“To win we must begin. Fear is where courage is born,” best-selling author Noah benShea writes in his most recent book, We Are All Jacob’s Children.
The beloved poet-philosopher will give an interpretive presentation titled “An Evening with Noah benShea and Jacob The Baker” at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 at the Marjorie Luke Theatre in Santa Barbara.
On the stage, benShea will speak in the persona of his famed character, Jacob, a baker who is the subject of his widely popular book series.
The timeless story is about a man whose humble life and profound wisdom are a source of hope, reflection and inspiration to individuals around him.
“My mission statement is to be a source of strength to others,” benShea told Noozhawk. “I’m looking for an evening where Jacob the baker will be what Jacob the baker has been for millions of people around the world — a source of strength.
“A wise and gentle friend,” benShea continued. “Somebody who affords gentle wisdom to a complicated world.”
At the event, benShea will step into the character of Jacob. He will answer questions submitted by the audience about spirituality, compassion and more.
Jacob is featured in a series of four books: Jacob the Baker; Jacob’s Journey; Jacob’s Ladder; and We Are All Jacob’s Children.
“Sometimes people will ask me, ‘Are you and Jacob the same person?’” benShea said. “I say — ‘We are. Except I’m the one with character flaws.”
benShea is the author of 28 books, including the Jacob The Baker series. His works have been translated into 18 languages and embraced by millions of readers worldwide.
His quotations were featured in many well-known places.
benShea’s thoughts were printed on millions of Starbucks coffee cups, as well as more than 60 million “Sugar for the Soul” packets that were been distributed nationally. His ideas also appeared on 100,000 tent cards in English and Spanish for Cottage Hospital patients’ meal trays.
The longtime Santa Barbara resident is participating as an esteemed speaker in the Mind, Body and Soul series, which is sponsored by Cottage Health, Pacifica Graduate Institute and VNA Health.
The memorable event is sponsored by VNA Health, Gerd and Peter Jordano, and Naomi and Ben Bollag.
General admission tickets are $25. Tickets are available by calling 800.838.3006 or online at www.luketheatre.org.
People can submit a question to benShea when purchasing a ticket for the event.
“I look forward to being able to be Jacob the baker to neighbors,” said benShea, who has called Santa Barbara home for more than 40 years. “I’m often invited all over the world to speak, but less so, have I been in my own community.”
Click here to learn more about benShea.
— Noozhawk staff writer Brooke Holland can be reached at bholland@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.