Helping your friend through cancer: The Heart of the Author

by | May 23, 2018 | Podcast | 0 comments

The Heart of the Author podcast with Vickie Petz Henderson and Jasa Babb

The Heart of the Author interviews

Marissa Henley

 

Loving Your Friend Through Cancer

Moving beyond I’m sorry to meaningful support

When your friend is diagnosed with cancer, you want to help, but it’s hard to know what to do or say. Marissa’s friends said all the right things and taught her how to be a friend to someone with cancer. Now she wants to help others understand how to support and help their friend. Listen to Loving Your Friend Through Cancer Podcast.

ISOLATION

When she was diagnosed with angiosarcoma she had to ask the doctor to spell it and Googled it because it’s so rare. She felt fear, anxiety and isolation even though she was surrounded by friends. No one could truly understand how it felt to have a serious, rare disease, especially with three small children at home.

SUPPORT

It was hard to ask for help or accept offers because she was used to doing for others and herself. Her friends taught her what to do to support her emotionally, physically and logistically.

PRACTICAL

In her book she offers practical suggestions to helping your friend through cancer. Remember whatever needs to be done at your house probably needs to be done at your friend’s house. Make specific offers and even if your friend refuses initially, she knows you are genuine and may accept help later.

Instead of saying, “Let me know if I can do anything,” offer to help with household chores, errands, meals, etc.

Whenever our friend is sick, we want to connect and say the right thing to ease her pain. But there are no magic words. She just needs you to be present. In our desire to relate, we often compare something we are going through to her situation. That’s not helpful. Keep the focus on her needs.

FAITH

Marissa’s faith prepared her in advance. God revealed His character and faithfulness. Through the Holy Spirit, she was able to speak truth. God showed His provision and control.

God is good, even in suffering. Marissa writes to  show others truth.

God is good, even through suffering @MarissaHenley #podcast #LovingYourFriendThroughCancer #CancerSupport Click To Tweet

Loving Your Friend Through Cancer Podcast

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Marissa Henley is a Christ-follower, wife, mom, and survivor of a rare cancer who lives in Northwest Arkansas. Her new book, Loving Your Friend Through Cancer, releases May 31 and is now available for pre-order. Most days, you’ll find her drinking a latte while shuttling her three kids around town, wondering if the dog will ever learn to stay and if she’ll ever love cooking as much as her husband loves eating.

She would love to connect with you on social media. Click links below.

Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

www.marissahenley.com

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