Hannah's Heart

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 hannahsheart@afa.net

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 hannahsheart@afa.net

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.

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 hannahsheart@afa.net

“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.