Marissa Henley

Encouraging weary women to hope in Christ alone

Supporting a Friend with Cancer {Podcast appearance at Don’t Mom Alone}

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I had the honor of chatting with Heather from the Don’t Mom Alone podcast recently about how we can support a friend with cancer. We covered how to not say the wrong thing, how to avoid burnout when caring for your friend, how to go the extra mile when taking a meal, and so much more. I hope you’ll check it out here!

While you’re there, check out some of the fantastic guests Heather has had on the show. Her podcast has been such an encouragement to me as I seek to glorify God with my parenting!

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Cancer and God’s Sovereignty {Guest post for Tabletalk}

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This was one of the most difficult articles I’ve ever written. When I faced the possibility of my children’s lives without me, the truth of God’s sovereignty didn’t give me the guarantee I desperately wanted. But I’m learning to rest in God’s character and find my hope in His rock-solid promises even when the future is uncertain.

Here’s a link to an article I have up on TableTalk Magazine’s blog today. I hope it encourages you in whatever you’re facing today. 

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Loving Your Friend through Cancer {Interview with Servants of Grace}

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I recently did an interview with Dave Jenkins at Servants of Grace. We discussed my book and how the body of Christ can support those who are facing cancer. I’d love for you to head over to Servants of Grace and check it out! Click here to read the interview.

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What Not to Say {Guest post for Servants of Grace}

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I spent most of my young adult years quoting Romans 8:28 to friends and family who were suffering. This promise from God’s Word has always been one of my favorite verses: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (ESV). For years, the truth of God’s sovereignty over all circumstances has been a rock I can cling to, no matter what life brings. I’ve often wielded this truth like a sword when I felt that someone might be slipping in their trust as they walked through suffering.

Then I was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer called angiosarcoma the day before my 34thbirthday. I had three young children—ages 6, 4, and 18 months—and the prognosis wasn’t encouraging. As I walked through the months of intense treatment and years of uncertainty which followed, I treasured the truth of God’s sovereignty even more than before. But hearing others tell me “God has a plan” didn’t bring comfort in my pain.

I’m not alone in feeling this way. In fact, when I talk to cancer patients and survivors about the unhelpful words they’ve heard from friends, sentiments like “God has a plan” and “God uses everything for good” top the list. Every single cancer survivor I know has heard these words from friends. We’re saying it often, but it’s failing to provide comfort to our friends with cancer.

I’d love for you to read more in an article I wrote for Servants of Grace. Click here to read the article – I hope it encourages you!

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