jasper has a vested interest in the sanctity of human life. He speaks regularly on the subject at churches and Crisis Pregnancy Center banquets. JJ's family has experienced infertility, the loss of a child, twins, a special needs child and is a blended family. This discussion covers some of that, and this may be the first of two or three shows with this special guest.

In cases where a miscarriage happens very early in a pregnancy, the medical community euphemistically uses the term "chemical pregnancy." Despite the implication that the pregnancy ended so early as to be nothing more than a chemical reaction, the mother feels the loss and grieves for her child. Life begins at conception, and a loss due to miscarriage is heartbreaking, no matter what stage of pregnancy. Anne and Kendra address this phenomenon from a place of experience.

Adopting a child is challenging, complicated and costly, where as abortion is simple and cheap. My brothers this should not be! Kendra and Anne talk with attorney, pastor and radio host Abraham Hamilton III about his family's experience with adopting a child. With a lot of prayer and a little legal support, even non-attorney Christian families can successfully adopt.

The path to adoption is filled with numerous hurdles. But anyone who has ever suffered from a failed adoption will relate to this couple’s difficult journey. Through the grief, anger and painful questions…God’s grace is sufficient! with guest Emilee Kennedy.

Kendra and Anne talk with Author Jenny Albers who has written a book titled, "Courageously Expecting."

Kendra and Anne talk with Dr. Gordon, who guided Kendra and her husband through their journey to childbirth, about the options and ethics to be considered when dealing with infertility.

There are so many single women and men who are waiting for God to bring their future mate into the picture. Many of these folks have a deep longing to be a mom or dad and to raise up Godly children. What do you do with those longings in the mean time? If you are single and desire to have kiddos...this episode is for you! Waiting time isn't wasted time. God wants to use you RIGHT NOW to minister to others

Anne and Kendra discuss the issues and emotions they dealt with after losing a baby.

Anne and Kendra talk with Sarah about her challenges with infertility and miscarriage before becoming a mom.

Anne and Kendra talk with their guest, Hannah (not the show's namesake!), about organizations and individuals who transform donated wedding dresses into funeral gowns for babies.

Kendra and Anne discuss songs of praise by mothers found in the bible.

Kendra and Anne have told their stories, but we never got the perspective of their families. Our hostesses welcome their mothers into the studio for an insightful discussion.

Kendra and Anne talk with Jenny and David Hancock about their family and their experience with snowflake adoption.

Kendra and Anne talk with Angela, who is the leader of one of several ministry groups called "While in Waiting." These groups minister to women who want to become mothers.