When Cancer Tests Your Faith and Your Marriage with Zach & Gail Schaar episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 17, 2026 · 40 MIN

When Cancer Tests Your Faith and Your Marriage with Zach & Gail Schaar

from The Naked Marriage with Dave & Ashley Willis · host XO Podcast Network, Dave Willis, Ashley Willis

When Gail Schaar was diagnosed with two different types of breast cancer, she and her husband, Zach, found themselves navigating a season they never expected. In this episode, Zach and Gail share how they walked through the fear and uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis together, why Zach learned that being present was sometimes more important than trying to fix things, and how seeking God together brought peace when circumstances felt overwhelming. Gail also shares the story behind her book, I Am Not a Cancer Patient, and what God taught her about refusing to let a diagnosis define her identity. Listener question: Is it biblically acceptable for a husband and wife to attend different churches? We're in a rural area and churches are far away. My husband was unchurched but is now saved and preparing for baptism. He's happy at our current church, but I feel like I'm just checking a box — there's little structure and teaching. I found a new church with Bible study, visitation, and evangelism, but he won't leave. He says it feels like he's cheating. What should we do? Learn more about Gail and I Am Not a Cancer Patient: https://gailschaar.com/ Follow Zach & Gail: @gailandzachshow Get the Vision Retreat Guidebook: https://store.xomarriage.com/collections/xo-1/products/vision-retreat-guidebook-establishing-a-yearly-vision-for-your-marriage-family __________ Submit your questions to Dave & Ashley: http://nakedmarriagepodcast.com Download our FREE 31 Day Marriage Devotional: https://bit.ly/3ZxsLZd We want your marriage to thrive! Learn more at http://xomarriage.com Dave and Ashley Willis spent thirteen years in full-time church ministry before devoting their work entirely toward the global mission of building stronger, Christ-centered marriages. Their marriage-related books, blogs, podcast, speaking events and media resources have reached millions of couples around the world making Dave and Ashley one of the most recognized and trusted couples in marriage ministry. Dave and Ashley partnered with XO Marriage in 2018. XO Marriage is the nation's largest marriage-focused ministry. The Willis family includes four sons and a rescue dog named "Chi Chi." When Dave and Ashley aren't writing and speaking, they love hanging out with their family, watching movies and going on long walks which is also where they develop many of their marriage ministry content ideas. Learn more about Dave & Ashley at daveandashley.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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When Cancer Tests Your Faith and Your Marriage with Zach & Gail Schaar

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