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Honestly
“I know firsthand the desperation a human soul can feel when every earthly remedy fails. I also know how powerfully God can intervene when we fall on our faces before him.” —Sheila WalshTalented and beautiful, Sheila Walsh seemed to be on top of the world. But behind her public success as a performing artist and talk show host, a private story was unfolding. Unable to cope with the inner turmoil that plagued her, Sheila stepped down as co-host of television’s 700 Club to deal with a pain too pressing to ignore. Honestly takes you on a journey past the walls that most of us put up and into the recesses of one woman’s heart. With rare grace, Sheila shares the story of her pilgrimage—the journey of a soul as it moved from hopelessness, to honesty, to freedom, and, ultimately, to a life of deepened faith and joy.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1996
85 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Walsh
248 books588 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Sheila Walsh (05-07-1956) is a powerful communicator, Bible teacher, and best-selling author with more than 4 million books sold. A featured speaker with Women of Faith®, Sheila has reached more than 3.5 million women by artistically combining honesty, vulnerability, and humor with God's Word.
Author of the best-selling memoir Honestly and the Gold Medallion nominee for The Heartache No One Sees, Sheila's most recent release, The Shelter of God's Promises, has also been turned into a DVD curriculum and in-depth Bible study. The Gigi, God's Little Princess book and video series has won the National Retailer's Choice Award twice and is the most popular Christian brand for young girls in the United States.
Sheila co-hosted The 700 Club and her own show Heart to Heart with Sheila Walsh. She is currently completing her Masters in Theology.
Twitter @SheilaWalsh, facebook.com/#!/sheilawalshconnects
Sheila Walsh (05-07-1956) is a powerful communicator, Bible teacher, and best-selling author with more than 4 million books sold. A featured speaker with Women of Faith®, Sheila has reached more than 3.5 million women by artistically combining honesty, vulnerability, and humor with God's Word.
Author of the best-selling memoir Honestly and the Gold Medallion nominee for The Heartache No One Sees, Sheila's most recent release, The Shelter of God's Promises, has also been turned into a DVD curriculum and in-depth Bible study. The Gigi, God's Little Princess book and video series has won the National Retailer's Choice Award twice and is the most popular Christian brand for young girls in the United States.
Sheila co-hosted The 700 Club and her own show Heart to Heart with Sheila Walsh. She is currently completing her Masters in Theology.
Twitter @SheilaWalsh, facebook.com/#!/sheilawalshconnects
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 2, 2013
This is a really good book. Sorry this is a long review but it was a really good book and really affected me, more than I thought it would.
It is an autobiography/memoir type book about Sheila's struggle with clinical depression. I read this book, firstly, because it was from my cousin who died from cancer last year. She allowed me, a couple years ago, to choose some books from her shelves that she was done with... this was one of them. I also read it, and chose it from her shelves, because the title and description on the back drew me in. I need some honesty in my life. "... Sheila shares the story of her pilgrimage - the story of a soul as it moved from hopelessness, to honesty, to freedom, and ultimately, to a life of deepened faith and joy." (from back cover)
I too am on a journey. I don't think I was ever clinically depressed but I have had times of hopelessness and struggle with the circumstances of our unemployment for 3 years, plus the injury my husband had to his back in 2004 and the 3+ years of workman's comp., pain, and struggle with the insurance companies and lawyers.
"The truth is that there will be a day when all sorrow and suffering will be dispelled and every tear wiped away. That is a promise, but it is a promise of a day to come. How shall we live til then?" pg 40
That is so true. This world is so hard to live in some days. We are all broken people, full of troubles of our own that rub off on each other as we travel this road to heaven together. Some day we will all be made new/perfect, until then we have to learn to live here and we have to learn to live with each other.
Some of the topics that especially hit home to me were: fear, anger, lonliness, shame and unforgiveness. I was surprised, though I should not have been, how much of these things there still are in my life. I have been in a place of darkness many time before. Some times the darkness seems to last a long, long time. Some times it seems as if day will never come. But, God is with us, even in our darkest times.
"None of us would seek pain in our lives, but when you find yourself in a bleak place, it is time to pay attention to what God would say to you in the darkness. You might be surprised by what he will show you about your life. I know I was." pg. 122
Sheila was surprised by what the Lord showed her. I am surprised by what the Lord is showing me, through his word and the books I am reading. I was surprised how much unforgiveness for others I had in my life. I am holding on to so many little hurts. It is time to forgive and let the hurts go. This is what I want to do...
"Whenever names or faces would come to mind and I felt some of the old resentment stirring, I would immediately begin to pray for those people, that God's blessing would be upon them." pg 137
"The turning point for me was listening to the input from people I love without being defensive" pg. 174
I have to admit... I am NOT there yet. I still get defensive... though the Lord is working on me in this area. It is hard to see each other, to stop in our busyness and take the time to really care. To speak words of comfort, hope, or encouragement. I pray that I can be and do this for others and that God will bring into my life others who will truly LOVE me enough to do the same for me.
"God gives each one of us unlimited resources in Christ to rise above small earthbound dreams and to live lives that reflect eternity in our hearts. But it is hard, even heartbreaking sometimes, to step out from behind our masks and be known." pg. 207
"Only in surrendering ourselves to living transparent, accountable lives, can we be God's picture show to each other and to the world - a visible, tangible demonstration taht God is real." "There is a place for each person that no one else can fill, and there is something you bring with you, when you step out of the shadows, that no one else can bring." pg 210
I want to know and be known like that... in honesty... being real with one another... not afraid of what others will think of me. Able to share the real me and know that others really care.
It is an autobiography/memoir type book about Sheila's struggle with clinical depression. I read this book, firstly, because it was from my cousin who died from cancer last year. She allowed me, a couple years ago, to choose some books from her shelves that she was done with... this was one of them. I also read it, and chose it from her shelves, because the title and description on the back drew me in. I need some honesty in my life. "... Sheila shares the story of her pilgrimage - the story of a soul as it moved from hopelessness, to honesty, to freedom, and ultimately, to a life of deepened faith and joy." (from back cover)
I too am on a journey. I don't think I was ever clinically depressed but I have had times of hopelessness and struggle with the circumstances of our unemployment for 3 years, plus the injury my husband had to his back in 2004 and the 3+ years of workman's comp., pain, and struggle with the insurance companies and lawyers.
"The truth is that there will be a day when all sorrow and suffering will be dispelled and every tear wiped away. That is a promise, but it is a promise of a day to come. How shall we live til then?" pg 40
That is so true. This world is so hard to live in some days. We are all broken people, full of troubles of our own that rub off on each other as we travel this road to heaven together. Some day we will all be made new/perfect, until then we have to learn to live here and we have to learn to live with each other.
Some of the topics that especially hit home to me were: fear, anger, lonliness, shame and unforgiveness. I was surprised, though I should not have been, how much of these things there still are in my life. I have been in a place of darkness many time before. Some times the darkness seems to last a long, long time. Some times it seems as if day will never come. But, God is with us, even in our darkest times.
"None of us would seek pain in our lives, but when you find yourself in a bleak place, it is time to pay attention to what God would say to you in the darkness. You might be surprised by what he will show you about your life. I know I was." pg. 122
Sheila was surprised by what the Lord showed her. I am surprised by what the Lord is showing me, through his word and the books I am reading. I was surprised how much unforgiveness for others I had in my life. I am holding on to so many little hurts. It is time to forgive and let the hurts go. This is what I want to do...
"Whenever names or faces would come to mind and I felt some of the old resentment stirring, I would immediately begin to pray for those people, that God's blessing would be upon them." pg 137
"The turning point for me was listening to the input from people I love without being defensive" pg. 174
I have to admit... I am NOT there yet. I still get defensive... though the Lord is working on me in this area. It is hard to see each other, to stop in our busyness and take the time to really care. To speak words of comfort, hope, or encouragement. I pray that I can be and do this for others and that God will bring into my life others who will truly LOVE me enough to do the same for me.
"God gives each one of us unlimited resources in Christ to rise above small earthbound dreams and to live lives that reflect eternity in our hearts. But it is hard, even heartbreaking sometimes, to step out from behind our masks and be known." pg. 207
"Only in surrendering ourselves to living transparent, accountable lives, can we be God's picture show to each other and to the world - a visible, tangible demonstration taht God is real." "There is a place for each person that no one else can fill, and there is something you bring with you, when you step out of the shadows, that no one else can bring." pg 210
I want to know and be known like that... in honesty... being real with one another... not afraid of what others will think of me. Able to share the real me and know that others really care.
November 22, 2013
Having heard bits and pieces of Sheila Walsh's clinical depression as she shared in Women of Faith events and having listened to her lovely voice singing great hymns of the faith, I was eager to read Honestly, in which she transparently reveals her successful career and her falling into depression and entering a psychiatric hospital for treatment. It is her "journey of a soul as it moved from hopelessness, to honesty, to freedom, and ultimately, to a deepened faith and joy."
Walsh emphasizes how important it is for us to face ourselves and own our weaknesses rather than operating from our strengths, for God is best able to meet our deepest needs when we're honest with ourselves and with Him. In her darkest hours, Walsh learns to stop trying to earn God's love through performance, image, approval, talent, or intellect. She learns to be real, just like the Velveteen Rabbit--and that's the place of joy!
I'm a notetaker, and I have a stack marked with page numbers so that I can reread and apply principles Walsh proclaims. It seems that I'm encountering echoes of God's grace on every hand--including this book. Walsh asserts, "Grace gave me the courage to face my biggest fears and the harshest truths about my life because it held on to me and never let go. . . . Grace embraced all that was good and true and all that was bad and faithless about me. Grace is love with its eyes wide open."
Sheila Walsh's honesty drew me in from the first page to the last. To know and be known is a powerful gift, which Walsh unwraps for the readers. The book is extremely readable and applicable. I'm about to begin Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God, her new release, revealing how God has worked in her to develop trust.
Walsh emphasizes how important it is for us to face ourselves and own our weaknesses rather than operating from our strengths, for God is best able to meet our deepest needs when we're honest with ourselves and with Him. In her darkest hours, Walsh learns to stop trying to earn God's love through performance, image, approval, talent, or intellect. She learns to be real, just like the Velveteen Rabbit--and that's the place of joy!
I'm a notetaker, and I have a stack marked with page numbers so that I can reread and apply principles Walsh proclaims. It seems that I'm encountering echoes of God's grace on every hand--including this book. Walsh asserts, "Grace gave me the courage to face my biggest fears and the harshest truths about my life because it held on to me and never let go. . . . Grace embraced all that was good and true and all that was bad and faithless about me. Grace is love with its eyes wide open."
Sheila Walsh's honesty drew me in from the first page to the last. To know and be known is a powerful gift, which Walsh unwraps for the readers. The book is extremely readable and applicable. I'm about to begin Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God, her new release, revealing how God has worked in her to develop trust.
June 1, 2017
A honest look into mental illness and how the church reacts to someone with mental illness
October 4, 2020
A straight forward, hard-hitting look at her own life and what went wrong (although, divorce is mentioned, nothing specific is detailed). Walsh shares about. how she dealt with her mental breakdown at 35, when she was the top of her music career and ministry. And that is where she is brutally honest about what is more important.
I love her story because it reverberates truth for all Christians. I think, for those especially caught up in the cultural church, the 'success' revolution. Happiness is deeper than Sunday morning praise sessions.
She relates good allegories to complement her own story, and applies scripture etc. Does comes across 'Christianese' at times (something that nauseates me now), but her message is still quite powerful and though provoking. In a nutshell I think her point is that being real in our walk with God and living by grace is far more worthy than sitting smug behind a pretty facade, blocking God's work in our lives. The walls have to come down!
A really good read.
I love her story because it reverberates truth for all Christians. I think, for those especially caught up in the cultural church, the 'success' revolution. Happiness is deeper than Sunday morning praise sessions.
She relates good allegories to complement her own story, and applies scripture etc. Does comes across 'Christianese' at times (something that nauseates me now), but her message is still quite powerful and though provoking. In a nutshell I think her point is that being real in our walk with God and living by grace is far more worthy than sitting smug behind a pretty facade, blocking God's work in our lives. The walls have to come down!
A really good read.
June 8, 2019
Totally awesome!
This book is so well written and so inspirational!! I could not put this book down.I am not a religious person,but I am so spiritual, and so inspirational. The book was a great testament to believe in God.I know that what the author went through, and God bless her life and her heart ❤ for sharing this book.
This book is so well written and so inspirational!! I could not put this book down.I am not a religious person,but I am so spiritual, and so inspirational. The book was a great testament to believe in God.I know that what the author went through, and God bless her life and her heart ❤ for sharing this book.
January 21, 2021
Excellent. i think everyone can learn from her story. not just those who have suffered a divorce, a public "failure" or severe depression. very easy to relate to her in her humanity and her desire for god.
February 6, 2024
What a great testimony and a great example of the grace and mercy of God.
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February 12, 2015This book isn�t from my bookshelves either (I�m not doing so great on that challenge). But I saw Sheila Walsh speak back in March and just really connected to her message. She has been through the ringer and come out victorious in Jesus and her relationship with God. I could relate to so many things she said that I just wanted to read everything she�s written trying to find additional help for myself.\n\nSo I got this book from the library. It is basically her story from one of the lowest points of her life through healing and recovery into the amazing life she is living in God now. \n\nSheila was a talented Christian singer/songwriter with her own spot on The 700 Club. But what she showed to the world wasn�t who she truly was. She was empty inside, crying out for someone to see her pain and help her. When she took a step of faith that many discourage, she found true freedom.\n\nPractical and applicable. Heart-touching and impacting.\n\nI�ll leave you with a quote:\nWhen the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of change, you�ll change. �Sheila Walsh\n\n
August 30, 2020
This book was an inspiration to me. People in the churches have yet to discover the truth of God’s love for those who struggle with depression.
It was particularly encouraging after the journey I spent with my mother’s mental illness and the judgement that some people put me through. This story of Sheila Walsh was particularly poignant to me because of where she came from in Scotland and the shame that she carried. Thank you Sheila for sharing your story. You are courageous!
It was particularly encouraging after the journey I spent with my mother’s mental illness and the judgement that some people put me through. This story of Sheila Walsh was particularly poignant to me because of where she came from in Scotland and the shame that she carried. Thank you Sheila for sharing your story. You are courageous!
January 17, 2008
Sheila’s life looked perfect from the outside, she was helping many people find the Lord, a sort of “celebrity” to many but then after gradually unraveling she came to a point where she needed to seek the help of others and to honestly look at herself in the light of God’s grace. This is an excellent book!
July 15, 2015
Powerful story about overcoming our struggles. It was heartwarming to read a story about someone going through similar struggles who is deep in Christian faith. I think it helped me to realize that I need to rely on my faith but also that faith alone won't always carry us through those tough times. This book was a true inspiration to me
March 17, 2008
This bio of Sheila Walsh is very gripping and hard to put down. She's extremely honest about all that "went wrong" in her life and all the battles she went through. Sheila's life looked perfect on the outside but it wasn't!
July 23, 2011
In honestly, Sheila Walsh opens up about her battle with depression and her time spent in a hospital for emotional treatment. Walsh beard her soul and gives hope that one can overcome their emotional disorders with the help of God.
September 9, 2011
I loved this book, for some reason...it was hard to put down. I think it was a timely read for me, but so interesting to hear an honest viewpoint on depression, psych units, counseling, and the things that trouble the soul. It really was honest and I liked it.
March 8, 2012
I heard Sheila Walsh recently on Focus on the Family and ended up being much more moved by the radio interview than by the book -- but maybe that has something to do with the fact that I heard the radio interview first.
November 17, 2012
Open, honest, just what I need right now. I'm currently on Chapter 6 about Shame. Hitting home!!
Great book for those going through depression or those wanting to understand a loved one going through it.
Great book for those going through depression or those wanting to understand a loved one going through it.
February 18, 2013
I appreciate Sheila's transparency! What a beautiful testimony that she shares with us through her struggle with clinical depression. I encourage any of you struggling with depression or anxiety to read this book. There is hope in Christ!
March 3, 2012
Wow this is an amazing book. She puts into truthful words what I and sure others go through.
September 25, 2012
For me, Sheila uses a lot of words to say nothing. This is supposed to be an honest autobiographic account, but there is really nothing of substance in the book.
January 12, 2013
One of the best books I've ever read. She lays it out based on her life, honestly!
June 17, 2014
Wow. Really got a lot of helpful suggestions. What a lovely lady Sheila Walsh is to share such intimate details of her struggle! Time very well spent.
September 8, 2016
Real and honest...Sheila shares the depth of her anguish and heartbreak. She shares with us the real life story of her "rise and fall" and how she had overcome.
May 1, 2022
WOW! What an absolutely honest look at the myths and stigma of depression. I was absolutely involved with every step she took through this book, I sooo related. I've read it and reread it!
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May 13, 2024Read this years ago after a ‘Woman of Faith’ conference.
July 18, 2009
Sheila opened up her heart and shared her battle with depression. Very good book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews