Jeremiah 29:13 – “Seek me and you’ll find me.”
Alumna Elizabeth (Andrews) Smith has done just that. Smith’s new audiobook “The Ocean Talks” dives into her journey of looking for, seeking, and finding God.
The subtitle of her book, “Become Submerged and Consumed by God,” signifies the theme of the book. Following God means by being submerged in Him you are then consumed by Him, but they do not work if they are not done together.
“You can be the sand that kind of gets touched by the waves or the sand that is fully submerged,” Smith said.
Writing a book may seem simple but behind the scenes it is not always so easy. Setting deadlines is a huge method for anyone who thrives on schedules and routines.
“It was a process of obedience,” Smith said.
Not only was choosing to write the book difficult, but so was the actual writing and teaching part of it. Because this book is for the most part a learning book, chapters two through four were more challenging considering Smith had to pull more scripture and try to get everything she wanted across correctly and not get it wrong. 
After her years at Starr’s Mill, Smith decided not to follow the beaten path of going to college. Instead, she joined the National Outdoor Leadership School. This program provided her with an opportunity to backpack Alaska after graduating in May of 2014 and go be a nanny in Australia for nine months.
“I want an adventure,” Smith said. “[I want to] live life.”
While at Starr’s Mill, Smith was involved in multiple clubs and sports such as volleyball, cross country, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. At the time, students would come one morning a week and circle up in the rotunda and pray. Never really having one friend group, Smith was considered a floater and had many different friends and groups throughout her high school career.
“I enjoyed high school,” Smith said, “and had a really positive experience.”
God really seemed to put this book mission on her heart and would not let her do anything else. Pushing through fears and insecurities is always the first step when doing such a big project with such a big powerful meaning.
“I can choose not to do this but I don’t really want to find out what happens if I don’t.” Smith said
As an alumna, Smith wants all Starr’s Mill students to never settle for what they think is expected. There is always something more out there. She also wants students to look for God.
Smith’s audiobook launches August 31 on Spotify and will possibly have a print edition eventually.