Thirty-six hours after Erin Cushman gave birth to her first child, baby Gwendolyn passed away. As Cushman struggled through her grief, she was surrounded by other women who had experienced loss. Eventually Cushman and her husband founded Hope Mommies to give every mom a safe group in which to grieve and to discover the hope of the gospel.
Anchored was another result of Cushman’s journey. Written for women, though grieving men could also benefit from it, this nine-lesson Bible study includes a leader's guide. It covers topics such as the impact of infant loss on marriages, wondering about God’s presence, wrestling with disappointment and fear, heaven and eternity, engaging with others, and how loss can be a platform for the gospel.
Each chapter ends with a true story written by a woman who has lost a child either through miscarriage, stillbirth, or after a live birth.
Throughout this compassionate yet challenging Bible study, Cushman encourages women to grieve, while at the same time pointing them to the hope of heaven and the promise of Christ’s return when he will establish the new heavens and the new earth. She leaves them with the compelling challenge to ask the Lord: “What would you have me do with this?” (Westbow)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.
