Finding our God-given purpose is just the first step—it’s truly owning who He meant us to be that makes a difference, because follow through and commitment mean everything. However, earthly obstacles can get in our way of fully believing in and accepting ourselves. That’s why we need Christ so desperately, to help us understand our own value. Gospel singer Kierra Sheard-Kelly has waded through her fair share of negativity and body-shaming, and pursuing a career in the spotlight meant that there were scores of mean comments thrown her way. Kierra decided that she’d fortify herself by rooting her heart and her feelings in the word of God, which centered her and helped her embrace how God shaped her. Now, she’s living her faith boldly and proudly, encouraging others to stand out. Fox News anchor Shannon Bream started out as a lawyer, but felt a deep pull to the world of journalism, and sacrificed endlessly to work her way in. After being told by one television exec that she wasn’t good for TV, and that she’d never make it in the business, Shannon took a good hard look at her skills and her purpose, dug her heels in, and trusted that God would open the doors needed, and eventually she was led to a series of opportunities that got her where she is today. Now, she’s sharing stories about women in the Bible who sat at God’s feet, and is highlighting how passionately Christ cared for His relationships with women—placing them in positions where they can maximize their influence. 

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Romans 8:38 and 39

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Past interview: Mike Weaver

Upcoming interview: Darryl Strawberry

Kierra Sheard-Kelly

Clark Sisters

Big, Bold, and Beautiful: Owning the Woman God Made You to Be

Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

Proverbs 11:14

Shannon Bream

Fox News at Night

Women of the Bible Speak

Finding the Bright Side

Liberty University

Florida State

Miss America pageant program

Miss USA

Brit Hume

Fox News

Queen Esther

Deborah

Interview Quotes:

“I literally have gotten so many answers from my advisors. And that can be my friends, my loved ones, my sibling, anybody that I feel like God has said yes to. And they've contributed so much to the path of my life.” - Kierra Sheard-Kelly

“I live my faith, bold and proud, by owning who I am, owning what God is doing in my life.” - Kierra Sheard-Kelly

“Because you know Jesus, it doesn't make you small, it doesn't make you weird, it doesn't make you abnormal, it actually puts you in a secure place, in a sure place,” - Kierra Sheard-Kelly

“There's a glory that rests on your life, and heaven is rejoicing when you live it out and when you own it.” - Kierra Sheard-Kelly

“Even if you don't speak the same language, you can have the same heart and be a part of the body of Christ.” - Shannon Bream

“Your job cannot be your God, it can't be what drives your life.” - Shannon Bream

“Jesus treated women as equals. They were studying with Him at His feet, which was not commo