Embracing Hope and Love After a Loss

According to the CDC (11/2020):

Stillbirth affects about 1 in 160 pregnancies.
Each year, about 24,000 babies are stillborn.
As many as 1 in 4 known pregnancies end in miscarriage.

No one wants to be represented in those statistics. Nothing can prepare a parent for the devastation of losing a child. The grief can seem insurmountable.

Those of us on the outside of that loss – families, friends, and the church community surrounding the parents – often don’t comprehend the depth of pain and sorrow that bereaved parents experience. We struggle with what to say or do for those who are hurting, especially when the grief process stretches on for a long time.

What’s the best way to respond when you or someone you love is grieving the loss of a baby?

On the next Focus on the Family Broadcast “Embracing Hope and Love After a Loss,” Dr. Gary Chapman and Candy McVicar offer a compassionate message of hope and healing for anyone who is suffering or has suffered through infant loss.

They’ll share how couples can navigate loss and grief, communicated through the acronym GRACE:

Grieve in healthy ways.
Restore holistically; that is, emotionally, relationally, physically, and spiritually.
Arise from the ashes and discover hope for a brighter day.
Commemorate loved ones and honor them.
Educate by sharing your story and help save lives.

Hear this hope-filled program on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

Dr. Gary Chapman is a frequent guest on our broadcast. He’s a counselor, speaker, and author who is best known for “The 5 Love Languages” series of books.

Candy McVicar is a grief and trauma specialist who speaks and writes about infant loss. She’s the founder and CEO of the Missing Grace Foundation, which provides support, resources, and education for families and professional care providers in infant loss situations.

Together, Gary and Candy have written a book called Holding on to Love After You’ve Lost a Baby. It’s available for a gift of any amount. Visit our website for more information.