Episode Summary
In this episode, Sarah shares her journey from a Christian upbringing to the present day broader worldview, influenced by the pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement. She talks about the emotional process of leaving her faith, navigating a mixed-faith relationship, and discussing faith with her children. Sarah reflects on reconciling emotional ties to God with new intellectual insights whilst allowing for curiosity and why “spirituality” doesn’t fit her experience. She also offers advice for those beginning their own deconstruction journey.
My Thoughts
Sarah’s book “Giving Up God” is SO beautiful, despite the very clear intellectual tone. The way she speaks about the expansive worldview she began to gain whilst losing her faith, was both real and relatable.
Her ability to have a nuanced conversation that involves intellect, curiosity and empathy is something everyone can benefit from.
More About Sarah
Sarah Henn Hayward has been writing since she cracked open her first “quiet time” devotional journal.
Sarah grew up in the Chicago suburbs, went to Marquette University for physical therapy, and moved to Spokane, WA, where she met her husband and grew their family. They love camping in the Pacific Northwest and take advantage of their beautiful surroundings as much as possible.
After her deconstruction and departure from the faith of her youth, Sarah felt lost and adrift. Being a Christian was the foundation of her identity, giving her life purpose and meaning. She turned to books for comfort. When the progressive Christian voices fell flat and the atheistic approaches to life couldn’t relate to her grief, she began writing her own spiritual memoir.
The process of writing Giving Up God unlocked a previously undiscovered part of Sarah’s brain, and she is now full of ideas for more books. She has plans for more non-fiction memoirs and a novel, and she has started writing a children’s chapter book series.
She’s been loving the process of writing and publishing, and she is excited to see where this journey will take her!
Connect With Us
- To find out more about Sarah head to her website
- You can also connect with Sarah over on Instagram – @shaywardwrites
- To connect with Sam on Instagram – @anchoredcounsellingservices
- Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.