Alice and Sheryl Cooper Interview (Meet The Freemans, Sept. 15, 2016)

In this interview, Alice and Sheryl Cooper sit down with Jocelyn and Aaron Freeman (“Meet the Freemans”). In today’s post, we will be summarizing a few significant areas of the discussion.  But honestly, it is worth your time to view the entire 26-minute video.

The conversation was full of insight, wisdom, and enlightenment, and it wasn’t difficult to find plenty of talking points – learning more and more about who these two are. However, one that really speaks volumes is located at the 23:50 mark in the video.

Aaron asks Sheryl and Alice what being a ‘power couple’ looks like. Sheryl immediately chimes in saying, “well first and foremost, let’s understand where that power comes from…we’re not the power couple, but we rely on a power much greater than ourselves, Our Creator.”  That’s just the tip of the iceberg with this interview, and this couple – buckle up, this is a fun ride.

Amazing and profound on many levels, this video illustrates what marriages and relationships endure but also who our faith and strength should rely upon through life’s ups and downs. There are five words and one phrase that we are going to focus on in this post.  In no particular order, we will discuss Storms, Addiction, Dysfunction, Identity, Reconciliation, and the Light of Christ.  Through a combination of scripture and examples, we will be walking through life, love, trials, and hurdles, as discussed in this interview.  Let’s find out what makes Alice and his bride (of over 40 years) “tick.”

Storms. 
Right off the bat, the couple is asked about strength and Alice chimes in about life on the road. In a nutshell, he says, “your home is where your heart is,” but also claims that being on tour is the perfect storm. Force yourself to step into this couple’s shoes for a second…always traveling, away from their children and grandchildren, weathering storms of all sorts (Interviews, Scheduling, Venues, Fans, etc.), and experiencing different locations and cultures around the world.

Our spiritual lives sort of mimic that same scenario. It seems we are always in one of three phases – before, in the midst of, or after a storm. There’s always something that we are about to deal with, are dealing with, or have just dealt with. The key to life is finding a way to remain in peace no matter what phase you find yourself currently in. Psalms 34 focuses on us giving thanks and praising the Lord at ALL times. Trusting in Him to deliver us through life’s journey.

Addiction.
It’s no secret that Alice spent many years as an alcoholic – he’s very open about that part of his journey, and He’s also very vocal about having an “addictive personality.” One of the more insightful areas of this topic has Alice explaining how he reversed the negatives of addiction into positives instead. Alice mentions the fact that he was able to flip the habit around – becoming addicted to sobriety. Not mentioned in this interview, he’s also frequently discussed his addiction to golf and the quest for the “perfect swing.”

Later in the discussion, Sheryl reveals that Alice also never needed a sponsor after being healed from alcoholism – instead of a sponsor, he had a Savior. Amazing statement! In 1 Corinthians 10:13-14, it reads, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Dysfunction. 
The couple is asked about partnership and what that means. Alice refers to Sheryl’s thoughts, saying, “marriage is two dysfunctional people, who refuse to give up on one another.” This seems to be true for most marriages. In fact, after searching Google for the term ‘dysfunctional,’ it seems there are tons of self-help articles about what a functional vs. dysfunctional family looks like. It’s a little scary and sometimes comical to see how many different ways folks believe families can be ‘fixed.’ The bottom line is this…we are all dysfunctional and in need of intervention – a supernatural one from our Lord. Two people not giving up on each other with Christ at the center of their relationship can weather any of life’s storms.

In Philippians 3:13-14, we find Paul focusing on the present (in Christ) instead of his past. Paul had seen and done many things at this point – some horrific, some incredible. Paul was as dysfunctional as the rest of us. He alludes to the “thorn in his flesh” in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9. Most likely, his constant battle was fought dealing with the things he had done before meeting Christ. The “thorns” in our lives can hinder us and deem us dysfunctional, but by choosing to press forward, and focusing on our present circumstances (through Christ), we can be lead to a functional, productive, stable walk with Him and others we meet along our journey.

Identity. 
During the interview, both Alice and Sheryl discuss their roles in the band and on stage. Alice speaks about his relationships with the musicians, the roadies, and other members of the crew – Alice and Sheryl’s extended family. He explains that it doesn’t matter who he comes into contact with – all are worthy of his attention, respect, and kindness. Both he and Sheryl acknowledge that they love what they do, but Sheryl points out that their careers do not define them.

Their identities come from Christ. Stop and think about this for a moment. We are NOT defined by the roles we play in this life – employee, parent, son, daughter, sibling, etc. Instead, we are ‘brought to fullness’ by Christ. Once we accept Him and His Word – declaring Him as Lord – His Spirit dwells within us (Colossians 2:9-10).

Reconciliation.
According to their stories, both Alice and Sheryl never gave up on their marriage. However, there was a time when they had to separate so that God could work in them individually. This is referenced in Acts 3:19, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”  However, with time away from one another, the Lord brought healing and reconciliation to their marriage.

It is a crucial part of the process. Resolving conflict and righting the wrongs that our actions have caused is a necessary ordeal. As it states in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  This is probably the most challenging task we face in life – asking for forgiveness and forgiving those that have wronged us.

Light of Christ. 
Being asked how they talk to and counsel other couples, Sheryl brings up the point that you must earn the right to be heard. By your lifestyle. By your love for others. By your treatment of others. In the relationships you form, you earn the right to plant seeds and share the Gospel. Alice goes on to state that, hopefully, the Light of Christ is radiating off of us and unto them.

John 1:5 reads, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Let that sink in for a moment. It only takes the strike of a match to light up a room. While we aim to show others the bonfire of His love burning within us, it really only takes a flicker of His Light (or His Love) to show someone else just how welcomed they are by Him. We must remember, we are ambassadors for Him (2 Corinthians 5:20). We may very well be the only ‘Jesus’ some may ever meet.

Wrapping up this week, fear, doubt, and lies have no grip or bearing over us. Christ has set us FREE. When we are asked by Him to take steps that don’t seem possible, we must step out in faith. It’s okay to be cautious and full of discernment, but know that when our Lord is ready to move, He will do so in a powerful way.

Peeling back the layers of Alice (and Sheryl) Cooper, we find just that. A mighty Creator working through them to help bring His Kingdom here on Earth – as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10). If we look closely, everyone has a story to tell. Our Father is a mastermind at using all His children from all walks of life for His Glory and to further the Kingdom of Heaven. We often become enamored by the cover of the book instead of its story. Alice Cooper plays a monster – the villain – on stage, but that is NOT who he is. Alice plays a character on stage yet reflects the Love of his savior in his life. He is defined by His Creator and his relationship with our Lord. God Bless both Alice and Sheryl Cooper as they continue to walk that road less traveled. They are an inspiration and Light in this world. Amen.