Have you ever had a friend whose words felt like a hug? It is a rare jewel, but one I have found in my friend Holley. Last week she released a book I’ve been eagerly waiting for because I couldn’t wait to share it with you! I’ll share more of my thoughts about it, but first I wanted you to hear from Holley’s heart: 
Photo Credit: Sara Torbett
Her shoulders slump as she slides into a chair in my counseling office. Her eyes and face speak volumes before she ever says a word. “I feel defeated,” she whispers. I nod. It’s understandable. The battles she’s faced. The way she’s fought. The war waging in her world. I dare to smile just a bit and say, “You may have lost some skirmishes, but that’s not who you are. You’re still an overcomer.” She leans forward, smiles back, shakes a little of the tension off her shoulders. She looks stronger already. When we have a weak moment, a bad day, a tough year, the enemy of our souls taunts us. “You’ve lost,” he hisses. But that isn’t true. The reality is, we can’t lose. In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Rom. 8:37) Oh, we get knocked around in this life. We have bumps and bruises. Even our Savior left this world with scars. But that doesn’t mean we’re defeated. This matters because it changes how we fight. Imagine being a soldier who’s going into battle. Your commander tells you, “We have already won. All you have to do today is go in there and obey my commands. Victory is sure.” You would fight with less fear and more faith, less hesitancy and more certainty, less regret and more intensity. This is what’s true of us. Even when the disease returns. Even when our spouse decides not to stay. Even when we relapse after promising we won’t ever again. I don’t say that lightly—oh, how those blows hurt. We ache. We feel the pain. We are human, and that is inescapable. Yet we don’t have to let our wounds define us. What happens to us is not who we are. Even in those moments and circumstances, our identity remains secure. What has happened to you that has made you feel defeated? Now add God’s perspective to your answer above. In all these things, even in ________________________________ (the answer you just gave), I am more than a conqueror through him who loved me. Defeat is not your destiny. What we are called to do is simply this: to stand {Eph. 6:10-17}. Not to conquer the world. Not to be the greatest warrior ever. Not to never feel weak or afraid. Just stand. Stand on God’s promises. Stand on faith. Stand on the hope that victory is sure. You have already won. You can’t be defeated by anything in this life or the next. You are an overcomer. XOXO Holley Gerth
On the back cover:If you need a friend to walk with you through the hard stuff in life, to cheer you on with encouragement, to help you find strength and joy in the midst of life’s difficulties – this book is for you! God writes love and assurance on the canvas of hearts through the hands of Holley Gerth.In each chapter you will learn how to hold onto hope, hold on to who you are and hold on to all God has promised – knowing and believing that no matter what, “You’re going to be okay!” ~Renee SwopeENTER TO WIN (This giveaway has ended, but I’d still love to hear from you!) a copy of Holly’s new book, “You’re Going to Be Okay” by clicking “Share Your Thoughts” under today’s post. You can share your heart or simply fill in the blank: In all these things, even in ________________________________, I am more than a conqueror through him who loves me. {I’ll be praying over you by name today!}
Even in my situation, all those things which I do not control. All I control is my response…
Those words really help. It’s tough to believe I’m an overcomer. My 18 year old son has just been diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder and my other son – aged 15 – with depression. It’s hard battling the education system too, so that they can still study. It appears that Holly’s book isn’t available here in the UK. Hope it can be soon. I need to read this!
Praying for all of you who have bravely shared your struggles and encouraged one another here.
Jane
In all these things, even in discouragement about my life, being a single mom for many, many years, fighting addictions, attending 2 bible studies regarding the bad family relationships and secrets about an abortion over 30 years ago, I am more than a conqueror through him who loves me. I pray today that God has a plan for me in this life and although I experience emotional times, hard times physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, I will not be defeated even though satan tells me almost every minute. Since becoming a Christian 4 years ago I have felt bombarded by satan with his lies and condemnation. I will not be condemned, I will not be shaken because I am strong in the Lord. I need prayers and reminders of that on a daily basis. I will not be destroyed, I am victorious. God has made that promise to me!
My life is a sink hole and I can’t seem to find perspective.
20 years ago I suffered a spinal cord injury during the birth of my son. Thankfully, he was born healthy. It took me 5 years to walk again without my foot slapping, hip dropping, and limping. But I did it!! I fell a lot in the process, broke my foot many times, tore a tendon, and other minor injuries. I have permanent nerve damage from the waist down, but I can walk. I am so grateful!!
2 weeks ago I was diagnosed with a rare nerve disorder Syringomyelia and there is no cure. I have a cyst inside my spinal cord that is destroying the nerves. I have been sick for over a year and now I know my chronic migraines, severe nerve pain, fatigue, foggy thinking is here to stay.
I’m trying to move past the grief of receiving this news on my 1st wedding anniversary. My fears of my husband emotionally checking out on me are huge. After all, my 1st husband wanted to leave after my spinal cord injury at my sons birth. It was just too much for him. No judgement, just compassion.
So here I sit. Looking around, knowing I’m slipping down the hole of deep depression. I was a survivor 20 years ago, but this seems a little unfair. God got it wrong. Two major medical blows for the same person, can’t he spread it around?
I just don’t know if I can do this, I need strength, hope, preservence in the years ahead. And, I don’t want to look to others for that, it must come from within. I want to go forward with dignity because right now I am a heap in the corner.
Reading this helped remind me that I can overcome all things through Christ. Things seem so hard right now and sometime you just need to be reminded.
I want to win this book! My husband & I are going through a trial with his work situation currently. We both need to encourage one another to be over-comers. We don’t want to just “go through” this; we want to be able to “GROW through” this trial.
SO incredibly excited to read another book from Holley! The words she writes seem to speak right to me and have been such a blessing. So glad to have found this amazing author. Even if I don’t win a copy, I hope to purchase this book for me AND a friend! Thank you for your amazing ministry!
Even though I live in chronic pain the joy of my
Lord is my strength & song.
Even in my fight with Lyme disease and co-infections, and my daughter’s 7-year fight with Lyme and now a life-threatening eating disorder, I am more than a conqueror through him who loves me.
Even though I haven’t a clue as to where I will be living next and where my son will be, I have faith that God is going to provide for all and Satan will be defeated once again.
Even through divorce, I am an overcomer.
It has taken me 4 years to climb up out of the pit I was thrown into but I’m climbing. God IS faithful. He never left me. He held me while I kicked and screamed through the process. Who am I that He should love me so.
I love God’s promises !!
I really need to win this book.
My husband attempted suicide.
I find God challenging me to take Him at His word and believe who and what He says He is or will provide. His word is powerful and says He will never leave me nor forsake me. So why do I fear
In all these things, even in __going from two income home to one, even in watching husband go through surgery and be in pain still, even through seeing my children unhappy because Mommy is VERY unhappy___ (the answer you just gave), I am more than a conqueror through him who loved me.
Clinical depression that has plagued me for more than 20 years. It is something that is not easy to share with people like you do with a physical illness, but it hurts so bad!
Thank you for the encouragement. Life has had its share of trials, but it is good to know that I am how God defines me, not how my circumstances make me feel.
I have some very scary and at the same time amazing changes coming in he next several months. My mom and dad who helped me through a messy divorce and let me and my then small children stay with them for 8 years. My father is my pastor of my church also. He and my mother who have lived 3 block from me after I got remarried, told the church that he is retiring and he and my mom, are moving half way across the country in June. In the mean time the church voted to call my husband to be the pastor when my dad leaves. It is not gonna be easy to let them go, but as the days get closer….. I see so many awesome opportunities heading our way. This book sounds like something that might speak to my heart thru this time. And that I can share with some of the ladies in my church.
I definitely need to read this book.
Renee, I have been following Holley’s blog for quite some time and am excited about her book! Having lost two of my students last year and supporting my daughter in the care of my grandson, Andrew, also one of my medically fragile students and continuing my community work, I often struggle with the daily emotional issues that I face. This book is a must read for me!
I need to trust God in everything especially in finances!!!!! I have been a Christian along time but I have to give everything to God instead of me trying to work some of it out on my own!!!
I have come to realize that I need god in my life more then eve know. Being a single mother to a 5 yr old son ishd work sometimes. Being in a depressed mood all the time and thinking of killing myself and sayinh certain things like not caring on what happens. But then I sit and realize if I do that my son will suffer more.
Definitely dpoke to me! Would love to win the book!
In all these things, even in the death of my husband three and a half weeks ago, I am more than a conqueror through him who loves me.
In all these things, even in depression, I am more than a conqueror through him who loves me.
Wow, I actually have that statement posted by my computer so I can look at it every day and remember that even though things are difficult right now, He is still with me and seeing me through the rough parts! Thanks.
In all these things, even in my insecurities from abusive relationships and marriage, lack of self worth and self condemnation, I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me!! God bless, strengthen, protect and guide each women who reads this life saving blog, and book. May she know how truly beloved of God she is and come to embrace God’s truth He alone defines her, He will never leave or forsake her and He loves her with an everlasting and sincere love. Love and hugs to all <3
Working on getting the inside to match the outside. Years of childhood sexual abuse left a mask that’s been hard to let go of. I’ve finally started prayer counseling. I’m learning to give every second of my past to God step by step. It’s a process & I’m starting to find peace. I know I’m going to be OK.
When GOD told me I was going to go through a valley something like 7 years ago, I thought okay… Little did I know how long, how dark and how lonely that valley would be. It was and is an invisible valley – no one else knew what I was going through. My husband knew about it but has never gone through it. The kids didn’t/don’t get it and, therefore, don’t understand the toll it’s taken on me.
The deepest, darkest part is over, I believe, but there are days I’m back there all over again. There are still valleys. I’m just at a point of not knowing how to proceed, so I wait for GOD to tell what to do.
In all these things, even in depression, I am more than a conqueror through HIM who loves ME! Depression is awful, Satan’s work at best. I know that God has overcome and has won the victory. Clinging to that hope, that promise, gets me through day by day!
The last 6 years my life has been like a rollercoaster. Separated due to a emotional, verbal and physical abusive marriage. This led me to suffer major depression and PTSD. I touched rock bottom… Im a believer. .. I lLove the Lord and Im placing all my trust in Him..Just living one day at a time! Thanks so much for your encouraging words and teachings.
In all these things, even in the midst of my teenage daughter’s ongoing disobedience and rebellion, I am more than a conqueror through him who loves me.
I most love the part where you say you will be praying over my name today. <3
even in divorce
The death of my son has left me feeling defeated. I am afraid that I will never be the same.
My difficult marriage
Sounds like a very helpful book. It would be a great resource for the Women’s Bible Study group at my church. I have already shared the A Confident Heart Devotional with the ladies of my Bible Study group. It is currently “checked out”. The book above sounds like a wonderful reminder that we are overcomers in Christ no matter the circumstances of our lives. We all know someone who could use a hug and sometimes it is ourselves. Hugs to you for sharing this book.
My addictions, God has me, and lives me where I am at. Does he like me there no, I believe he cries with me when I scream out, he loves me more. I am nothing without my Lord and Savior. He loves me, oh how he loves me, Diana, his beloved.
This book will be so encouraging to so many women who feel like giving up. Can’t wait to read this and share it with others.
i hope I am going to be ok. doubt fills my heart tonight and tears fill my eyes.
I am still nursing the wounds from a childhood with a father who was emotionally distant and then pretty much non existent. Who am I kidding? Fully non existent from when I was age 19 to my mid to late 30s. It is a relationship that I am praying will repair, but it is so hard because I still so very much feel I have to earn this love. It is amazing how the father-daughter relationship can impact your life. I have been a swirl of insecurities (I’ve even read “A Confident Heart” three times!) from relationships to work. I know that God is by my side. I have seen God work in my life. Remembering can be tough in the midst of the battle, but I do believe I am more than a conqueror through Christ who strengthens me.
In all things, even my marriage, I am more than a conqueror.
I pray I could win as things are tough. Lupus seems to be winning and my disabled son cannot take care of me. I don’t see alternatives.
I enjoy reading spiritually inspired books written by women for women. I feel it is imperative we battle the liberal agenda of accepting evil for good, and acceptance of ungodliness by the liberal media, and those whom lack the authentic Word of God. Please consider me for the book offer, please
This book is just what my granddaughter needs! ♥
Renee. As i began to read the first part of this post, i began to cry. I sure could use a heart hug in my life right now. I have just lost my husband of 17 yr’s and i feel like God is no where to be found. I know that he is by my side and has never left me.But I feel so empty. Please pray for me. Thank you ~Ivy~
Awe so sorry to hear of your loss. My husband just died three and a half weeks ago. The enemy tries to discourage but we are more than conquerors. Fill every moment of your life with God’s Word, Christian music, Christian friends, and prayer. Try the amazing and beautiful klove music app and the “Jesus Calling” devotional! I pray and put God’s Armour on every night because Satan likes to make me doubt that God cares by causing me to have disturbing dreams and thoughts which create anxiety. Putting on God’s whole Armour prevents him from getting control. I’m still in the stage of disbelief that my husband is actually gone and it seems I will never get past this and I’m so lonely but I KNOW WITHOUT A SHADOW OF A DOUBT THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL AND CAN HEAL THIS AWFUL PAIN AND BRING ME THROUGH!!! God loves you so much!!
In all these things, even with the ending of my 20yr marriage, and also being a stay at home mom for nearly 15yrs with 1 highschooler, 1 middleschooler and 1 fixing to enter kinder in August ’14, enrolling in a community college for the first time at the age of 42, can all be unnerving BUT I KNOW I am more than a conqueror through him who loves me.
I am blessed in the fact that my soon to be ex is being very helpful still with the finances (since I am not working yet) to help keep his kiddos in the house they’ve known for a few years and to help keep them in the same school district and disrupt their lives even more.
Above all else I am blessed to have a God that has NEVER forsaken or left my side in the good times nor the bad.
In all these things, even in widowhood after almost 45 years of marriage, I am more than a conqueror through him who loves me.
I would love to win this for a reference when I am feeling down and to give my friend a break from always having to bring me up.
In all these things, even in the darkest of hours, I am more than a conqueror through him who loves me.