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.