Elvis "Relied on God for Everything," Says Stepbrother
When most people think of Elvis, they think of an iconic entertainer who shook up the world of his day with hip moves that were often considered inappropriate for the prime-time television viewing audience of that day. But oh how far we’ve come from Elvis’ moves to some of the moves of today’s entertainers.
What most people don’t realize about Elvis is that he reportedly had a rather strong faith. Elvis’ stepbrother, Billy Stanley, has written a book entitled, “The Faith of Elvis,” which will be published this October through Thomas Nelson.
According to The Guardian, Stanley said that Elvis “relied on God for everything,” and his relationship with Jesus is “where he got his strength.
“Elvis was so appreciative of what the Lord had given him. He thanked God every day and constantly sought God’s guidance through prayer and reading the Bible.”
“Everybody looked at the glitz and glamour [of Presley]. They didn’t look at the man and try to understand his faith,” Stanley said.
Elvis was apparently rather thrilled about having the Stanley boys as his stepbrothers. Elvis’ father, Vernon, married Billy Stanley’s mother, Dee. She brought three sons to the marriage: Billy, Rickey and David.
They all moved into the Presley’s Graceland mansion in Memphis in 1960.
At the time, Elvis was only 25 and had found amazing success in his music career. Billy Stanley said Elvis’ response to him and his brothers was, “He scooped me and my brothers up in his arms and exclaimed, ‘Daddy, I always wanted a little brother. Now I’ve got three!'”
Elvis was apparently rather serious about being a big brother and spiritual mentor who would be a positive role model for his stepbrothers. The first night they were all together, Elvis led them in bedtime prayers and thanked God for his new siblings.
Not long after that, he led them in reading the Bible together, and they were consistent in these activities for the next seventeen years.
Elvis’ faith wasn’t limited to his home. He reportedly made a point of praying before each concert.
Not only did it settle his nerves, but he wanted God to bless his concerts. When he got home after a concert, he would sing Gospel songs around the house as a way to unwind from a show.
CORRECTION, AUGUST 15, 2022: For clarity purposes, Liftable.com has removed the News category from this article.
