Alumna Combines Her Talents with Graphic Design Degree to Publish Magazine

Sarah Schurman, ’19, Created ‘Sit Still My Daughter’ to Encourage Christian Women

“Sit still, my daughter.” These words from Ruth 3:18 are a constant source of encouragement to Sarah Schurman, a 2019 alumna of Gardner-Webb University. Through life’s chaotic times, this phrase from the Old Testament reminds her to stay calm and trust God.

Because she wanted to share her experiences with others, Schurman began writing a blog in 2014 and launched a podcast in December 2019. However, she aspired to do more to share her faith. “For several years, I looked for a Christian magazine that was geared specifically for women, one that contained information that was relevant to current topics—not just how to lose weight in 10 days or prevent wrinkles by using this cream,” Schurman noted on her website, sitstillmydaughter.com. “I wanted to read stories of women who were struggling in the same areas that I was and how they were able to overcome. I could not find what I was looking for.”

As she searched for a magazine, Schurman thought about the women she knows whose stories and testimonies have blessed and encouraged her. She asked them if they would be willing to contribute an article, and in July 2020, the first edition of “Sit Still my Daughter” was published in digital and printed formats. The winter edition came out recently.

Schurman, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from GWU, has always enjoyed seeing her ideas come to life. “My desire is to use the gifts I have been given coupled with the knowledge I acquired during my time at GWU to encourage women in their walk with the Lord,” she affirmed. “I wanted the magazine to remind Christian women that they are not alone, that God does see them and He does care, and there are others who understand what they are going through.”

She’s received positive feedback and is quick to recognize the source of her success. “This project would not have been accomplished without God’s hand of blessing,” affirmed Schurman, who lives in Greenville, S.C. “I was in need of someone who could help with the editing, He provided three volunteers. Those who I asked to write an article said yes and were extremely supportive of my journey. When I look over this finished project, I see God throughout, from beginning to end and I want to praise Him.”

Schurman, formerly of Shelby, N.C., chose to attend Gardner-Webb because it was close to home, and she could easily transfer from the community college. She appreciated her professors and the knowledge they shared. “I enjoyed my teachers and the lessons they taught me and the encouragement they gave me,” she asserted. “They care and want to help you succeed. I learned to take pride in my work no matter how small the task.”