To Help You Heal

This week on To Help You Heal, I’m kicking off a new series all about what it actually looks like to “go for it.” If you’ve ever felt stuck between a sense that God is calling you to something more and the fear that maybe you’re not ready — this episode is for you. I’m diving into that space between hesitation and action — the place where fear often sneaks in and pretends to be wisdom or practicality. I’ve been there. I know how real that inner resistance can feel. But the truth is, fear isn’t from God — and it doesn’t get to be the one driving the narrative anymore. In this episode, I share some of my own stories of fear, disappointment, and learning how to trust again — even when it hurt. We’ll explore why it’s okay to feel afraid, what that fear is really saying, and how to take one small, faith-filled step forward even when you don’t feel “ready.”   In This Episode, I Talk About: Why hesitation is normal — but fear pretending to be wisdom? Not so much. The ways past disappointment can make us build walls and call it “protection” What 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds me (and my kids!) when fear creeps in at night How to recognize fear as a storyteller — and rewrite that story with God What I do when I feel stuck or unsure about moving forward A simple prayer I come back to when I need to rebuild trust A Reflection for Your Quiet Time: What comes up for you when you think about moving forward? Fear? Disappointment? The urge to protect yourself from getting hurt again? Bring that to God this week — and ask Him to show you one place where you can choose trust.

This week, I’m closing out the Stories That Shaped Me series with one of the most transformative chapters of my life — the story of writing and publishing my second book, To Help You Heal.   But this isn’t just about writing a book. It’s about what happens when we stop waiting for permission and finally say yes to what’s on our heart — even when it doesn’t unfold the way we thought it would. In this episode, I share how what started as a reluctant walk and a quiet complaint to God became a bold, five-week sprint toward obedience, healing, and freedom. I talk about what it taught me about courage, momentum, and how one decision can shift everything.   This week’s reflection: Good things don’t come to those who wait — they come to those who go after them. So what dream or desire have you been waiting for permission to pursue? And what’s one small step you could take toward it this week? I can't wait to hear what's stirring! Send me an email (marie@mariemonville.com) or DM me on Instagram.

Some moments never really leave us. In this week’s episode, I’m talking about grief, healing, and what it looks like to walk through those tender anniversary dates — the ones that still carry weight, even years later. I’m sharing my own experience of what this season has looked like for me, the unexpected emotions that surfaced, and how I’m learning (again) to let go of control and invite God into the ache. Because the truth is… grief doesn’t have an expiration date. It shows up in waves — sometimes quietly, sometimes not — and that’s okay. My hope is that this episode reminds you that it’s possible to hold both joy and sorrow at the same time, and that even when the ache revisits us, God meets us there. 💜 You’re not walking through it alone.

This week on To Help You Heal, I’m sharing one of the most significant stories of my life—the forgiveness I experienced from the Amish community in the aftermath of the schoolhouse shooting. On the very day of the tragedy, members of the Amish community walked to my parents’ home. I’ll never forget watching them arrive, unsure of what they might say. Instead of judgment, they came with compassion. They wanted me to know they had forgiven Charlie and were extending grace to my family. That moment—and the many that followed, including at Charlie’s funeral when they literally shielded us from the media—forever changed how I understand forgiveness. It’s not just a private decision we make inside. True forgiveness carries grace. It releases us from the weight we can’t hold and often moves us to action. In this episode, I also clear up a common misconception: while the movie Amish Grace introduced many people to the idea of Amish forgiveness, it is not an accurate portrayal of my story or the depth of grace I actually experienced. What I lived was far more profound than any script could capture. Forgiveness doesn’t excuse wrongdoing or erase pain—but it brings freedom. The Amish showed me that even in the darkest places, God’s grace can create light. And if He helped us forgive Charlie, He can help you forgive in your own story too.   As you listen, I invite you to reflect: Where might you need the freedom forgiveness brings? What step could you take to begin releasing the weight you’ve been carrying? I pray this story shapes you as much as it shaped me.

This week on To Help You Heal, we continue the Stories That Shaped Me series with a vulnerable reflection on disappointment, grief, and the ruts our minds can fall into. After my dad passed away, I stopped dreaming with God. Every morning, I told Him: “Don’t ask me to dream, because dreams only lead to disappointment.” It felt safer not to hope. But while I thought I was protecting myself, God revealed a different way to see dreaming with Him—and helped me uncover what was really at the root of my disappointment. In this episode, I share: How grief led me to shut down hope and faith in certain seasons Why our brains are wired to return to “worst case scenario” thinking The importance of creating new mental and spiritual pathways How God invites us to trust Him with the journey, not just the ending   If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in discouragement, waiting for the next bad thing, or afraid to dream with God again—you are not alone. And you don’t have to stay there. I’d love to help you walk this path more intentionally. You can always book a free clarity call with me, or step into a deeper one-on-one coaching journey. I have a few spaces open this month, and it would be an honor to walk alongside you. I hope this episode encourages you to see your own story differently—and to believe that God is still writing good things in your life.

This week on To Help You Heal, we’re continuing the Stories That Shaped Me series with a story that has deeply influenced how I live today. When my first husband and I got married, my greatest dream was to be a wife and a mom. In our first year, we found out we were expecting a baby girl, Elise. But at just 26 weeks, she was born premature and lived only 20 minutes in our arms. The loss was devastating—not only in that moment, but in the way it carried forward into every part of life. In that season of grief, I began to find God as a healer. I discovered I could be completely honest with Him about how I felt, and I started to believe He really did want to speak to me. In time, I sensed Him giving me a promise: that I would one day have a daughter, and her name would be Abigail. Holding on to that promise brought me to a daily choice—was I going to lean into fear, or lean into faith? That choice didn’t erase the pain, but it gave me a way forward. And it’s a lesson I’ve carried into so many other seasons since then. In this episode, I share how God met me in loss, what it looked like to trust His promise, and how choosing faith over fear can change the way we live our everyday lives. Maybe you’re in a place right now where fear feels louder than faith. If so, I’d love to walk with you through that. My book To Help You Heal was written for moments just like these. You can find it here: https://mariemonville.com/product/to-help-you-heal/   Reflection prompts for your week: Where are you leaning into fear? What would it mean to lean into faith instead? How is God inviting you to trust Him today? Come back next week for another story that shaped me!  

This week on To Help You Heal, we’re starting a brand-new series: Stories That Shaped Me. Over the next four weeks, I’ll be sharing stories from my own life — not just to look back, but to help you find hope, perspective, and healing in your own story too. As we move toward the 19th anniversary of the Amish schoolhouse shooting, a tragedy that forever changed my life, I find myself reflecting more deeply than usual. Anniversaries have a way of doing that, don’t they? They invite us to look back, to remember, and sometimes to see our lives in terms of “before” and “after.” This week, I’m sharing a story that surprised even me as I chose to begin here: the power of other people’s words — and the freedom that comes when we decide not to let them define us. In the aftermath of October 2, 2006, there were so many voices, so many judgments, so many opinions about me and my life. But I learned something that has carried me through every season since: I get to choose which voices I let in. And so do you. We all know what it feels like to be misunderstood, judged, or talked about unfairly. But their words don’t get to be the loudest in your mind or your heart. You get to choose. In this episode, I’ll share: How I began letting go of what people said about me. The lesson I learned about where real truth comes from. An invitation for you to consider what story you might need to replace in your own life.   ✨ Reflection questions for you: Where have you let someone else’s words shape the way you see yourself? What story have you been carrying that doesn’t belong to you? What new truth could you choose instead? Friend, you don’t have to live under someone else’s judgment. You get to choose the voice you believe. I hope this week’s story encourages you — and I’d love to hear your reflections. Send me a message, or share this episode with a friend who may need the reminder that their story isn’t over, and their voice matters.

This week, we’re wrapping up our four-part series with the final step: creating. Over the past few weeks, we’ve practiced stacking small but powerful rhythms: Week 1: Relax — giving ourselves permission to breathe and let go of tension. Week 2: Listen — making space to hear our own hearts and God’s voice. Week 3: Clarity — beginning to make sense of what we’ve heard. Now, it’s time to create. Creating isn’t about perfection or a big gesture. It’s simply the expression of what’s stirring in you — a way to turn clarity into something tangible. Just like a child painting without worrying about the outcome, creation is about joy, exploration, and the willingness to begin. In this episode, I share: Why creation is the natural next step after clarity. Why it doesn’t have to be "art" — creation can be a habit, a boundary, a new rhythm, or even a conversation. How to take one small step toward what you noticed in clarity. The common barriers to creating (perfectionism, overwhelm, waiting for the “right” time) and how to move past them. A gentle reminder that imperfect action is better than perfectly planned inaction. Reflection questions for you this week: What is one thing you feel invited to create in this season? What small step could you take this week to bring it into being? How will you stay open and flexible as the process unfolds? Your life is the canvas where healing shows up — not necessarily in a grand masterpiece, but in small, intentional moments of creating with God. And as we close this series, I want to thank you for walking with me through all four weeks. I hope you’ll continue using these steps together — relax, listen, clarity, create — as a tool you can return to again and again. Next week, we’ll begin a new series called Stories That Shaped Me. I’ll be sharing some of the personal stories from my life, especially as we near the 19th anniversary of the Amish schoolhouse shooting. These episodes will be personal, yes, but also invitational — offering you encouragement and reflection for your own journey of healing.

We’ve reached week three of our four-part series on creating space for healing and growth. In week one, we focused on relaxation—building small moments of rest into our everyday lives. Last week, we talked about listening—to ourselves, to God, and to what rises up when we give space for quiet. This week is all about clarity. Clarity is simply making sense of what we’ve heard. It’s not about perfection or having a ten-year plan—it’s about identifying our next right step. Without clarity, we can get stuck in confusion, overthinking, and indecision. But when we pause to notice patterns, ask gentle questions, and trust what God is highlighting, we begin to see the path forward more clearly. In this episode, I share: Why clarity matters and what it really looks like. Common barriers to clarity: overthinking, negativity, fear, and outside noise. How to use your listening practice to notice themes and nudges. Simple reflection questions to help you recognize what feels heavy, what feels life-giving, and where God may be leading. Why clarity is layered and often comes one step at a time. Reflection prompts for this week: What repeated themes or nudges have you noticed as you’ve practiced listening? What feels heavy right now—something you might need less of? What feels life-giving—something God may be inviting you into more deeply? Clarity doesn’t come from striving—it comes from slowing down, listening, and trusting God to highlight what’s next. Practice noticing, stay gentle with yourself, and remember that clarity is a compass, not a detailed map. Next week, we’ll wrap up the series by talking about how to create—taking the clarity we’ve gained and shaping it into something meaningful in our lives. If this episode encouraged you, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Connect with me on Instagram @MarieMonville, or email me at Marie@MarieMonville.com.

This week on To Help You Heal, I’m continuing our four-part series by focusing on something so simple yet often so difficult: listening. Last week, we laid the foundation by talking about relaxation—how creating moments of calm prepares our hearts and minds for what’s next. This week, we’re building on that by exploring how to listen—to yourself, to God, and to the quiet nudges that often get drowned out by the noise of daily life. In this episode, I share: Why listening isn’t passive—it’s an intentional, active practice. How relaxation creates the space needed to truly hear. Practical ways to carve out 5–10 minutes a day of quiet, without distraction. Discovery-based questions you can ask yourself and God to gain new insight. How to recognize when negativity, fear, or doubt tries to crowd out truth. The importance of staying open—without rushing to fix, solve, or control. Listening is an ongoing process. It’s about creating space, asking honest questions, and being open to what arises—whether it’s peace, tension, or God’s still small voice. You don’t need to figure it all out this week. For now, the goal is simply to listen.   💭 Reflection prompts to take with you: Where in your life do you need to create more space to listen? What question do you want to ask yourself or God this week? What might shift if you stayed open to listening instead of rushing to answer? I hope this episode encourages you to slow down, breathe, and give yourself the gift of listening. Next week, we’ll continue the journey by talking about clarity—what to do with the things you’ve heard and how to discern the next steps forward.

This week, we’re starting a brand new four-week series where each step builds on the one before: Relax → Listen → Clarity → Create. Today, we’re beginning with the foundation — relaxation. And I don’t just mean vacations or naps (though those are wonderful too). I’m talking about weaving moments of rest into your everyday life so you can breathe, reset, and make space for what matters. We’ll talk about why relaxation is more than a luxury — it’s preparation. It helps us shift from a constant state of reacting into a place where we can hear both our own thoughts and God’s leading. I’ll share simple, practical ways you can release tension physically, mentally, and spiritually, even in the middle of your busy schedule. You’ll also get a few reflection questions to help you notice where you’re carrying stress and how to invite peace back into your day. Because when we make space to relax, we make space for God.   Reflection Questions for This Week: Where do I feel the most tension in my body right now? What’s one small way I can give myself more space to relax this week? How might God meet me if I slowed down enough to notice Him?  

If you’ve been with me over the past few weeks, you know we’ve been walking through a series about emotional healing — starting with the idea of the “emotional closet” we all tend to stuff full of things we’d rather not deal with. We talked about what happens when the door pops open, how to create space for peace, and how to build rhythms that support our healing. This week, I’m closing the series by talking about what comes next — how to live from a healed, open-hearted place. Because once we’ve made some space, once we’ve felt the release of letting go, the real challenge is staying open. In this episode, I’m sharing: What it means to live open-hearted, even after disappointment or hurt Why shutting down feels “safe” but often leads to loneliness How to identify whether you’re still guarding certain parts of yourself The role of community and connection in your continued healing And why joy, vulnerability, and even emotional messiness are all part of a full life We also talk about what it looks like to process emotions in real time — not stuffing them away, not letting them explode, but letting yourself feel without fear and respond with grace. Living with your heart open doesn’t mean everything is fixed. It means you’re choosing to walk through life with honesty, connection, and space for healing — day by day.   Reflection Questions: Where in my life do I still feel guarded? What would it look like to be just a little more open this week? Who or what is God inviting me to connect with more deeply right now? If you’ve felt challenged or encouraged through this series, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out on social media or email me directly. And if you want to keep walking this out with support, you can book a free clarity session with me at MarieMonville.com. Friend, the healing has started — and your story, your heart, and your peace are worth protecting and living from. Not someday. Today.

If you joined me last week, you’ll remember we talked about that closet — the one where we tend to stuff things we don’t want to deal with. Not just the physical clutter, but the emotional kind too. You know, the conversations we’ve avoided, the frustration we’ve ignored, the pain we’ve shoved down and hoped would just stay tucked away. But what happens after the door opens and things start spilling out? This week, I want to talk about what comes next — how we begin to create emotional space and experience peace without overwhelming ourselves or trying to fix it all at once. We’ll talk about: Why emotional peace doesn’t mean feeling nothing — it means having space to feel without being overwhelmed What it looks like to stop re-stuffing the closet after we’ve started the healing process Three gentle rhythms to help you create more breathing room in your daily life How to bring your emotions into prayer — and why that simple step can shift everything A realistic view of peace that works even in our everyday, imperfect lives This episode isn’t about pressure or perfection. It’s about walking at your pace, with God beside you, and learning to build a life where there’s space to feel, process, and heal.   Reflection Questions: What does emotional peace look like for me — realistically, not perfectly? What’s one emotion or situation I’ve been trying to avoid this week? What’s one small rhythm or boundary I could start to help me create space for peace?   If you’re finding it hard to do this alone, I’d love to walk with you. You can book a free clarity session on my website, MarieMonville.com, or send me a message on social media. You don’t have to figure this out by yourself.  

This week, I’m inviting you into a conversation about emotional healing — not in a clinical sense, but in a real-life, heart-level kind of way. I start by asking a question we can probably all relate to: Do you have that one closet where you shove everything in and just hope the door will close? You lean against it, you hear the latch click shut, and you breathe a little sigh of relief — until one day, the door pops open and everything comes flying out. And sometimes, it lands on the people we love. That’s what emotional clutter looks like. In this episode, I share how emotional work is a lot like cleaning out that catch-all closet — and how healing doesn’t mean pulling out the heaviest thing in the back right away. Instead, it’s about starting with what’s right in front of us: the frustrations, the patterns, the quiet stories we’ve been carrying and stuffing away. We talk about: Why emotions spill out unexpectedly How to notice what’s been building under the surface Why starting small is not only okay — it’s wise Creating a system so we stop stuffing new things inside What it looks like to give ourselves space, grace, and time This is about making room in your emotional life — so you’re not constantly bracing for the next moment the door flies open. And it’s about reminding you that healing doesn’t come from hiding. It comes from gently choosing to begin. Reflection Questions: What’s been sitting at the front of your emotional closet, waiting to be noticed? Where in your life does it feel like the door won’t stay shut anymore? What would it look like to create more space to process, rather than stuff things away? If you’re feeling stuck and want someone to walk through this with you, I’d love to help. You can book a free clarity session with me at www.mariemonville.com or reach out on social media. You don’t need to empty the whole closet today. Just pick one thing, and start there.

Thanks for being here with me on To Help You Heal as we wrap up our four-week series on miracles and the belief that God is still moving in our lives today. This week, I’m talking about something that’s incredibly close to my heart — the power of sharing your story. It’s one thing to see God show up in your life, but it’s another thing entirely to tell someone about it. And I believe we need both. Because your story might be the reminder someone else needs that God is still working. We often think our stories need to be dramatic or "worthy" in some big, front-page-news kind of way — but the truth is, any moment where God showed up for you is worth sharing. Those everyday miracles? Those quiet breakthroughs? They matter. And they have power. In this episode, I talk about: Why hearing stories from people we know can stir faith in a deeper way How fear and vulnerability can hold us back from sharing — and why it’s still worth it The importance of looking for God's fingerprints in our lives A reminder from Revelation 12:11 — “They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony” A personal reflection on how I know I’m living a miracle, even when it doesn’t always feel like one I truly believe the world needs more good news — not just the headlines, but the stories we carry inside us. And someone in your life might be waiting for a word of hope that only your story can offer. This Week’s Reflection: As we close out this series, I want to leave you with a few simple questions: Where has God answered your prayers? What’s a moment in your life that you know was a miracle? Who’s the one person you can share that story with this week? It doesn’t have to be big. It doesn’t have to be public. It just has to be real. Ask God to show you — “Who needs this story?” — and then take that step to share it. Because your story carries light. If this series has meant something to you, I’d love to hear about it. You can email me at Marie@MarieMonville.com or message me on social. And if there's something you’d love to hear more about, send me a topic suggestion! I can’t wait to continue walking with you on this healing journey. Let’s keep looking for the places where God is still moving — in us, around us, and through us.

Thanks for joining me on this week's episode of To Help You Heal. We're continuing our series on miracles — and today, I want to ask a simple but powerful question: Do you still believe in miracles? Maybe you're not sure. I get it — it can feel risky to believe again, especially after disappointment. In this episode, I discuss what it means to hold onto hope when the outcome doesn't align with our expectations and how we can shift our focus from controlling the result to trusting in God's presence along the way. I also share one of my favorite stories from Scripture — the father in Mark 9 who brings his son to Jesus and says, "I believe, but help my unbelief." That line has stayed with me for years because it's so honest. It reminds me that God meets us right in the middle of our fragile faith. We'll explore: Why it's often easier to believe for someone else than for ourselves How disappointment can quietly dull our faith The difference between expecting an outcome vs. expectancy in God showing up Why childlike wonder still matters in our spiritual life The quiet, subtle ways God may already be working in your life I encourage you to bring your questions, your unbelief, and your tired hope to God — and ask Him to revive your faith. He's still moving. He's still performing miracles. And sometimes, He's just waiting for us to believe again. Reflect & Respond: Here are a few questions I'd love for you to sit with this week: Do I still believe that God is a God of miracles? Has hope quietly slipped away for me in any area of my life? What have I stopped praying for because I'm afraid to hope again? Can I, like the father in Mark 9, say: "I believe — help my unbelief"? If any of these resonate, I encourage you to bring them to God with a simple, honest prayer:  "Awaken my faith. Show me Your wonder. I believe again, and I am open to Your miracles." Next week, we'll wrap up this series by talking about the healing power of your story — and how testifying to what God has done invites healing for you and for others.

Thanks for joining me for another episode in our summer series on miracles. Today, we’re talking about something that can quietly shift everything: our perspective. So often, we move through life looking through a lens shaped by past experiences, old beliefs, or doubts—and we don’t even realize it. I share a personal reflection and how a small shift reminded me of what happens when we begin to see through God’s eyes instead of our own. In this episode, we’ll talk about: 💭 False stories that shape how you see yourself 💭 The mindset shift that opens your eyes to where God is already working 💭 A practical way to pause and realign your vision with God’s truth This week’s gentle prayer: “God, help me see myself and my life through Your eyes.” If last week’s episode on trusting God in the silence resonated with you, this one will meet you right where you are. And if someone you love is struggling to believe that hope is still possible—send this their way. Next week, we’ll be talking about what it means to believe again… even when it’s hard.

In this week’s episode, we begin a brand-new series centered on rediscovering the truth that God is actively present, He hears our prayers, and He still moves in our lives today. Have you ever gone through a season where you couldn’t feel God’s presence? Where His silence made you wonder if you’d done something wrong or if He had left you altogether? We'll talk about the question — what do we do when we don’t feel Him? Because God’s silence doesn’t mean absence, and that often, it’s our mindset, distraction, or expectation that needs to shift in order to see Him more clearly. This episode helps you anchor your faith in the unchanging truth that God is always near. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Why feeling disconnected from God doesn’t mean you’ve failed spiritually How to shift from self-blame to confident trust in God’s nearness Practical ideas for reconnecting with God through Scripture, worship, silence, and presence A personal reflection on seeing God during a season of profound suffering and healing The power of creating space in your life — and in your mind — to hear Him again Scripture Highlight: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (NIV) Reflection Questions: When was the last time you felt God was silent? How did you respond? Is there an expectation, distraction, or belief that might be making it harder to sense God's presence right now? What would change in your relationship with God if you believed He was always near — even in the quiet? A Gentle Practice to Try: Take 2 quiet minutes today. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Ask: “God, where have You been that I may not have seen You?” Let stillness be your teacher and your healing. Stay Connected: Share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that they’re not alone — and that God hasn’t left them. Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for more inspiration and healing content.

Episode Summary: Welcome back to To Help You Heal. Today marks the final episode in our four-part series on the power of sharing your story. In this episode, we’re unpacking what it really takes to speak your story with confidence—not perfection. Confidence isn’t something you magically have—it’s something you build by showing up, one small step at a time. Whether you’re thinking about speaking from a stage, sharing your heart on social media, or simply opening up to a friend over coffee, this conversation is for you. In this episode, I’ll walk with you through: How confidence is formed (and what it’s not) What to do when fear or “what will they think?” holds you back The truth about how your brain responds to new challenges A practical reframe: it’s not about spotlight—it’s about service Encouragement for embracing imperfect, honest storytelling Reflection Questions: Where do I feel called to step out? What’s holding me back? Am I willing to take one small, brave step? Confidence grows with action—and your story is meant to be heard. Want to go further? If you’re ready to speak with clarity and confidence, I’d love to invite you into my Speaker VIP Day—a one-on-one experience to help you shape your message and share it with purpose. DM me “VIP” or reach out at marie@mariemonville.com for details.

Speak Your Story Series – Part 3 Not every part of your story needs to be told to be meaningful—but every part can help shape what you share. In this week’s episode, we’re talking about how to find the message inside your story—the theme that ties your experiences together and creates meaningful connection with your audience. Whether you're writing, speaking, or simply learning how to talk about what you’ve walked through, this episode will help you: ✨ Identify the “red thread” that connects your story ✨ Understand the difference between healing and sharing ✨ Learn how to filter your story through a single, powerful message ✨ Recognize how transformation creates hope for others ✨ Practice selective vulnerability without shrinking your truth I’m also sharing how I navigated my own boundaries around what to share (and what not to) after my dad passed away, and why clarity matters more than completeness when you speak from your heart. Reflection Prompt: What’s the heart of what I want someone to walk away with? Take a walk, journal your thoughts, or just sit with that question today. One powerful message can leave a lasting impact. Ready to go deeper? If you’re starting to see purpose and patterns in your story—and want to turn it into something that inspires, equips, and brings healing—my Speaker VIP Experience was designed for you. Let’s build your message together. Send me a message to find out more (marie@mariemonville.com)