Despite appearing to achieve success effortlessly with packed concert audiences and awards, Ann Wilson has vivid memories of the loneliness and pain she faced during her teenage years, particularly due to bullying.
Now at 23, she aims to leverage her experiences to uplift young girls facing similar challenges.
Wilson has authored a new 40-day devotional titled Hey Girl: You deserve attention, love, and more. which seeks to help girls understand their worth through faith.
“In middle school and high school, I often felt worthless,” Wilson shared. “I struggled with insecurity, and I encountered a lot of unkindness.” She faced bullying and harsh remarks.
She believes the pressures on today’s youth have intensified in the last decade, largely fueled by social media and the ubiquity of smartphones.
“There’s a lot of negativity directed at this generation via social media,” Wilson remarked. “I want to encourage them and remind them of their true identity in Christ. It’s vital for them to recognize that they are loved, chosen, and valuable. They shouldn’t define themselves by hurtful comments or social media metrics, but by what Jesus says they are.”
Her devotional was released this fall, just ahead of her third album, star, which features a single titled God’s story, currently charting at #12 on Billboard’s Christian Airplay and Hot Christian Songs charts.
“I have a deep affection for girls,” Wilson mentioned. “I’ve often thought that if music hadn’t been my path, I might have gravitated toward a ministry focused on empowering young women because I enjoy inspiring them.”
Her 2021 song hey girl echoed similar themes, reinforcing the message of self-worth amidst the struggles of youth.
Wilson feels the devotional allows her to deepen this message. “Songs and concerts have limitations in what they can convey,” she explained. “Creating something for people to take home and reflect on was definitely a goal of mine.”
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Photo courtesy: ©Capitol Christian Music Group
