Honesty Over Silence: It's OK Not To Be OK

by Patrick Regan

Honesty Over Silence seeks to open up conversations around topics that many find difficult, such as trusting God when life is painful, dealing with anxiety and depression, learning to look after ourselves, developing our character, and living with thankful hearts even in tough seasons.
It examines the strength in letting go of our need to be in control, as well as looking at how we can stop comparing ourselves to others and instead live authentically and honestly as we grow into the people God has created us to be.
Patrick Regan OBE is the CEO of Kintsugi Hope, and the founder of urban youth work charity XLP. He is the author of five books and speaks regularly on TV and radio on issues of faith, justice and wellbeing.

Genres: Christian

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2018

Reviews

[Mark Durrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read because it deals with much of today's endemic problems which stem from hurry-sickness. Patrick reveals his heart and his story helping us to confront the blind spots that are detrimental to our wellbeing - especially our mental health. I appreciated one of the last chapters on Be Authentic; discovering an answer for my own wilderness journey.

[Tanya Marlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick Regan and I are very much on the same page when it comes to talking about suffering and faith, and his work is a joy to read. I’ve only connected with him recently, but he’s a gentle, thoughtful Christian who has suffered well and writes really relatable books. I was honoured to provide an endorsement for this book, which is as follows:

“Patrick Regan has that rare ability of laying his weaknesses bare in a way that enables the sweet grace of Jesus to come through. As someone with chronic illness, I found a kindred spirit who understood the depths of suffering but had dug deeper to find wisdom and hope. My copy is marked by tears and much underlining. It will move you, it will comfort you. Full of insight and gentle wisdom, this superb book is a perfect companion for anyone weakened by life, looking for God in it all, and needing to know they’re not alone.”

[Val Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book and especially for Christians who are inclined to think that they are not supposed to feel down ever if they have faith. It's a very real book with lots of personal stories and wisdom. Patrick Regan, the author, is a very honest and grounded person who writes from his heart.

The first half of the book is about learning to let go of things like anxiety, time pressures, stigma, pain and being a perfectionist. The second half is about learning to be in community, loved, still, authentic and hopeful with a chapter on each topic.

Patrick has faced many challenges in his life both with personal health issues and also with the health of his close family. He writes with great honesty and realness about how he felt and how he coped in these hard times. This is a book that is worth a read and then to go back to when maybe times are challenging.

[HelenA33 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gentle, easy to read book which is full of encouragement and contains some real gems of wisdom. I love what he shares on the prodigal son - worth reading the book for this alone! Also, his ideas on self-compassion I found challenging and helpful as I am inclined by blame myself when I’m ill. I would recommend every Christian have this on their shelves - and if they don’t read it now, then there will come a time when the storms of life hit that they will need just such a resource.

[isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It is OK, not to be OK"

This was a really refreshing emotional read that I think I needed.
I liked the narration throughout, it felt very chill yet there was also lots of faith and bible verses woven into. It was very short which wasn't too bad, any longer and it would have gotten boring. I loved reading about different people's experiences and I think this book is highly significant for any christian who has gone through major hardships and is questioning their faith and trust in God.

"You are enough.
You belong.
You will discover treasure in those scars."

[Ann Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book that should be compulsory reading. I loved it so much I read it twice and bought copies for my husband and daughter. Highly recommended.

[Madeleine Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a moving book. Discovering Patrick Regan and the Kintsugi Hope wellbeing groups changed my life

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

a really goood book. made me cry.

[Helen Birkbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very honest and reassuring support for anyone who struggles with various problems, and especially Christians, who often feel they have 'failed God' if mentally/emotionally unwell and can thus feel even worse. I found the first part more helpful than the second, as it was easier to empathize with Patrick in his troubles and shout 'Me too!' than to get clear guidance on what I myself might do to improve my situation. But maybe I'm missing the point of the book. Overall, very readable and kind and a valuable antidote to those books that tell you you just need to trust and pray more and all your troubles will disappear.