You’re going to be okay. That’s not an opinion. It’s not a guess. This isn’t some trite little catchphrase from some crappy motivational book that reads like it was written by a greasy televangelist.
You’re going to be okay. It’s the plain truth. You really are going to make it through this junk you’re going through.
So relax. You don’t have to do anything to make everything okay. You don’t have to close your eyes extra tight, grit your teeth, use magic words, or clap for Tinkerbell.
Deep in your soul, you know it’s coming. You know everything will be all right, eventually.
Yes, things are bad. But you have a little, infinitesimal voice speaking to you right now. And this voice is reading these very words alongside you and saying to you, “This guy’s got a point. It really WILL be okay.”
This is not your voice. It’s a voice that comes from somewhere else. The problem is, you can’t always hear this faint voice talking. Namely, because you’re too busy freaking out.
But believe me, the voice is there. And every time you take a few moments to breathe, you’ll hear the voice. It chatters softly, originating from somewhere near your chest area.
“You’ll be okay,” the gentle voice will say again. “It’s all going to be okay. You’ll see.”
Also, the voice says other things like: “You’re not fat. You’re not stupid. You’re a smart person. You’re good enough. You’re very fortunate. You’re a miracle. Everyone really likes you, with the possible exception of your mother-in-law.”
Yes, you’ve been through some tight scrapes. Yes, your body bears the scars of private wars you’ve waged. But you’ve survived each cataclysm. You have proven everyone wrong. You’ve always been okay.
So I know you’re sitting there scanning this paragraph, wondering why you’re still reading this drivel, when I obviously know nothing about you.
But you’re also thinking about how you’ve had a hard last few weeks. Last few months. Last few years. Last few decades.
You’re also thinking about how you pray for relief but it never comes. You’re thinking about how you have tried to put one foot in front of the other, but now it’s getting harder to move your legs.
The little voice is practically screaming at you. The voice says: “Don’t quit! You’re almost there! You’re going to make it!”
Someday—and I know you can’t envision this—your problems will all be over. Every last one of them.
The issues currently messing up your life will all fade. The sun will shine. Birds will sing. The sky will be perpetually blue. You will hear symphonies playing.
Your body will no longer hurt. Your heart will feel light. Your mind will find peace. Your soul will be nourished.
On that day, you will reflect upon this godawful time you’re going through with bittersweet fondness. Because this hell-on-earth period will be what shapes you. And you’ll be thinking to yourself, “Wow, everything really DID turn out okay.”
Listen, I’m nobody. And by now, you’ve figured out I’m not winning any Pulitzers, either. I don’t know how your life will play out. I don’t know how it will end.
But I know that I, too, have had some bad seasons. I have seen some terrible stuff in my life. I’m not all that different from you.
I remember certain people used to tell me precisely what I’m telling you. “Everything will be okay,” they’d all say.
And it would take everything I had not to respond by pressing my hands against my lips and making a flatulating sound. Because I believed these people were colossal idiots.
How could they know ANYTHING would be okay? What gave them the right to tell me this? They didn’t know me. They were just peddling cheap, uplifting clichés from New York Times bestselling self-help books whose only practical purposes were leveling wobbly tables and swatting flies.
Even so. These people were right. Everything DID work out. It always does. It will for you, too.
Just listen to the voice, which is softly reminding you that, if you can just hold on, if you can just get through it, if you can just keep going, all heaven is about to break loose.
You can trust this voice. This voice loves you. And if ever you start to doubt this voice, just ask the voice to tell you His name.
97 comments
Patricia Gibson - November 16, 2022 3:06 pm
That is just beautiful Sean!!
Nobody - June 22, 2023 12:08 am
I’m sitting here in the car with it in my lap. Trying to find one reason not to. Your words hit me heavy in my heart. Can’t seem to stop the tears. I really am trying. You don’t know me, but this feels so personal. So thank you for helping find my reason tonight.
Candy Peterson - November 16, 2022 3:07 pm
Thank you so much for this, Sean. It’s exactly what I needed today. I have been struggling so badly, begging God to show me He loves me and is with me in the middle of this dark time. I longed for God to send someone to hold me and to assure me that everything is going to be okay. Your words were an answer to that cry of my heart.
Sondra - November 16, 2022 3:10 pm
You are so right! Everything will be okay!! Thanks for the reminder
Susie - November 16, 2022 3:10 pm
Very sweet, Sean. But still people need to act on their own behalf and not just sit and wait for some magical thing to happen. When one gets so low they can’t see their way out of it, it’s time to seek TANGIBLE help. AND WHATEVER GODS ARE OUT THERE, GOD HELPS THEM WHO HELP THEMSELVES.
Nancy - November 16, 2022 3:11 pm
Sure needed to see this today. You’ve read my mind which has been in such a tangled mess. I’ve read it twice and will keep in reading it because you seem to know how I feel. Thank you.
Anne Arthur - November 16, 2022 3:14 pm
God is good and always faithful. Yes, we will be ok.
vckuhman - November 16, 2022 3:19 pm
Thank you. I needed this today. My brother, age 48 just passed away after a long hard fight with colon cancer. It’s an awful disease – and I was with him until the end. I have been told it is okay not to be okay and I am hanging on to that. But I do know the voice you speak of and because of His voice – I know I will see my brother again, with no pain. Thank you as always for your writings. Sometimes they are what make a rough day a good one.
elliemac3 - November 16, 2022 3:21 pm
Simply beautiful. Thank you!
Happy Home - November 16, 2022 3:22 pm
This is a badly needed expression in a hurting world.
You have expressed these ideas multiple times, and I tried so hard to get my daughter to internalize.
Alas, we lost her weekend before last.
Now to go on, hoping she is in a better place, will feel no more pain, while we remember better times.
Gigi - November 19, 2022 2:10 am
Deepest condolences on the loss of your daughter. 🤍
Kay Britherton - November 16, 2022 3:24 pm
Sean—please be in touch with your realtor—Robin Kidd, my daughter, as she needs this column and you this morning
Bobbie Jo Peacock - November 16, 2022 3:25 pm
Thank you
Susan F - November 16, 2022 3:25 pm
Wonderful message- I need to hear this today 🙏🏼 Thank you for everything you write 😁
sjhl7 - November 16, 2022 3:27 pm
Amen and Amen!
Dolette McDonald - November 16, 2022 3:28 pm
I am one of those folks who read and practice disciplines that are thought of as “self help”. Nothing that I’ve practiced in the last 40 years has touched my heart and soul like this beautifully, simple way to look at life. I’ve been reading your words as part of my morning meditation for the last few weeks and I can’t imagine not having you as part of it. Your words have truly enhanced my practice. I appreciate you.
WayneGina Yount - November 16, 2022 3:28 pm
Oh how I love this! His Name is Jesus!
❤️🙏❤️
BA s - November 16, 2022 3:33 pm
Thank you .
Priscilla Rodgers - November 16, 2022 3:37 pm
Amen Sean amen!
Steve Mehaffey - November 16, 2022 3:37 pm
We leave in 2 hrs for Chattanooga to be with our best friends as Mike undergoes an 8 hour surgery tomorrow for esophageal cancer. I’ve struggle for days, what do I say that’s inspiring, that will sound appropriate….then along comes good ole Sean. THANK YOU! He’s gonna be ok!
Stacey Wallace - November 16, 2022 3:40 pm
Sean, you are correct, it will be okay. Sometimes I forget that; thanks for reminding me. My sweet Mama, who went to Heaven this past May, used to tell me that most of the things I worried about turned out fine; she was right. Her name was Barbara, which means “wisdom.” She was certainly wise, and I miss her terribly, but God is holding my hand through my grief. Also, my Grandma Patton, Daddy’s Mama, used to say, “It’ll all come out in the wash,” which basically means, “It will be okay.” It will. Love to you, Jamie, and Marigold.
DEBORAH WHITE - November 16, 2022 3:44 pm
Sean…God love you!!! You wrote this column for my husband and me today. We’re in the hospital ICU after a seizure episode he had this past weekend. It came out of the blue, and that is something that no one should experience or caregiver watch. Last night as I drove home, I began to feel the weight of our journey and the logistics of managing of what might come. It nearly did me in. This morning, that still small voice Bagan to speak to me over and over, and reminded me of God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11-12. We are claiming that promise and praying with expectation. And, just so you know…you don’t need a Pulitzer…you are more than enough for me! ❤️❤️❤️
Chris Swain - November 16, 2022 3:49 pm
Faith. Funny, but when you get it, when it truly arrives, you can’t seem to get rid of it. It sticks, like the strongest glue. And nothing can change that, no pile of money or fame, or the threat of six strong men, promising to beat you to a pulp. Faith, but then, you have tons of it and know exactly what I’m saying.
Suellen Heinrich - November 16, 2022 3:50 pm
Very timley!
Betty Kirksey - November 16, 2022 3:55 pm
Did you mean to say “Her name.” ??
Linda - November 16, 2022 3:59 pm
Wow! I so needed to hear this today. I fully believe in divine intervention and your words are just what I needed. Thanks much!
Jeanne - November 16, 2022 4:00 pm
Exactly! Precisely! Ditto and a humongous AMEN!!
Leigh Amiot - November 16, 2022 4:02 pm
You should at least be nominated for a Pulitzer! 😀
MermaidGr - November 16, 2022 4:12 pm
I love you
Carlin Brooks - November 16, 2022 4:16 pm
Yes!
Marilyn Vance - November 16, 2022 4:17 pm
HIS name indeed! He calls the stars by name…do you think for a minute He doesn’t know YOURS?
wndevore - November 16, 2022 4:50 pm
❤️
Amy - November 16, 2022 4:23 pm
This is great… because it is true. Thank you.
AlaRedClayGirl - November 16, 2022 4:25 pm
Yes, it will be okay again. And you’ll be much stronger for having gone through it.
Carol Sessums - November 16, 2022 4:26 pm
Thanks for todays column. I talked to someone just yesterday who was beating herself up and feeling that she had no value, no future, and no hope. I did all I could to reinforce her value and worth and help her outlook for her and her child’s future. I have copied your article and am going to send it to her. I believe God put these words in your heart to write today because He knew I’d read it like I do every day, and He knew I’d immediately think of Kristy, who needs to know she matters and that things will indeed be okay one day…and that God has her and her daughter in His hands and He is in control of their future. Jeremiah 29:11 reinforces us to know His plans for us and our future are for good and not for evil. Thanks again – and please mention Kristy to Him next time you are talking to Him if you will. She, like all of us, needs encouragement. Thanks.
Buddy Caudill - November 16, 2022 4:29 pm
Anen
Svetlana - November 16, 2022 4:31 pm
<3 Thank you <3
Teresa Lovejoy - November 16, 2022 4:31 pm
Love, love, love this article. I remind myself often of the trials I’ve been through in life and how God has walked beside me or carried me through them all. And I’m still here. Stronger, wiser and not terrified of what lies ahead because whatever it is….He’s got me covered!
Emmagene Day - November 16, 2022 4:35 pm
I have been suffering from peripheral neuropathy in both my legs for 2 years. Meaning every second of every minute of every hour of every day….. my legs and feet tingle and burn. The ONLY drug that helps is, of course, Hydrocodone which of course, no one will prescribe. I pray for death a lot of times. I can barely walk and I beg our Lord continually to either give me some relief or take me home. He does neither. I’m 60, and tired of living.
Trudy - November 16, 2022 6:08 pm
Hang on Emmagene. People are praying for you. I’m sorry that you are in pain. I have a friend who has the same problem but is seeing a chiropractor who is doing laser treatments. Please look into that. Try to keep the faith
Donald Pinz - November 16, 2022 6:34 pm
I just felt touched and said a prayer for hope and strength for you. God BLESS
MD - November 16, 2022 7:19 pm
Hi Emmagene, Have you tried Gabapentin? Look it up as a treatment for peripheral neuropathy.
Marilyn - November 16, 2022 7:41 pm
Emmagene, I will pray for relief from your neuropathy, for restoration of your health and continued faith in God.
JonDragonfly - November 16, 2022 4:36 pm
Amen
Diana - November 16, 2022 4:36 pm
Thanks Sean. You have no idea how badly I needed to hear this today.
Bee - November 16, 2022 4:44 pm
Beautiful Sean. Thank you.
Sharon Truman - November 16, 2022 4:52 pm
Wow, just wow!! Sean, I read your column every day and I’m blessed every day. Thank you for today’s reminder
Ruth Gunter Mitchell - November 16, 2022 4:53 pm
I needed this! Thank you!
wnd - November 16, 2022 5:10 pm
Life happens. Every individual is dealing with something. And if not today, wait until tomorrow; it’s coming. You can’t prepare; you will react. The inner “voice” tells you how. It’s easy to listen to the loud outer voices which – generally with good intention – drown out the inner voice. Instead, enter your quietness and listen. I speak from experience. It takes much practice and patience.
Julie Tourjie - November 16, 2022 5:17 pm
Thank you, I really needed to hear that. So…many times since I lost my husband 3 1/2 years ago I have wanted to give up because seemed too hard going forward.
MamaD - November 16, 2022 5:18 pm
Sean, I am living proof – in in many ways – that everything you wrote here is true. Being okay today, of course, doesn’t mean that there won’t be possible future difficulties that will require the same ‘resolve’ to get through. But the willingness to persevere because you trust that it’s going to be ok will be affirmed time and again. Thank you for writing this so beautifully and honestly.
Carole Couch Moormann - November 16, 2022 5:19 pm
I totally love this. Thank you for writing this.
Mary - November 16, 2022 5:20 pm
Absolutely right.
Judith Harris - November 16, 2022 5:23 pm
Wise words! Thank you!!
Anna Lester Thornton - November 16, 2022 5:37 pm
Amen. And amen. Profound, serendipitous. If I read nothing else today, THIS is enough. It WILL be okay. Thank you.
Mary Lynn Faress - November 16, 2022 5:55 pm
Thank you . I needed that. Half way through radiation for Stage 3 breast cancer. I’m a tough lady at 85. I will survive!!!
Mary Younce - November 16, 2022 6:08 pm
I needed this today
William J Webb - November 16, 2022 6:12 pm
True words. You just have to be patient.
Nancy Davison - November 16, 2022 6:14 pm
My best friend Jeannie read this to me today and it just touched my heart. She emailed me a copy and so I am now subscribing as she has read me a few of your awesome posts.
Donald Pinz - November 16, 2022 6:28 pm
Wow!!! I know who you are! Thank you I needed that!!!!
Don Martin - November 16, 2022 6:43 pm
Words of encouragement much need by ALL; but specifically for some of us today! God bless you, Sean, and continue encouraging! Bama Man.
Carol - November 16, 2022 6:45 pm
WOW, another great one Sean….I would forward it to at least one person, but right now, she is too deep into the darkness, she would think I’m insulting her…I will save it in my Sean Folder to share when she is having a brighter day…
Sarah Stephens - November 16, 2022 6:52 pm
Everyone should hear this and believe it. Beautifully written.
Jani - November 16, 2022 7:03 pm
Beautiful
Robert - November 16, 2022 7:13 pm
Me and my wife are in a room discussing surgery. Then this came. Got a laugh from my wage. We both know the guys name with the little voice. So yes we will be ok. Thanks for the great timing
Ginger Smithfield - November 16, 2022 7:36 pm
Thanks Sean!! I needed this article today!! It really is going to be okay! I am a 79 year old widow. My husband passed away this past April 25th. Steve was the type of man who believed it was his responsibility to handle all of the bills and other finances, and the home, children, and grands were my responsibility. For years, I asked him to show me what all was involved in paying the bills and dealing with a brokerage account. He would always say, “Oh that is simple, easy, no problem. I’ll show you one day when I have time.” That time never came, and now I’m here trying to figure all of this out for myself. He payed bills online. However, I don’t know his passwords. I have discovered that if you don’t have a password, you are ______ out of luck. Therefore, I have been paying umpteen hundred bills the old fashioned way with checks and mailing the checks in to the different companies. Steve didn’t leave a will, but he made me the beneficiary to the brokerage accounts, IRA’s, pension, etc. That is all well and good except for the fact that I can’t access any of those things unless I have them put into my name. Some of the big corporations holding those brokerage accounts don’t want to put those accounts into my name for one reason or another. They won’t tell my lawyer why they are dragging their feet. But, it’s all going to be okay, and one of these days when the money in our checking account runs out, the brokerage people will take pity on me and let me have access to what is mine, and then it will all be okay. I truly do thank you for this article! When Lewis Grizzard passed away, Mike Luckovich with the Journal-Constitution published a cartoon with Lewis, old typewriter in hand, meeting his beloved dog, Catfish, at the Pearlie Gates of heaven. Catfish looked ecstatic to see Lewis and Lewis was overjoyed to see Catfish. Everything was truly okay! I have that cartoon hanging over my desk in my laundry room to remind me of Lewis and Catfish. I am going to print this article of yours and hang it over my desk so I will be reminded that everything is going to be okay!!
Linda Summers - November 16, 2022 7:41 pm
Beautifully written and very encouraging. Thank you Sean.
Chris Carr - November 16, 2022 7:49 pm
Thank you. I really needed this today💗
Starla Unruh - November 16, 2022 7:56 pm
Wow!! Did I ever need this! Right now, right at this very moment. I sat & read & Im like…. really!?! Thank you 😊
Rebecca Soude4rs - November 16, 2022 8:17 pm
How many times have your readers said to you “…just what I needed?” Well, me, too, Sean Dietrich. Thanks.
Happy Home - November 17, 2022 12:40 pm
Bingo !
Sue - November 16, 2022 8:18 pm
It’s like you know me, Sean. Maybe you really are my little brother..? Or possibly my son. I can’t figure out how old you are. Anyway, your pain had a purpose – to minister to the rest of us.
Thank you Lord, for Sean.
Kenneth Nelson - November 16, 2022 8:32 pm
Dear Sean, thank you.
Tina - November 16, 2022 8:47 pm
Thank you. I needed this today.
Gwen - November 16, 2022 9:03 pm
😊🙏
Lenore Stanley - November 16, 2022 9:20 pm
Sean,This is perfect for me right this minute!
My brother died Saturday and I am very sad,very sad.People ask me how old he was and when I say 84 yrs.old they say stupid stuff like,oh well what do you want.When I say he had Dementia they say it was a blessing.
Well I am sad and hurt,I will miss him. He’s been with me for my 72 yrs! Like a father,definitely a protector,big brother, confidant and best friend.
A woman who follows you named Par suggested I to follow your blog.(I did not really know what a blog was).
I have enjoyed your blog for about 6 wks.I have wanted to comment but I do not feel I’m very good with words (like you).This time I just had to respond,I will be reading this one over and over.
Thank you
Sandi. - November 16, 2022 9:56 pm
Sincere condolences to Lenore in the death of her brother. I lost my only brother when he was a young 37, but regardless of the age, it is still VERY SAD to lose a family member. May God give you an extra dose of hope, peace, strength and encouragement to face each new day.
Cheryl Andrews - November 16, 2022 10:08 pm
Thank you! I needed this!
Mary Damron - November 16, 2022 10:37 pm
I know who tells me I will be ok. His name is Jesus. I am 82 years old and He has been with me all those years.
Charlotte - November 16, 2022 10:56 pm
I’m going to keep this & read it everyday……
I need to hear this voice & I do know His name…
Thank you ❤️
Jan Fsrris - November 16, 2022 11:22 pm
Love all your stories but this one is soooo good !! Love it
Dewey - November 17, 2022 12:18 am
My daughter Amy R. from Atlanta just passed away this past weekend from a long battle with cancer. She was a huge fan of Sean and I’m reading this post today wondering of she telegraphed him that he needed to write this post for her dad…… Maybe it was God-inspired and Sean was tuned in to a “message of need” received from his higher power. Anyway, thanks Sean and know that us folks who grew up in north Walton (Liberty, Paxton, Glendale) really appreciate you. God bless!
Bonnie Burt - November 17, 2022 1:18 am
Oh how I needed to read this today!!🙏
MR - November 17, 2022 1:36 am
You have no idea how badly I needed to read this today. No idea.
I’m keeping this one to read until the dark clouds pass.
Thank you.
chip plyler - November 17, 2022 5:54 am
Yahweh ….breath
Matt Ovaska - November 17, 2022 12:10 pm
There are 2 voices. Old cartoons had an angel on one shoulder and a demon on the other trying to persuade the person. Can you tell them apart? Hint: One voice is always specific and lines up with the Holy bible. ie “Call your sister” When you call, she says I’m soo glad you called!” The other voice is always generally condemning. ie “you’re Not going to make. You’re going to fail.” Please identify the source of these voices and follow the good one!
Morgan Gregory - November 17, 2022 1:10 pm
YES! YES! YES!!! As hard as it gets.. I know there will be better times ahead. I don’t give up and I keep pushing. Thanks for this read… The little voice is louder now. :D~
Laura Young - November 17, 2022 1:16 pm
I saw this yesterday and skipped over it. I was thinking like all those people who thought it was another cliché. You see this last week has really been bad. A dear friend of mine name is Sylvie passed away Sunday after a horrific year fighting cancer. A cancer in her leg led to amputation followed by chemo which ravages the body. The leg cancer had spread to her lungs before it was even diagnosed. Many people had prayed for her through the journey she endured. She, like me, was a nurse, but so much more- wife, mother, grandmother to her first and only grandson born not long before they found cancer. She was active in Kenya Relief, on their board and more importantly to her giving hands on care to people there. She told me shortly before she died that she had hsd a good life and that she had trued to be a good nurse and a good friend. She was both to all who knew her. During the last week of her life, she had horrible pain and struggled to breathe. I prayed for God’s mercy to ease the struggle and end her pain. He did. Though my heart aches for her. I know she is whole again and no longer hurting or struggling to breathe, loving her new home.
Lisa - November 18, 2022 2:51 am
Empowering and True
Sean of the South: It’s Gonna Be Okay | The Trussville Tribune - November 17, 2022 1:53 pm
[…] By Sean Dietrich, Sean of the South […]
Tom - November 17, 2022 2:14 pm
His name is “I am” and His son’s name is Jesus.
Charlotte Decker - November 17, 2022 5:52 pm
Thank you!
Mike Roberts - November 17, 2022 6:35 pm
What Tom said, and amen!
Theresa - November 17, 2022 8:29 pm
Simply, “thank you”.
Theresa
Madison, AL
suzi - November 21, 2022 1:39 pm
Yes, you read my mind this morning and I am grateful. Thank you
DeeDee - November 26, 2022 11:58 am
Outstanding!
Merry Christmas Sean and Jamie. May 2023 be your best year yet. ❤️
Renee Welton - May 11, 2023 5:54 pm
Amen💙