WitnessLA is proud to announce its ongoing partnership with our friends at 2x2. 2x2 is a platform for everyday people to stand up and share how God is speaking to them and through them. Why “2x2?” The concept is that often times people don’t think they have anything worthwhile to share until someone encourages them to speak up.
This week, our sister Jennifer talks about what it means to be hidden in Christ like a little babushka doll.
We’re so blessed to welcome Kytia as the newest Voice in our WitnessLA Family. Kytia, originally from Hawaii, is a beautiful and talented actress, model and writer with a huge heart for the Lord and a calling for Hollywood. In this powerful testimony, Kytia shares about her struggles with beauty, identity, and staying true to the Lord in the challenging and competitive entertainment industry.
Being beautiful on the outside isn’t something I’m always striving to be, but knowing that I’m exuding beauty from within is very important to me. Unfortunately, it’s taken me a while to know who I truly am and to accept that person. Before my relationship with God, I struggled to feel beautiful and that’s one of the reasons my mom enrolled me in modeling classes when I was 15 years young. I didn’t know this at the time, but it was her way of boosting my self esteem and helping me to accept my femininity.
[click “Read More” below to continue]
When we allow ourselves to see through the perspective of God, everything changes and we see the world around us with a different level of compassion. Our friend shares how her prayer to see from God’s eyes have radically transformed her life.
As I was in the middle of writing this testimony, I was subconsciously listening to one of my favorite songs called “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath. God truly gave me His eyes for a second so that I could see what I was missing. I hope it will speak to you like it did to me as you listen to it while reading.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGr8as7pPBE
So I’m going to be honest with you - I’ve never read the Bible from cover to cover.
Our friend Kytia shares about how God healed hurts from the past and redeemed her relationship with men.
All this week at WitnessLA.org we’re featuring the stories and testimonies of Christians in the entertainment industry. Our friend Yealee Song shares about how God inspired her to combine her faith with her passion for news and media.
Q: Thanks for speaking with us! Could you please share how you are currently involved in the entertainment industry? What kinds of projects have you been working on?
I worked for nearly ten years in broadcast news and am currently the director of production at KAC Media, a faith-based media company. I also host and executive produce a Christian talk show called “Upper Room” and was co-producer of the short film, “Elijah’s Liquor Store.” I am most interested in human interest stories, documentaries and testimonies.
Q: How did you first enter the industry? Did God speak to you on this calling?
I was always interested in journalism because my dad was a photojournalist and ran a Korean language newspaper company in LA.
All this week at WitnessLA.org we’re featuring the stories and testimonies of Christians in the entertainment industry. Our friend SMC shares about the challenges of balancing faith and values with career and aspirations.
The entertainment world can seem very daunting for those that are trying to live in the Faith and also carve out their professions in the industry. Many, like myself, have straddled the line of our Faith and an industry that seems directly opposed to what we believe in.
There is a lot of truth to the fact that the entertainment world is in direct opposition to how we are supposed to live the Kingdom life. Some have gone as far as calling Hollywood the modern day Babylon. We can all read in the tabloids about the lifestyle of excess and vanity that celebrities live in. We can also turn on the television or look at the movie listings to find programs glorifying sex, violence, demeaning one another, the excessive lifestyle or the lowest common denominator life. Unfortunately, these productions stay alive and thrive because the general public watches it and wants more of it.
Everybody has different reasons to want to be in entertainment; some of us want more than our 15 minutes of fame, see it as a way to become very wealthy and influential or some just love performing. Whatever the reason, the majority of us go through the ‘struggle.’ Somewhere down the line, some of us lose our Faith or compromise it to play the Hollywood game. We find ourselves having to either be ‘in’ Hollywood and ‘out’ of our Faith or else its being ‘out’ of Hollywood and being ‘in’ with our Faith. What ends up happening is that we become like the lukewarm water that is described in Revelations 3:16…[click “Read More” below to continue]
When we are trying to straddle this line of Faith and Hollywood (for illustrative purposes, I am using Hollywood to describe the entertainment industry), what we are really doing is being on the defensive. It’s playing the game not to lose. When we do that we often end up losing because we are always running scared of the evils of the industry. Treading ever so lightly, so that we fit in with the other actors or players in the industry, but also trying to stay away from the pitfalls such as substances, lust, pride, etc. It’s a difficult balancing act to maintain, as Hollywood is a force that has eaten up and spat out the best of us and so has God.
I was on the defensive for most of my career up until this year. I moved to LA from New York and it was taking some time for me to establish myself in LA in general and as an entertainer. This afforded me the opportunity to reconnect with God after my Faith took a beating for several years. By the time I booked my first role, I was in a good place with God. During filming, however, I felt myself being sucked back into a place where I was constantly looking at women lustfully, putting other actors down because I thought I was better than them and being the life of the party. It was the old me all over again. It was swinging from the vine of sin, then shame and guilt and then asking for repentance.
After filming, I had to ask God if He really wanted me in the industry, especially if I was always going to be on the defensive. It was a strong “yes” because my heart still desired to perform and it was confirmed through several prophetic prayers. God, however, did not want me to be scared of the devil by maintaining this balancing act or being on the defensive. He wanted me to take a stand to make a difference and have the devil be scared of me. I believe that’s what God wants from all the Believers in the industry. We are called to make a difference because Hollywood is a strong tool of influence. Whoever controls the media controls the minds and Hollywood has been filling our minds with filth for decades now.
Hollywood is also fertile soil for people to learn about the Hope, Faith, and Love that only Christ can give. Neil Cole in his book, “The Organic Church,” teaches us that light shines the brightest in the darkest places. People who are obsessed with fame or have fallen into fleshly desires such as sex and substance abuse are people who are struggling with their identity, meaning they are severely insecure. These are the people who are crying out for the light. Even on a smaller scale, actors’ moods are predicated by how their auditions went. It’s ironic that an industry that requires you to have so much faith, hope and love often does not have much of it. This is why we are called into Hollywood. To be on the offensive and plant seeds into the fertile soil.
Heroes of the Bible were called into opposing governments all the time. Joseph was entrusted with Egypt, Esther became a queen of Babylon, Daniel a high official of Nebuchadnezzar and so on. Daniel and his friends postured for God by not eating the royal feast that was offered up to idols. He and his friends knew that God was elevating them into positions in the Babylonian government to show God’s glory to all. We are modern day Daniels that are being called into the modern day Babylon of Hollywood.
You, however, cannot go into a battle to be on the offensive without being properly equipped. One of the first things God told me to do was read the Bible from cover to cover. I believe most of the armor described in Ephesians 6:10-19 was being suited on me since I arrived to Los Angeles and became an active member of a fellowship called GBS. I, however, needed to know how to use my sword, which in Ephesians 6:10-19 is metaphorically seen as the Word. It was also a tool to renew my mind, so that I am no longer conformed to the pattern of Hollywood, as paraphrased from Romans 12:2.
We, also, have to strive for excellence in the field. Being able to perform is a gift to serve God and thus serve the people. Our portrayals and stories are meant to inspire and captivate an audience. As ambassadors of Christ and to be elevated to higher positions, we must strive to be the best performers that God has afforded us to be or else we are doing a disservice to Him by not fully maximizing the gifts given to us. Please see the parable of the talents (Luke 19:12-28).
Often, one of the dilemmas many of us face is that we are asked to portray characters that are unsavory or else do scenes that compromise our values. Let’s face it, there are close to zero characters that are Christian on TV and films. I believe that we have to stay true to our craft and play the character or role, as real as possible. We must separate our true selves with the character. If we do not, we are doing a disservice to the production. If the character, scenes or the film itself is morally objectionable than the project should be passed on altogether. If the character is an antagonist in an otherwise innocent film, then it should be fine. It’s important that you ask God for discretion when it comes to choosing your roles.
I am one that practices method-acting techniques for any roles I take, meaning that I become that character I am playing even before I’m on set. I, however, take the time to do my devotions and quiet time before I get into character. I am also learning to use scripture to use as monologues to get into certain emotional states. For example, you can really get into the anguish of Job, King David’s fear and rejoice in Psalms or the romantic musings of King Solomon in Song of Songs.
Whether it’s in the audition room, on set, or a Hollywood event, there has been no shortage of people to witness to. I don’t necessarily go and declare my Faith to everyone I see, but I do pray before any audition or set that I go on that God sends me those that need to hear His message. I actually naturally don’t like talking to people in the audition room and most of the times I’m just sitting there by myself. But almost everytime I try avoiding people someone comes to talk to me about their frustrations of the industry, the struggle and life in general. I am then able to encourage them with a message of hope, faith and love.
We should also proactively make connections to the more obviously lost. They usually tend to be outrageously inebriated at functions, cannot control their anger, hating on others or else are the one’s that cannot stop name-dropping and listing their accomplishments. The first reaction is to be annoyed by these people, but we have to realize that people act this way because of a lack of love, so it is up to us to try and show them some. Sometimes, as Believers in the industry, we might be the only light in that dark room.
It’s about making a connection with people God has called onto you first and filling a need, whether it’s an ear to listen, empathy or a word of encouragement. These acts will show your Faith and Jesus will enter into the discussion. This is a much more effective way of someone remembering you then you giving them your headshot.
In summary:
We must know for sure if we are called to Hollywood. If you have dreams of being famous, wealthy and powerful over loving the craft than you should consider otherwise. Fame and wealth should be a by-product of your abilities as a performer, not your main goal.
Be equipped by seeking after Him through prayer and reading the Bible on a daily basis. It is essential that you are aligned with the Holy Spirit and to know that your purpose in the industry is much bigger than becoming a paid actor or celebrity. Strive for excellence in the craft. Make the most of your gifts to serve God and be an example to those around you.
Support and encourage other actors, even when competing for the same roles. All you can do is be the best prepared as you can be for the role. The role can be determined by many factors other than acting ability, so being hateful towards others goes nowhere. Remember that our purpose is far greater than a role. It’s to make disciples.
Be confident in knowing that God is the ultimate agent, manager, casting director, filmmaker, producer, studio exec etc. You are always in a position of strength because God is behind you. We must do our part by seeking Him and honing our craft. A part is being written for us that is perfect for us and He is writing plenty of films and parts for everyone. It may not be the one we are auditioning for right now, but when we are ready, it will be given to us. You must also make referrals, so others can have this magnificent agent/manager.
Since having these revelations and putting some of these things in practice, I believe God has honored His promise that He would be opening more doors for me. It’s about being faithful with little and Him rewarding us with more for it. It has nothing to do with me being ‘in’ Hollywood and ‘out’ of my Faith. I am called to Hollywood to be in it, but not of it. There is no more line or fence to straddle. I am no longer part of the crowd, but stand out from the crowd and because I do, I am being noticed. People are either drawn to the light like moths or run away like cockroaches, as quoted by Neil Cole. These days, I am told all the time, whether it’s a top Hollywood producer or an extra, “You do not seem like a typical actor.” As ambassadors of Christ, we are more than typical. We are difference makers.
All this week at WitnessLA.org we’re featuring the stories and testimonies of Christians in the entertainment industry. Our friend Tracy Wu shares her story of what inspired her to pursue film, and how she’s using it for a positive purpose.
I’ve always loved a good story. Growing up in Plano, Texas, (pretty miserably, I might add) I found a pleasant escape in books, and as I got older I discovered quality movies. For me, films like Casino, American Beauty, and Leon the Professional were entertaining, but more than just entertainment. I loved that in two hours a film could teach you something new, or connect with you so powerfully, so emotionally that you walk away changed.
I was never the creative one; I’m not a good writer and I don’t feel comfortable in front of a camera. But when I moved out to Los Angeles for college, I realized how film-making involved many different careers paths - not just actors or directors. Still, it seemed to be a far off, distant world from me.
It was at UCLA through an organization called InterVarsity that I met Jesus
Our friends Celine and Leah remind us that God is always with us…we just need to open our eyes.
Our God is a living God; with us every single second of our day. But how easy is it for us to forget that? How easy is it for us to get caught up in our everyday struggles and lose sight of Him? I think we tend to overlook the relationships God has PLACED in our lives. We are in each other’s lives for a reason… to share His love, to help one another grow in His love; our relationships are here to remind us everyday how REAL He is. When we “don’t see him working” in our lives, He is STILL working… we just need to open our eyes.
I was lucky enough to meet my friend Leah through church, only a few months before she moved to Seattle. Ever since she left I’ve been thinking about her, praying that she is coping with her struggles in the new city and settling in just fine. It has been a while since I’ve last spoken to her. With midterm season reaching its peak, my work load has been getting a bit overwhelming. With less time to journal and spend with Him, I’ve been feeling so alone.
But God’s love is so faithful… I can honestly say, He knows me so well. And when they say, He knows our heart’s desires… IT’S TRUE! He let me have my little break down along with a good cry and the next day He has my dear friend Leah send me a message with an update on what’s been going on with her. In her message I found out that everything she has been struggling with has surpassed. Our prayers have been answered. And I am reminded that He is never away from us. This is what she said:
