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Always, Only Good: A journey of faith through MENTAL ILLNESS
I began writing the book about my journey of faith through my son Jonathan’s mental illness shortly after his death in 2013. I could not get any further than the first paragraph of the foreword. Each year thereafter, I progressed a little more. Then in March of 2020, I felt compelled to continue and hopefully complete Jonathan’s story. Because of being in lock-down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I had more time to write. Praise God it finally went to print in September this year, 2021. My computer keypad has many times been tear-stained as I recalled details and lessons God taught me.
My motivation for writing Always, Only Good has been multi-purposed: to share my son’s journey because of my great love for him; to give others gazing from the sidelines a snapshot view into the life of someone living with mental illness and thereby help them be better supporters; to impart how I personally discovered God is good through and because of mental illness; and to assure those dealing with mental illness that they are not alone.
God has been with me every step of the way along this journey—even when my eyes could not see or my heart feel His presence. I pray that by sharing the goodness of God that I discovered, I can be a help to many who need to feel God’s love during some difficult trials they are facing.
My motivation for writing Always, Only Good has been multi-purposed: to share my son’s journey because of my great love for him; to give others gazing from the sidelines a snapshot view into the life of someone living with mental illness and thereby help them be better supporters; to impart how I personally discovered God is good through and because of mental illness; and to assure those dealing with mental illness that they are not alone.
God has been with me every step of the way along this journey—even when my eyes could not see or my heart feel His presence. I pray that by sharing the goodness of God that I discovered, I can be a help to many who need to feel God’s love during some difficult trials they are facing.
252 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2021
9 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 31, 2022
Such a heart-gripping account of Jonathan Hamilton’s battle with mental illness!
I had no idea the severity of his troubles, and they didn’t tell many people what was really going on as they were met with criticism and judgment. Several counselors told them he just had spiritual problems.
The book tells the history of their family, the journey of seeking help, and the struggle of her faith challenged.
I learned so much about mental illness l never thought about before- the strain of caring for a patient, the process of having someone committed to an institution (you file a police report for them to be arrested at your house 😮), the constant search for the right balance of medication, and why people take themselves off helpful meds.
Amazing to think of all the music they wrote and ministry they continued during this extreme difficulty. I was challenged by her faith, honesty, vulnerability, and willingness to share their story to help and educate others. I believe there needs to be greater empathy for those struggling mentally and knowledge in how to actually help them.
This book would be very helpful if you know, live with, care for someone with mental illness or if you yourself are struggling. Help is available, please reach out! Don’t suffer alone!❤️
Some of my highlights:
“I don’t have to fear tomorrow because God is already there.”
“Doubt is the dark room the devil takes you into to get your negatives developed.”
“We need to perfect the habit of looking at circumstances through the lens of God’s character and not God’s character through the lens of circumstances.”
“I choose to exist in the immensity and fullness of God’s love. Through the toughest of times, God’s goodness is there for all of us.”
“People are the only investment we will take to heaven with us.”
I had no idea the severity of his troubles, and they didn’t tell many people what was really going on as they were met with criticism and judgment. Several counselors told them he just had spiritual problems.
The book tells the history of their family, the journey of seeking help, and the struggle of her faith challenged.
I learned so much about mental illness l never thought about before- the strain of caring for a patient, the process of having someone committed to an institution (you file a police report for them to be arrested at your house 😮), the constant search for the right balance of medication, and why people take themselves off helpful meds.
Amazing to think of all the music they wrote and ministry they continued during this extreme difficulty. I was challenged by her faith, honesty, vulnerability, and willingness to share their story to help and educate others. I believe there needs to be greater empathy for those struggling mentally and knowledge in how to actually help them.
This book would be very helpful if you know, live with, care for someone with mental illness or if you yourself are struggling. Help is available, please reach out! Don’t suffer alone!❤️
Some of my highlights:
“I don’t have to fear tomorrow because God is already there.”
“Doubt is the dark room the devil takes you into to get your negatives developed.”
“We need to perfect the habit of looking at circumstances through the lens of God’s character and not God’s character through the lens of circumstances.”
“I choose to exist in the immensity and fullness of God’s love. Through the toughest of times, God’s goodness is there for all of us.”
“People are the only investment we will take to heaven with us.”
January 19, 2022
I was excited to read this book because I've been following the Hamilton family all of my life. I was born 5 days before Jonathan. My family bought all the Patch the Pirate stories and I grew up singing their songs. I even play Shelly's piano arrangements to this day. After battling my own mental illness over the years, I was anxious to read about their experience. However, I would have to say that the book is not really well written. It is mostly a stream-of-consciousness, journal entry read that meanders around and is often repetitive. Interspersed with the diary entries are lots of Scriptures and technical information about mental illness that you can basically get from the internet. There are also some inconsistencies with dates, etc. I think it could have benefitted from some heavy editing.
March 30, 2022
4.5 🌟
Such an emotional heartfelt book, you could feel the compassion and care behind her words. I will say that the journalistic style could be a little hard to follow and a bit rambling. I learned much more about mental illnesses and definitely feel more compassion and less judgement towards those who suffer.
Such an emotional heartfelt book, you could feel the compassion and care behind her words. I will say that the journalistic style could be a little hard to follow and a bit rambling. I learned much more about mental illnesses and definitely feel more compassion and less judgement towards those who suffer.
January 11, 2022
This book is a much needed tool in breaking the cliche that mental health is a heart problem and not an actual illness in religious circles.
July 15, 2022
Very good. Definitely recommend.
October 21, 2022
I really did enjoy reading this emotional story. I grew up listening to the Patch the Pirate adventures and remember hearing some about Jonathan’s story. This book was informative on mental health and I really appreciate the approach that Mrs. Hamilton took as a Christian but that mental illness is not a spiritual issue normally. I gave this book a 3 star because I feel it was poorly written. It was more like journal entries and very choppy. It repeated itself a lot. If it was any other person writing it, I probably would have put it down, but I kept with it because I wanted to know more of the Hamilton’s story. But as far as information on mental health from a Christian worldview, it is a 5 star.
March 18, 2022
This is a great book for Christians who are ashamed that they are taking medication for depression or that they have a loved one who is suffering from mental illness.
May 9, 2022
Eye opening story about mental illness. This should be widely read.
August 24, 2022
This heartbreaking but grace-filled story about loving a son with mental illness is a sorely needed message for Christians today.
March 24, 2022
3.5 stars
October 5, 2022
Ron and Shelly Hamilton’s oldest son, Jonathan, began experiencing strange symptoms after taking a medicine prescribed by a dermatologist for acne. Shelly called the doctor’s office to ask about the medication, but the nurse said the medication was not responsible for Jonathan’s symptoms. When Shelly took Jonathan back in to see the dermatologist and explained how Jonathan was acting, the doctor told her to take Jonathan off the medication immediately. He said it would take a couple of weeks for the medicine to get out of Jonathan’s system, and then he would return to normal.
But Jonathan did not return to normal. He began a downward spiral of mental illness which was eventually diagnosed as schizophrenia. After fifteen years with his illness, Jonathan took his own life on Mother’s Day.
Shelly wrote Always, Only Good: A Journey of Faith Through Mental Illness for several reasons. She wanted to share her son’s story, give an idea what life is like for someone suffering from mental illness, and encourage those with mental illness and their caregivers that they are not alone and there is hope. She also wanted to help remove the stigma of mental illness, especially among Christians, so sufferers would feel more freedom to get help.
Sadly, many well-meaning people feel that mental illness is a only spiritual problem.One friend’s college professor called psychiatrists “quacks” and belittled taking drugs for mental problems.
Shelly differentiates between “the brain, which is an organ, and the mind, consisting of spirit, will, and emotions” (p. 207). Like any other organ, the brain can have physical problems which then affect the mind and body. A person with a mental illness can’t just “reason his way back” to right thinking.
Unfortunately, it can take a doctors a lot of tries to find the right medications or combination of medications which help each individual. And sometimes it takes weeks of trying medications to see if they work. Then, many have unpleasant side effects. When they are thinking right, most patients agree that being able to function is worth the side effects. But then many go through a cycle of becoming stable, thinking they don’t need their medicines any more, stopping them, feeling great for a couple of weeks until the medicine gets out of their system, and then crashing.
The title Always, Only Good comes from two sources.One was Shelly’s struggle at the beginning of Jonathan’s illness with how a good God could allow someone who loved Him and wanted to serve Him to have such an illness. Through struggle, counsel, and Bible study, she reaffirmed her belief that God is always, only good.
The other inspiration for the title was a song written to the last music Jonathan composed. Shelly gave the music and some verses and thoughts to Chris Anderson (pastor and author of “His Robes for Mine,” “My Jesus Fair,” and other hymns at Church Works Media). Chris put together this beautiful song as a testimony of Jonathan’s life.
My family and I have listened to the Hamilton’s Majesty Music and Patch the Pirate recordings for decades. I knew some of the family’s story, particularly Ron’s testimony of trusting God through losing his eye to cancer. I didn’t know Jonathan’s troubles until his suicide. I am grateful Shelly was willing to be transparent in order to help and give hope to others. This book is a good resource for those suffering from mental illness and their families and those who want to be a help to them. It’s also a testimony of faith, of God’s grace and help through the hardest circumstances.
But Jonathan did not return to normal. He began a downward spiral of mental illness which was eventually diagnosed as schizophrenia. After fifteen years with his illness, Jonathan took his own life on Mother’s Day.
Shelly wrote Always, Only Good: A Journey of Faith Through Mental Illness for several reasons. She wanted to share her son’s story, give an idea what life is like for someone suffering from mental illness, and encourage those with mental illness and their caregivers that they are not alone and there is hope. She also wanted to help remove the stigma of mental illness, especially among Christians, so sufferers would feel more freedom to get help.
Sadly, many well-meaning people feel that mental illness is a only spiritual problem.One friend’s college professor called psychiatrists “quacks” and belittled taking drugs for mental problems.
Shelly differentiates between “the brain, which is an organ, and the mind, consisting of spirit, will, and emotions” (p. 207). Like any other organ, the brain can have physical problems which then affect the mind and body. A person with a mental illness can’t just “reason his way back” to right thinking.
Unfortunately, it can take a doctors a lot of tries to find the right medications or combination of medications which help each individual. And sometimes it takes weeks of trying medications to see if they work. Then, many have unpleasant side effects. When they are thinking right, most patients agree that being able to function is worth the side effects. But then many go through a cycle of becoming stable, thinking they don’t need their medicines any more, stopping them, feeling great for a couple of weeks until the medicine gets out of their system, and then crashing.
The title Always, Only Good comes from two sources.One was Shelly’s struggle at the beginning of Jonathan’s illness with how a good God could allow someone who loved Him and wanted to serve Him to have such an illness. Through struggle, counsel, and Bible study, she reaffirmed her belief that God is always, only good.
The other inspiration for the title was a song written to the last music Jonathan composed. Shelly gave the music and some verses and thoughts to Chris Anderson (pastor and author of “His Robes for Mine,” “My Jesus Fair,” and other hymns at Church Works Media). Chris put together this beautiful song as a testimony of Jonathan’s life.
My family and I have listened to the Hamilton’s Majesty Music and Patch the Pirate recordings for decades. I knew some of the family’s story, particularly Ron’s testimony of trusting God through losing his eye to cancer. I didn’t know Jonathan’s troubles until his suicide. I am grateful Shelly was willing to be transparent in order to help and give hope to others. This book is a good resource for those suffering from mental illness and their families and those who want to be a help to them. It’s also a testimony of faith, of God’s grace and help through the hardest circumstances.
March 31, 2023
Having grown up learning and teaching Patch the Pirate and Majesty music, I knew a little bit when I started reading this book. As I continued, I was able to understand and identify from a mother's perspective the unwavering, deepest love we have for our children. No matter their challenges... no matter their age... no matter the season, we would put our own lives on the line for our children. Many of the "Morning Minutes" reflected my own prayers for my own children. Personally, I was encouraged that my own mental illness, that has been medically treated for just over ten years, is God's plan for me. Yes, that was very hard to accept. However, as shared so accurately, God has a reason for everything. Job was just one example that God uses us as we are to strengthen our faith and cause us to trust that His plan for our lives is HIS PLAN. He is not the author of illness, tragedies, etc. Those are the results of sin. God's ways are, as the title declares, Always, Only Good. I purchased two copies of this book at a ladies retreat in 2022. I gave one to my Mom for Christmas, and while she was recovering from an unexpected surgery earlier this year, she read it! I may have started reading this book sooner; due to my own anxiety, it was necessary for me to slowly read this book (a chapter at a time with some time in-between). My Mom shared with me, when she was partially through reading, that she understood me so much more! I'm so thankful the Lord enabled me to complete reading this book! Although there may still be those that will never try to understand until they've walked the same road, my prayer is that they will not be like Job's friends. Instead, I pray they'll read Shelly's story, all the Scriptures and research she so painstakingly included. Last, but not least, I pray that we'll all either play or listen to the music that has stood the test of time: from Patch the Pirate as well as the music that the Lord inspired Jonathan to compose. Thanks so much, Shelly, for being so transparent. I'm no longer so focused on hoping for a cure. I'm thankful for the life Christ has given me, and that I don't walk alone.
February 18, 2022
My in-laws got me this for Christmas and it was one of the greatest gifts! I, like Shelly's son, have many family members with mental health issues. Some of those family members are diagnosed and keeping up with their treatment, and some of those are resistant to the idea that something is not quite right with their brain. I grew up in Christian circles and mental health was equated to a spiritual problem, not a physical problem. This book is such a refreshing insight balancing faith and mental illness, but at the same time gut-wrenching to read about this family's trials. I realized a while ago that I will always be in therapy, that doesn't mean I don't love Jesus, and this book was so supportive of that realization.
January 3, 2023
I appreciated this book as there is a stigma that mental illness and faith are incompatible. I appreciated the authors honest take through the use of her diary/journal entries.
It truly felt like the author was open and honest on the families challenges and even the growth of their mindset during the ensuing struggles.
I found myself with a few “aha” moments, even swallowing a few lumps in my throat during the read. Certainly fills a void much needed in the Christian community regarding families and mental health struggles.
It truly felt like the author was open and honest on the families challenges and even the growth of their mindset during the ensuing struggles.
I found myself with a few “aha” moments, even swallowing a few lumps in my throat during the read. Certainly fills a void much needed in the Christian community regarding families and mental health struggles.
January 3, 2024
This was a hard, heavy book to get through. Full of very sincere writing, the author has experienced so much pain and hardship and the Lord has greatly used this story to comfort others. The writing is at times a little wooden, but understandably so, since she isn't necessarily a writer, but musician. Overall, this is a really moving story that lets you see into the lives of those who struggle with depression and their caretakers/family/friends.
May 29, 2022
Such a needed topic and so beautifully shared. Shelly openly talks about her struggles and triumphs through her journey of her sons mental illness. This is rarely talked about but is what is necessary to help others know they are not alone. Great read for those who have loved ones suffering from a mental illness or know someone who is and needs encouragement.
February 5, 2024
As someone who has struggled with mild and postpartum depression and anxiety, this book was such an encouragement to me. My struggles are no where near has difficult as the Hamilton family’s. But anyone would benefit from reading this book.
I will say the first half was a little disorganized, but the latter half made up for it!
Cried all the way through. Very sad but very needed ❤️🩹
I will say the first half was a little disorganized, but the latter half made up for it!
Cried all the way through. Very sad but very needed ❤️🩹
January 23, 2022
I found the information presented very helpful. I appreciated the openness about the subject of mental illness and suicide, especially since Shelly’s perspective is different from the little I’ve heard from pulpits. I’m hoping that the book really helps make a positive difference.
June 8, 2022
It was hard to read about the hardships that this family has faced for so many years; however, it was such an encouragement to me to see how God used their hardship for His good and carried them through.
November 25, 2022
I highly recommend this book. I appreciate the frankness of this topic and the author’s own real life story, especially from a faithful Christian. She offers hope and encouragement for anyone going through their own trial.
November 27, 2025
Authentic. A bit rough. But Shelly Hamilton succeeds brilliantly in challenging Christians to think well about mental illness. An emotional account of her family's journey. Highest of recommendations.
May 31, 2022
I definitely needed to read this to have my eyes opened to the world of mental illness. I too have often been judgmental instead of compassionate.
July 20, 2022
Truly helpful in understanding mental illness and maybe ministering to others in/through it.
January 24, 2023
Very eye-opening. It’s heavy and sad but glad I read it.
April 23, 2023
Excellent!!!
January 7, 2024
A beautiful, moving telling of the Hamiltons’ story as they supported their son through mental illness. An important read for anyone who has ever doubted that mental illness is a real, physical disease or has been told that these issues are only spiritual in cause. The Hamiltons’ love and compassion for their son and anyone who suffers with mental illness, as well as their faith through the entire ordeal, is inspiring.
3 stars for technical aspects of writing/organization.
3 stars for technical aspects of writing/organization.
March 14, 2025
This book did a great job of helping the reader understand the difficulties of dealing with mental illness. I think the book could have been better with a good editor. There are many things repeated (sometimes just pages apart), rambling and disjointed passages, and a few things that I didn't find quite accurate (for example, the author didn't understand generics and cited a myth about them as fact). I would recommend the book to anyone who it might help with those caveats.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews