She is everybody`s favourite TV `Mum`. Starring for more than twelve years in such classic series as "Not in front of the Children"; "And Mother Makes Three"; "And Mother Makes Five" as well as the much acclaimed "Butterflies".

In real life, Wendy Craig is not the dithering and flustered character seen on television, but is a very clever and accomplished actress. The BBC peak hour drama series "Nanny" was based on her own idea and formulation, and she wrote many of the episodes of "And Mother Makes Five" herself.

Wendy`s professional biography is phenomenal, and the list of her awards give an idea of the amount of love and esteem by which she is held in and out of her profession. Having been `Actress of the Year`, BBC Personality of the Year`; as well as `BBC TV`s Woman of the Year`, it is no great surprise to know that she was also voted `The Funniest Woman on Television" .

Indeed her many awards reflect her work right across the spectrum of entertainment from Films and Television to the Stage and even Books and Albums. Wendy won a gold disc for her recorded version of `The Tales of Beatrix Potter`, and her `Busy Mums` Cook Books have been best-sellers. She is also one of a unique brand of actresses who can play almost any role, from classic parts to Pantomime. In her first professional engagement she was described by Kenneth Tynan as "One of the six best young actresses in the Western world".

Yet for all this accolade, it would be difficult to find a more humble actress. Often lacking confidence, her doubts about her own ability only serve to enhance her humility and grace, and her deep faith in God and steady reliance on Him are obviously the main key in her life. Wendy is someone who knows her worth, yet is able to see that God is much bigger than she is.

She is the widow of musician and journalist Jack Bentley, and was married for thirty-nine years. She has two sons, Alaster, an oboist with the Birmingham Royal Ballet and Ross, a writer.

Wendy`s Christian faith had began when she was a child, her Grandmother having taught her all about Jesus. Gradually though, she began to drift away from her beliefs. It was a personal tragedy that caused Wendy to return to her childhood faith, finding it had even more relevance than before. Wendy knew that getting back to the security of God`s love, was the only way to put everything right. She has since recognised that this was the most important and life-changing decision she has ever made.

Wendy`s favourite verse is:

and in His love He will give you new life.

He will sing and be joyful over you. Zephania 3 verse 17.

When asked to choose a favourite verse from the Bible I thought, how can I do that? There are so many verses which speak to me, how can I possibly choose just one?

I thought of the hundreds of times I`d been strengthened, guided and enlightened by God`s Word in different situations. To choose just one verse was an awesome task!

Realising that I had been asked to contribute because I am a Christian working in the entertainment industry helped me focus my thoughts however. I managed to whittle my choice down to several verses which have helped me when preparing for a performance. Finally, I decided on the above verse from Zephania, an Old Testament prophet.

In common with a lot of actors, I am not the most confident person in the world. I am so often filled with doubt, doubt of every kind including self-doubt, as well as doubt about my faith. Many times I have stood in the wings, at the side of the stage, before making my entrance, filled with terror and convinced that I`d never get through the show.

Many times whilst praying, I`ve suddenly caught my breath with the thought "Is God really there? Does He really listen to me, or am I just deluding myself?"

I`ve often sensed my own inadequacy and felt my confidence ebbing away, and I`m sure that this must sound impossible to those who see me exuding confidence and energy when I`m on the Television or Stage, but this is the truth.

Isn`t it a wonderful thing then, that the scriptures always have a word to help us if we care to look. When I came across my chosen verse, it leapt out at me. It was just what I needed to hear at that moment. Here was the reassurance I was seeking.

Imagine, God would take delight in me - yes me- with my flat feet and squeaky voice! He would wrap me in His love and quieten my fears. He would be happy and sing with joy, and best of all He would save me - save me from myself through His grace, so mysterious and desirable. What proof had I that He would do all this? His word is proof enough for me. I know that God does not make rash promises, and therefore I knew I could trust Him.

When you discover that you are loved by someone, it`s a terrific boost to your confidence. Knowing you are loved by God is the greatest confidence boost of all. So, now whenever doubt and dread besiege me, which they inevitably do, instead of collapsing like a wimp I whisper Zephania 3 v 17 to myself, and having absorbed the power of these words I stand tall. Try it, it really works! Halleluia!

Prayer