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Father and daughter memoir traces faith, grit and legacy

3 hours ago
By AI, Created 12:09 UTC, Aug 07, 2026, AGP -

S. Renee Smith and her father, William J. Smith, Sr., have released Go Further with God, a devotional memoir blending family history, Scripture and life lessons. The paperback is available now as the book frames a story of resilience, spiritual transformation and generational legacy.

Why it matters: - Go Further with God turns one family’s story into a faith-based guide for readers navigating loss, redirection, waiting and change. - The book aims to show how spiritual growth can emerge from hardship, not just success. - The memoir also preserves the legacy of William J. Smith, Sr., whose work shaped buildings and communities across three states.

What happened: - S. Renee Smith and William J. Smith, Sr. released a new devotional memoir, Go Further with God. - The book is available now in paperback wherever books are sold. - The story centers on William J. Smith, Sr.’s life, told through his experiences and interpreted through his daughter’s voice. - The project also includes the perspective of Reverend Shirley M. Smith, William’s wife of more than 65 years.

The details: - William J. Smith, Sr. ran away from home at 16 with no plan, no food and no bag. - He later dropped out of school in the ninth grade. - He became a business owner, master builder and community leader. - Smith Masonry, Inc. grew from nothing into a company that built homes, churches, commercial buildings and monuments across Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. - His legacy includes the William J. Smith, Sr. Community Hall and the endowed William J. and Reverend Shirley M. Smith, Sr. Scholarship Fund at Delaware State University. - The book is structured as a devotional memoir with seven chapters and 21 lessons. - Each lesson is grounded in Scripture and paired with true stories, devotional reflections and reader prompts. - The themes include healing, provision, redirection, surrender, divine timing, faith under pressure, sacred relationships, legacy and love. - Reverend Shirley M. Smith writes the devotional interlude that anchors the closing chapter. - S. Renee Smith said writing the book transformed her spiritually and changed her view of business, purpose and legacy. - William J. Smith, Sr. said the book reflects lessons from a life that began with uncertainty, missteps and a search for something more.

Between the lines: - The book is framed as both a personal testimony and a practical devotional, which broadens it beyond memoir into spiritual guidance. - The father-daughter collaboration adds generational weight to the message about faith and perseverance. - The emphasis on unfinished business, delayed answers and hidden guidance suggests the book is meant for readers in transition.

What's next: - Readers can buy the paperback now at the book's website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Better World Books. - Review copies, interview requests and additional information are available through S. Renee Smith at BrightKey PR. - The release positions the book for readers looking for a faith-centered resource on resilience, legacy and purpose.

The bottom line: - Go Further with God packages one family’s hard-earned faith into a devotional memoir built to encourage readers facing uncertainty and change.

Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.

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