Sharon Garlough Brown – författare

"We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen." (2 Corinthians 4:18) In a season of loss and change, Wren Crawford and her great-aunt, Katherine Rhodes, share the journey as companions in sorrow and hope. As Katherine prepares to retire as the director of the New Hope Retreat Center, she faces both personal and professional challenges—especially after the arrival of the board''s candidate to replace her. Not only must she confront more unresolved grief from her past, but she''s invited to embrace painful and unsettling insights about her own blind spots. How might disruption become a gift that opens the way to new growth?Wren''s world is shifting and expanding as she presses forward in recovery from a period of deep depression. Still processing open questions around the death of her best friend, Casey, Wren stewards her grief by offering compassionate care to the residents of the nursing home where she now works. But the shedding of her old life is exhausting—especially as she doesn''t yet see what new life will emerge. How might art continue to provide a pathway for deepening her awareness of God''s presence with her?In this sequel to Shades of Light and Remember Me, fans of the Sensible Shoes series will not only be able to attend Katherine''s final retreat sessions at New Hope but also encounter old and new friends along the way.Also available: Feathers of Hope Study Guide

Sharon Garlough Brown''s novel Feathers of Hope follows Wren Crawford and her great-aunt, Katherine Rhodes, companions in sorrow and hope. As Katherine prepares to retire as the director of the New Hope Retreat Center, she faces personal and professional challenges while Wren takes the next step in her journey with depression by offering compassionate care to the residents of the nursing home where she now works.This eight-week study guide offers an opportunity to reflect on how the experiences of the characters in the novel resonate with your own experience. Daily Scripture readings and reflection questions are accompanied by an invitation to the practice of visio divina (meditating on art) through weekly prompts related to works by Vincent van Gogh. With simple spiritual practices, this guide provides a space for individuals and groups to process Katherine''s retreat teaching as well as the themes of Feathers of Hope.

Sensible Shoes is an unusual novel, blending a fictional story with nonfiction teaching elements. Some readers view it only as a story of four characters on a journey. Others say yes to a deeper level of reading, embracing the opportunity to take a "sacred journey" along with the characters, by opening themselves to the Spirit''s work and attending to God''s invitations.The Sensible Shoes Leader''s Guide offers two ways to invite readers into a deeper journey: first, there are resources here for a twelve-week small group experience through the Sensible Shoes Study Guide. Each week you''ll be provided with a few prayer prompts for your work as a leader, tips for facilitating the group, and behind-the-scenes information about the characters and their journeys that can be used as opening materials for your sessions.The second set of resources in this guide relates to leading a retreat based on Sensible Shoes. After years of creating and speaking at Sensible Shoes Retreats, spiritual director Sharon Brown offers here content to help you design the ideal space for your context as you gather people in longer sessions to experience this material. In addition to one-day, weekend, and online program outlines, there are many creative ideas from leaders of groups who have used Sensible Shoes for retreats over the years.Sensible Shoes was written for the purpose of bringing God''s healing and spiritual transformation into the lives of readers traveling in community. Is there an invitation here for you to bring this message to your community?Also available: Sensible Shoes Leader Kit and Sensible Shoes Participant Kit, with everything you need for a small group or retreat experience.

2025 American Fiction Awards Finalist – Children''s Religious2025 Independent Press Awards – Childrens: Religion FictionDiscover the Power of Art, Emotion, and Prayer with Sharon Garlough Brown''s Not Finished YetSometimes, you see, Wren and Gran didn''t paint flowers or clouds or birds or trees.Sometimes they painted their feelings.She and Gran called it "painting prayers."Enter the childhood story of Wren, the beloved character from Shades of Light by Sharon Garlough Brown, in Not Finished Yet, a beautifully illustrated book that helps children explore their emotions and connect with God through honest prayer.Wren''s journey begins in Gran''s art studio—a place filled with love, creativity, and encouragement. Through painting, Wren learns to express her feelings and discover God''s presence in every part of life. Together, Wren and Gran share a practice they call "painting prayers," guiding young readers to see art as a way to explore their emotions and communicate with God.Accompanied by Jessica Linn Evans'' exquisite illustrations, this heartfelt story opens the door to meaningful conversations with children about feelings, faith, and prayer while inspiring creativity with every page.Complete with a special note from the author, Not Finished Yet offers an opportunity for caregivers to talk about their faith together with children and teaches them that God welcomes honest, heartfelt prayers.Key Features:- A tender story that introduces children to expressing emotions through art and prayer- Stunning illustrations that bring Wren''s world and experiences to life- Encouragement for creativity and emotional exploration for young readers- A thoughtful author''s note to spark deeper conversationsIntroduce the young readers in your life to this meaningful and uplifting story. Whether you''re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or caregiver, Not Finished Yet is a beautiful resource for guiding children through their feelings and teaching them about prayer. Get your copy and begin this heartfelt journey with Wren and Gran!