Master storyteller brings faith into media
Tyler Perry may be best known for his writing and production skills – his innate ability to tell the right story in a way that engages his audience and leaves them coming back for more, but it’s his own story and personal testimony that may be one of the best stories never told…until now.
While not yet in the form of a feature film, Perry’s book, Higher is Waiting, which tells the filmmaker’s story is inspiring others as he opens up about his childhood, love for his mother, and overcoming seemingly impossible odds to be one of the most successful filmmakers in history, and maintains his faith has made all the difference.
A history of success
In case you didn’t know, Perry’s films have grossed billions of dollars, brought humor to millions of homes, and inspired young and old. Now he’s inspiring others to live out their own destiny with his own story of forgiveness, perseverance, overcoming abuse, and homelessness to become today a leading business person, faith leader, and philanthropist.
Hailing originally from New Orleans, Perry knows it is the work of God in his life and the prayers of those who support him that have brought him to where he is today. His 330-acre studios in Atlanta now serve as the epicenter for his endeavors, yet he credits God for giving it to him.
“These kids come in all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed wide-eyed and they say you did this, and I tell them this is what God has done for me.”
Faith has played a key role
His faith has played a key role in his success and for Perry, it’s a living faith, a real relationship with God that he maintains on a daily basis.
“Every day before we go on set before we do any show, we gather hand and hand and we pray in Jesus name, that’s where we are praying. Every day.”
“My destiny, my dream, and my goal were not just for me. There are people who are waiting for you to take your place. So that they can get in line with what God is doing for them. It’s almost like you don’t have a choice. Stand where God wants you to so that the saucer, the cup runneth over and get the blessing as well.
Invitation to pray
Perry explained his whole company is invited to pray, though not forced of course. He stands amazed at what God has done because he took a step of faith and believed.
This perspective and practice have helped Perry see God’s hand in his life and how he works everything together for good.
“I am a living witness that everything works together for good.”
Every experience, the good, the bad, the hard, worked together for Perry’s good. Now his hope is for more people to pursue their higher for them, whatever that might be.
“If I went through this and I made it to a higher level even though I feel like there is higher for me to go. If I made it you can too. What is your higher in your life? What is the next step in love in finances in family friendships? What is that for you? Reach for that. Pray for that. Strive for that. Fast for that. Ask God for that. Don’t stop pushing until you get that. That’s what I want people walking away with, that kind of encouragement.”
