What does it look like to trust God when you've prayed for a miracle, but the answer isn't what you hoped for?

Jessica Mitchell was nearly 37 weeks pregnant when she learned that her daughter, Lucy Grace, had died. Just three years earlier, her family had experienced the loss of her infant niece, Madison Joy, at only 35 days old.

In this first half of our conversation, Jessica shares the stories of both girls, the remarkable ways their families were supported by their communities, and a defining moment in the hospital when she prayed for a miracle — but also surrendered herself to trusting God regardless of the outcome.

We also talk about the challenges of returning to everyday life after the loss of a baby, learning to give ourselves and others grace, and the season Jessica calls her "grief bottom," when she realized she needed help working through some of the deeper struggles that grief had brought to the surface.

Jessica's story reminds us that trusting God doesn't mean we won't struggle, and that allowing others to walk alongside us is an important part of the grief journey.

In Part 2, we'll talk about how Lucy's death affected Jessica's marriage, how she and her husband helped their two young children navigate the loss of their baby sister, and how God continues to work through Jessica's writing ministry, Old to New Creations.

Connect with Jessica Mitchell

• Website and blog: Old to New Creations
• Instagram: @oldtonew_creation
• Grief, marriage, and parenting resources: Available on Jessica's website
• What Happens to Babies Who Die? A collection of biblical reflections and resources available through her website.
• Upcoming children's book: Mommy, Is Madison Sleeping? — Inspired by her niece Madison Joy and written to help families talk with young children about death and Heaven. Follow Jessica's website or Instagram for publication updates.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! ~Jill

** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.

We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting!

Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parents

Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram

Click HERE to follow us on Twitter

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org