We recently had the chance to connect with Sherri Tilley and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sherri, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I find that many people, whether they ever say it aloud or not, quietly wrestle with questions of self-worth. Deep down, we often struggle with lingering doubts about whether we are truly valuable and truly loved. For some, the greatest challenge in life isn’t achieving success, but holding fast to the revelation of who we were distinctly created and uniquely gifted to be. By focusing on the standard of everlasting truth and resisting any deceptive tactics that attempt to lead us astray, we can experience an overwhelmingly victorious journey as we cling to hope, walk in faith, and embrace the words of Jesus who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m proud to work as an award-winning journalist, photographer, and voice actor as well as the founder/publisher of TheFlashList.com entertainment guide and TheArtOfGallivanting.com travel guide. After homeschooling my children from kindergarten through high school, my life became a blank canvas when they all went off to college years ago. That’s when my husband, Scott, suggested I become something of a “cruise director” for our lives by finding fun things for us to do on weekends. What began as a personal ‘bucket list’ contained on a small ‘flash drive’ soon grew into an expansive website which quickly garnered statewide attention from arts organizations, event planners, venue promoters, radio stations, and television networks.
Today, TheFlashList.com ranks in the top 1% of active websites worldwide and is recognized for its curated coverage of a wide spectrum of topics from circus to symphony. It was even described by 570 KLIF radio as “one of the most comprehensive, most complete websites of its kind.” Through national news, consumer reviews, and celebrity interviews, the content not only informs but also inspires readers to explore, connect, and engage in their own local communities.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Conflict often arises when we become overly inward-focused, prioritizing our own needs and neglecting the everyday ways we are meant to serve and honor one another. Stress, defensiveness, and fear can erode kindness that once flourished, opening the door to tension and misunderstanding rather than patience, attentiveness, and generosity of spirit. One method I’ve learned for finding the root of negative emotions is to ask “Why?” repeatedly. Thoughtfully examining feelings with questions like: “Why am I upset?” “Why do I feel frustrated or hurt?” or “Why are my expectations unmet?” can provide significant insight into the soul.
As I applied this process time after time, I noticed a clear pattern that began to emerge. At the heart of nearly every conflict is a disruption in the basic human need for love. When we make unrealistic demands on others by expecting them to take on the responsibility of fulfilling our needs, problems can quickly arise. We must instead cast our cares on the Lord and in turn receive the abundant provision that most assuredly comes from God Himself, which He promises to deliver by whatever means He deems best for our particular circumstance. When we recognize the lies that have crept into a situation, reestablish a truthful frame of reference, and extend forgiveness to ourselves and others, previously broken bonds can be restored and peace can be cultivated once again.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering is a uniquely powerful pathway to empathy; that’s for sure. Whether we suffer ourselves or we help someone else in their time of need, trials provide us with opportunities to exercise our faith, practice benevolence both inwardly and outwardly, and adopt reliably accurate perspectives. The Bible teaches us, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into [various] temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” The passage goes on to explain that God generously grants us wisdom whenever we ask so that we may deepen our understanding and cultivate maturity.
Some people mistakenly think my belief in the goodness of God comes from never having faced hardship. Quite the opposite, however, I have experienced the indisputable goodness of God precisely because I have endured many difficult challenges. During such times, I’ve found that His unfailing grace is sufficient to not only endure suffering but to emerge from it stronger, more compassionate, and fully equipped to, as the Apostle Paul described, “comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
A seminary student once described to me an essay assignment in which she was asked to differentiate her biblical, theological, and personal responses to a particular topic. My immediate reaction was to ask, “Shouldn’t they all be the same?” For me, authenticity is never compartmentalized, and it makes sense that our private, public, and professional lives should all tell the same story. In a world where disingenuous digital content is commonplace, my online presence offers a transparent window into my life. It’s not a manufactured highlight reel but rather a true reflection of the life I’ve been privileged to live, a record of experiences that shaped me, a collection of moments that matter deeply to me, and a visual diary of the remarkable people I’ve been blessed to know along the way. In addition to documenting my own journey, my public presence also serves as a way to highlight the generosity and accomplishments of those around me. My hope is that what I share encourages others to recognize their own gifts, pursue meaningful experiences, and find joy in the people and places that enrich their lives.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
Regret is a burden that I absolutely refuse to carry. While it’s important to walk circumspectly and avoid wasting time, I continually forgive myself for any miscalculations that may inadvertently occur. I stay vigilantly guarded against the spiral of shame and second-guessing that regret often fuels. This mindset allows me to view my younger self through a lens of fairness, knowing she acted with the resources, understanding, and courage she had at the time. Over the years, I’ve gained wisdom, resilience, and perspective, but I cannot expect my past self to have operated with the knowledge I carry now. That girl didn’t yet have the tools or confidence I’ve since developed, and judging her harshly would be both unfair and meaningless. Instead, I honor her for making the best choices she could and for laying the groundwork that allows me to live with greater strength and clarity today. Every step, even the ones that seemed uncertain at the time, contributed to the person I have become. By refusing to dwell on regret, I free myself to live boldly, embrace gratitude for the journey, and carry the lessons of the past while keeping my eyes fixed firmly on what lies ahead in the life I am still creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://sherritilley.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrssherritilley/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherritilley
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrssherritilley
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mrssherritilley
