Gerth - Youre going to be okay: encouraging truth your heart needs to hear, especially on the hard days

Cover

Title Page

Copyright Page

Endorsements

Dedication

Introduction

1. Who You Are Is Still the Sam e

2. Youre Stronger Than You Know

3. Your Mind Is a Powerful Gift

4. Your Heart Is Worth Guarding

5. You Can Keep from Sabotaging Yourself

6. Youre Made for a Promised Land

7. Youll Remember These Words

8. You Can Make the Most of Change

9. Your Future Is Full of Hope

10. You Really Are Going to Be Okay

Go Deeper Guide (for Individuals and Groups)

Acknowledgments

Notes

About Holley

Books by Holley Gerth

Back Ads

Back Cover

I wander through the house and peek at surfaces, reach into bags, ask my husband what hes seen. Where did I put those sunglasses? I wonder as I lift a hand to scratch my head. And, of course, there they are, perched neatly atop my very blonde hair. I giggle. Sometimes our minds are forgetful.

I wander through my thoughts, peek at old memories, reach into lessons learned, ask my friends their opinions. Where did I put that truth I need right now? I wonder as I place a shaking hand across my chest. And, of course, suddenly its therethe words I need to make it through the day, whispered from God to me. I grin. Sometimes our hearts are forgetful too.

Im in a place of needing to remind my heart of whats real, whats true, what I can hold on to forever. Maybe you are too?

It seems we especially need those reminders when were dealing with stress, a bad day, or a hard time. So lets take some time to remember the things our hearts forget.

Truth doesnt ever go anywhere. But sometimes we lose what we know in the middle of the busy or the hard. Thankfully, we can always go back and what we need is right there waiting for us. As close as the sunglasses we discover are already on our heads.

I hope youll remember these words with the same feeling of joy and relief I had when I touched those sunglasses and said, Oh yes, thats right! Theres what I need!

Things Our Hearts Forget: Youre Seen

The sun slips behind the spring trees exploding green. The birds declare love and war from the tips of branches. My dog stares down a squirrel, daring it to take one more step along the fence. The fire pit is just beginning to crackle to life, sparks of gold and orange scattering into ashes.

I lean back in the rocking chair and find a rhythm that matches my thoughts. I feel small today. Like one of the sparrows scurrying across the yard. Back and forth. Back and forth. Its hard to see what all the fuss is about.

Then I remember that just as I see that sparrow, Im seen too. By a God who made me. Knows me. Calls my name above the treetops and within my heart. Yes, Im small.

But in Gods eyes, size doesnt equal significance.

The One who spun the stars onto the floor of the sky like dancers in evening gowns does not consider me of little importance. The One who watches seeds sleep beneath the earth and then unfold into glory has a different point of view.

I matter to him.

You do too.

We are not unseen.

Not now.

Not ever.

For the eyes of the L ORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him (2 Chron. 16:9).

I let the night fall around me like a curtain, watch the fire drift away in slivers of smoke. I am invisible, hidden, small. And at the same time fully seen, known, given significance beyond what I can even grasp.

I rock in my chair to the rhythm of this paradox until my heart does the same. Then I fully surrender to the unexpected sway of joy.

Things Our Hearts Forget: Your Works Dont Equal Your Worth

My hands roll dough across the counter. Im conquering one of my greatest fears: cinnamon rolls from scratch.

How can I be so intimidated by yeast and flour, sugar and butter, the thick, stretchy dough that begins to lengthen and take form beneath my hands?

I realize, slowly, that its not about the dough at all. Its about what I believe the outcome will say about me .