Navigating a stepfamily as a childless stepmom
September 30, 2023
00:25:58
Hannah’s Heart is a half hour program to encourage couples walking through infertility and miscarriage. It’s about clinging to Christ, the ultimate hope and finding peace and joy in the midst of the journey. Hosted by AFA’s very own Anne Cockrell and Kendra White.
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.
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]
“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.
