Shannon Perry shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Shannon, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I am in LOVE with my new adopted dog, Bella Pearl. A good Southern girl, she’s a beautiful German Shepherd who is a protector and loves her Mama fiercely!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I was a school teacher and counselor for fourteen years before pursuing my current endeavors, so I’ve essentially had two careers throughout my life, and I’ve loved both!
Currently, I am an Award-Winning author, speaker, recording artist, and podcast host. I had a TV show that reached over 100 million homes and received an elite award that many Hollywood shows earn. but I’ve recently tried my hand at a podcast that will be airing soon titled “The Shannon Perry Show,” where we will discuss various topics that I teach on around the country.
I absolutely love speaking to women and teen girls around the country. I have multiple conferences I’ve designed for women and books to accompany each. I also have a special conference I teach for Moms and Teen girls called “In Her Shoes.”
I will begin my Coaching Program this Fall for women and teen girls.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I was badly bullied when I was a kid. I was slightly overweight, so the neighborhood kids had a nickname for me-“Big Mama.” I remember running home every night after I played outside. In tears, I would ask Mom and Dad why I was so ugly. I now understand that bullies, young and older, are just severely insecure people who need to hurt others because they are hurting. Instead of responding to them in adulthood, I walk away. There are still times the old voices try to creep in but I do my best to remember that God, my Creator, is the only one who gets to identify me because He made me.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I’ve experienced a lot of loss in my life. In the last eight years, I lost my Mom, Dad, two mentors, two very close friends, and last November, my husband. The grief of the losses hasn’t ended, just changed. I use these experiences to help teach others about the importance of trusting God in the darkest places of life. It’s not easy and I confess, there are days I struggle to understand all the loss myself, but my faith keeps me going. Even when I don’t “feel” what I believe, I know the promises of the Bible have never let me down. I don’t always understand God’s ways, but I know He can redeem even my darkest days, and I trust Him to do that for me.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to making a difference in this next generation. Our “In Her Shoes” events for Moms and Teen girls are a project I’m incredibly passionate about because I get to see first-hand what this generation of Moms and Teens need. Parents wonder if they’re getting it right and often feel like they can’t compete with all that this culture throws their way. Teen girls feel misunderstood and often judged by their parents.. We host one-day events and an annual camp to allow Moms and Daughters to connect in the areas that matter most. There is an incredible difference in so many of those who attend, and I’m so blessed to get to lead these events.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
What a great question, and one I think about daily. Honestly? I want to tell as many people as I can about the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. For me, there has been no other answer that I can teach.. We’re told a lot of lies these days, and for so many, there is no absolute truth. We’ve become a culture of believing what is “close enough” to the real truth, and that’s a dangerous place to live. For example, if I go to a pharmacist and say, “I need something for my head,” but the pharmacist says, “Just take this pill. It’s for your stomach, but it’s close enough,” I wouldn’t take it. I want something that will help my head! Many have asked, “What if you’re wrong” when it comes to believing what the Bible says. I say, “What if I’m right?” I encourage everyone to try God’s Word. While I don’t even understand how all of it works sometimes, I’m living proof that it does. It doesn’t make life pain-free, but it sure has helped me in the most painful moments. I want the next ten years of my life to leave a legacy of real, life-changing truth.
Contact Info:
- Website: Shannonperry.com; Inhershoestour.com
- Instagram: Shannon Perry Ministries
- Facebook: Shannon Perry Ministries
- Youtube: Shannon Perry
Image Credits
Sarah Hall Photography
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