Karen O’Kelley Allen’s passions can be summed up in three words: music, missions, and writing. She serves Christ through each of her passions as an organist, a short-term international missionary, and an award-winning writer of devotions, articles, books, and short stories. Karen’s Bible study Confronting Cancer with Faith (http://confrontingcancerwithfaith.com) uses her personal journey to encourage, comfort, and bring hope to people around the world.

Karen’s short stories are in numerous Christian anthologies; her devotions are in Guideposts, Open Windows, and Missions Mosaic. Her book, Outta My Mind, Into His Heart, with co-author Sharon Atwood, is an out-of-the-ordinary devotional book offering 60 devotions for those with mental illness and their advocates. An adult coloring book with Scriptural images complements the book.

Karen and her husband live in Birmingham, Alabama, with their two Irish Setters. Subscribe to Karen’s Ewe R Blessed Ministries blog (http://ewerblessed.com)

Karen O’Kelley Allen enjoyed growing up as the middle daughter of three girls in the small town of Sylacauga, Alabama. Sports and music kept her active on the volleyball court and at the piano and organ bench in local churches. However, her interest in the medical field led her to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1982, followed by a Master’s in Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Karen married her hometown sweetheart, George Parker Allen, and moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana, picking up a mangey dog along the way. After a few years in Cajun Country, they returned to Birmingham, Alabama. Karen enjoys being retired and devoting more time to her writing after working 36 years in laboratory medicine and cancer research.

Karen’s bout with cancer in 2003 prompted her to write Confronting Cancer with Faith, an award-winning 6-week Bible study of encouragement, comfort, and hope through the trials of cancer (www.confrontingcancerwithfaith.com). She developed Ewe R Blessed Ministries as a result of her writing and international missions work (www.ewerblessed.com) and has a bi-weekly blog (www.ewerblessed.com/blog).

Aside from her Bible study and devotional book, Karen has written over twenty-five short stories published by Grace Publishing (Short & Sweet series), Christian Writers for Life, CrossRiver Media Group, Southern Christian Writers, and Bluewater Publications. She has also written many devotions and magazine articles found in LifeWay Publications, Missions Mosaic, and Guideposts. Her newspaper articles have been published in local and state Baptist newspapers.

Karen is night-owl and does most of her writing late at night after her husband and two Irish Setters have gone to bed and the house is quiet. Almost all of Karen’s writing is faith-based, non-fiction inspired by personal encounters with God and His people.

When Karen is not writing, she is practicing the organ, attending Music or Book Club, volunteering for the animal shelter, eating lunch with a friend, or caring and cooking for her elderly mother. Check out the meals for the week Karen prepares each Thursday for her mother and their fun activities on Facebook under #thankfulthursdaywithmama.

Karen loves to travel for pleasure and for missions. She has been all over the world and is still hoping to do more.

Connect with Karen O’Kelley Allen through social media on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/karen.o.allen.9/, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ewerblessedministries/, X , and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-allen-316218b2/. She also has a Ewe R

Blessed Ministries page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorkarenoallen/. Be sure to subscribe to her blog www.ewerblessed.com/blog.

Fun Facts for Karen O’Kelley Allen

· Went hang-gliding in Mentone, Alabama at 65 yo

· Have flown in a hot air balloon over the Egyptian desert at sunrise

· Went zip-lining in Hawaii over triple falls

· Have hiked on a glacier in Iceland

· Saw the Aurora Borealis while in the Arctic Circle

· Was a pet therapist with two dogs for 7 years

· Have visited at least 36 countries

· Play a pipe organ; am the organist for my church

· Played a viola in my younger days

· Floated in the Dead Sea in Jordan

· Have gone swimming in the Amazon River; saw a pink dolphin

· Have gone grass skiing

· Wrote my own wedding song

· Rode a camel in Tunisia and in Egypt at the pyramids

Sharon Atwood has lived with bipolar disorder for over 30 years. Her mission is to share her experience and to encourage others in the mental health community on how to cope with mental illness. Sharon writes about mental health, faith, and personal experience. Her recent book My Extra Sensory World: Psychosis & Hypomania was written in real time as she chronicled the unknown territory of hypomania as it unfolded.

Through honest storytelling, Sharon shares her perspective,encouraging greater understanding, compassion, and hope for those with mental health challenges and for the people who love them.
Sharon and her cat, Selah, live in Birmingham, Alabama. Her writing follows a path of faith-based inspiration. Every person has a story. Sharon shares from the heart, making others feel less alone and more empowered as they travel their own mental health journey.
About Me:
My writing journey began with a desire to share my experiences and help others better understand the realities of living with mental illness. Ever since I was diagnosed with a plethora of abbreviations, I used my intelligence, resources, and creativity to learn how to cope in an unforgiving world.
Writing became a way to put words to experiences that are sometimes difficult to describe. I desire to create a bridge between those who live with mental health struggles and those who want to understand them.
Between my workaholic mother and my schizophrenic father, I had to fend for myself with some support from my grandparents. I had no siblings to lean on, so I entertained myself through artistic outlets. Journaling, reading, painting, and exploring nature shaped my childhood.
College brought new challenges. Depression hit me hard when I learned of my parents’ divorce. A bipolar disorder diagnosis didn’t help. Although I struggled to get my bearings and keep my independence, it cost me numerous friendships and jobs. My church relationships were compromised, and life got harder.
Truth is, my life has never been easy, but my faith and mentor/Godmother have stood strong and steadfast over time. I still struggle to manage life as a single, middle-aged woman, with my cats who bring me considerable comfort and peace. I love the joy and unconditional companionship that pets bring.
My Extra Sensory World: Psychosis & Hypomania shares my personal insights on life with heightened perceptions, emotional changes, and the challenges that come with tactile delusions. My hypomania crisis is now behind me, and I stay in check with medical professionals and a faithful support team.
I write because stories have the power to confront issues and challenge stereotypes. Stories remind people that every life has meaning. My hope is that readers find understanding, encouragement, and a sense of connection through my words.
 
Amazon Reviews:
• A Timeless Work of Art Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2026
Format: Paperback       5 out of 5 stars
This book strikes me as timeless and outstanding through its incredible attention to detail and introspection of the author’s soul. It touches my heart through its fervent imagery and sensory descriptions, as well as the self-discovery that it portrays. I would highly recommend it as a brilliant composition meant to heal the spirit, and to bring clarity to all who witness or suffer from mental illness, as they learn from this amazing work of art.    – Laura
• Mental health issues Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2026
Format: Kindle                5 out of 5 stars
Very well written on mental health issues and symptoms while trying to cope as the brain/body feel overloaded with information that effect our daily lives.    – Adelaida
• Must Read For All OT’s Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2026
Format: Audiobook          5 out of 5 stars
I am an occupational therapist who often dives into the sensory system and how it impacts perceptions, participation, and sense of well-being in everyday life. This book captures the essence of sensory processing’s impact on health and is a must-read for all OT’s. Very well done.     – WJM
• These conditions are real. Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2026
Format: Kindle                    5 out of 5 stars
Hi. Just got and read your book. I’m sorry you have to go through tough times like these, but how you write about them is astounding. Your insight and the way you express yourself is both edgy and touching. I believe this book can help not only those who have been through similar situations, but those who know and love those who suffer from these conditions. Thank you for sharing such deep aspects of your life.               – Chris
Fun Facts:
1) My first kiss was in Paris, France on New Year’s Eve after visiting the Eiffel Tower.
2) I was reared on a farm and know my way around a garden. (I confess that I despise farmwork and gardens!)
3) I am a horrible cook. I eat weird combinations of food(ranch dressing on a ham sandwich, ravioli sauce on beef stew).
4) I can throw puns with the best of them.
 

Social Media Links

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/1F4FifCXKq/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Facebook Group Page : Mentally Ill Survivors and Thrivers https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EnB1H2wCn/?
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/atwood974?utm_source=qr

 

 

Anxiety, depression, mania, suicide attempts, and societal fears are not beyond God’s reach.

One in five people struggles with a mental health condition.

The stigma of mental illness is challenged. The authors team up to provide transparent devotions on touchy topics using real experiences. Two viewpoints are expressed: one from an individual with mental illness, the other from a friend, mentor, and advocate.

When the stress of this world makes you feel like you are out of your mind, you can cling to His compassionate and loving heart. AMAZON