Making Sense of Faith with Adam Hamilton

When Cancer Strikes Twice: Lessons on Life and Faith When Times are Tough


Listen Later

In this powerful episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton sits down with Matt Stewart, a Kansas City news reporter, who shares his family's incredible journey through dual cancer diagnoses. Matt's wife Chrissy was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer in 2021, and while serving as her caregiver, Matt received his own devastating diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to his brain, lungs, and spine. Rather than surrendering to despair, the couple embraced a philosophy of "all the things" – saying yes to life's opportunities and leaning deeply into their faith. This conversation explores how facing mortality can transform our perspective on life, faith, and purpose in profound ways. Matt's compelling story shows how adversity can strengthen faith rather than diminish it, offering listeners authentic insights into finding hope and meaning during life's most challenging seasons.
Episode Highlights:
All the things" approach to living: Discover how Matt and Chrissy's decision to say "yes" to every opportunity after their diagnoses, including a wedding vow renewal that became a beautiful celebration of life and love for their entire family.

Faith in the face of mortality: Hear Matt's candid reflections on how his cancer diagnosis deepened rather than diminished his faith, and how he finds comfort in knowing "where he's going" while still praying for more time.

From football to fighting cancer: Learn how Matt's experience as a walk-on football player at Northwestern, where persistence transformed him from fifth-string to scholarship athlete, prepared him mentally for his cancer battle.

Supporting loved ones with cancer: Get practical, honest advice about what to say (and what not to say) to someone facing cancer, with Matt's refreshing perspective on avoiding the "head tilt" of pity and focusing on authentic connection.

Finding purpose through adversity: Explore how Matt uses his platform as a news reporter to inspire others facing similar challenges, controlling his attitude when he couldn't control his diagnosis.
This episode embodies what Making Sense of Faith is all about – wrestling with life's biggest questions through the lens of authentic faith. Whether you're facing your own health crisis, supporting someone through illness, or simply questioning how faith works when life gets hard, this episode offers genuine perspective from someone living in that difficult space. It's a powerful reminder that faith doesn't require checking your brain at the door – it can provide genuine comfort and purpose even in life's darkest moments.
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Making Sense of Faith with Adam HamiltonBy Adam Hamilton

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

167 ratings


More shows like Making Sense of Faith with Adam Hamilton

View all
The History Chicks : A Women's History Podcast by The History Chicks | QCODE

The History Chicks : A Women's History Podcast

7,892 Listeners

Next Question with Katie Couric by iHeartPodcasts

Next Question with Katie Couric

4,905 Listeners

For The Love With Jen Hatmaker Podcast by Jen Hatmaker

For The Love With Jen Hatmaker Podcast

6,395 Listeners

The Next Right Thing by with Emily P. Freeman

The Next Right Thing

5,446 Listeners

Everything Happens with Kate Bowler by Everything Happens Studios

Everything Happens with Kate Bowler

5,047 Listeners

Dream Big Podcast with Bob Goff and Friends by AccessMore

Dream Big Podcast with Bob Goff and Friends

1,871 Listeners

No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp by Tokens Media

No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp

504 Listeners

Kelly Corrigan Wonders by Kelly Corrigan

Kelly Corrigan Wonders

3,324 Listeners

Become New with John Ortberg by Become New

Become New with John Ortberg

346 Listeners

Here's Where It Gets Interesting by Sharon McMahon

Here's Where It Gets Interesting

15,336 Listeners

Making Space with Hoda Kotb by Hoda Kotb, TODAY

Making Space with Hoda Kotb

10,412 Listeners

Good Faith by Good Faith

Good Faith

1,893 Listeners

Hello Menopause! by Let's Talk Menopause

Hello Menopause!

78 Listeners

Resurrection, A United Methodist Church Sermons by Resurrection, A United Methodist Church

Resurrection, A United Methodist Church Sermons

20 Listeners

Open Book with Jenna by TODAY, Jenna Bush Hager

Open Book with Jenna

970 Listeners