Author Spotlight: Sarah Evangeline
By Sarah Evangeline
Hey! I am Sarah. The things I love about this life are people, ice cream, music, and exploring God’s creation. I am twenty-three years old and currently live in the small but classy city of Chatham, Ontario. I am a graduate of Liberty University with a degree in psychology and counselling. I am currently working on my Master’s in Human Services Counselling and Life Coaching and hope to work overseas or wherever else the Lord will lead me. Right now, I work as an educational assistant with Junior Kindergartens, where every day I am reminded of the simple joy that we must do our best work for the Lord. In my spare time I blog, travel, cook, and spend quality time with family and friends.
Growing up, I struggled with identity and self-esteem issues. I could talk a lot about the bad place I used to be in, but I am grateful for where God has brought me today. I started writing You Are More Precious than Gold with the goal of helping other women to know that they don’t have to settle for what this world calls “beautiful.” You and I are created for so much more than what this world offers us! I write with the hope and prayer that my words will inspire, encourage, and challenge others to love God and understand His amazing love for us all.
Upcoming Book Events
On May 5, I will be speaking about You Are More Precious than Gold and how to make God our beauty mark.
Location: Northridge Community Church
On May 6, I will be speaking about You Are More Precious than Gold at a Youth Retreat in Jackson’s Point.
On May 26, in Woodstock, Ontario I will be having a book event featuring You Are More Precious than Gold. This is a time for people to buy a copy of the book, but it will also be a time of worship, sharing testimonies, and getting real with God.
Location: Woodstock Community Church
Time: 6:00–9:00 p.m.
On May 27, I will hold my book release in my home town of Chatham, Ontario.
Location: William Street Cafe
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Ongoing Projects
I am starting to write my second book, called Choose Joy. This will be a book about learning to slow down and appreciate every simple moment while pressing on with our passions, goals, and dreams.
Questions and Answers
Q: First off, can you tell us about your new book, You Are More Precious than Gold?
A: As Christian women, we are often told to live for God and follow Him, but how can we be expected to do this if we don’t have the proper tools and teaching? If young women don’t know how to properly live for God, they’ll start to follow the world’s definition of beauty, which is a long road to destruction.
True beauty is all about inner beauty, and it’s something God has planted in each one of us. God desperately wants to be our beauty mark, and He needs to be rooted in every aspect of our being. Embracing our inner beauty happens deep in the soul and allows us to be radiant from the inside out. It affects all areas of our lives and proves that we are more precious than gold.
Q: What does inner beauty have to do with finding our identity in Christ?
A: We only find our identity and self-worth when we understand and truly believe that our identity rests in God Himself. He is the first step and the firm foundation to finding our inner beauty. We have to start saying no to our worldly mirrors, and yes to making God our mirror.
Q: What is your definition of inner beauty?
A: She is far from perfect, but loves the God who is. She may have scars or a huge nose, but that doesn’t matter to her as much as knowing that she is loved by her Creator. She praises Him in song, in her words, and in her actions. She doesn’t only admire her own beauty, but she looks for the beauty in others too. She is free to be herself, yet she explores all the opportunities God has for her. She doesn’t follow the world’s standards, but she’s able to stand up and be different from the rest of the world. She doesn’t have all the answers, but she puts her trust in the One who does. She goes on running towards the call God has placed on her, never turning back.
Q: How does your personal story tie in to this book?
A: When I was in high school, I struggled with self-esteem and identity. I was trapped in believing that my beauty rests in worldly standards, instead of clinging to God’s truth.
Q: What is your hope and overall goal when you started writing this book?
A: My hope and prayer is that girls can rise up in Christ more strongly than I did when I was their age. I want girls to turn their doubt into hope and their fear into faith. I want girls to know how important and precious they are, because they are held by the Creator! I want girls to step out and embrace all that God has for them! If I can touch one girl in that way, I know this will all have been worth it.
Q: Can this book be read in a group or bible study?
A: I am a true believer that there is power in numbers! You Are More Precious than Gold can be read individually or in a group. There are study guide and group questions at the back of the book for each chapter.
Q: What are your next steps to continue inspiring women to embrace all they have for God?
A: I will continue writing and speaking, but I must hold on to two truths. First, I must seek God’s ways above everything I do and say, and second, I must walk the talk.
Q: How was your publishing experience?
A: Writing a book is one thing, but actually stepping out to publish it is a whole other deal. I remember first writing You Are More Precious than Gold, never knowing if it would truly be made into a published book or just be put away in my drawer. I am so glad and thankful that I took a step of faith and signed it over to being published.
I published with Word Alive Press because of their enthusiasm, encouragement, and passion about coming alongside me to help me accomplish this dream. While I struggled with doubt and feeling unprepared, they were able to fill in the gaps and help me stay on the clear path. Plus, it was a lot of fun! With Word Alive Press’s expertise, I saw my book come to life. They helped me pick a title, designed the cover, assisted me with editing, answered questions I had, and even laughed with me along the way. With You Are More Precious than Gold launching in May, I am handing the project over to God and letting Him lead.
Q: Do you have any advice for new writers?
A: Every single person has a story. Every single person’s story is important and needed in this world. There will never be another person who has your character, talents, personality, or look. God gave them to you for a reason, and He wants you to share it with your neighbour, friend, family, and maybe even in a book someday. If God has given you the passion and desire to put your words and story onto paper, please don’t hesitate.
If you are thinking about writing, currently writing, or already a published author, I encourage you to keep going! Stay real. Stay alert. Be bold, and be brave. You will have setbacks, failures, and even heartache along this road, but keep on keeping on. The most important advice I can give is to always keep God as the focal point of everything and anything you write. Remember that we are here to glorify Him, and with that will come blessing. He will bring you through rocky storms to amazing moments of awe. God believes in you, so start writing.
Contact Info
Website: www.sburford5.wixsite.com/sarahevangeline
Instagram: Sarah63SimpleJoys
Facebook: Sarah Evangeline
Email: Sarah63Evangeline@gmail.com
About this Contributor:
Sarah Evangeline is a graduate of Liberty University with a degree in Psychology and Counselling. She hopes to eventually work overseas, or wherever else the Lord may lead her. Sarah enjoys travelling, music, and spending time with friends and family. Her passion is to inspire young women to embrace their inner beauty and find their identity in Christ.