What do you think?
Rate this book
Out of Darkness: My Story of Finding True Light and Liberation
"I have a burning desire to tell people who are hurting that there is a way out of their pain. There is hope for their lives." Stormie Omartian tells her compelling story of a childhood marred by physical and emotional abuse that eventually led her into the occult, drugs, and tragic relationships.
Finding herself overwhelmed by fear and on the verge of suicide, she shares the turning point that changed her life and reveals the healing process that brought freedom and wholeness beyond what she ever imagined.
In this poignant drama, there is help and hope for anyone who has been scarred by the past or feels imprisoned by deep emotional needs. It is a glorious story of how God can bring life out of death, life out of darkness.
Finding herself overwhelmed by fear and on the verge of suicide, she shares the turning point that changed her life and reveals the healing process that brought freedom and wholeness beyond what she ever imagined.
In this poignant drama, there is help and hope for anyone who has been scarred by the past or feels imprisoned by deep emotional needs. It is a glorious story of how God can bring life out of death, life out of darkness.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2015
40 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Stormie Omartian
436 books1,642 followersStormie Omartian is an award-winning bestselling author and speaker who personally connects with readers and listeners by sharing her experiences and illustrating how God transforms lives when we learn to trust in Him.
The strength and transparency of Stormie’s message has driven her books to the top of the bestsellers list. More than 26 million copies have been sold worldwide of her "Power of Praying Series," including "The Power Of Praying For Your Adult Children," "The Power Of A Praying Wife," "The Power Of A Praying Husband," "The Power Of A Praying Woman," "The Power Of A Praying Parent," "The Power Of A Praying Teen," and "The Prayer That Changes Everything."
Her latest books are her recently updated and re-released bestsellers: "Power of a Prayer Wife," "Power of a Praying Woman," "Power of a Praying Parent," "Power of Praying for Your Adult Children," and "Power of a Praying Husband."
In May 2002, "The Power Of A Praying Wife" broke a 21-year industry record by claiming the top spot on the Christian Booksellers bestsellers list for 27 consecutive months. From 2001 to 2003, for an unprecedented three years in a row, it was named a finalist for The Charles “Kip” Jordon Christian Book of the Year Award. It has been on the bestsellers list continually for over ten years. It was replaced as number one by "The Power Of A Praying Husband," which was honored in 2002 with a Gold Medallion Award. "The Power Of A Praying Parent" has been on the bestsellers list for years. In September of 2002, her prayer series astonishingly held the top four spots on the bestsellers list:
Among other of Stormie’s bestselling books are her autobiography, "Stormie," plus "Just Enough Light For The Step I’m On," "Lord I Want To Be Whole," and "Praying God's Will For Your Life." Michael and Stormie have been married for 40 years and have two married children.
If you have any questions for Stormie, please send them her way on her Facebook page, the link is below.
-----
https://www.facebook.com/stormieomart...
https://twitter.com/StormieOmartian
The strength and transparency of Stormie’s message has driven her books to the top of the bestsellers list. More than 26 million copies have been sold worldwide of her "Power of Praying Series," including "The Power Of Praying For Your Adult Children," "The Power Of A Praying Wife," "The Power Of A Praying Husband," "The Power Of A Praying Woman," "The Power Of A Praying Parent," "The Power Of A Praying Teen," and "The Prayer That Changes Everything."
Her latest books are her recently updated and re-released bestsellers: "Power of a Prayer Wife," "Power of a Praying Woman," "Power of a Praying Parent," "Power of Praying for Your Adult Children," and "Power of a Praying Husband."
In May 2002, "The Power Of A Praying Wife" broke a 21-year industry record by claiming the top spot on the Christian Booksellers bestsellers list for 27 consecutive months. From 2001 to 2003, for an unprecedented three years in a row, it was named a finalist for The Charles “Kip” Jordon Christian Book of the Year Award. It has been on the bestsellers list continually for over ten years. It was replaced as number one by "The Power Of A Praying Husband," which was honored in 2002 with a Gold Medallion Award. "The Power Of A Praying Parent" has been on the bestsellers list for years. In September of 2002, her prayer series astonishingly held the top four spots on the bestsellers list:
1. "Praying Wife"
2. "Praying Woman"
3. "Praying Parent"
4. "Praying Husband"
Among other of Stormie’s bestselling books are her autobiography, "Stormie," plus "Just Enough Light For The Step I’m On," "Lord I Want To Be Whole," and "Praying God's Will For Your Life." Michael and Stormie have been married for 40 years and have two married children.
If you have any questions for Stormie, please send them her way on her Facebook page, the link is below.
-----
https://www.facebook.com/stormieomart...
https://twitter.com/StormieOmartian
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 1, 2015
Stormie's courageous story encompasses a lifetime struggling with fear, doubt, loneliness and neglect, and offers hope to those in their own dark valleys.
Living in poverty with constant fear of her mentally unstable mother, the lessons and habits she learned during her childhood left her with self-destructive tendencies, and a constant need to work until she dropped so she wouldn't think or sink into major depression.
Although as an adult she had the appearance of success, these habits threatened not only her livelihood as a famous singer and dancer, accompanying people such as Glen Campbell and Steve Martin, but also her sanity and her life. In some of her darkest hours the effects of emotional abuse during her childhood brought her close to being a child abuser herself.
But that's not where her story ends. With the help of friends who didn't give up, who loved her and listened to her, Stormie encountered God's love and healing in incredible ways. She discovered the power of prayer, and the eye-opening relief of forgiveness and compassion. Then she began to share this revelation with others, even while she still had to choose every day to follow God's plan rather than her own, to forgive and to see her life through God's perspective, moving on rather than being anchored in the past with pain and fear.
God healed her, day by day until it was complete. Forgiveness allowed her to see the truth, the good as well as the bad, rather than being blinded by her own memories. She discovered God as Counsellor, Teacher, Redeemer, Deliverer, Father, and this changed her life.
She trusted God with her life, her health, her sanity, her home and her family, and He has led and protected her since. (That's not to say her life became easy, but with God's leading even her wilderness became an incredible experience.)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Living in poverty with constant fear of her mentally unstable mother, the lessons and habits she learned during her childhood left her with self-destructive tendencies, and a constant need to work until she dropped so she wouldn't think or sink into major depression.
Although as an adult she had the appearance of success, these habits threatened not only her livelihood as a famous singer and dancer, accompanying people such as Glen Campbell and Steve Martin, but also her sanity and her life. In some of her darkest hours the effects of emotional abuse during her childhood brought her close to being a child abuser herself.
But that's not where her story ends. With the help of friends who didn't give up, who loved her and listened to her, Stormie encountered God's love and healing in incredible ways. She discovered the power of prayer, and the eye-opening relief of forgiveness and compassion. Then she began to share this revelation with others, even while she still had to choose every day to follow God's plan rather than her own, to forgive and to see her life through God's perspective, moving on rather than being anchored in the past with pain and fear.
God healed her, day by day until it was complete. Forgiveness allowed her to see the truth, the good as well as the bad, rather than being blinded by her own memories. She discovered God as Counsellor, Teacher, Redeemer, Deliverer, Father, and this changed her life.
She trusted God with her life, her health, her sanity, her home and her family, and He has led and protected her since. (That's not to say her life became easy, but with God's leading even her wilderness became an incredible experience.)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
December 13, 2016
I always wondered what motivated Stormie Omartian to write so many books on prayer. Now I know – Stormie saw how prayer worked in her own difficult life. She is a conqueror and definitely a hero to me. I was so involved in her story, I read it in one night!!
April 1, 2017
This contains basically what is in Stormie, her first autobiography, plus some pictures and new material. So just get this book and skip the earlier one. But very inspiring!
April 13, 2017
My favorite genre of books is non-fiction, especially memoirs and biographies. This does not disappoint! Stormie Omartian has an amazing story and powerful testimony. It has been a while since I read it but I remember looking forward to reading it each night and getting caught up in her story. Such a compelling story. A good read!
February 3, 2024
This autobiography was the best book I’ve ever read, I cried like a baby because I could relate to SO much of her life story. Stormie is an amazing writer and has a powerful testimony of God’s redemption, bringing her out of darkness. I love all of her books I’ve read and now love her incredible story as an author even more. ❤️
August 27, 2016
This is a great testimony of God's transforming power. Stormie' s rise from debilitating depression and fear to inspiring author is nothing short of miraculous.
March 12, 2017
This is a wonderful story of God's faithfulness. It is especially encouraging for anyone who suffered abuse as a child or who feels stuck in life, drowning in depression, fear, and shame. Much of what Stormie shares in this book was familiar since I have read several of her other books, but the details she shares about her life were astounding. Her vulnerability and transparency make this a wonderful read! I highly recommend it, even for people who have walked with Jesus for many years. It renewed my passion for the power of prayer and the desire to see God working so clearly.
Read
December 7, 2015Out of Darkness
My Story of Finding True Light and Liberation
by Stormie Omartian
Harvest House Publishers
Biographies & Memoirs, Christian
Pub Date Oct 1, 2015
In this powerful book Stormie Omartian bares her soul. Talking about the abuse she endured. In 1969 a stalker keeps leaving Roses taped to the door at first she finds it flattering. She talks about how she got involved in the occult. Omartian also details her struggles with drugs and the times she nearly kills herself with her drug use. It seems many of her poor choices stemmed in part from the abuse she endured as a child.
Stormie Omartian talks about the two abortions she has, her Mother’s diagnosis of Paranoid Schizophrenia just after she graduates from high-school. She talks about her Mother’s death due to Cancer and her own health issues as well as her husband’s battle with non Hodgkin’s lymphoma but it also talks about her redemption in Christ as well as forgiveness of those who hurt her.
I give Out of Darkness five out of five stars.
Happy reading…
My Story of Finding True Light and Liberation
by Stormie Omartian
Harvest House Publishers
Biographies & Memoirs, Christian
Pub Date Oct 1, 2015
In this powerful book Stormie Omartian bares her soul. Talking about the abuse she endured. In 1969 a stalker keeps leaving Roses taped to the door at first she finds it flattering. She talks about how she got involved in the occult. Omartian also details her struggles with drugs and the times she nearly kills herself with her drug use. It seems many of her poor choices stemmed in part from the abuse she endured as a child.
Stormie Omartian talks about the two abortions she has, her Mother’s diagnosis of Paranoid Schizophrenia just after she graduates from high-school. She talks about her Mother’s death due to Cancer and her own health issues as well as her husband’s battle with non Hodgkin’s lymphoma but it also talks about her redemption in Christ as well as forgiveness of those who hurt her.
I give Out of Darkness five out of five stars.
Happy reading…
January 4, 2017
I have read multiple books by Stormie Omartian. I use her Power of Praying books almost daily. I wanted to know more about her, the person who I use her books to help guide my prayers.
I was blown away by her vulnerability. I can only imagine how difficult it was for her to relive so many harsh moments in her life, to share what she has lived, has experience took courage and I'm so grateful she wrote this book.
I read it in two days. I'm still pondering so many of her experiences. She has inspired me in so many ways. She has challenged me to think, to search out God's Word and to pray even more fervently.
Please read this book. You won't be disappointed but you will be enlightened and inspired.
I was blown away by her vulnerability. I can only imagine how difficult it was for her to relive so many harsh moments in her life, to share what she has lived, has experience took courage and I'm so grateful she wrote this book.
I read it in two days. I'm still pondering so many of her experiences. She has inspired me in so many ways. She has challenged me to think, to search out God's Word and to pray even more fervently.
Please read this book. You won't be disappointed but you will be enlightened and inspired.
November 16, 2015
In her latest book, Out of Darkness, Stormie Omartian shares the details of her personal struggles to go from the darkness into the light. Damaged by childhood abuse from a mother with mental disorders and seeking relief through the ups and downs of Hollywood careers, drugs, and sex, Omartian finds joy and peace in her acceptance of Jesus. Hers is a difficult journey to learn how to live in God's will and pray accordingly. This is not a cookie cutter approach to happiness, but the reader can apply the principles to any quest to draw closer to God.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 21, 2015
This is one of the most powerful testamonies I have ever read. Stormie spoke straight to my heart. Her life is a clear example of what amazing things can happen when one follows the path the Lord has set for you and rejects the darkness. Stormie does not gloss over the harshness of her childhood or the mistakes she has made, but shows how the Lord helped her overcome them. This is truly inspiring, not only because she is near my age and I can relate to much of what she says, but also because the book is like a conversation with an old friend, not a lecture.
May 3, 2016
I found Stormie Omartian's story to be harrowing in places. I respect her honesty about struggles she has faced in life. It was very encouraging to read about God's healing power working in her life. A great book, well-worth reading.
September 5, 2016
Stormie Omartian has written a very good story about her life. She has been through some difficult times! Now I understand why her devotion books are so fantastic!
May 24, 2020
I have loved Stormie Omartian's Power of a Praying Parent and Power of a Praying Wife book for over a decade. She is a hero of mine even tho' we've never met.
This book is the story behind the books--or rather, the story that led to her to be able to write these books. Her story is almost incomprehensible at times--from being regularly locked in the closet by her mother, living in poverty, being immersed in the occult and drugs to being involved with Steve Martin, Amy Grant and even the President!
What I really loved about her story was that it wasn't the typical "I had a bad life, then met Jesus and here we are!" I mean, she absolutely had an instantaneous darkness-to-Light moment with God, but there were continual layers and years of healing and deliverance.
I think this book is for anyone and everyone--specifically if you've dealt with childhood trauma, mental health issues, fear, anxiety or depression. And regardless of where you've been and what you've experienced, you will absolutely see and hear the LIGHT of Jesus in Stormie's words. She is an example of the life change and the LIFE God has for all of us.
This book is the story behind the books--or rather, the story that led to her to be able to write these books. Her story is almost incomprehensible at times--from being regularly locked in the closet by her mother, living in poverty, being immersed in the occult and drugs to being involved with Steve Martin, Amy Grant and even the President!
What I really loved about her story was that it wasn't the typical "I had a bad life, then met Jesus and here we are!" I mean, she absolutely had an instantaneous darkness-to-Light moment with God, but there were continual layers and years of healing and deliverance.
I think this book is for anyone and everyone--specifically if you've dealt with childhood trauma, mental health issues, fear, anxiety or depression. And regardless of where you've been and what you've experienced, you will absolutely see and hear the LIGHT of Jesus in Stormie's words. She is an example of the life change and the LIFE God has for all of us.
March 1, 2025
Stormie went through a horrible childhood and even up to her 30’s. She made one bad choice after another and could not find a reason to live. It’s how she found the light out of darkness.
3/4 or more of this book i loved and couldn’t wait to read each night. What a story she has to tell.
For some, 1/4 of book you might not like, just skim over it, others will love this part. You’ll know what I’m talking about when you read it.
I would have given it a 5 star, but because of the parts where she lost me, I gave it a 4.
It��s still a must read.
3/4 or more of this book i loved and couldn’t wait to read each night. What a story she has to tell.
For some, 1/4 of book you might not like, just skim over it, others will love this part. You’ll know what I’m talking about when you read it.
I would have given it a 5 star, but because of the parts where she lost me, I gave it a 4.
It��s still a must read.
December 27, 2017
I have just finished reading Stormie’s book Out of Darkness. It has blessed me beyond belief. It has taken me into her own struggles, heartaches and breakthroughs and I am feeling tremendously encouraged and inspired.
Stormie Omartian is one of the great Christian women writers of our time who has influenced so many. I would recommend all her books.
Stormie Omartian is one of the great Christian women writers of our time who has influenced so many. I would recommend all her books.
October 4, 2020
Tender yet powerful testimony of victory in Christ
Stormie's transparency allows you to fully experience the mighty transforming, powerful, loving hand of the Almighty. Hope is felt throughout her very personal journey of growth in Christ and HIS deliverances in her life. We experienced her growth from faith to faith. PTL!
Stormie's transparency allows you to fully experience the mighty transforming, powerful, loving hand of the Almighty. Hope is felt throughout her very personal journey of growth in Christ and HIS deliverances in her life. We experienced her growth from faith to faith. PTL!
December 23, 2021
Good story
I’ve have used Stormie’s books for years as prayer guides. I loved reading her life story though. She is a testament to the power of God to transform and renew a very broken life.
I’ve have used Stormie’s books for years as prayer guides. I loved reading her life story though. She is a testament to the power of God to transform and renew a very broken life.
October 15, 2022
I remembered the names Michael and Stormie Omartian from the 1970's / 80's, and it was that fact that drew me to Stormie's books on prayer, and then to this book. I found this a very readable book, and was very moved by her life story.
March 6, 2023
This was a quick read, but very good. The author shares her story of God not only saving her, but also freeing her and redeeming the dark and awful parts of her life. I can see how her story can be helpful to many who are struggling.
October 25, 2023
This book is amazing!!!
I recommend this book to everyone who wants to change his life forever! When you read this book your spirit, thoughts, mind, soul, life's perspective never will be the same. This book is a blessing!!!
I recommend this book to everyone who wants to change his life forever! When you read this book your spirit, thoughts, mind, soul, life's perspective never will be the same. This book is a blessing!!!
May 17, 2017
Such an encouraging book on how to trust God & how He wants to redeem your life and lead you into His future. You will be so encouraged!
December 1, 2017
Everyone, please read this book. It is a powerful testimony showing how much the Lord wants to set us free. We have to receive Him and allow Him to change our minds and hearts.
December 29, 2018
I love to read inspirational books, Stormie OMartian touched my heart with this one!!
May 24, 2019
I couldn’t put it down
You can feel the anointing in this book. I almost felt like I was there. It made me feel like I could weather any storm! Very powerful! Loved it!
You can feel the anointing in this book. I almost felt like I was there. It made me feel like I could weather any storm! Very powerful! Loved it!
Read
January 17, 2020Great testimony! Helped me a lot!
December 14, 2020
Encouraging and inspiring!
I read this book to help understand my adopted older son. It truly gave me hope for his future but also peace regardless of the circumstances.
I read this book to help understand my adopted older son. It truly gave me hope for his future but also peace regardless of the circumstances.
May 11, 2021
What an intense book. Such a strong lady to go through all that. So glad God has healed her through so much
August 20, 2021
Life altering!
Really good book, totally recommend it. May Jesus use this tool to show you how He can make broken things whole again.
Really good book, totally recommend it. May Jesus use this tool to show you how He can make broken things whole again.
March 3, 2018
Excellent book. Omartian's story brought me to my knees. Her mother is almost like my own mother. Evil, abusive, and just hateful. Stormie's story made me understand more of why my mother is the way she is. I want to desperately honor my mother but its so hard and only through God's grace can it be done. A trial upbringing as horrible as hers only goodness can come out of it. I give thanks to God for my trial growing up. I thought it was normal to go to school with lashes on your back. And when my friends touched my back I flinched constantly. I thought it was normal to go crying all the way to school because my mother had just screamed her way into my room of something "I had done" when it was just her. She would keep me up till 2 am. washing and rewashing dishes. I still thank God for it because now I"m writing about it as painful as it is and forgiving her. If Omaritan can do it, so can I. Her story is heart-wrenching. Through God's grace we go. I truly believe God was trying to reach me during that time with some Christian friends at school but I was hurting so badly I couldn't see past the darkness. Read this book it will help you with life's trials.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews