By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com
'The View' host Sherri Shepherd covers the latest issue of 'Precious Times' magazine.
In an eight-page feature story in the Christian women's lifestyle publication, the 41-year-old comedienne shares candid revelations about her faith, including her conversion from being a Jehovah's Witness to Christianity.
"Before I converted to Christianity, I was a Jehovah's Witness. In 1993, my mother was dying from diabetic complications. My sister was heavy into drugs, and we would have to go and get her from crack houses. I was in a very physically abusive relationship. I was sleeping with a lot of guys and had more abortions than I would like to count. I had very low self-esteem and just wanted to die. I felt if someone killed me, it wouldn't even make a difference. But God showed me that it would make a difference," she told the glossy.
The Chicago-native, who is currently 
embroiled in a divorce and custody battle with her husband Jeffrey Tarpley, also confessed that it is hard being taken to task about her faith on the live ABC talk show.
"Oh sometimes I say, 'Lord, Juanita Bynum or Joyce Myers would be so good at this table. They could lay hands on Barbara Walters and get her saved,'" she declared. "I ask the Lord, 'Why am I here?' I have to trust God when He says, 'Because I said so.'"
The former 'Less Than Perfect' star, fresh off a hosting stint at the 'Daytime Emmy Awards,' has lost more than 30 pounds after being diagnosed as a diabetic.
"One day on 'The View' I noticed that we had a lot of big girls in the audience," she recalled. "I told them to stick around because we were going to have a large woman fashion show. They looked at me and said, 'Sherri, you are not a big girl.' I was so embarrassed. However, a lot of women look at me and say I give them hope. I really want them to be healthy. We carry sixty extra pounds on our joints when we're overweight. Some things are just not okay."
In addition to hosting 'The View,' Shepherd will voice two characters in 'Madagascar's' sequel, 'Madagascar: The Crate Escape.' She also appears in Lee Daniels' forthcoming film, 'Push,' which stars Mo'Nique, Lenny Kravitz and Paula Patton.
For more information on 'Precious Times,' visit www.PreciousTimesMag.com
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Photo: Check out this photograph of Sherri Shepherd, her 'View' co-hosts and Barack Obama.
Word for Word - July 11, 2008
"I got a letter from a girl who said she was listening to one of my songs and every time I hit a particular high note, the garage door would open or close." -- Mariah Carey encounters some unusual problems with her a five-octave vocal range.
Charley Gallay, Getty Images
"Have I ever been totally and completely intimidated by another person? Yes, my husband's mother." -- Madonna fears Guy Ritchie's mom.
Tony Barson, WireImage.com
"There's brilliant jazz - Miles Davis. And there's brilliant rock - Coldplay. And there's brilliant rap - Jiggaman!" -- Jay-Z, tooting his own horn.
Gareth Cattermole, Getty Images
"I'm thinking of getting a tattoo of him on my chest." -- First-time father Usher is planning to ink a tribute to his seven-month-old baby son Usher Raymond V.
Frank Micelotta, Getty Images
The 71-year-old actor says, "I've got to suggest his voice and his speech without making a fool of myself." --Morgan Freeman
John Shearer, WireImage.com
"Bug-A-Boo or Bootylicious. I hate 'em." -- Beyonce Knowles isn't a fan of all her Destiny's Child songs.
George Pimentel, WireImage.com
"I've been working out really hard lately 'cause I'm single now and I've gotta look good!" -- Jessica Simpson shapes up to get back into the dating scene.
Chris Farina, WireImage.com
"When I come home from a club, my wish is to have a huge bowl of Frosted Flakes. I only have it once in a blue moon - because I can't have just one bowl." -- Janet Jackson on her late night snacking choice.
Gregg DeGuire, WireImage.com
1. ...I had very low self-esteem and just wanted to die. I felt if someone killed me, it wouldn't even make a difference. But God showed me that it would make a difference," she told the glossy.
Sherry, you are a living testimony to the omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscience grace of God Almighty, All-Beautiful, All-Knowing, All-Wise. Sometimes, we have to make our beds in Hell before we realize from whence our help comes. It comes from God, and you are a shining example of his loving kindness, mercy and forgiveness. Despite the fact that you are a self-confessed serial murderess (multiple abortions), a fornicator, and have committed a host of other sinful acts, the Lord forgave you and loves you. He gave you a truly blessed life, including a beloved son and a tremendously successful career. The best Christian leads by example. People can look at you, and see, that no matter what they might be involved in currently, that they, too, can be saved. It doesn't matter if you are a drug-addicted, fornicating, lying, thieving, good-for-nothing, come on over to the Potter's House. He will put your life back together again. I wish you continued success. Glory to God!
Peace and Blessings!
Bermudia at 10:39AM on Jul 18th 2008