Let me introduce you to my friend, Holley. Holley Gerth is the best-selling author of several books, including You’re Going to Be Okay. She’s a God-sized dreamer, the wife of Mark, and a friend to YOU. Hang out with her on Twitter or Facebook.
Over the course of the next few weeks, I’ve invited friends from all over the blog-o-sphere to share their words in this space as we explore the mysteries of prayer during the Summer Bible Study.
by Holley Gerth
She says it and means well, “It’s going to be okay.”
And I think, “No, it’s not…but I am.”
It’s the paradox I’m learning to live with these days as my dear Grandpa Hollie faces illness and is getting ready for heaven at age 93. It doesn’t matter that I’ve written a book about being okay—it still hurts. And that’s the whole point.
Knowing we’re going to be okay isn’t insurance against the hardships of life. Instead it’s assurance that no matter what happens, we’re going to make it through.
That deep knowing comes not from our circumstances but from our Savior. And especially from knowing we’re loved.
I’m having trouble praying these days. I don’t have the energy or emotion to be long-winded. I pray the same way I breathe. A few words out. Enough love to keep me going for another moment in.
I simply say, “Help me, Jesus” or “I need you” or “I love you.”
Somehow that’s enough. Because the God who spoke the world into being can read between the lines. It’s immensely comforting to know I don’t have to explain what I’m feeling or thinking or hoping. He already knows even better than I do and he can remind me of what’s true no matter what happens.
I share this in You’re Going to Be Okay:
Tired.
Stressed
Depressed.
Anxious.
Frustrated.
Broken.The labels stick to our hearts, covering our identities until we can’t see who we are anymore. We come to believe that our struggles and circumstances define us. But those are just descriptions, not determinations. Who you are doesn’t change based on the kind of day, week, or year you have. You are a daughter of God, a holy princess, a woman loved beyond all you can imagine. No matter what.
A friend going through a difficult time called me. As we talked, she kept repeating the same phrase: “I guess I’m just the girl who has this struggle.” I finally stopped her and said as gently as I could, “That’s where you’re at right now. It’s not who you are.”
You see, life’s obstacles are temporary. Who you are is eternal.
This is one way prayer heals us: it reminds us of who we are and whose we are.
It gives us security when everything else around us is falling apart. It’s not about the words you say or about getting it right. Instead prayer is about letting your heart be held by the One who loves you.
In your weakest, darkest, most broken moments…don’t be afraid to pray. “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). There is no wrong way to say what’s in your heart. God is listening and he will hear not just what your lips are saying but what your soul is too. He is for you. He is with you. He will answer.
And you will be okay. Maybe not now…but someday.
[Tweet “Prayer reminds us of who we are & whose we are.”]
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This week, we’re giving away THREE copies of You’re Going to Be Okay by Holley Gerth.
You’re Going to Be Okay is about thriving in life no matter what happens. It’s about how our hearts can deal with the dog messing up the rug and the devil messing up our lives. How we can face little irritations and life’s big tragedies and still do more than survive? How we can bounce back faster and fall down less? How we can spend more of our time living and less of our time regretting?
When the reader closes the last page of You’re Going to Be Okay, Holley hopes the reader pauses and whispers, “I really am going to be okay.” And that those are words she’s not just saying with her lips but with her heart.
To win, leave a comment on the original blog post at MargaretFeinberg.com. The three winners will be selected and announced on Friday.
Congratulations to the winners: LeeBird, Janet Pollard, and Carole Mather!
Thank you for speaking those encouraging words out loud into my life this morning…..yes, even whilst in the midst of life changing circumstances, that given my own choice I would have avoided like the plague, God goes through them with me, strengthens and upholds me and whispers to me that i will be OK no matter the outcome becquse He is with me in them…..
Thanks for being His echo
Margaret, I’ve been reading Holley’s blog for quite awhile. Her sweet spirit and heart of encouragement definitely shows on her face and in her smile. Can’t wait to read her new book. It’s on my wish list. Hoping I win!
Thank you. I love how God always puts just the right words of comfort, just when you need it the most right in your path. Great way to start the day knowing that its going to be okay!
I adore Holley Gerth. And you, Margaret. And this post. 🙂 These are the just-right words for any of us going through hard times today.
Will I be okay? Sometimes I wonder.
Holley’s genuine voice rises above others. I so appreciate her heart which emits authenticity. She’s not one of those people who pretends to be interested in others in order to self-promote. I don’t know her, other than reading her book and from social media, but she’s definitely a woman of character and someone you’d love to sit down with and have a cup of coffee while chatting. Shoes kicked off and relaxed. Thanks for sharing her gift with us today. I loved the Vlog on perfection. From a perfectionist in recovery … or trying to be (which is perfectly okay, ha ha!) … a good word for the day!
So encouraging! I was just diagnosed with breast cancer. But I know I’m going to be okay!
Today I needed those words…. You are going to be ok. Maybe not today but someday. I pray someday comes soon!
I know this mentally but I need to trust it spiritually.
Wow! This came at the right time for me. This year has been a challenge in my faith like no other season in my life. It still is, but I am going to be okay because God knows me. I know who I belong to, I am learn who I am in Christ.
I’ve expected some of my close friends to know me when I was going through, but many didn’t. However, God didn’t misunderstand me. He knew/knows the content of my heart like no other. I am really encouraged by this. Thank you so much for sharing.
Just 2 days ago I experienced again the amazing power of prayer that reminded me that I’m a previous child of God no matter what my circumstances are. I will be okay!
Very good words to remember. Sometimes when in the middle of a crisis, we really do need to stop and remember WHOSE we are and not WHAT we are. My sweet daughter-in-love is in the middle of a situation right this minute and I tell her this often ~ that she is loved, not only by those of us around her but by Someone else and that He is watching over her and He will see to her needs. She was not raised in a Christian environment, so I am trying to teach her by example what being a Christian is all about and while it may be difficult at times, we need to trust in God at all times.
Congratulations, Carole! You’ve been selected as a winner! Please send your mailing address to carrie@margaretfeinberg.com.
I love Holley and I love this! Thanks for sharing it. I’m going to share it on twitter so others can be blessed as well. Would love to win a book, too.
Ohhh, this article touched my heart. And reminded me to lift my burdens up to the Lord and that no matter what He always has my back and I am going to be alright.
Thank you Lord for Holley Gerth and Margaret Feinberg….two beautiful ladies who love the Lord!
Btw, I would love to win a copy of this… 😉
I saw my pastors wife facebook post the other day it was the title of your book…so thats why I want to win this …to give to Julie J… cause she needs this…thanks for your blog…blessings
pearly m.
This is wonderful! I also read an article blog by a gentleman who lost his young son. He came up with the phrase ” I’m okay but I’m not ok and that’s ok.” He was dealing with grief and his other son asked him why he was crying. It was a beautiful story as this one is also very touching. I praise Jesus for his peace and joy in the midst of such seasons though. When I lost my son to miscarriage I said to a lady at church, “it’s okay.” She responded, “no it isn’t.” Then she hugged me. I knew what she meant and in a way she was right. I kept saying it’s ok but I wasn’t. Just like a friend recently realized I say I’m fine or I’m fine with it or I’m okay with it when in truth I’m not. Yet it’s true maybe we aren’t okay at the moment but we will be. I thank The Lord for his healing and deliverance. He makes us whole.
So much wonderful encouragement and comfort in this post from Holley. But what struck me hardest and what stuck with me the most was this:
‘I pray the same way I breathe. A few words out.’
Some days, that’s all I can manage. Short and basic. And often desperate.
Many thanks to you both for this today, Margaret and Holley.
Wow. This is exactly what I need to read and hear. It touched my heart and I feel so much better. I ask Jesus for Help. Simple to do but why do I always forget? I was also glad to hear the true meaning of perfect: complete. Glad to hear we are works in process and will fall short in this life but will be made perfect in our eternal life with the Lord.
What an encouraging reminder on a day I truly needed it. Thank you for sharing
Such a wonderful post – thanks, Holley! I’ve been facing some health challenges for the past few years, and these words are so refreshing and encouraging.
Holly is so wonderfully upbeat and encouraging. Just her smile is enough to cheer anyone up!
I had read Hollys books and gave away 3 ! I didn’t get this particular one. But her sweet spirit led me to
understand a lot. And Margaret, your
unending concern for we gals is amazing, recently, after your sumner bible study, I had had so much I needed to resolve, to say, “Jesus,
“Please help me” and” I love you!” 3 words that changed me inside out.
I was always a gal who could pull rabbits out of hats! When it came to my “bonnet” I over- looked how important I am too. I am forever humble & blessed getting to understand about relationships, friends, and know we are a child of God, a princess who he created!
I always knew that in my heart, it’s His gift. We are a gift to Jesus. Setting our heart and day breathing in those gifts!
Oh, I so needed these words today. Tears have been flowing off and on all week. What struck me too was “I pray like I breathe.” Would love this book too, especially in this season of my soul.
I not only want to read this book, I need to read it. Struggling with some negative emotions.
Very encouraging post and just the words I needed! I, too, have been finding “long-winded” prayers to be a challenge lately, but to read these words encouraged me that God knows much deeper what I’m thinking and feeling. He knows much more than what I am barely able to utter from my mouth. I know I will be okay and that everything will work themselves out according to God’s divine will and purpose… but to read that I’m not alone in this journey, is well, comforting. Thank you for the authenticity and warming words 🙂 God Bless, sister! xo
I wondered yesterday like sometimes, Am I going to be ok?
Is it me, Lord? Today I wrote out the month’s bible study. So much revealed! Many positive changes!
Echoes are eivident. 3 words Powerful month!
Thank you, Lord!!
i realize that one day i will be ok but some days that just rings hollow. i feel like david in the psalms either full of praise or full of despair. i believe God wants to hear all our thoughts: the good, the bad, and the ugly, as then He can heal our honest emotions when we are honest with Him and ourselves. After all david had a heart like His, so i do not feel like i tell God anything he can not handle!
j.r.
The short sharing of words lifted me up. I am going through a similar trial as Holley with my 93 year-old father and 88 year-old mother. It is my mother who worries me the most. This woman brought many to Christ and with 2 back surgeries within the past 5 months, she has lost her zest for life and doesn’t understand why she does not feel better. I pray for her each night and for me each night for us to keep our focus on the Lord.
I have a very close friend who just lost her husband in a tragic car accident. She is really having a hard time being a widow since she is only 55 and this was so unexpected. He was also in a car accident 2 1/2 years ago and was unconscious for several months She spent the entire time at the hospital witnessing to others about how God was going to heal her husband and how he could heal their loved ones too. We are thankful that God answered our prayer and allowed her husband to be with her a little longer. She has always been strong in her faith. But this loss has really paralyzed her, I’m praying that she will be okay again soon.
It will take time-her time. I am sorry about the death of your friend’s husband. Be a good listener. That is what I needed. God will faithfully walk w her.
I am thankful to The Lord for what I just read on this site. I needed it. God bless.
No matter what happens, I am thankful for and certain that I will be okay. Prov, 3:5,6.
If I am chosen to receive this book, I will enjoy reading it – it sounds like just what I need for this stage in life. I am recently separated from my husband and often times wonder if I will be okay. Praise God, with HIS strength, I know I will. But still, it is hard. Thank you for the opportunity to enter the drawing!! Sure enjoyed meeting you this spring in Pensacola, Margaret!!! You blessed my daughter and I beyond words!!
jennifer
Great post! Really enjoyed reading it! 😉
Thank you for the encouragement! This message confirmed the message that I recently shared with a friend. I would love to read this book!
Love the words shared here today by Miss Holley. I pray that she is getting through her grandfather’s end season and that she too, will be okay.
Thanks for posting this! I needed to hear this after the week I’ve had. It’s great to be reminded that we’ll be okay. I too am at a point where I “pray the same way I breathe.” So thankful God can fill in the blanks and get me through these times. Romans 8:26
With all that’s going on w/a parent’s health, I need to be reminded of this so much.
Hallelujah!! Thank you for all the words of encouragement, faith and comfort. Exactly what I’ve needed for today, tomorrow and everyday. Yes, there have been days upon days that the only thing I can say is JESUS. I find myself so overcome with emotion that I can’t really pray and I just say His name, and His Name is enough. Many (including friends) don’t truly understand how you feel, act or that you aren’t up to talking. But Jesus always knows and He will help us especially in our deepest need. You’ve been such a blessing, not only to me but it many others, and I praise God for you and your ministry. May He continue bless you in ways that you (and the rest of us) always remain Wonderstruck. Love in Christ!!
This article denfinitely calmed my spirit and brought healing to my spirit. My Mom just passed away on July 8th at the age of 92. She was very fragile, suffering from Parkinson’s disease and had contracted pneumonia. I flew out to see her and was able to connect with her in the last four days of her life. I was comforted by the fact that she recognized me but also distraught that she slipped away to be with God. I was somewhat prepared for this event but I know the Lord had me fly over 3000 miles to see her and find comfort in this fact. God definitely holds the future despite the uncertainties and grief we experience. Your words are so comforting and calmed my soul.
Very encouraging, thank you!
Will I really be alright? My family relationships are broken from years past. I’ve prayed and prayed for healing and don’t know if God even hears my prayers anymore because the brokenness seems worse than before.
Prayer has long been a mystery to me, and not in a good way. I’d love to read more.
I love “Prayer reminds us whose we are.” Somehow just remembering I am a daughter of the King helps me when I’m feeling overwhelmed or confused–it puts it all back in perspective. I would love a copy of Holly’s book!
Margaret,
I wish I could be upbeat and self assured that everything was going to be ok. Deep in my heart I keeping holding on to Gods word that I’m going to be ok. The world doesn’t say that. Last year I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, I made it through all the treatment and I believe I have zero cancer in my body,but now I have to wait 5-10 years to see if it will come back, it’s so hard. Then two weeks ago I had my gallbladder out, but of course they did a CT to make sure it was not cancer. I hate living with worry, I want to live with hope and that everything is going to be ok. I’m not sure how to read her blog but thank holly for her book.
My mum treated me to this book on Kindle when it first came out, and I wrote a post on my blog about chapter 3. I’d really love a copy to give away to one of my readers.
This looks wonderful. Would love to read it.
I”d like to read this book Thanks!!
Looks like a great book. I have friend who is going through some rough times this book would be a great resource and share.
After nearly a year of unemployment I am wondering if I’m going to be OK and when God is going to show up. This looks like a book I need to read in case God chooses to remain silent.
My mind knows the fact, but I can’t really say my life looks like I really believe it.
Sounds like a wonderful book I would like to add to give to my clients and since I am a student, free is good.
Powerful and timely. Thank you.
Thank you, Margaret, for introducing me to Holley. This looks like a good read.
I have heard from God lately…. “You are going to be OK”, “Don’t worry this will turn out for the good”. I believe it…..I am patient. Thank you for this study it has brought me to a new level in my journey with Christ!! I will be facilitating again with our community group, men and women +/- 60 yo., please pray that group will accept the sacred echo and be able to listen to what God is nudging upon them.
Thank you Margaret !!
Facing many mountains with a husband with a chronic illness and now a cancer diagnosis for him on top, I often have been assured by God that I will be okay. But these words are exactly what i needed today. I would love to have the book
Thank you, Holley, for sharing this with all of us!
The last two years have been more than challenging for me and my family. The words you speak today are helping me through. I would love to read Holly’s book … sounds like just what I need.
Reading the description today of ‘You’re Going To Be Okay” sounds like Holley’s book would be just what my daughter needs to strengthen faith and ease her anxiety with upcoming life changes.
I enjoy your blog, Margaret, and recently was introduced to your teaching in a small group studying ‘Wonderstruck’. We’re beginning our third week and all of us are enjoying it very much.
Congratulations, Janet! You’ve been selected as a winner! Please send your mailing address to carrie@margaretfeinberg.com.
Today I have twice read I John 4:18. I’m thinking it is a sacred echo. I am about to dive into a witnessing experience with a friend who is an atheist. I’m rather scared about the prospect, but am feeling the Lord’s leading in this. So, I’m focusing on how much He loves me.
Thanks for sharing your hearts here. I just wanted you to know I’m grateful for you and praying for all of you this evening!
My husband left me a few months ago. I didn’t see it coming, but I know God did. I have spent this summer weeping and pouring as much truth into my soul as I possibly can. This book sounds like a good addition to my arsenal of truth. Thanks, Holley and Margaret.
Congratulations, LeeBird! You’ve been selected as a winner! Please send your mailing address to carrie@margaretfeinberg.com.