Sundance & Being a Christian in Show Biz

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Whew. What a week.

For those of you who follow me on Instagram (@beauty.beyond.bones), then you are aware that I was at the Sundance Film Festival this past week!

Yep – my family was all together in Park City, doing some skiing, watching some films, hanging out, and doing lots of eating.

Plates of Melted Cheese — yeah, drooling!

I love when my family is together – there’s never a dull moment!

The Sundance Film Festival is such a fun time to be out West. NYC and LA converge on this cute little mountain town, and so all week, in addition to phenomenal skiing, you’ll get to see many up-and-coming (usually bizarre) films, people watch, and maybe even run into a celebrity or two.

While we were there, I saw Connie Britton (aka Tammy Taylor in Friday Night Lights) on the ski slopes. I passed Owen Wilson in the ski locker room. And Jason Momoa was staying in the townhome next door!

So that was definitely some excitement!

We also saw a couple films: Maiden, which was a fascinating documentary about the first all-female crew to race in the Whitbread Round the World yacht race.

Maiden’s Star: Tracy Edwards

And then Light from Light – starring Jim Gaffigan, about a husband who deals with his wife’s death by hiring a ghost hunter. Like I said — bizarre. Definitely thought that one was going to be waaaay different, given Gaffigan’s involvement, and the fact that it was touted as being a “religious” and “spiritual” film….right…

But I’m going to be really honest…being at the Sundance Film Festival, it brought up a mixed bag of emotions for me, as a Jesus-loving actor.

Having a film at Sundance is such a huge accomplishment. I have several friends from acting school who were in films that premiered at the festival this year. And the prestige and success that merits is something that – I’ve got to be honest – I long for.

And had I made different choices, perhaps the trajectory of my acting career would be along the lines of my peers, gracing the Sundance screens.

Because here’s the long and the short of it:

In the entertainment industry…it is incredibly difficult to be a Christian.

The opportunities I’ve had to turn down because the role compromised what I believe in — the list is a mile long.

Most secular films are created to push boundaries, make one think, be edgy, send a progressive message — and that’s great if that’s your thing — but acting in such films…is not mine.

And quite frankly this is a temptation that I feel like I am constantly being tested with.

Case in point: Earlier this January, you may recall that I went to the SEEK conference, presented by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) – a week-long, Christian conference, where I heard incredible talks and break out sessions, and I came home absolutely on fire for God.

Literally in the car on the way home from the conference, I get a call from my agent: I was the only girl at the agency selected to audition for a big, feature film, shooting this spring. I was asked to audition to be the love interest of a big time actor, who you would 100% recognize from a superhero movie franchise.

Here’s the catch — the role involved a nude love scene in the back of a car.

Talk about whiplash of emotion. Going from being on fire of God, ready to shout His message from the rooftops. To being thrilled beyond belief about the audition. To the crash and blaze of a fiery inferno, learning what the role entailed.

I turned down the audition without blinking.

And don’t think the timing was lost on me either. I know the evil one’s tricks when I see it.

But, that’s the thing. It’s a chew ya up – spit you out business. And they’ll take and take and take without even a second thought – even if it means stripping a young woman of her dignity, or the most intimate parts of her.

Now hear me out – I’m absolutely not passing any judgment on actors or actresses who take those roles, or anything like that. To each their own.

I’m just saying that for me – as a lover of Jesus, trying to live my life in a way that honors, respects and obeys Him – it is nearly impossible to do anything other than children’s educational videos or cat food commercials in the entertainment industry….which is pretty much, exactly what I’ve done.

But you know what? Sitting at those movies, watching actors and actresses – some of whom were my former scene partners – answer questions up on stage about their careers, and seeing the exclusive parties they attended on their Instagram feeds, I’m okay with it.

Sure, there’s a tinge of wistfulness. The glamour. The fancy dresses. The excitement.

But I feel an overwhelming sense of peace, that I know is coming from the Father, reassuring me that I am on the right path: His path.

I’ll just close with this final thought.

I was skiing by myself one afternoon, and riding the chairlift up with a guy, and we got to talking about our careers. And I told him that I was an actor from NYC. Naturally, he asked if I was in one of the films at the festival. I said no, and joked that I do commercials for cat food, and kids’ videos.

But then, I don’t know what came over me, but I heard these words come out of my mouth: “I’m actually a Christian, and so I choose to only take roles that align with my faith.”

And the guy next to me actually took off his goggles so I could see his eyes, and he says, “Wow. I really respect that. Not many people live their lives according to what they believe. Good for you.”

I didn’t get on the chairlift that day thinking that I was going to evangelize or anything. To be completely honest, despite having this blog, I don’t usually bring up my faith to random people in “real life.”

But I did, and who knows. Maybe that guy needed that encouragement to live out his faith. Or maybe he was questioning the existence of God. Who knows. But I’d like to believe that maybe he needed to hear it.

So yeah – net net – Sundance gave me a new perspective on life. There are certain “accomplishments” that are not recognized by this world. And frankly, they are only truly seen by One. But it turns out, that those are the most important ones of all.

How do you make important decisions in your life?

Also – I’ve got an exciting announcement coming up in the next couple weeks! Here’s a hint: BBB was recognized for something!


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259 thoughts on “Sundance & Being a Christian in Show Biz”

  2. I think more people than you’d expect (especially women) are searching for examples of your courage and conviction- I know I am! Was literally just pondering society’s obsession with money at all costs and sacrifices and this post restored some of my faith in humanity.

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    1. Gosh I am so touched by your generous words. Thank you so much for your encouragement. Yeah – it is definitely puzzling and concerning to think about society’s obsession for sure. Hugs and love xox

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  3. God shows me again and again that He is still working in this world, when I hear the testimonies of young people like you. Thank you for sharing.

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  4. GREAT exchange there on the ski lift. Glad Christ had you there as his witness, and that that other skier was receptive. I grew up in L.A., and every so often the news does a feature recalling the time when the great Dodger pitcher Sandy Koufax, who is Jewish, refused to pitch in a key game because it fell on a Holy Day. Such signs of faithfulness are important and “disruptive” to conventional thinking – they give people the opportunity to think, “Hmmm… what do I value? What guides my choices?” And in those questions it is possible for the Lord to whisper an answer. May God favor you with roles that don’t call for compromise.

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    1. Thank you friend! Yeah chairlift conversations, although brief, can be so moving and powerful! Wow – that’s an awesome story. Thanks for sharing that! Hugs and love xox

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  7. It is inspiring to hear how others are living for Christ. All the things we might miss out on in this world cannot even compare with the glory of knowing Him and being in His kingdom. I pray that the guy you told about your faith took it to heart and that it was a seed planted that brings forth fruit in his life. Nice job!

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    1. Hey Kevin! Thank you so much for your kind words. I will definitely join you in that prayer!! God is good 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  8. If that doors not opening build your own house. You have a lot of experience you can share and open the door for others that want to be offered opportunities that reflect their values. The agent/broker/talent system has been toxic for a long time.

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      3. I’m not the best compliment giver. 😂🤔You, have a good idea there. There’s, interesting things you could do with it. You know, without the inner conflict. I’d love to see a job board equivalent, where everyone is represented equally. That way, anyone can pitch a director that feels confident about what’s required. Sure. It would eliminate the lofty, awesomeness of chocolate covered, gold everything kind of jobs. It would also bring the ego down to a tolerable level that would be more competitive with the newer technologies. Insta. Twitter. YouTube.

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      5. I would fill the stereotypes in movies. Exchange student. Unknown Mexican. First brown guy victim #1. Soldier. Taxi Driver. Movies are definitely not the most diverse as far as art house or weird stuff. I love, weird stuff. It’s really true though, you make a choice and just, don’t be that guy. Literally. I can see the need for a love scene for a sense of intimacy between characters but in a car it has a different meaning. Even Julia Roberts didn’t do her own love scenes at first and she was sharing screens with the attractive men in Hollywood.

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      7. I still think, you should start your own agency. There’s others out there but it really does take a few to make an impact.

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      9. Oh. Open one of those fancy coffee places in Phoenix because I dislike Manhattan and cure Cancer while you’re at it. 😂

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      17. What kind of generation is this? No beer or coffee? Everyone is healthy. 😂 I don’t know, man the vices help break the ice. There’s gotta be some kind of vices. Miami vices. 😂 Ben & Jerry’s vices. Hm. Maybe, you cut people off at the grocery line? Um. Don’t tell the next person the stall is out of toilet paper? You can’t be that great. 😂😳😁

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      19. Sorry. Albany and Watertown were the beer capital of our country. It’s a, uh, civic responsibility. Now. Wachussett Brewery, even though they are in New England. I’ll forgive them for it. It’s the best stuff, ever. Better than cake.

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  9. AMEEEEEEEEEEEEN…!
    Your commitment and integrity and humility and faith – in an industry in which, next to politics, it’s the most difficult to keep them;along with your soul) – are truly glorious. Christ loves you very much, I know.
    I think you should start a Christian production company. You obviously truly enjoy acting and films – and the world is obviously in need of a subculture/counterculture in movies that supports and expands the presence and faith of Christians in the world. You have vision, creativity, intelligence, organizational skills, discipline, charisma – those are all shown in this blog… The industry has not been kind to Jim Caviezel and Mel Gibson… perhaps a creative way to go (and one that brings the spotlight to Jesus moreover) is a company that creates Christian-friendly content – and thathires actors and below-the-line talent who share your same faith, integrity, and hardships/battles, giving them support as well.
    Maybe, if you were to get that ball rolling, you’d cross paths with Jim and Mel down the line!
    I myself have had a concept for a film with Catholic themes brewing in me for quite some time – the biopic of a minor entertainment personality from decades past who went down a rabbit hole and met a mysterious and untimely end…
    Just thoughts… 😉
    God bless you, Caralyn!

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    1. Oh my gosh, thank you so much for this beautiful encouragement. I am seriously so touched. Those are certainly exciting thoughts! and how awesome about your film concept!! 🙂 so glad you stopped by! hugs xox

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  12. Good for you, Caralyn! It is difficult to live by your faith in the industry you are in. Temptation must be enormous. You however are showing your strength, HIS strength. Keep up the good work. 🙂 You are an inspiration to us all.

    Eric

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  14. Hey Caralyn, another fantabulous testimony from a Beautiful Sister in Christ. Your life epitomizes the Life Of Christ while He was on earth. He spoke Truth with a loving Boldness at every opportunity, as well as knowing when the enemy thought he could see a weak point and sneak in.
    The phone call you received after your SEEK conference experience, when you were on fire for Christ, with Holy Spirit burning in you, was a definite temptation from the enemy of your soul, attempting to pull you down, and defeat the closeness of Christ you had.

    Right after Jesus was baptized in water, He was tempted by the enemy, and had definite answers each time.

    Then Jesus was left alone.

    Matthew 4:7
    7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

    Matthew 4:10-11
    10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

    11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

    The temptation that came at you Caralyn, was that phone call to see if career and money would become your god if offered.
    Your quick, unhesitating response showed him your worship of a false god would not be bought.

    As you continue to honour the True Triune God of the universe, He is pleased, and He will be honouring you.

    God Bless you Caralyn,
    Luv, 😀❤️🌹😘

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    1. Thank you George!! Oh my gosh I am humbled by your generous words. You’re right about that – it was certainly a temptation. Gotta keep my eyes fixed on Jesus! Grateful for your friendship and support, George. Blessings to you! Xox

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  16. I can relate to this from a ghostwriting perspective. If I continued to write the books that pay really well, I could compromise my integrity but years ago I worked on a book that had a lot of curse words and sex and realized when I was done and got it where the author (in ghostwriting I’m simply the one who puts the words down on paper but they are the true author of the stories… like boom whispering I guess) wanted it that I no longer wanted to work on anything that didn’t align with my own values and integrity. It’s been a difficult road financially since then but I know it’s purposed and can relate to your sentiment, “But I feel an overwhelming sense of peace, that I know is coming from the Father, reassuring me that I am on the right path: His path.”

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    1. Thank you so much Shell for sharing your heart and experience. Yeah a difficult road for sure. Hang in there sister!! 💛💛💛Hugs and love xox

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  18. Having a lot of friends on social media who are glamor models, etc., I tend not to pass judgement on anyone. Their choice of career is their choice and for the most part, they try to make sure that it represent them as individuals.
    I think that we as true believers have become far too judgemental.
    For instance when a true gorgeous “super model” lady walks into church, I often notice that people tend to stare as if she doesn’t belong; even if she is dressed decently and modestly.
    We forget that Jesus hung out with the worst of sinner and prostitutes; people who were of ill repute and he was judged for it too. The point is to hate the sin and not the sinner.

    Yes, it is hard standing up for Godly principles in a world that grows increasingly wicked and if we’re not to careful, we find ourselves compromising on all areas of our faith. Watch and Pray that you grow strong enough to know the enemy’s schemes and are strong enough to stand.

    Considering the kind of roles that you’re looking for, you’d do well in Christian movies. Perhaps get in touch with those who produced that movie “FireProof”.. That was a really good movie.
    Of course most of the Christian movie circles are not Catholic.

    My mom has been binge watching Hallmark movies. She finds them really clean, entertaining and most of all with some pretty good morals as well. Well for secular movies that is…
    You could look into casting for some of those.

    I wish you all the success in your chosen career. I know it is not easy for you, but God will reward you with the right roles and who knows… pretty soon, you’ll be a household name. 🙂

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    1. Thank you friend. Yeah that’s true – everyone is on their own path. I will definitely join you in that prayer. Those are great suggestions. I actually emailed all of those outlets yesterday! Also – I hope i didn’t come across as judgmental in this post because that was definitely not my intent, or position. Hugs and love xox

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    1. Thank you Melissa. Gosh, you’re too kind. Awww that would be so fun to have a coffee date!! Hugs and love xox

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  22. I believe God doesn’t look down on us with joy because we claim to be either this label or that religion. He looks with joy on us because we are followers of His Son Jesus and not just talk the talk but walk the talk. You walked the talk by refusing those roles. A Christian can be an actor of course and its possible to be choosy though being choosy may cost you a lot financially. Who cares! Our wealth is building up in heaven for us and we will have an eternity to spend it. And that wealth will not be currency but something much more valuable. You’re a good woman and worthy of the respect I have for you. 🙂

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    1. Thank you Ian, that’s such a powerful perspective. You’re right – because we love His son! Hugs and love xox

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  23. Thanks for sharing that. Glad that you enjoyed the festival but sad that you had to turn down a major film role. Deepest respect for sticking to your principles, better parts will come along.

    Regards

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      2. 🙂 me too! i really feel close to God in the mountains! You can really feel His majesty! 🙂

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  26. Bravo! Great reading Sundance and Being a Christian. I was getting so weary of people who call themselves Christians but live their lives contrary to God’s word when I read what you wrote and I felt hope again. I know Christians mess up sometimes however, when our lifestyle reflects more of the world and less of God, then we have trouble. Keep on making godly choices and God will bless you for it. You are on the right track.

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    1. Thank you so much friend 🙂 yeah – I have to believe that God will lead me where He wants me to go! hugs xo

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      1. It was a life changing experience for me. it’s only been a month since the conference but I am already on a different trajectory from before the conference.

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      2. oh it really was! gosh, i am so glad to hear that!!! i have found myself going back to FOCUS’ youtube page and rewatching some of the awesome talks!!! 🙂 big hugs to you xo

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  28. Having princples and sticking to them is never easy but I am totally for people who do. I did a quick Google search for Christian film companies. I don’t know whether this is any good to you.
    https://m.ranker.com/list/christian-film-production-companies/randolph
    I recognised the producers of War Room which is a great film. Maybe you could start your own mini movie project. You could write the screenlay. Perhaps you have contacts who could help you. I don’t know how these things work but perhaps you could publicise your ideas on your blog and see if you can generate interest. You never know until you try..

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    1. Thanks so much for your encouraging words and for that resource! I really appreciate it! Yes! I actually reached out to them earlier this week after i published it. That is really a great idea!! Thank you!! Hugs and love xox

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    1. Oh gosh thank you so much, Rachel. What a kind thing to say. I would love that! Let me know if you’re in nyc! Hugs and love xox

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  31. Thank you for another amazing post…always an inspiration…and He leads me to read the right ones at the right time…to hear the message I need for THAT day. You’re much more influential in the WORLD than you think…speaking straight to the heart of a girl all the way from South Africa. And you didn’t even have to be a star in a major movie. He takes your message and beautiful smiling face where it needs to go. Xx

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    1. As thank you so much for this beautiful encouragement! I am seriously so touched! And wow – South Africa! That is amazing!! 💛 thanks for being so awesome. Hugs and love xox

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  32. Thank you for this testimony about your faith in Christ. Very encouraging.

    For anyone who wants to please the Lord in their life and career (not just in entertainment), opportunities to compromise our belief will always arise. Whether we take it or not is up to us. My prayer is that we all should always stand up for Christ.

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    1. You’re on a reading roll! Thank you again Victor, I really appreciate your support. I will join you in that prayer! Hugs and love xox

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  33. Just yesterday I was reading about how the early church found certain occupations incompatible with their faith. Well done in your faithful obedience and recognition of when your job would fall under that! P.S. I had some friends (who love Jesus) who were at Sundance this year and loved it.

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  34. Caralyn, It was always a dream of mine since I was young to be an actress, but seeing what it all often entails in reality deterred me from ever pursuing it. Yet, seeing your determination and faith despite it all is so inspiring to me. You are seriously a rare gem & a role model of mine. Thank you for being so candid about your journey ❤

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    1. Hi Mackenzie, thank you so much for sharing your heart. and gosh, what a kind thing to say. Thank you so much! big big hugs and love xox

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  35. Thanks for making this statement of faith!! As a blogger, I’m often tempted to seek the world’s approval before God’s: avoid mentioning Him explicitly when I tell my story, show a little more skin in my fitness posts, accepting collaborations with brands whose message doesn’t actually resonate with me… Thanks for being an example of integrity in a difficult industry.

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    1. Thanks Paola! I really appreciate your nudge of encouragement. Yes! keep being you and shining His light! 🙂 hugs xox

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  36. Really enjoyed reading this, congratulations for expressing your faith. I have been to film festivals in the past, they can be pressure cookers of temptation and false excitement, even when the films are good. Excited to hear about your career choices, and I hope you find a writer and/or director willing to tell a Christian story. Warmest wishes.

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    1. thanks Ted, yeah i know – i keep delaying the inevitable. and yes! Grappa is an amazing restaurant!! 🙂 hugs xo

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  40. Its very inspiring to see you stand up for your principles / embody your purpose. Since the 1960s films have turned into a manufacturing industry that has even infected independent filmmakers and their artistry. Its a shame really. Hopefully you can find a feature that may live up to your ideals. Here’s hoping with you.

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  41. I love your story. 🙂It’s encouraging because sometimes I can find it difficult to be a Christian just in the day to day so I can only imagine the temptation that surrounds you in the entertainment industry! We’re always protected and blessed when we put on the armor of God. 🙂

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