Priscilla Shirer (INTERVIEW)
Priscilla
Shirer
The
“War Room” Interview
with
Kam Williams
Shirer Catches Fire!
A graduate of Dallas
Theological Seminary with a Master's degree in Biblical Studies,
Priscilla Shirer speaks at corporate conferences, organizations, and
before Christian audiences across the United States and around the
world. After ten years as a trainer and motivational speaker with
Ziglar Training Systems, she and her husband Jerry founded Going
Beyond Ministries.
Here, Priscilla talks about making her acting debut in the faith-based film War Room.
Kam Williams: Hi Priscilla, thanks for the interview.
Priscilla Shirer: I'm so grateful to have the opportunity.
KW: What interested you in War Room?
PS: I was initially drawn to this film because of the people who were behind it. The Kendrick brothers [Alex and Stephen] are such men of integrity. Their previous work is not only an accurate indicator of their character but also of their authentic desire to use their films to affect life change. They are so talented. Their writing and commitment to excellence is obvious. Then, when I read this script, I was thrilled to see such emphatic emphasis on the power of prayer.
KW: How would you describe the film in 25 words or less?
PS: War Room will unveil the real enemy hiding behind some of life's pressing problems, then remind you to go to battle with a weapon that works: prayer. That might be a few more than 25 words, but I tried. [Laughs]
KW: Your character Elizabeth's husband, Tony, is abusive, emotionally-unavailable, a liar, a philanderer and a crook. What redeeming qualities does he have to make the relationship worth all the angst?
PS: Tony is a good provider. He takes that role very seriously and prides himself on it. Sadly, he often does so at the expense of the health of his marital and parental relationships. The arc of his character and the story also show that he has a heart that becomes tender. When convicted, he responds instead of ignoring and refusing to obey God's leading. Tony is willing to do whatever it takes to make things right. Often in relationships, “willingness” is the determining factor of whether or not a relationship can survive. And Tony is willing.
KW: What message do you think people will take away from the film?PS: I believe that people will leave the theater with a renewed desire to prioritize their prayer lives. They'll become aware, maybe even for the first time, of the enemy's tactics and schemes. Then, they'll want to craft their own war rooms and strategies to claim victory in their lives.
KW: You are a wife, mother, author, minister, inspirational speaker, and now an actress. How do you juggle all those responsibilities?PS: Balance is a constant struggle for me. Just like it is for any working mother. Most often, just when I feel like I've gotten a handle on things - they change. The children get older, their activities vary, my own schedule shifts and our travel or work demands escalate. So, I'm learning that the only way to balance my life is to consistently ask the Lord what His priorities are for me and my family during that particular season and then discipline myself to orient everything around those priorities. This requires saying "no" to a lot of opportunities and invitations, both personal and occupational, that might jeopardize His priorities for this season.
It's not always easy but it is always worth it. Every "no" is a simultaneous "yes" to another area of your life.
KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?
PS: "What do you really want out of life?" and also "What's your favorite food?" Because eating is my hobby.
KW: What's your favorite food to cook?
PS: Homemade pancakes and waffles.
KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?
PS: Love Does by Bob Goff.
KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?
PS: Sitting in a pile of leaves with my father and sister at my childhood home. He'd just raked them and then invited us both to jump in with him.
KW: Was there a meaningful spiritual component to your childhood?
PS: Yes, my parents incorporated devotions into our regular family rhythm. After dinner (which we had together on most nights) Dad would open the Bible, read a passage, explain it, and then we'd pray together. We were just like all kids - chuckling, yawning and wishing we could be excused from the table - but he did it anyway. I'm so grateful.
KW: Who loved you unconditionally during your formative years?
PS: Without a doubt, my father and mother.
KW: The Pastor Alex Kendrick question: When do you feel the most content?
PS: I feel most content when my husband and I are at home in the evening and our children are safely in bed. When the day's events are over and we are all under the same roof, safe and sound with the outside world at bay, I am content.
KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?
PS: A woman who is constantly evolving physically, mentally and emotionally. New wrinkles peeking through but also refreshed enthusiasm about the years to come. I see contentment and ease and gratitude for the life I've been given.
KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?
PS: To be able to eat anything I wanted and yet never be so full that I couldn't eat more. And of course, to not gain a single pound.
KW: What was your very first job?
PS: I was a clerk at a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop.
KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh?
PS: Yesterday, with my baby brother Anthony. We laughed about a family memory from years ago... Had us in stitches... Tears stinging our eyes.
KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you believe all successful people share?
PS: Successful people are action-oriented. They don't let fear or insecurity cripple them. They are willing to risk failure.
KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
PS: Submit your gifts and talents back to the Lord. And then ask Him to open your eyes to see His opportunities for you. They will likely look different than what you anticipated--smaller, with less recognition and notoriety. Be willing to do them anyway.
KW: Lastly, what’s in your wallet?
PS: My license, a debit card, and a gift card someone gave me to my favorite clothing store.
KW: Thanks again for the time, Priscilla, and best of luck with War Room.
PS: Thank you, Kam.
To see a trailer fopr War Room, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIl-XY9t_Lw
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