Tacoma Perry, Fox News reporter and member of the Greater Atlanta Church of Christ, shares about the role of faith for professional singers – including that of Speech Thomas, evangelist of her congregation. Shared from www.myfoxatlanta.com
ATLANTA – It seems like these days, people will do anything to be famous. And in a town like Atlanta, where more and more stars are made, it can be hard to maintain personal integrity. But some entertainers are setting boundaries based on their faith.
There probably isn’t a minute of the day where you don’t look at the TV or the internet and just shake your head at the rich and famous. But success is being redefined by some local artists who say their faith comes first.
The negative effects of the entertainment industry on individuals has been well-documented – stars like Lindsey Lohan or Paris Hilton who are just as famous for their jail time as they are their screen time. But 13-year-old singer Gabbie Rae says that will never be her.
“I know that god has this place for me and I want to make him proud and I want to make my family proud,” said singer Gabbie Rae.
The young performer, who just signed a major record deal, is part of a growing number of artists who keep their spirituality and morale standards at the forefront of their careers. Adam She is the director of operations for Actors, Models and Talent for Christ or AMTC — a place where pictures of their clients and bible verses adorn the walls.
“We tell people that they have a self worth and that they must have a higher purpose for pursuing this industry. We go against any acts of desperation. Have a list of things that you will do and that you won’t do,” said She.
“I always know that my manager and my whole team, they’re not looking to put me in a harmful situation and that’s good. They know that i have the right to say no and when i do say no they respect that,” said Rae.
People at AMTC say having a higher standard doesn’t necessarily relegate you to the outskirts of the entertainment industry. In fact, some of their clients are very famous. The difference is, they answer to a higher calling.
Two time Grammy winner and leader of the Hip Hop group Arrested Development, Speech, answered that calling 15 years ago when he became a Christian.
“From my experience, the world is a spiritual world and that whether someone relates to spirituality or not or thinks they’re spiritual or not that there’s still a spiritual battle. And so for me it took on a higher purpose as to what my goal is and what my purpose is in music as I come out here as an entertainer,” said Speech. Read about a book Speech wrote about Success here.
Both Gabbie and speech say they’re not worried about what they’re losing because of their convictions, but instead focus on the incredible reward ahead.
“People recognize when you have deep conviction about where you stand and what you’re doing. People are inspired by that. They want it. They want to be near that in our sales, in our attendance at our concerts and people’s response to our new music,” said Speech.
Speech will be a part of an exciting event for anyone interested in the entertainment industry – an arts and entertainment conference. The conference will include classes, activities for kids and performances by other artists who are committed to both entertainment and their faith.
For information on the Atlanta church’s Arts & Entertainment Conference see http://www.aeconference.com/aande/2011.html
Here is the Video article…
