God is the God who understands betrayal. It was his betrayal that led to His resurrection.
Melissa Presser
Who is Melissa Presser?
Melissa Presser is a Catholic writer, assistant professor of criminal justice, and seasoned attorney with over 22 years of experience in the legal field. She writes at the intersection of faith, justice, and healing, drawing deeply from both her professional expertise and her personal journey through trauma.
A devoted wife and mother of three, Melissa’s work is rooted in the conviction that God meets us most profoundly in our suffering. Through her writing and ministry to the brokenhearted, she seeks to bring light to places of pain and to invite others into a deeper encounter with Christ’s mercy. Melissa is currently partnering with Joni Marmo on Seeking Wisdom, a forthcoming podcast and community initiative focused on cultivating wisdom through faith-based workshops and retreats — launching soon at jonimarmo.com.
In this episode, I talk to Melissa Presser about moving on after betrayal. She explains: i. What should our first response be when we have been betrayed? ii. How do we experience healing? iii. What steps should we take to healing? iv. How do you let go? v. How do you deal with the recurring anger and negative emotion?
Turning to Jesus after Betrayal
This episode is another rich and inspiring conversation filled with wisdom on how to move forward after betrayal. It’s something we all face—whether it’s the sting of a small slight or a deep wound that feels like a knife to the heart. Melissa beautifully reminds us that Jesus, too, experienced betrayal. In fact, His betrayal wasn’t the end of the story—it was the beginning of the resurrection.
She also shares the powerful and emotional story of Joseph, betrayed by his own brothers and left to endure years of slavery and imprisonment. Imagine the pain, the loneliness, the feeling of being utterly forgotten. Yet through it all, Joseph could say, “But God meant it for good.” That perspective changes everything.
Melissa encourages us to root ourselves in Scripture as we navigate the pain of betrayal—and to even pray for those who hurt us. It’s not easy, but with faith, it’s possible.
She also introduces the valuable resource of Catholic therapy through catholiccounselors.com, where Bible-based therapists can help guide you through the emotional aftermath and prevent the spiral into depression. I truly appreciate how open and vulnerable Melissa is about her journey—from the grief to the negative thought patterns that can linger. Her advice is grounded, practical, and full of grace.
So I’ll ask you—how have you handled betrayal in your life? What helped you heal the most?
ENJOYED THIS PODCAST?
We hope you enjoyed this podcast. Check out our podcasts on Becoming a Missionary and St Augustine. If you liked this podcast, like us, and leave a comment. Share our episodes on social media with those who may benefit from it.
