Embracing the Rain interviews Shelly Wilson

Growing up in a small town with big dreams was all this ordinary girl could think about. Spending most Saturday nights behind a shut bedroom door singing into an old Coke bottle to Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters was a regular occurrence. It would infuriate me to hear my family clapping outside the door and interrupting my own personal moment. Growing up in a local church I suffered terrible stage fright to the point that when my mouth opened, NOTHING came out. But, oh, how I wanted to sing. For as long as I can remember, this was my heart’s desire.

A few months after my baby boy was born, I began having difficulty breathing, fatigue, and really weird moments of unusual feelings. One day I just couldn’t get out of bed. I had no strength left. Several physicians later there were no answers except anxiety, panic attacks and soon came depression from the lack of findings. From days of not being able to function to nights of complete insomnia I was exhausted. All the medications intensified the symptoms and I began having horrible nightmares. Fear consumed my every moment. I could not make decisions anymore and I was totally not myself.

My last two years have been full of trials, doubts, and very unusual moments. But, oh, what I was missing. The album was God’s plan, and trust me; He put it all together from beginning to end. The song “In the Midst”-which became the Album title- I wrote during a prayer walk. Maybe you should know I don’t read music, write music, or play an instrument. Every word, every melody, was in my head when I finished the walk-- delivered by God Himself.

Anxiety and panic attacks were how God got my attention. I am a little (for those of you who actually know me you will say a WHOLE lot) obsessive-compulsive in nature, which at times is overwhelming. Funny thought, God must have known one day that He would use that trait for His advantage. After all, He did create my passions, my characteristics, and me. Many times we must be broken in order to serve Him, for it is in our desperate times that we turn to our Savior with humility. I will not tell you life is always easy now, as I still struggle, but the difference is I have hope in Jesus. I live for Him now and I sing for Him now. He fills me with joy and gives me a purpose. One of my favorite scriptures is Proverbs 3:5-6 “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and not your own judgments, always let Him lead you and He will clear a path for you to follow.”

Trust me!---I am an unworthy sinner saved only by His grace. I am an insecure individual with many blessings I do not deserve. But several things for you to keep in mind that I have learned through my personal trials are these: “He will never leave you comfortless, he will come to you.” (John 14:18) and “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). You can know Him as I have come to know Him, but you must seek Him. Do not rely on everyone else when it comes to learning about our Lord! Open your Bible and read about Him yourself. That is where you will find all He has for you. He will reveal miraculous things about Himself to you. He is one big adventure. He is an absolute blast and has a fantastic sense of humor. He is REAL!! Pray faithfully and honestly and He will show you amazing things.

If you do not know Jesus, or have turned away in disbelief, I pray you will seek the truth. The death Jesus endured on the cross was a debt he paid for us all, not just a chosen few. You may think you have done too much wrong. Listen, Jesus was the only perfect One in the entire world. You can’t work or buy your way into heaven, and no amount of good deeds will get you there, if you do not accept Jesus as your personal Savior. My friends----it is so very simple. Faith alone in Christ alone is all he asks, so repent of your sins and accept the free gift he has given you. Giving up the sinful nature is not a means to salvation; it is a result of salvation. Do not let anyone mislead you: Jesus takes you just as you are and He will help you change.

I hope this has been encouraging for you. If He can change my life, He can also change yours. I am happy to pray with you or spend time with you to talk about Jesus and my experiences. Do not let another day pass without knowing the One who gave His life for YOU!

Love,
Shelly

“ For I cannot help but speak what I have seen and heard.” - (Acts 4:20)

1. What is your favorite bible scripture? Ephesians 3:20 Now unto Him who is able to do immeasurably more than you could ever ask or imagine according to the power within us.

2. Who is your favorite Christian artist? I have many but some are The McRaes, Karen Clark Sheard, Kerri Crocker, Steven Coy Cook

3. Where do you hope to be in 10 years? I hope to be closer to Jesus than I am today, working with Him in ministry nonstop and helping my family any way necessary.

4. How did the Lord take away your panic attacks? He just got me to a place where I was no longer afraid, knowing He was in control. Even later when I had episodes, they were not panic stricken just annoying. I knew I could trust Him.

5. What is the greatest accomplishment you have achieved so far and how did you do it? Hands down writing original music and honestly I don't do it-It can only be God. Each time He gives me a new song I marvel in it knowing there is no way possible I as a human could have written it by myself.

6. What do you feel women are faced with today as their greatest obstacle and how do you aim to help them through your music? I think women face alot of stresses keeping up with family, ministry, and work. We are always trying to figure out if our priorities are right.. I pray constantly that the Lord would take things off my schedule that are not appointed by Him because I know I will simply struggle through them unless it's His will.

7. What other activities are you involved in besides your music? Mainly my children and their school activities. My husband and I love to go watch our kids play sports and whatever else they like to do. We like to be there for them during those times.

8. What brought you to Christian music rather than secular music? When the Lord called me to sing for Him naturally I began listening to Christian music. There is as much COOL music out there that is Christian as there is in the secular market. People just do not always know about it.

10. How does your music influence your daily life? What I am doing in music fills me with joy because I know it's what He anointed me to do. There is no greater joy than living out your call with Jesus. That spills over into my relationships, my work, and my family.

For more information on Shelly Wilson check out her web site at shelly wilson.com