E128: How Cancer Became Her Blessing w/ Lamar Hanna
Jul 19, 2024
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Lamar Hanna, Jessica's husband, shares the inspiring story of his wife's battle with cancer during pregnancy, choosing between treatments and protecting her baby, finding peace, facing recurrence, and preparing for loss. Their faith journey, spiritual awakening during the pandemic, and carrying on Jessica's legacy through Instagram and future plans for canonization are discussed.
Jessica viewed her cancer as a blessing, embracing her suffering to draw closer to God.
Jessica evangelized through her cancer journey, inspiring faith and discussing spiritual readiness.
The family openly discussed suffering and death, fostering trust in God among their children.
Preparing for a holy death involves reflection, confession, and trust in God's plan.
Deep dives
Jessica's Positive Outlook on Death and Suffering
Jessica embraced her cancer diagnosis with a remarkable positivity and trust in God, viewing her suffering as an opportunity to draw closer to Him. Despite being terminally ill, Jessica's mindset shifted towards preparing for death and embracing her cross as a means of sanctification. She openly shared her reflections on preparing for eternity and accepting suffering, inspiring many with her unwavering faith.
Jessica's Mission to Share Her Journey and Faith
Jessica actively shared her cancer journey on her Instagram account 'Blessed by Cancer,' reaching millions with her message of faith and trust in God amidst trials. She used her platform to evangelize and discuss preparation for death, a topic often avoided, encouraging others to consider the eternal perspective on suffering and the importance of spiritual readiness.
Family's Approach to Suffering and Death Conversations with Children
The family openly discussed Jessica's cancer battle with their young children, preparing them for the possibility of her death and explaining the concept of suffering and eternal life. By weaving faith discussions like the four last things into daily life, the children gradually understood and accepted the challenges, fostering trust in God's plan even amidst uncertainties.
Jessica's Positive Outlook on Death and Suffering
Jessica embraced her cancer diagnosis with a remarkable positivity and trust in God, viewing her suffering as an opportunity to draw closer to Him. Despite being terminally ill, Jessica's mindset shifted towards preparing for death and embracing her cross as a means of sanctification. She openly shared her reflections on preparing for eternity and accepting suffering, inspiring many with her unwavering faith.
Jessica's Mission to Share Her Journey and Faith
Jessica actively shared her cancer journey on her Instagram account 'Blessed by Cancer,' reaching millions with her message of faith and trust in God amidst trials. She used her platform to evangelize and discuss preparation for death, a topic often avoided, encouraging others to consider the eternal perspective on suffering and the importance of spiritual readiness.
Family's Approach to Suffering and Death Conversations with Children
The family openly discussed Jessica's cancer battle with their young children, preparing them for the possibility of her death and explaining the concept of suffering and eternal life. By weaving faith discussions like the four last things into daily life, the children gradually understood and accepted the challenges, fostering trust in God's plan even amidst uncertainties.
Facing Death with Faith and Preparation
Preparing for a holy death involves reflecting on the inevitability of death and the subsequent judgment by God. To begin, individuals are advised to undergo a general confession, confessing all sins. Reflecting on the concept that death can occur unexpectedly at any moment is vital. Embracing the teachings of death, judgment, heaven, and hell from a religious perspective empowers believers to prepare for a holy death. Understanding the importance of trust in God and seeking the sacraments such as the last rites and viaticum further aids in achieving a peaceful passing.
Legacy of Inspiring Faith and Talents
Jessica's journey through cancer showcased remarkable faith and the utilization of her talents for God's glory. Her ability to inspire others through her suffering led many individuals to strengthen their faith. Embracing the motto of 'onward' during challenging times symbolizes the resilience and determination exemplified by Jessica. Her profound impact extended globally, transforming lives and demonstrating the transformative power of surrendering talents to God.
Many would question the idea that a mother who passed away and left behind a husband and 4 children could be described “blessed.” Yet Jessica believed that she was “Blessed By Cancer” and has left a legacy as she chronicled her battle with cancer through her Instagram page, amassing tens of thousands of followers as she shared inspiring insights of faith throughout the last years of her life. Today I sit down with Jessica’s husband, Lamar Hanna, to discuss what compelled Jessica to publicly document her journey, how two successful business owners had faith conversions that prepared them to face cancer with God on their side, how Jessica chose between cancer treatments and protecting her baby in the womb, how her family is faring since her passing, how Lamar is carrying on her legacy, and much more.
Check out their Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/blessed_by_cancer?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
