In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/speaker/writer Marissa Henley on the topic of living with cancer, exposing some of the raw emotions that go along with facing a life-threatening illness, the honest fears about death that believers with cancer wrestle with, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ strengthens sufferers to face an unknown future with courage and hope. Marissa shares about her own battle with a rare form of cancer, describes what it's like to sit in the "chemo chair," and gives concerned friends and family members practical tips on how to best support their suffering loved one during a season of uncertainty and medical overwhelm.
When you are a 34-year-old mom, and you're praying and asking God to provide a second wife for your husband if you don't make it, that's something you need to talk about with other people. I needed my closest friends to be willing to sit there and cry with me and hear me say those things, and not just dismiss that and say, "Oh, don't talk like that, you're going to be fine."
About the Podcast
The Hope + Help Project podcast offers compassionate biblical conversations about life's challenging problems. The purpose of the podcast is to share Christ-centered comfort and clarity for those seeking biblical solutions for the struggles they face. The podcast accomplishes this by offering a mix of interviews with seasoned biblical counseling professionals and ministry leaders on a variety of topics. Listeners can expect to receive biblical wisdom as well as practical steps for facing suffering, struggling and sin with courage and grace. Hosted by author/writer Christine M. Chappell.
About the Guest
Marissa Henley, is the author of Loving Your Friend through Cancer, and loves to write and speak about suffering and God’s character. She lives in Arkansas with her husband, three kids, and one disobedient dog. She and her family belong to Trinity Grace Church. She’d love to connect with you at www.marissahenley.com.
Books Recommended by Marissa in this Episode:
• A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God's Sovereignty by Joni Erickson Tada
• Hearing Jesus Speak Into Your Sorrow by Nancy Guthrie
• Hope When it Hurts - Biblical Reflections to Help You Grasp God's Purpose in Your Suffering by Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton
Books Recommended by Marissa in this Episode:
• A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God's Sovereignty by Joni Erickson Tada
• Hearing Jesus Speak Into Your Sorrow by Nancy Guthrie
• Hope When it Hurts - Biblical Reflections to Help You Grasp God's Purpose in Your Suffering by Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton
About the Book
Loving Your Friend Through Cancer: Moving Beyond "I'm Sorry" to Meaningful Support • "It's cancer."
When you hear the two words you dread most from someone you care about, you know at once that your friend's life has been turned upside down.
Whether she's a good friend, a best friend, or just an acquaintance, you want to be supportive. But how can you understand what she’s going through enough to know what she needs? What can you say besides "If you need anything . . . anything at all . . ."?
Marissa Henley is here to help show you the way. A cancer survivor herself, she lets you in on what having cancer feels like and what your friend truly needs. She prepares you to support your friend with both knowledge and compassion. And she offers specific action steps and practical support resources to help you show love in the day-to-day details.
Cancer is a life-altering challenge, but Marissa will equip and empower you to walk alongside your friend with love and support.
Helpful Articles from Marissa
When Motherhood Meets Cancer
My cancer diagnosis shattered my illusion of having control over mine or my children’s lives. I knew my children would face suffering, but I assumed I would be the one to comfort them, pray for them, and guide them through the hardships. I didn’t want my child’s story to include, “My mom died of cancer when I was five years old.” I couldn’t imagine not being there as they grieved.
Cancer and God's Sovereignty
As I face the future, it’s dangerous for me to look too far ahead and wonder how we will cope if the cancer recurs. But I can fix my eyes on the Lord’s promises, remember His past faithfulness, and believe He will give us what we need for each future day, no matter how difficult those days might be. Our Sovereign is also our faithful Shepherd.
About Your Host
Christine M. Chappell
Author/Writer/Speaker
Christine Chappell is the author of Clean Home, Messy Heart, the host of The Hope + Help Project podcast, and is a guest contributor at Desiring God. She writes frequently about counseling issues at her blog, has completed biblical counseling certificates with the Institute for Biblical Counseling & Discipleship, and is currently pursuing certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.
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