Here and Now and Small and Close
We believe words can change the world.
Well, more accurately, we believe words can change people who can change the world.
And, as we’ve all experienced as children, when those words are paired with beautiful pictures, the results can be transformative, which is why we’re looking to release a book into the world that will be path-altering for good humans of every age.
No matter how old we are, we all need to know that our presence here matters, that we have significance, that we get to leave our mark on this place.
The heart of HNSC is that we always have two things: proximity to pain and agency in alleviating it. We don’t have to be overwhelmed by all that we can’t do, we simply need to leverage our lives right where we are, without delay.
I am always somewhere. I am always someone. I can always do something.
Get to Know Us
John Pavlovitz
John is a writer, pastor, and activist known for his bold voice at the intersection of faith and justice.
A former megachurch pastor turned progressive Christian leader, he speaks candidly about inclusion, empathy, and the radical love of Jesus. Through his widely read Substack newsletter, The Beautiful Mess, and his best-selling books, including IF GOD IS LOVE, DON’T BE A JERK, A BIGGER TABLE, and WORTH FIGHTING FOR, John challenges readers to live out a faith and life that welcome everyone. He continues to travel, speak, and write, inspiring communities to pursue justice, compassion, and spiritual integrity in a divided world.
Stacey Chomiak
Stacey (she/her) is an artist, author and LGBTQ+ speaker.
She worked as a designer and art director in the animation industry for 13 years, and is now focusing her talent on writing and illustrating kids books that represent the queer community. Her illustrated memoir STILL STACE: MY GAY CHRISTIAN COMING-OF-AGE STORY published in 2021. Most recently she illustrated RAINBOW BOY AND THE PRIDE PARADE, which published May 2025 by Beaming Books. Stacey loves to dance with her two kids, cycle by the river, and paint anything that inspires her.
This book is only the beginning.
While the centerpiece of this campaign is a well-crafted, lovingly created book for children of all ages, we hope it will serve as the launching pad for a movement that will foster multigenerational conversations throughout the world, about what it means to live with compassion in a time when cruelty is trending.
We dream that HNSC will be the first of a series of books, art projects, and surrounding conversations that will unapologetically celebrate the intrinsic worth of all people.
We need fellow dreamers!
We simply cannot bring this book and its message into the world without you!
We all know how much cruelty is out there, how frightening the days are, and how helpless we often feel.
It’s increasingly difficult for projects of inclusivity and diversity to find a home without censoring or editing, and by partnering with us, you’ll help us normalize compassion through the Arts.
Thanks for joining us on this adventure!
John and Stacey