Interview by Abner Jackson III

Shana Wilson-Williams was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan to Bishop Samuel and Lady J Wilson, founders/pastors of Community Christian Fellowship church where she serves as worship leader, and Music Ministry Coordinator.  Wilson-Williams is a worshipper, well known for her anointings in songwriting and ushering in God’s spirit in any given atmosphere.

Debuting on the gospel music scene back in 2006, Wilson-Williams has successfully released three Live worship albums over the course of her thriving career: The Nations Are Waiting, I Love You, and now Everlasting! Now, with “Everlasting” already hitting #1 on the iTunes Gospel Charts, Wilson-Williams is ready to take the ministry on the road!

Tell readers about your third album and your favorite songs on the album?

My new album is literally my heart, I say that because I wrote every last song.  Each song was birthed through many test, but victories.  My favorite songs are Y.O.U, It’s In The Room, and Go Jesus.

Was it easier to record this album, compared to your first and second album?

Yes, it was much easier.

What was it like growing up as a preacher’s kid and what inspired you to become a singer?

Very difficult but rewarding.  As a kid, it was hard to grasp the fact everyone knew our lives, everyone shared my parents with my siblings and I.  I started singing in my parents church.  I grew to love my Jesus for myself, my parents made sure we prayed, worship God and were involved in the church.

Artist you would like to perform with or do a duet with?

CeCe Winans, Darlene Zschech, and Yolanda Adams.

What are the pros and cons of being a gospel artist?

The pro’s you get to learn and glean from people you grew up listening to.  The cons, it’s hard convincing the “world” we are human just like them.

What was it like working with Travis Greene and Tasha Cobbs Leonard?

Travis Greene and Tasha are great people.  They both bring a energy to a song out of this world.

Any upcoming concerts or tours by the end of the year?

Yes, we are looking to do some pop-up dates this fall.

What is your best memory as a gospel artist?

There was a little girl that came up to me after a concert and told me my songs saved her from committing suicide.

What is your favorite album?

Everlasting.

What random stranger has had the biggest impact on your life?

There was a young lady who came to my concert, afterwards she greeted me at my table. Her and her husband were so generous to my family and I.  We’ve stayed in touch to this day.

What was the last thing to make you cry?

The birth of my daughter.

If you could change one thing about the world what would it be and why?

The way the world views the church.  It’s just like you going to a bad restaurant, it won’t stop you from trying another location somewhere else.  That’s how people should treat the church.  Just because you have a bad experience at one church, doesn’t mean it’ll be the same at another one.

What would your dream vacation consist of if money wasn’t a factor?

I would love to go to Greece.

What’s the hardest thing, mentally, you’ve ever done or been through?

Around the age of 19 I held a secret from my parents, someone close to me told my parents before I did and it crushed me.  I contemplated suicide, but it didn’t work.  I wrote the song “Press In Your Presence” through that trial.  Since then I vowed I’d always be truthful and honest.  Keep an open line between my parents and I.  Now that I’m a mother I really see why it’s important to be open about everything to your parents.

What is the most significant love lesson you have learned?

When I met my husband I had just gotten out of a seven year relationship, I gave myself six months for “me time”.  After that my husband came along, I realized he came when God knew I was ready.  I was whole. Looking back, I see It wasn’t God holding up my husband it WAS ME.  I was so focused on making it work with someone who wasn’t my husband.  Wasn’t meant for me and wasn’t God-sent that I held up my own marriage from manifesting.  We need to learn how to get out of our own way.

If you could go back and pick a different profession, what would you choose?

I always wanted to be a teacher.

How can fans keep in contact with you?

http://www.shanawilsonwilliams.com/
http://www.facebook.com/shanawilsonwilliams/
http://instagram.com/shanawilsonwilliams
Twitter.com/shanawilson