Sheila Walsh
Encyclopedia
Dr. Sheila Walsh, D.Min. (born 5 July 1956, Ayr
, Scotland
) is a Scottish
-born contemporary Christian vocalist, songwriter
, evangelist
, author
, inspirational speaker, and talk-show host.
) in 1979 and music from the London Academy of Operatic Art. Walsh worked as an evangelist
with the British chapter of Youth For Christ
and sang with a group known as "The Oasis" until going solo in 1981. She also worked closely at this time with keyboard player Chris Rolinson, who contributed extensively to the unique sound on her first "new wave" style album, Future Eyes
. He also toured with her on her first United States tour, where she opened for Phil Keaggy
. As Walsh enjoyed some success both in the United Kingdom and America as a CCM
musician
, she was asked by minister Pat Robertson
to serve as a co-host of his television talk-show, The 700 Club
in 1987. Walsh served in this capacity into 1992 and also hosted her own talk-show, Heart to Heart with Sheila Walsh.
Ideological differences with Pat Robertson and general feelings of depression brought Walsh to re-examine her life's direction. After leaving Pat Robertson's enterprises in 1992 she sought therapy for her depression, eventually returning to college at Fuller Theological Seminary
in California
to take on doctoral studies in theology
. Pat Robertson explained her departure from CBN as the result of a "nervous breakdown" brought on by the tremendous demands of her work with CBN. He asked his viewers to keep her in their prayers and ask God to give her the strength to continue doing His work.
She went on to write a book exploring her struggle with depression and her experiences with her faith as a Christian, entitled Honestly. While Walsh had written several books on theology before, this autobiography would become the wellspring of her later work on personal aspects of faith and would set the tone for her introspective, personal, but evangelical approach to affairs of modern theology.
Over the course of the latter 1990s, Walsh's work has concerned women's issues within the church and the unique relationship of the contemporary woman with God. She has written over seventeen books including Honestly, Living Fearlessly, and Life is Tough, but God is Faithful. She has also written several books for children recently. She also has continued her musical career as a songwriter and singer and has recorded several albums of new Christian music and traditional hymns arranged to a Celtic sound.
In 2005, Walsh partnered with Tommy Nelson publishers to create a line of children's books and DVDs called Gigi, God's Little Princess TM. The brand has become the #1 Christian Girl's brand and continues to be popular and releases new products.
Walsh, with her family, is now an active attendee of Prestonwood Baptist Church
, in Plano, Texas
.
As of 2007, Walsh has appeared on many TV programs such as: Life Today, Hour of Power and The Rock Gospel Show (BBC
) among many others.
Ayr
Ayr is a town and port situated on the Firth of Clyde in south-west Scotland. With a population of around 46,000, Ayr is the largest settlement in Ayrshire, of which it is the county town, and has held royal burgh status since 1205...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
) is a Scottish
Scottish people
The Scottish people , or Scots, are a nation and ethnic group native to Scotland. Historically they emerged from an amalgamation of the Picts and Gaels, incorporating neighbouring Britons to the south as well as invading Germanic peoples such as the Anglo-Saxons and the Norse.In modern use,...
-born contemporary Christian vocalist, songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
, evangelist
Evangelism
Evangelism refers to the practice of relaying information about a particular set of beliefs to others who do not hold those beliefs. The term is often used in reference to Christianity....
, author
Author
An author is broadly defined as "the person who originates or gives existence to anything" and that authorship determines responsibility for what is created. Narrowly defined, an author is the originator of any written work.-Legal significance:...
, inspirational speaker, and talk-show host.
Biography
Walsh began her career as a contemporary Christian singer after finishing college with studies in theology from London Bible College (now London School of TheologyLondon School of Theology
The London School of Theology is an English interdenominational evangelical theological college based in Northwood within the London Borough of Hillingdon. A second campus is based in Watford, 20 miles northwest from central London, known as the Centre for Missional Leadership...
) in 1979 and music from the London Academy of Operatic Art. Walsh worked as an evangelist
Evangelism
Evangelism refers to the practice of relaying information about a particular set of beliefs to others who do not hold those beliefs. The term is often used in reference to Christianity....
with the British chapter of Youth For Christ
Youth for Christ
Youth for Christ is the name of a number of previously unaffiliated evangelical Protestant religious campaigns which led to the creation of Youth for Christ International in 1946....
and sang with a group known as "The Oasis" until going solo in 1981. She also worked closely at this time with keyboard player Chris Rolinson, who contributed extensively to the unique sound on her first "new wave" style album, Future Eyes
Future Eyes
Future Eyes is the title of the first solo album by the Scottish singer Sheila Walsh. Recorded in Spring 1981 at Chapel Lane Studios near Hereford, engineered and produced by Paul Cobbold. It was released in the UK in 1981 on Chapel Lane Records. Sparrow Records released a slightly modified version...
. He also toured with her on her first United States tour, where she opened for Phil Keaggy
Phil Keaggy
Phil Keaggy is an American acoustic and electric guitarist and vocalist who has released more than 50 albums and contributed to many more recordings in both the contemporary Christian music and mainstream markets...
. As Walsh enjoyed some success both in the United Kingdom and America as a CCM
Contemporary Christian music
Contemporary Christian music is a genre of modern popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith...
musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
, she was asked by minister Pat Robertson
Pat Robertson
Marion Gordon "Pat" Robertson is a media mogul, television evangelist, ex-Baptist minister and businessman who is politically aligned with the Christian Right in the United States....
to serve as a co-host of his television talk-show, The 700 Club
The 700 Club
The 700 Club is the flagship news talk show of the Christian Broadcasting Network, airing in syndication throughout the United States and Canada. In production since 1966, it is currently hosted by Pat Robertson, Terry Meeuwsen, Kristi Watts, and Gordon P. Robertson, two of whom will host on any...
in 1987. Walsh served in this capacity into 1992 and also hosted her own talk-show, Heart to Heart with Sheila Walsh.
Ideological differences with Pat Robertson and general feelings of depression brought Walsh to re-examine her life's direction. After leaving Pat Robertson's enterprises in 1992 she sought therapy for her depression, eventually returning to college at Fuller Theological Seminary
Fuller Theological Seminary
Fuller Theological Seminary is an accredited Christian educational institute with its main campus in Pasadena, California and several satellite campuses in the western United States...
in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
to take on doctoral studies in theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
. Pat Robertson explained her departure from CBN as the result of a "nervous breakdown" brought on by the tremendous demands of her work with CBN. He asked his viewers to keep her in their prayers and ask God to give her the strength to continue doing His work.
She went on to write a book exploring her struggle with depression and her experiences with her faith as a Christian, entitled Honestly. While Walsh had written several books on theology before, this autobiography would become the wellspring of her later work on personal aspects of faith and would set the tone for her introspective, personal, but evangelical approach to affairs of modern theology.
Over the course of the latter 1990s, Walsh's work has concerned women's issues within the church and the unique relationship of the contemporary woman with God. She has written over seventeen books including Honestly, Living Fearlessly, and Life is Tough, but God is Faithful. She has also written several books for children recently. She also has continued her musical career as a songwriter and singer and has recorded several albums of new Christian music and traditional hymns arranged to a Celtic sound.
In 2005, Walsh partnered with Tommy Nelson publishers to create a line of children's books and DVDs called Gigi, God's Little Princess TM. The brand has become the #1 Christian Girl's brand and continues to be popular and releases new products.
Walsh, with her family, is now an active attendee of Prestonwood Baptist Church
Prestonwood Baptist Church
Prestonwood Baptist Church, in Plano, Texas, is one of the largest megachurches in North America and one of America's 50 Most Influential Churches according to a 2007 survey of church leaders...
, in Plano, Texas
Plano, Texas
Plano is a city in the state of Texas, located mostly within Collin County. The city's population was 259,841 at the 2010 census, making it the ninth-largest city in Texas and the 71st most populous city in the United States. Plano is located within the metropolitan area commonly referred to as...
.
As of 2007, Walsh has appeared on many TV programs such as: Life Today, Hour of Power and The Rock Gospel Show (BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
) among many others.
Albums
- Future EyesFuture EyesFuture Eyes is the title of the first solo album by the Scottish singer Sheila Walsh. Recorded in Spring 1981 at Chapel Lane Studios near Hereford, engineered and produced by Paul Cobbold. It was released in the UK in 1981 on Chapel Lane Records. Sparrow Records released a slightly modified version...
(1981) - No One Loves Me Like You (1982)
- War of Love (1983) Released in the UK as Drifting
- Triumph in the Air (1984)
- Don't Hide Your Heart (1985)
- Portrait (Compilation album) (1986)
- Shadowlands (1986)
- Say So (1988)
- Simple Truth (1989)
- Hymns and Voices (1990)
- For Such a Time as This (1991)
- Hope (1998)
- Blue Waters (2000)
- Peace: A Celtic Christmas (2000)
- Love Falls Down (2001)
- The Hymns Collection (2002) previously released as Hymns and Voices with Bonus Songs.
- All That Really Matters (2003)
- Celtic Lullabies and Gentle Worship (2003)
- The Best of Sheila Walsh (Compilation album) (2004)
- You Raise Me Up (2005)
- Celtic Worship (2006)
- Find Your Wings (2007)
- Heart Wide Open (2008)
- Let Go (2009)
- God's Little Princess Lullabies (2009)
- I Hear Angels (2010)
Singles
- "Here With Me"/"Burn On" (1980)
- "Drifting" (Duet with Cliff RichardCliff RichardSir Cliff Richard, OBE is a British pop singer, musician, performer, actor, and philanthropist who has sold over an estimated 250 million records worldwide....
) - UKUK Singles ChartThe UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
No. 64/"Lonely When the Lights Go On" (1983) - "Turn, Turn, Turn"/"Sleepwalking" (1983)
- "Growing Up to Be a Child"/"Private Life" (1984)
- "His Eyes"/"He Moved a Mountain" (1984)
- "Surrendering"/"Don't Turn Your Back On Jesus" (1984)
- "Jesus Call Your Lambs" (duet with Cliff RichardCliff RichardSir Cliff Richard, OBE is a British pop singer, musician, performer, actor, and philanthropist who has sold over an estimated 250 million records worldwide....
)/"We're All One" (1985) - "Christian"/"Sand in the Hand" (1986)
- "What Do You Know (That I Don't)"/"Never Give It Up" (1986)
- "I Hope and I Pray"/"Speak of Love" (both duets with Alvin StardustAlvin StardustAlvin Stardust is an English pop singer and stage actor.-Career:...
) (1986) - "Trapeze"/"Surrender" (1988)
- "Angles With Dirty Faces"/"Hope for the Hopeless" (1988)
- "I Will Run to You" (2001)
- "Time For You to Fly" (2001)
Compilation albums
- I Hope and I Pray Single (I Hope and I Pray & Speak of Love duets with Alvin Stardust) 1983
- Sparrow Spotlight Sampler Various Artists (Mystery) 1983
- Look Who Loves You Now Michele Pillar (duet on To Worship You) 1984
- Do Something Now The CAUSE Various Artists 1985
- Fight The Fight: Rescue The Unborn Various Artists 1985
- Limelight Steve Taylor (duet on Not Gonna Fall Away) 1986
- Transatlantic Remixes Steve Taylor & Sheila Walsh (Not Gonna Fall Away duet with Steve Taylor & We're All One) 1986
- Sounds of the Summer Vol. 1 Various Artists (We're All One Extended Remix Version) 1986
- Take 'Em With You 3 Various Artists (Big Boy Now) 1986
- Wired for Sound Various Artists (Big Boy Now) 1987
- Soaring Volume II
- Adventures in the Land of Big Beats & Happy Feets Various Artists (Ship of Love Remixed) 1989
- 25 Songs of Christmas Various Artists (Star Song) 1989
- 25 Songs of Christmas Volume 2 Various Artists (Season to Rejoice) 1989
- The Myrrh Radio Collection Volume 3 Various Artists (God Loves You) 1989
- Handle's Young Messiah Various Artists (duet with Russ Taff on He Shall Feed His Flock) 1990
- Micah's Christmas Treasure (The Treasure Is Mine) (No Soundtrack available) 1994
- 26 All Time Classic Hymns Various Artists (How Great Thou Art) 1996
- Women of Faith Joy Various Artists (Saviour Like a Shepherd) 1998
- Women of Faith Overwhelming Joy Various Artists (Hope) 1999
- Women of Faith Outrageous Joy Women of Faith Worship Team (Intro for & song Savior Of My Heart Live) 1999
- Women of Faith Extravagant Grace Women of Faith Worship Team (O the Passion) 2000
- Women of Faith The Artist Collection Various Artists (You Are Beautiful) 2003
- Platinum Series: The Best of Celtic Worship Various Artists (O the Passion) 2006
- Created to Worship Live @ Malone University Circle of Friends (Let Go Radio Special) 2010
- Women of Faith Hope and Grace Various Artists (Amazing Grace) 2010
Publications
- God Put a Fighter In Me (1985) - re-published as Never Give Up (1986)
- Holding on to Heaven With Hell on Your Back (1990)
- Sparks In the Dark (1993) Devotional
- Honestly (1996)
- Gifts for Your Soul (1997) Devotional
- Bring Back The Joy (1998)
- Faith Hope Love (1998) Gift Book
- Life Is Tough But God Is Faithful (1999)
- Stones From the River of Mercy (2000)
- Stories From the River of Mercy (2000) - re-published as Unexpected Grace (2002)
- Living Fearlessly (2001)
- The Best Devotions by Sheila Walsh (2001)
- A Love So Big (2002)
- All That Really Matters (2003)
- The Heartache No One Sees (2004)
- Outrageous Love (2004) Gift Book
- Extraordinary Faith (2005)
- Come As You Are (2005) Gift Book
- I'm Not Wonder Women, But God Made Me Wonderful (2006)
- God Has a Dream for Your Life (2006)
- Embracing God's Design for Your Life: Women of Faith Study Guide Series (2007)
- Get Off Your Knees and Pray (2008)
- Let Go (2009)
- Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God (2010)
- Angel Song (2010) Novel
- Good Morning, Lord: I Don't Know Where You're Going Today But I'm Going with You (2010) Devotional
- The Shelter of God's Promises (2011)
- Sweet Sanctuary (2011) Novel
- God's Shelter for Your Storm (2011) Devotional
Video collections
- A Sparrow Double Play (Sheila Walsh-Mystery & Steve TaylorSteve TaylorRoland Stephen Taylor , is an American Christian singer, songwriter, record producer and film director.-Early life:Taylor, the eldest of three children, was born in Brawley, California. Taylor's father, Roland Taylor, was a Baptist minister. When Taylor was six years old, the family relocated to...
-Meltdown) 1983 - The Cause: Do Something Now 1985
- Shadowlands: In Concert Live In London 1986
- Fight the Fight: Rescue the Unborn 1986
- Simple Truth Videos 1990
- Handel's Young Messiah (duet with Russ TaffRuss TaffRussell Taff is an American gospel singer who is originally from Farmersville, California. Taff later then moved to Arkansas where he graduated from Cutter-Morning Star High School in Hot Springs, Arkansas....
on He Shall Feed His Flock) 1990 - Hymns & Voices 1990
- Pop Volume 4 (Big Boy Now Music Video) 1992
- Live in Concert: An Evening with Sheila Walsh 2002