I'M NOT OKAY: FINDING LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
I’m Not Okay: Finding Light in the Darkness is a powerful anthology that gives voice to the realities of navigating some of life’s darkest seasons. Through candid stories of trauma, depression, disappointment, adversity, and perseverance, its contributors remind readers that acknowledging “I’m not okay” does not mean the story is over. Even in darkness, there can still be hope, healing, restoration, and light ahead.
As a contributing author, Dr. Jessica Veale was inspired to participate in this anthology to encourage the Body of Christ during seasons of endurance—especially intercessors, leaders, and those who carry a deep burden to serve others.
Dr. Veale understands that answering a call to Kingdom work does not exempt a person from affliction. Sometimes obedience can create misunderstanding, resistance, or even separation within friendships, families, and other relationships. Interceding for others—including people who may misunderstand, reject, or oppose you—can become emotionally exhausting. When combined with the weight of ministry, personal struggles, disappointment, and a lack of support, these experiences can contribute to deep discouragement and emotional distress.
Jesus Himself spoke about the cost of discipleship. In Luke 14:26, He taught that devotion to Him must take precedence even over our closest relationships, and in Matthew 10:37, He said, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (KJV). These passages do not command believers to stop loving their families; rather, they emphasize that our allegiance to Christ must ultimately come first. That level of commitment can sometimes be difficult for the people closest to us to understand.
For the person carrying a calling or mantle, one of the hardest realities can be continuing to obey God when the people you expected to understand your journey simply do not. Yet Scripture reminds us, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19, KJV).
That promise is at the heart of the message Dr. Veale wanted to share: your season of affliction is not evidence that God has abandoned you. Even while you are interceding for others, God sees you. Even while you are carrying others in prayer, God is able to sustain you. And even when obedience creates separation or misunderstanding, God can continue working on your behalf and within the lives of those around you.
I’m Not Okay encourages readers to acknowledge their pain without allowing it to become the conclusion of their story. It is a reminder to seek support, embrace healing, remain anchored in Christ, and trust that darkness does not have to be permanent.
To the intercessor, the called, and the one enduring quietly: you may be carrying a cross, but you are not carrying it unseen. There is still light in the darkness.
