Broken & Beloved: A Memoir of Grit, Perseverance and Unstoppable Faith

by Felicitas Feli Sebastian, Charlene Homan (Editor)

A book of self-discovery and transformation, Feli takes you through the rutted roads of the Philippines, along the coast of the Bay of Bengal in South India, and across the American heartland on her quest to find inner peace and help formerly incarcerated women create a better tomorrow for themselves and their families. At age 12, she began her career pedaling patis in the streets of Manila to help feed her family of nine, which later grew to 13. She spent many years teaching primary students in the Philippines before immigrating to the United States in 1981. Navigating through her personal labyrinth, she explored the Catholic Sisterhood, lived in an ashram in India, and earned her Ph.D. in counseling. Feli’s path was unfamiliar and unstable, but she listened to God’s calling and felt Him by her side. That is, until she felt abandoned. She remained steadfast, however, in her drive to help others, creating Labyrinth Outreach Services in 2005 to help formerly incarcerated women find their path to freedom – freedom from their past, their addictions and freedom to find their inner peace. Join Feli as she navigates her way. Become inspired to find your place of rest. You may be broken, but you are His Beloved.

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Brenda E. Mcdaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Caring Heart!!

This was a heartwarming and interesting book. It told the story about Feli a woman from the Philippines. She spent her life taking care of her family. And helping hurting people through her Counseling positions. She also through years of perserverance developed the nonprofit called Labyrinth. To help women inmates , who were to be released. To help counsel those with addiction and mental health issues. And develop job skills, help with education and housing needs. Feli and many others who helped dreams come true. This book is about people with big dreams and big caring hearts who served other's. A great read!!

[Kray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feli’s journey is remarkable and beautifully told. Her resilience, faith, and calling to serve others leap off the page. What touched me most was her courage to face loneliness, uncertainty, and even moments of spiritual silence, yet she continued to trust. The way she turned her struggles into a mission to help formerly incarcerated women is nothing short of inspiring. The writing feels heartfelt, authentic, and full of wisdom. This book reminds readers that even the most winding paths can lead to grace. I closed it feeling encouraged and deeply grateful.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t post here often, but I had to share this one. Someone in another book club recommended Broken & Beloved by and wow, it’s more than a memoir; it’s a journey of the soul. The way she writes about trusting God through loss and uncertainty is just beautiful. You travel with her through the Philippines, India, and America, feeling her faith tested and restored. It’s powerful, raw, and deeply healing. If you’re looking for something that stirs both your mind and spirit, read this next.

[Melissa Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - cover to cover. Feli's story is woven together so beautifully. I love how she can point to her purpose throughout her life - perhaps not having known it at the time - but as she looks back.

[Shelly Shoop-Bozarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Easy read about a woman’s journey about her amazing upbringing, moving to another continent, and falling in love. A truly heartfelt story about a girl from the Philippines who was raised by strict parents whom expected her to take an active role in the household chores, but who also loved and supported her throughout her life. They taught her the art of entrepreneurship and gave her strong spiritual guidance which would prove to be her saving grace later in life. The chapters flew by as I read of her attempt to break free from an addicting 35 year long relationship. This amazing woman also founded 3 non-for-profit organizations which were instrumental in empowering all women in her community. The tenacity and perseverance she possesses is nothing short of incredible. She is an example of what all women strive to become. A brave, intelligent, educated woman with a heart of gold and the caring and giving soul of a saint. She is an eloquent story teller who captures her audience’s attention and holds it until the very end. A must read!