Courage

You’re Going to Be Okay

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If your life isn’t perfect, this is for you.

If you’ve ever been disappointed, this is for you.

If you sometimes have bad hair days, this is for you.

If you dreamed a big dream and then watched it fall apart, this is for you.

If you are human and live in a fallen world, this is for you.

She tucks her head in her hands for just a moment then looks up with a sigh. “It’s been a tough day,” she whispers with a half smile. I nod in agreement, touch her hand with mine. “I just need to know…” she continues, “I just need to know I’m going to be okay.”

Don’t we all?

I remember being a newlywed with a husband trying to figure out how to help. He would offer advice and solutions with such good intentions. Finally I stopped him and said, “This is what I need to hear: Just tell me I’m going to be okay.”

I hear the same from women all across the world. In conversations, emails, as a life coach, when I speak, during the time I worked as a counselor. We don’t want more “how-to” or to be told what to do. When life surprises us, smacks us on the behind, runs away with our dreams it’s our hearts that are left standing there hurting. Our heads know the truth. We understand what’s supposed to make it right in that moment. But somehow even the truth can ring hollow sometimes.

So what do we do then? Is it even possible to live with joy, resilience, and strength in this broken world? After connecting with thousands of women about this topic, searching Scripture, and through my own journey I can say without reservation: YES.

And it’s not just possible, it’s what God desires for you.

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Take heart.

That’s how we 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 thrive. 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. And that’s what I want to share with you.

Is it easy? Nope. Nothing worthwhile ever is. But it’s worth it. Research shows that almost half of our happiness can be contributed to one factor: you. How you react to life turns out to be far more important than what life throws at you. When you decide to take charge of your heart, everything changes because you change.

You are stronger than you know.

You are loved more than you realize.

You are part of a greater plan and nothing can stop God’s purposes for you.

You’re going to be okay.

I promise.

And what’s even more important…God promises too.

Take heart, friend. Good things are ahead.

XOXO

Holley Gerth

You’re Going to Be Okay by Holley Gerth releases today!

photo and quote design by Sara Torbett

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About the Author

Holley Gerth is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, counselor, and life coach. Her newest release is The Powerful Purpose of Introverts: Why the World Needs You to Be You. She's also wife to Mark, Mom to Lovelle, and Nana to Eula and Clem.

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  1. Hi! I’d really like to read this! I can’t find it as an ebook, though. Am I just missing it, or will it be released as an ebook at a later date? I don’t live in the USA, and I was hoping to avoid the delay of getting someone to post it to me.

  2. Hallelujah! thank you for these words of encourangement! Just what I needed to hear this morning. We have had houseguests since before Christmas and everyday has been extrmeley hard. I will meditate on this word daily. May God continue to bless and keep you.

  3. Holley,
    Terrific post. Oh how I TAKE HEART because Jesus has overcome this flawed and broken world we live in!! God is a spoiler…He tells us how the story is going to end. In the end we will win…we will be more than okay!! We can be okay everyday because of the hope that is ours!
    Thanks for the reminder.
    Blessings,
    Bev

  5. How amazing to read this exact phrase this morning… God used my son to tell me the exact same thing last night and then confirmed it again this morning by showing me the exact same words in your post. I am going through a situation that has me wondering if I have made the right decision about something God put on my heart but I know without a doubt that HE is with me and that it is going to be OK. Thank you for sharing because I really needed this.

  6. While things may a little crazy in our lives I have found this comforting, nothing around God’s throne in heaven has changed. Since He is my Father, the plans He has for me and written in Heaven have not changed. I don’t know who first said this but I keep this written down “When you can’t see His hand and you don’t understand trust His heart. Thanks Holly, I am ok.

  7. And I truly needed to hear this, when you have no answers to why everything is falling apart and you just want to tell the world you give up, no amount of praying seems to help, just can’t take another step a devotion like this turns up. What can I say, all I can do is smile:)

  8. You know friend, I’ve learned to say this to my daughters. I don’t know how and I don’t know when, but it’s going to be okay. God’s got this. He’s got you. But I needed to hear this myself…this morning. Thank you for having coffee with me and my heart today <3

  10. Hi Holley!

    This week, so far….

    I AM LOVED

    I AM GOING TO BE OKAY

    What more do I need? I love God’s education! Looking forward to the ebook!

    Love,
    Patty

  12. thank you holley! you are an encourager of dreams and the rest of us God-sized dreamers are grateful for your encouragement and obedience to yours. we are better and braver because of you. many blessings!

  13. Beautiful. As I live out life striving to be the best mother, wife, friend and encourager life can feel weary. I wrote about the weary part today. The verse I cling to for strength and encouragement is Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
    Blessings! And thanks for sharing your heart today.

  14. I’ll never forget the morning you spoke these words into my heart on the phone as I looked into the unknown with tears. “You’re going to be okay.” I love your book and I love *you* Holley! Thanks for always encouraging us to believe in our hearts the truth we know in our heads. So proud your book is singing His words for us through each page.

  15. I remember hurting so much in life. I needed so much healing. Life was dark. I was going through intense therapy and one of the things that got me through were the simple words of ‘you are going to be okay’. I had this one lady who was full of wisdom and love and she would always speak these simple words. She must have felt awful watching me hurt and not being able to do more than to say these words. But those words got me through, they gave me hope. To hear that this would pass was the exact thing I needed to hear in order to hold on and continue on my journey. I have since said those words to people around me. So very powerful!

  16. Rock it girl! Rock it! So insanely proud of you for birthing this baby! Can’t wait to get my hands on this book & soak it into my heart! Love you oodles! ♥

  17. I need to know it’s going to be okay. Because right now everything is so not okay. I’m in that broken place where it feels like it’s never going to get better and I’m going to have to accept this as my new normal. But it’s a really sucky normal and I don’t want it.

  18. Oh Melissa I pray that you may know Gods everlasting arms there for you.
    This post touched my heart too. We have been waiting 4 years for a house, we are living in a van. The house is ready but our mortgage is not and the guy at the bank won’t answer our calls to say if it is going to happen or not. We have been waiting over a week. We have a couple more weeks then we are homeless. It normally takes at least 1 month to rent a house around here. My girls are planning thier new bedrooms and I can’t tell them it may not happen. But We are going to be okay.

  19. Thank you so much, Holley.
    Today work is very hard and I hate to struggle with bad feelings of feeling alone and strange on work.
    You reminded me on looking up to heaven unto my Lord who has a plan and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
    Be blessed. You helped me more than you will know.
    Rosie

  20. Life is tough but … to never give up is a tough stance to take as well. This devotional is for me. I need to hear this and change myself for the better. 🙂
    I’ve come to the part where rest and stillness and peace is far more important than fighting the tough days and things in life. Just bask in God’s GLORY and pray and hope HE will just be with me and then, I’m safe in the arms of my Saviour, Redeemer. Hold this thought for myself. At least it’s peaceful.

  21. Holley, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I needed to read this today. Last night I found out that my husband has been cheating on me, and he and a friend of his who recently came into his life cleaned out my bank account, and have been doing meth. I have less than $10 to my name until my next paycheck on the 14th, no dog food, a full tank of gas, and I’m terrified to leave the house and leave my dog alone now with all the potential violence that could happen while I’m at work. I’m afraid of losing my job because of missing days, but don’t know what to do. Tomorrow I have an appointment for an emergency restraining order and picked up the divorce papers to fill out today. I wish I could say that we would get through this “rough spot” but the truth is, this was the last straw for me. I have supported him for the past three years, even the eight months he was in prison when neither of us handled my cancer diagnosis very well. We had overcome so much, so many hurdles, and things were going so well for us … that in the space of four days this demon came into our lives and destroyed everything. And I know that as much as I want to blame his friend … it was my husband’s choice to follow that path. He made the choice. He wasn’t forced. Now I have to do all I can to protect myself, my dog and my cat and pick up the pieces at age 52 and start life over again with nothing. I feel the cancer is back, but have no way, even with insurance, to see a doctor and I know that my first priority must be getting out of this house and out of his reach. I’m completely and utterly devastated today, and what makes it so much painful is how much I miss my husband ~ the man he became when we stood side by side throughout all our trials. I’m so lonely and scared right now and I just don’t know what to do. I’m on my knees in prayer because I know God will carry me through all of this, but gosh darn it all why did it have to happen?

    • Oh, Cindi, my heart is hurting with yours as I read what you’re going through. I’m so sorry this is happening and I’m amazed that you’re even hear writing words of courage and coming to God in this moment. Praying you have the strength and support whatever lies ahead. You are loved and you are not alone!

  22. I really needed this today. Was laid off 5 months ago and still no prospects, my relationship of a year and a half ended abruptly and without warning and I need to figure out how to get my daughter into college in the fall. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed and it’s oddly comforting to hear someone say that I’ll be ok. Can’t wait to read the new book!

  23. What a timely article for me. Just last sunday I went through a really heartbreaking experience. I am someone who keeps orphan children. I have an orphanage. I did not really think of going to church last sunday. But then in my dream at night, I dreamt that I was among a group of people going to church. And very early in the morning a friend called me and was encouraging me to take going to church very seriously. I then decided to get up and go to church. I took woof the orphan children with me. We adults we sit down while children go up. T he message was really good and I was really enjoying the church service not knowing that a shock was waiting for me at the end of the service. It so happened that in the course of the church service, one of the children went and stood outside the church. Two women approached him and started talking with him and to cut a long story short, they stopped two motorbikes and disapeeared with the child. And to think that he is not my child. I was just taking care of him. To me, it seemed everything had come to an end because I didn’t know where to begin. What am I going to say? However, I have signalleed the incident to the authorities and a search has been organised. You can see why your article of today is so comforting tome. Please help me pray that he will be found. Thank you

  25. Thank you for your words. I sometimes have to remind myself of this, but then I remind myself that if the creator of the universe promises this, who am I to not believe it?

  26. Every morning I drive with my hubby to work and I read your inspiring posts. Thank you, cause let’s face it ladies we are all going through something. Yep we are all going to be okay! Man those words make my heart sing even when the Aussie sun is scorching!
    Thank you so much, God be with you all xx

  27. The love of my life died 7 months ago.. My sons we taken from me two hours after his death… I lost my jobs within 3 days.. It’s been soooooooo hard!! I’m sobbing as I write this… And I wonder how in the world I’m going to make it… I started like a baby.. All I had to do was breath in and breath out… Slowly I got to…. Do the next thing… Whatever that was… Walk… Take out the trash.. Make tea(I was in wonderment everytime I made it)… I’m slowly getting my life in order.. Oh yes.. I am a Christian!!… I knew the MOMENT my husband died I was going to become Job… And I did… Sometimes I’m stronger than others.. But most of the time… I wonder what’s going to happen to me…the Lord is now my husband…I depend on Him for EVERYTHING.. I talk to Himas I would my beloved husband… But I still wonder… Is this how my life will be???… Missing him w my next breath.. Alone???….I am waiting for His joy… Wish it was tomorrow morning!…

    • Bridgitt, oh, you brave girl. I wish I could wrap my arms around you right now and let you cry on my shoulder. There are no words that will take away that pain so I’ll simply say this–I’m praying for you right now and you are loved and you are not alone.

  28. Thanks for posting, Holly! This is very comforting, especially when we have to make hard decisions. I often have to remind myself that God directs my steps…and I’m going to be okay.

  29. Busy day! Hope you’ve had fun and that the book continues to climb the charts at Amazon and elsewhere. Praise God! You are so gifted at encouraging others and spreading the powerful word of God to hearts everywhere. I ordered two copies today…one to keep and one to share with my step-sister. I’m going to tell her about the Women Leading Women book group, maybe we will join in there together! Much love to you, Holley Gerth, and many prayers for your every endeavor to be blessed, blessed, blessed!

  31. Thank you. Thank for saying I’m going to be okay. I’ve been a Christian for many, many years and I know His Word is true, but as I see the dismantling of my 24-year marriage I am devastated – lost hopes, lost dreams and the loss of my family – the very thing I hold dearest on this earth. Thank you for just saying it.

  32. I needed this today! I try so hard to be loved by people that I sometimes miss to be loved by my creator! My insecurities robe my joy when I look to people, especially people from the church. My loneliness tries to steal my joy and how truly blessed I am! Today I needed to read I’m going to be okay, Jesus has overcome the world. Oh how I need Him! Blessings Holley, the world needs more shining encouraging people like you!

  33. Thanks this. I try so hard with different things and sometimes I just feel like a failure. On top of that, I feel lonely often, even though I know that God is with me always. I feel I could really just use a nearby good girlfriend. I’m a military wife and I’m very far from my friends and family.
    But thanks for saying and reminding me that The Lord says I’ll be ok.

  34. Holley,

    Whoot Whoot on another book! 🙂 Your writing is truly awe inspiring and uplifting! You and God know just what to tell me when I need to hear it.

    Last month was a hard exhausting month. We found out there was a room open in an assisted living for my dad. He wanted to move so my oldest sister and I got on the paperwork, errand run. Each week I was taking dad somewhere or getting forms signed, helping with interview, etc. She was working on this and other paperwork from 5 hrs. north of here via e-mail, phones & fax.

    Thankfully we got him moved in last Thursday. He is loving every minute of being there–Praise God!! 🙂

    I am trying to help my husband deal with thoughts of losing his job. Work has been slow & he’s afraid that they will lay him off. I’ve tried to reassure him that God has gotten him this far and won’t leave him. God has always been there & always will!!

    We Will BE OK!

    Thanks God Bless ::))

  35. You are such a blessing and your writing is so encouraging. Thank you for sharing your gift with us!!

  36. Hi Holley,
    Your e-mail “You’re going to be OK” came in just minutes before our doctor called with a report we didn’t want to hear–so God used it to prepare me–I have printed out the image & stuck it onto our bathroom mirror to keep the reminder always before us.
    Been reminded also that worry is self worship which brings us farther away from the safety & security of God’s will–we trust ourselves.
    So thank you so much yet again dear Holley–it’s been a while since I wrote–but I so love to get your e-mails .
    God bless you,my dear,
    Brenda (an ‘old’ friend from Ireland–Holly’s Nana)

  37. Dear Holley,

    I just ordered this book for me and for some dear friends. You have a true gift from God in your writing. Your words deeply touch my heart and always have. Thank you for sharing with us your true sincere feelings from your heart. God has brought you through so much and that you can share with us the hope and joy and peace that comes as you make it through the journey is such an inspiration to me. I have been following you for a long time. You always are a reminder to me that things will be okay. I will have to be honest and say that in the last several years my heart has felt like my hope and joy were almost gone, but I never lost the faith in God that He would bring me through. Your true, sincere words from your heart have meant so very much to me through the years. My heart is healing bit by bit. I had buried years of pain deep inside and when something happened with one of my precious sons, I feel like I came crashing down and could not carry the pain any longer, my heart was crushed. How wonderful, how blessed we are, I praise God that He does bring us through. My son seems to be doing better, I am taking better care of myself physically, and my heart is healing a little bit at a time. I have hope again and know that joy is coming again and I am going to be even stronger and more at peace than I have ever been.

    You are such a blessing in my life and I thank you.

    I can not wait to get my book and thank you for the discount!

    God bless you, Holley, and thank you so very much for your honest words and for caring.
    Pam

  38. Hi Holley,

    Do you know of a good website of encouragement /courage for men (actually my nephew who is about 19 years old and is a college student)?

    Thank you,

    Bernadette

  39. It is so hard to believe that I am worth it, but then again we live in a fallen world. So many demons that live in my head keep me from believing that I am worth it. I want to believe. More than anything, I want to believe, but my bipolar keeps me from it.

  40. Thanks for the words Holley, it’s truly a simple but yet a strong encouragement for me. When this heart can’t able to accept things, God is always there to tell me to ‘calm my soul down’. It’s hard, but His moment will come at the best time.

    God bless you Holley,

    -Lavinia-

  41. Hi, Holley! Your friend’s question was what I wrestled with also. I cut my leg (a varicose vein) while shaving. Weird part, it didn’t rupture for 2 weeks. It left a nice wound, which got infected 2X. I ended up in the ER, only to receive one of the greatest SHOCKS of my life. The 2 weeks that my doc put me in bed, with orders of NO RUNNING, had resulted in a blood clot. I was shocked. I had no signs/symptoms of a blood clot. I came home dazed with a boat load of meds inlcuding self-injections. No wonder the Lord had continued to give me Isaiah 41:10..”Do not be afraid, for I AM with you; I AM your God, let nothing terrify you.” He went to great lengths to emphasize the I AM part. Over and over He has reminded me of I AM. I’ve broken down a few times. One night in particular, I asked what your friend did. I didn’t ask WHEN is this going to end, but HOW is this going to end. I have been waiting for my Promised Land for what seems an eternity. Just as I thought I was about to enter, this happened. That night He gave me a Word and reassured me that He will not only heal me completely, but will remove the clot. It was the breakthrough and answer that I needed. The wound is healing, but very slowly for no apparent reason. The wound care doc said that I should’ve been done a long time ago. I know that the Lord will end this when He deems it time. I just get discouraged and sad at times like yesterday and today. Pray for me, Holley. I know that I will be okay. Thanks for your column. From San Antonio, Texas, thank you.

  42. I’m struggling to give up the future I had planned, and replace it with…I’m not sure. I now have to think of what I want, and what God’s plan for me is singularly. I’ve found in recent days, that I hardly know who I even am. My focus has never been on me. I needed this post. Thank you!