Denzel Washington: Alongside being recognized as one of the greatest actors of all time, the Christian actor is also known and respected for his advice and wisdom rooted in his faith. Denzel gave graduates at Dillard University four pillars of advice during his commencement address. One of those lessons is that it’s OK to fail big. “Don’t be afraid to fail big, to dream big, but remember, dreams without goals are just dreams. And they ultimately fuel disappointment…I try to give myself a goal every day, sometimes it’s just not to curse somebody out.” In his speech, filled with heavy religious overtones and some comedic relief, he acknowledged his imperfections, letting the graduates know that 40 years ago he was flunking out of college with a 1.7 GPA. But the actor was able to learn from his failures and mistakes and aspire to do great things.
Carrie Underwood: Carrie Underwood is one of the most outspoken Christians in Hollywood, unafraid to stand up for Christ in her personal and professional life. In both her interviews and her music, Carrie often expresses the importance of having Jesus Christ at the center of her relationships. She has also spoken about acceptance and how it’s not our place to judge others. In an interview with Allure magazine, Carrie said “…I am a Christian person, and I do love the Lord, and I feel no matter who you are, what you believe, how you live your life, it’s not my place to judge. I don’t want hat powers. It’s my place to love and to show God’s love to other people, even if they don’t live a life like I live.” Jesus offered us a new commandment in John 15, to love one another as He loved us. When we keep love at the center of who we are, we live better lives.
Tim Tebow: Football quarterback Tim Tebow is arguably one of the most outspoken Christian athletes, unafraid to share his faith on and off the field. In his book “Through My Eyes: A Quarterback’s Journey” he writes about his life, and reveals how his faith in God, his family values and his will to succeed have molded him into the person he is today. In the book, he says, “You and I were created by God to be so much more than normal…Following the crowd is not a winning approach to life. In the end it’s a loser’s game, because we never become who God created us to be trying to be like everybody else.” Despite jokes and criticism about his faith, he is unapologetic, unafraid to break from the mold to be the person God’s called him to be.
Angela Bassett: Award-winning Christian actress Angela Bassett is unafraid to share her faith publically, including in interviews. For Angela, it’s important that God is at the center of her journey and that she glorifies Him in all that she does. This includes living the best life she can live. “Don’t settle for average,” Angela says. “Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave it all you had. We need to live the best that’s in us.” When we strive for greatness in all that we do, all things are possible.
Stephen Colbert: In his keynote speech to the students at the University of Virginia, Christian comedian and Late Show host, Stephen Colbert spoke to the graduating class about the struggles they would face in the real world after college. His advice? For them to not allow others to define their reality. "Every generation must define itself, and so make the world that suits itself. If you must find your own path, and we have left you no easy path, then decide now to choose the hard path that leads to the life and the world you want," Stephen said. In a world where so many are faced with indecision, the comedian reminds us how important it is to create the lives we want to live and be the change we want to be.
Joseph Simmons (Rev. Run): Hip-hop pioneer Joseph Simmons, popularly known as Rev. Run is recognized not only for his musical legacy, but also for his values, faith and wisdom. One of his popular life lessons is around letting go of things in life that aren’t fruitful. “Do not anguish over your past! Let go of everything that does not nourish you,” Rev. Run says. Your past doesn’t define you, and when you let go of the things in your life that don’t bear fruit, you will in turn be nourished.
Faith Hill: Country singer Faith Hill is a devout Christian. Religion is a huge part of her life, and faith is where her strength comes from. Because of this, her songs often reflect her spirituality. Faith recognizes the importance of being happy, even when things in life seem to be falling apart. “I think beauty comes from within. If you’re happy and look at life in the best way you can, even when there are problems, it can make you beautiful on the outside,” Faith said. The way we see life and ultimately choose to live life is all about perspective.
Russell Wilson: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is unafraid to witness to others about his faith, and the power of being grounded in it. During a series of press questions before the 2014 Super Bowl, Russell talked about how faith has impacted his life, saying “At the end of the day, we are all looking for someone to comfort us, somebody to be there for us at all times. Jesus has always been there. He’ll never leave you, never forsake you.” When you’re rooted in Jesus for strength and comfort, you will never be disappointed.
