Cedarville Magazine Winter 2016

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and people don’t know I am? I want people
to know that I am a Christian by the way
I treat them. I want them to know there’s
something different about me, and then
they’ll ask, ‘What makes you different?’
And that gives you an opportunity.”
CRITICAL SUPPORT
To remain strong in the spotlight, you
need Christians praying, supporting, and
challenging you behind the scenes. “Before
I got this job, I summoned my friends and
several pastors and mentors,” Faris said. “I
told them, ‘I’m going to rely on you; I want
to make sure I’m a good representative for
Christianity.’ It’s a big platform, but it’s an
even bigger responsibility to do this show.
“Christianity is about community,” she
added. “It’s about surrounding yourself with
people who will hold you accountable, who
will empower you and not just enable you.”
For Faris, that includes longtime
Cedarville pals, as well as friends from
churches in New York and Chicago. But
the greatest human source of support
and accountability is her husband, John
Krueger ’99. They began dating in 1996 and
married in 2000. They have three children:
Caroline, 8; JJ, 6; and Landon, 1.
“I’m just grateful to have a very loving
and understanding husband,” Faris said.
“We were having a discussion on the show
recently about if you could marry someone
and convert religions. For me and my
husband, our faith is our foundation, the
glue that holds us together when we’ve
wanted to throw in the towel. John is a great
guy and so incredibly patient. He’s awesome.”
SECURE IDENTITY
Having that strong relationship support,
and knowing who she is apart from the
fame, is crucial when she’s hit with criticism.
“When you are a vocal Christian living
in an overtly secular world, you’re going to
face a lot of scrutiny and attacks,” Faris said.
“There will always be someone, regardless
of what I say, that isn’t going to like me, and
that’s OK. But I’m going to stay true to who
I am. If something is written about me that’s
disparaging and slanderous, I can choose
what my attitude will be. To know that and
embrace that is so powerful.
“The Bible talks about not being
anxious, but to pray about everything
(Phil. 4:6). I just have to play my game, keep
my head down, and be honest.”
Ultimately, Faris’ secret to walking in the
public eye comes from the way she views
herself. “Some people get very wrapped up
in what they do, whether it’s their career on
television or in the entertainment industry,”
she said. “That doesn’t define who I am.
If it was taken away from me, I know my
identity. My identity comes from my faith
and knowing who I am in my relationship
with Jesus.”
With that kind of perspective, Faris
should be able to shine in the spotlight for
many years to come.
Clem Boyd is Managing Editor of Cedarville
Magazine.
Photo by Fred Lee © 2014 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.