Pain is for a purpose, and our next interviewee knows this better than anyone.
My little brother Jonathan introduced me to Trent Shelton many years ago, and I’ve been intrigued by his passion and mission ever since. Trent was a college football standout but his NFL dreams were cut short and he was left with no job and no prospects. He was an expectant father with no way to provide for his child. Life, for him, seemed hopeless.
He decided to start sharing videos on social media chronicling his journey, and through this process, he discovered his true purpose in life – inspiring and motivating others. His social media influence grew rapidly, and he now reaches over 50 million people through his online content and live speaking events. His latest book (and podcast) is called, “Straight Up,” and is comprised of honest, unfiltered, as-real-as-he-can-put-it advice for life’s biggest challenges.
His testimony has inspired so many, and I’m glad you will have the opportunity to be inspired today too! For further inspiration, visit his website here! But, before you go, please leave him a word of encouragement in the comment section below!
Priscilla
- If you could describe this season of your life in one word, what word would it be? Why?
Peaceful. I’m just in a place where I’m truly focusing on the things that matter, and letting go of the things that don’t. My perspective in seeing the goodness in everything is at an all-time high.
- In terms of your career, before you knew you would be _______________, you almost . . .
Before I knew I’d be a speaker, I almost became a rapper.
- In what ways do you ensure that your career path serves the purposes of God and encourages His people?
I make sure that whatever stage I’m on I give God the glory and in sharing my story, people can see just how much Jeremiah 29:11 is so true.
- Fill in the blank. I am not a very _____________ person.
I am not a very talkative person.
People always assume since I’m a speaker that I like to talk, lol. I’m introverted and I actually enjoy listening more than I enjoy talking. So, if you’re ever around me, you can expect me to be very quiet and laid back.
- Name your biggest strength and your biggest weakness? How has each served you as you’ve fulfilled your purpose?
My biggest strength is emotional resilience, and my biggest weakness has to be structure in my career.
Emotional resilience has helped me push through the hard times and struggles that this life brings. It has helped me understand that struggle can produce everlasting strength. When it comes to not liking structure, it has helped me be more creative and not keep myself in a box. The downside, I’m not as organized as I’d like to be.
- When is the last time you laughed so hard that it hurt?
A while ago, me and my son were watching his football highlights and were reminded of some things that were hilarious.
- What has been the most difficult season in your life? How did you get through it?
The most difficult season was getting cut from the NFL and losing my football career. The best way I got through it was not keeping my emotions bottled in, growing closer to God, and understanding that this chapter was not my story, it was just a part of it.
- If this were your last year on earth, what would you want to spend your time doing?
I would want to get out in nature with those that I love and connect with God’s peace.
- If you could make three wishes and there were no limitations on what you could request, what would you wish for?
I would wish everyone would build a deep personal relationship with God. I would wish everyone would live in their true calling. I would wish for three more wishes, lol.
- If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?
Just to be straight up about it . . . I would tell my younger self, “Stop tripping, God’s got you.” I look back and realize I was stressing about things that God had in control the whole time.
*These blog interviews are designed only to be fun, informative and introductory. GB Ministries has varying levels of familiarity with each participant so their presence here does not equal our endorsement of or full alignment with theological doctrine or political perspective.
