Man's book all about honesty, encouragement

SANDUSKY — A local man with deep area ties recently came out with his first book, "Different but Loved: A Devotional Journey of Disability, Faith, and the Love of Jesus." Travis Smith recently spoke about his latest work and the inspiration behind it: Q: What is your connection to the local area? TS: I was born and raised in Sandusky, Ohio, a lifelong resident, and this community has always been home to me. I attended Perkins High School and graduated in 2022. I also completed the Clark Inclusive Program at BGSU Firelands. I currently serve as a young life leader where I walk closely with students as they navigate faith, identity and belonging. Q: What do you enjoy about being an author? TS: Writing allows me to transform real-life experiences, especially challenges, into something meaningful. Being an author reminds me that my story has purpose and that God can use it to encourage others who feel different, overlooked, or discouraged. Q: What is your book about? TS: "Different but Loved" is a devotional-style book that shares my journey of growing up with an intellectual developmental disability and discovering my identity, worth and faith in Jesus. The book centers on hope, grace, and the truth that being different does not mean being unloved. Q: Why should readers pick up your book? How can they get it? TS: This book is for anyone who has ever felt out of place, struggled with self-worth or questioned where they belong. It is written with honesty and encouragement. The book is available on Amazon. Q: What's the inspiration behind this book? TS: I wrote this book because so often — whether someone has a disability or not — people feel they need certain degrees, money or fame to be used by God. My life and this book are a reminder that with Jesus, all things are possible, and no one is disqualified from having purpose. Q: What else would you like people to know about your work? TS: The response to "Different but Loved" has been incredibly encouraging. The book has received strong reviews, and many readers have reached out personally to share how it made a difference in their lives and helped them feel seen and understood. This book would not have been possible without the support of my Aunt Lori, my family and friends and, most importantly, Jesus, who carried me through the writing process and gave me the courage to tell my story. Right now, Smith continues to work on his second book, "Different but Hopeful."