
Help Spread An Ocean Without's Message
Donation protected
When I wrote An Ocean Without, I had a dream of performing the whole book with the coordinating songs I had written at least once. The dream came true! And then it came true again! This performance brought life and power to my message about people-pleasing, boundaries, and anxiety and continues to bless its hearers. Those hearers happen to be primarily the overburdened servants of the church, more specifically, women. Most attendees and readers have said they normally shy away from poetry but that An Ocean Without is accessible and understandable (no scratching your head wondering what the author meant here!).
I would love to share this message with more churches who do not have the funds to pay. (This is my attempt to honor both their limits and mine. Would I love to give this for free? Why, yes, yes, I would. Can I do that without hurting my family? No, sadly, I can't. I mean, it's the whole message of my book—I will live within my limits!) Your donation would allow me to gift a church of lesser means this event free of charge. Would you help me share this message of freedom?
$500 allows me to bring two musicians with me to this two-hour event. Can we raise enough for two churches?
**TESTIMONIALS**
"You shared your painful journey from codependency to healthy self-esteem, knowing how to set boundaries and honor yourself as well as others…The new music blessed my heart."
"You have encouraged me to start writing again…Thank you for your kindness and for sharing your vulnerability. You are making a difference. During your performance, I was blown away."
"So often artists can be proud or self-absorbed. Focused on selling a product. There was none of that tonight at all. You were a gift giver, lavishing gifts of truth and wisdom. You were a guidepost, pointing us the right way. You were a spotlight, shining on the Faithful One. You were humble, vulnerable, gracious, insightful. What a perfect evening. Can’t wait to read the whole book. Thank you for sharing your story and His story through this labor of love."
"Did you read my mind? Did you live my life? I am so grateful you gave voice to so many things I’ve experienced and showed the way out too."
"This poetic memoir is a must-read for anyone who has found themselves exhausted from too many yeses in the name of service. Sarah's honesty about boundaries is refreshing and encouraging."
"I can relate to so much of your story. As the wife of a small church pastor, I had the same experience of always saying yes, and not always for the right reason. When we moved here, I was so burnt out that I was slow to volunteer for even the smallest thing...and now I'm on a journey of balance and growth."
"I was really amazed and touched by how well you weaved it all together with such honesty, emotion, depth, and truth that wasn't preachy or fake but that was authentic. You are such a skilled communicator and passionate about your faith. It was bold and beautiful and breathtaking!"
"To hear Sarah’s story, I am reminded of the hope that awaits the children of God, a hope that tells us that we are not alone, a hope that tells us that healing is available, a hope that our good Father will restore us. Sarah’s written story is beautiful and to hear her rhythmic voice speak her story out loud invites the audience to partake in something divine, something magical; it may even be the first step in your own healing."
Organizer

Sarah Steele
Organizer
Kalamazoo, MI