It is amazing what can happen when you offer up your wounds as a gift. While I do not feel deserving of these overwhelmingly kind words, it has been a profound grace to witness how God takes our five loaves and two fishes, and multiplies them for others.
“Karen has that rare ability of bringing new insight to old topics in a way that engages and challenges – the hallmarks of a great writer. Her life experiences also lend her the authority to write on sensitive topics such as depression. A pleasure to read and recommend.” -Claire van Ryn, columnist for The Examiner
“Karen started and maintains one of the most creative and original blogs I have read online. Her perceptiveness and acute insight into the human condition are apparent in every paragraph, and her writing style combines the best of academic precision and personal intimacy, with a healthy dose of humor and charity besides. She is clearly a very smart young woman, with a keen grasp of how to pique others’ interest in her own projects and concerns. I very much look forward to her regular essays and updates.” -Michael Curtis Ford, author of The Ten Thousand
“Karen is a very talented writer and provides quality insights when approaching difficult topics. She inspires me to look within myself and deal with my thoughts and feelings! 5 stars!!!” -Angela Evans, author of Invisible: Fiction but Painfully True
“I have been following Karen’s writings since she started her blog. She shares her thoughts on how to cope with our frail human condition with a wisdom that goes beyond her years. She writes beautifully. She enhances her words with original artwork that perfectly amplifies the message. Ultimately, she helps her readers understand that life matters, that it is beautiful, even when it hurts, because we are made in God’s image. I feel renewed every time I read one of her heartfelt essays.“ -Tom Quiner, political commentator at Quiner’s Diner
“Under Reconstruction has become one of my favorite sanctuaries online. Full of insightful observations and smart humor, Karen takes us on an intimate journey through her daily struggles and triumphs over mental health issues. Charming, intelligent and soulful. Karen Zainal is one to watch.” -Cindy Thio Cadestin (Perola)
“I met Karen through the blogosphere and have found her to be incredibly dedicated to healing people through writing. I see her blog as indescribably honest and worth the extra few moments it takes to find it, read it and process what she has to say. Karen is an inspiration to everyone, but especially those who are looking for a way to recover from emotional wounds.” -Sandra Andress (Blue Sky Beads)
“Of all the personal characteristics I have found toward leading a successful life, two stand out in importance; humility and self-awareness. As a result of reading much of what Karen writes about in her life, it is very apparent to me that Karen not only possesses humility and self-awareness, but that she truly acknowledges their significance and leverages them to reach inside the minds of others to genuinely help them. There is perhaps no higher or noble calling in life than helping others and Karen is a shining example of what humanity can aspire to achieve when focused on others.“- Michael Cerkas (The Inspired Verse)
“Karen is the voice of depression for me, verbalizing experiences and feelings I was unable to articulate. Her posts about her students are so honorable and awe inspiring. You hear about people who make a difference on the news or through social media. Karen is one of these people, a real life celebrity to me, who makes the world better through the people she touches in her writing and in the classroom. She always makes me think, and appreciate my blessings. Thank you, Karen.” -Elizabeth (Breaking the Cycle)
“While recovery from depression is different for everyone, Karen’s insights can be helpful to others on their journey. One of the best insights she has is that depression distorts the thinking process. It sure does! It is with God’s help and intervention that minds lose the distortion and function in ways that allow us to move forward with our lives.” -George Billington (Christiancounselorpastor)
“The Word of God calls us jars of clay in 2 Cor. 4:7. In us we carry the Light of the World, but the only way for that Light to shine is through the cracks of our vulnerability. Karen writes with a vulnerability that is rare. She allows the Light of Christ to shine through her cracks and the Light is bringing hope to those around her. I pray God continues to let His Light shine through her writings.” –In the Potter’s Hands
Under Reconstruction 