It's Okay Not to Be Okay: Moving Forward One Day at a Time

I received the book as an advanced reader copy and chose of my own accord to review. My opinions in this book review are my own. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, (and I'm not even quite halfway through), but it's been far and above what I expected. So much to chew on, process. It's not a book to rush through, not one to superficially glaze over, but one to digest, slowly take in, even though it could be considered an "easy read." I read and reread the same pages even. I don't do this with most books. I'm typically a fast reader and can devour a book in a day or two. But this? Nope. #savoringeachword This is one book I'll definitely be re-reading, in fact, with highlighter in hand. I rarely read books twice, but reading it through the first time without highlighting helps me to just digest the truth of what Sheila pours out, that it's okay not to be okay, to question and to wonder, to struggle and to wrestle with hard things. Re-reading then allows me to go through it a second time and highlight the "key" sentences that speak to right where I'm at now. Definitely worth TWO reads!

The situation i have been facing just this last week, taking compassionate leave at work, i downloaded this book to read on the flight. Talk about meeting you where you are at. Its a womans message, but as with alot of books that have touched me lately, its a human message. Men and woman arent that much different when it comes to all this stuff, men can just do the hard bravado thing better, but underneth its the same core issues. I can go onto tomorrow, even if im not ok, because it truly is ok not to be ok.

I found that I could easily relate to the authors struggles and found it helpful how she directs you to God in the difficult times with no condemnation. I loved the questions at the end of the chapters to help make personal and cement what I had learnt in each chapter. If you need encouragement to keep moving forward (and who doesn't?) this book will be helpful.

It’s Okay Not To Be Okay has touched a deep, deep place within my soul. This book is filled with hope and truth but not in a “fluffy” way but in an authentic way with so much heart and even grit. Sheila has yet again shown her true self to her readers. It makes you laugh, makes you cry, and makes you contemplate why we as a culture view ourselves through a burdensome, worldly lens never intended for God’s beloved children. Instead, it offers a different view — a new perspective through the lens of Jesus and when we’ve got the view of Christ and how we are seen by God, we can be free from the pressure of a society (who wants to eat us for lunch) to have it all together. Each chapter is filled wisdom and truth and hope and oh my goodness—don’t we need hope in the world today? There are small activities at the end of each chapter and I just love that! Through this book of God-Help, I’m shifting my view of myself. I’ve stopped measuring our relationship by how okay I am... I’ve stopped performing for God and awaiting some kind of nod of approval from Him. Instead I am running into his arms and burying my head in his chest for a Holy embrace like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I’m trusting that “God is moving even when we can’t see Him. God is in control even when things seem out of control.” Sheila Walsh has written an incredible book and I pray it leads you to rest in Jesus the way it has for me. I absolutely love it!!! I bought this copy for a friend and I encourage you to share this book with your loved ones too. It’s amazing!

A long-time fan of Sheila Walsh, I think It's Okay Not to Be Okay may be her best book yet. Her candid stories range from heartfelt to entertaining and through it all, Sheila invites into to heart and life as she shares Biblical truth and wisdom. This is the sort of book that causes one to reflect, cry and laugh. It has reassured me of truths I need to remember in the midst of the hard of life and has encouraged my heart. Put this book on your list if you're struggling with feeling not-enough, overlooked, or afraid. You'll be glad you did!

Reading through Shiela's book has been challenging for me because she asks hard questions, but they're GOOD hard questions. She doesn't hold back. In one chapter, she brings to light the way we approach God after disappointments and heartbreak. As I read this chapter, I thought, 'This is me, afraid to ask God for big things because I have felt disappointed in the past.' I like that each chapter ends with tools for further consideration, guiding me in how to apply what I gleaned in each chapter.

A lot of really good straight down the line help from a very mature perspective that is very helpful. Best taken in small chunks and mulled over. it doesn't hurt that the audio book has Sheila's awesome Scottish accent as she reads her own work. Definitely a worthwhile purchase if you are after a ministry book, or if you are sitting on the fence thinking about it. It's really very good! If you struggle with painful emotional hurt, suicide in the family or depression, or youre an introvert with various other difficulties, Sheila and the Holy Spirit really have something to say.

I just finished Sheila’s new book “It’s OKAY Not to be OKAY,” and I have both laughed and cried at her gut-honest stories. The book gets high scores from me: entertaining (check); insightful (check); and faith building (check). Most of all, it caused me to pause, take a look at myself, and know there is hope for the best and the worst of us. I am one who underlines key statements as I read, and there are actually pages where I underlined the entire page. As a teacher in women’s ministry, I could teach a full lesson from every 2 to 3 pages! The profound statements are numerous, and I am in awe at the wisdom and graciousness with which Sheila imparts both her struggles and her victories to her readers. I’ve read many of Sheila’s books, and once again, she did not disappoint her audience. This is a must read for every person who struggles with being OKAY with God and OKAY with yourself. My hat is off to Sheila!

The name may let you know that as a man i have read this book and found Sheila Walsh teaching and books (yes I've read a few of them) incredibly strengthening and life changing. This book has for me given extra legs, strength or guidance (choose which you prefer or use all 3 as I have) to Her previous book In the Middle of the Mess, but please know this book in its own can be a life changer if you let GOD'S love take you through it as indeed I believe Shells did in writing it. None of us are perfect and for those who live in the public eye to open up and be as honest as Sheila is takes more courage than I know how to express but i am so grateful for her courage to do so. This is a bok i think many will recommend and not only do i want to recommend it but i want to let GOD take this message to the depth of all my pain and trust HIM with all i have.

Amazing

I love Shiela Walsh. She is so genuine. Anything she wrote I would enjoy and this book is no exception. Really enjoyed it.

Very good and easy to understand.lots of things to relate too .

Loving this BOOK. Great read and very very helpful practical advice/ ideas to help you. ❣

Delighted

Loving reading this book

Great read

It all felt Sheila Walsh was besides present throughout the read to comfort on the ordeals of life . Sincewas writing on the subject but she took in a different territory of sheer bliss and peaceful divinity . I feel so glad that there are authors like Sheila who are the real ambassadors of comfort to all those in pain . Just don’t think twice ......& thank Sheila for what she has shared .........a Gem .

Loved this book. Scripture and stories, illustrations are perfect for anyone who needs uplifting or is facing challenges in their life. I highly recommend it. I already have a friend who I recommended it to and they have purchased also.

I loved the honesty and transparency of this book. Thank you for willing to be so vulnerable with us the reader, your story was incredible.

Sheila Walsh is amazing. Bought her work for friends and they love her too.

A good read. Honest. Thought provoking. Encouraging. Challenging. Truthful.I appreciate your willingness to share your heart and your life, Sheila...warts 'n all ❤

S/b good

Sheila Walsh is such an amazing writer and is so encouraging!