Sarah Young, born in 1946, was an American author whose spiritual journey led her to Christianity and a career in writing. After a period of being a lapsed Christian, she experienced a profound spiritual encounter in Switzerland, which led to her conversion. She later served as a missionary in Japan with her husband, Stephen, before returning to the United States and later Australia, where she established a counseling practice for women who had experienced abuse. Her work involved practices like "listening prayer," where she would record her perceived divine messages.

This practice became the foundation for her most successful book, "Jesus Calling." Despite initial rejections, the book was eventually published and gained immense popularity, leading to a series of related books and merchandise. Young's writings, often presented as messages from Jesus, sold millions of copies worldwide. She was known for her private nature, preferring minimal public engagement. Young passed away in 2023 at the age of 77, following a battle with leukemia. Her work, while popular, also drew criticism from some religious figures.

Born Sarah Jane Kelly in Tennessee in 1946, Young's early life included education in Virginia and college studies at Wellesley, where she earned a philosophy degree. She later pursued a master's in child development. Initially a lapsed Christian, her spiritual path shifted significantly after encountering the work of theologian Francis Schaeffer. A pivotal experience at an evangelical center in Switzerland marked her conversion to Christianity. This led her to train as a Christian counselor and meet her future husband, Stephen Young, a missionary. The couple spent eight years serving as missionaries in Japan, where they raised their two children.

Following their missionary service, the Youngs relocated to Atlanta, where Sarah earned another master's degree, this time in counseling. The family later moved to Australia, where Young established a practice focused on helping women who had suffered sexual or spiritual abuse. During a period of meditation on divine protection, she experienced a profound sense of peace and light. Around 1992, she began a devotional journal, practicing what she termed "listening prayers," where she would transcribe thoughts she believed were from God. This personal journal would eventually form the core of her best-selling work.

Young's devotional journal entries were compiled into a manuscript that faced initial publishing challenges before ultimately securing a contract with Integrity, later part of Thomas Nelson. Published in 2004, "Jesus Calling" began with modest sales but experienced a surge in popularity, particularly after a marketing push. The book, structured as daily readings purportedly channeled from Jesus Christ, became a significant success within Christian literature. Its popularity spawned sequels like "Jesus Always" and "Jesus Today," along with a wide array of related products and media extensions, contributing to over 45 million units sold globally. However, the book also attracted criticism, with some accusing Young of blasphemy for writing in the voice of Jesus.

Young's later years were marked by ongoing health issues, including Lyme disease and melanoma, which often confined her to her home. In 2013, the couple moved back to Nashville. Despite her significant literary achievements, Young was known for her private nature, avoiding public appearances and interviews. Her work faced theological criticism from various figures who described her message as problematic, even occultic or pagan. Sarah Young passed away in August 2023 from leukemia at the age of 77, survived by her husband, children, siblings, and grandchildren.