What happens when God calls you away from something you love? In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey of stepping away from community theatre and discovering how God was simultaneously opening unexpected doors for my theatrical gifts within church ministry.

After feeling led to leave behind years of community theatre in both Florida and North Carolina, I found myself mourning what seemed like the end of my performance career. Despite teaching theatre daily, the thought of never again stepping on stage as a performer left an emptiness I couldn't ignore. During a heartfelt conversation with my wife about missing this creative outlet, she suggested our church might someday offer opportunities—never imagining how quickly that suggestion would materialize. That very Sunday, our pastor announced the church's first-ever Resurrection Sunday production, where I was later cast in the lead role.

But God's plans extended beyond a single performance. As part of my involvement with our church's children's ministry—a passion dating back to my college years—I've become the face of "Marked Kids," creating educational videos that help parents connect with their children's spiritual development. These videos, like the one featured in this episode about finding peace through God's guidance during storms, allow me to blend my theatrical training with ministry in ways I never anticipated. With an upcoming mystery dinner theater production I'll be directing, it's clear that God wasn't closing the door on my theatrical pursuits—He was redirecting them toward a stage where faith and performance beautifully intersect.

Have you ever felt God removing something you love, only to discover He was preparing something better? I'd love to hear your stories of how God has repurposed your talents in unexpected ways. Subscribe to The Curtain and the Cross for more conversations about navigating faith and theater in today's world.

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Dive into an inspiring conversation that intertwines faith and theater with our special guest, Natalie Davis! From her artistic roots in Jackson, Mississippi, to her journeys through Disney and Broadway, Natalie shares how her life as a performer has shaped her Christian faith.

Throughout the episode, we encounter the struggles of balancing a creative career with faith in a diverse industry. Natalie opens up about finding her place in the theater world while remaining true to her identity as a Christian. She reflects on the significance of having a supportive community, viewing Sunday church as a spiritual reset, and how her experiences allowed her to share her faith authentically in everyday interactions.

With a heartfelt discussion on the difficulties many face in upholding their beliefs in a creative environment, this episode dares you to consider how you can embody your values wherever you are. Listen in as Natalie talks about her current work as an usher on Broadway and her exciting plans for future projects. Be prepared to be uplifted, challenged, and motivated to shine your light in your own artistic endeavors!

Join us for this captivating journey, and don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, or leave a review to help us reach more listeners eager to explore the meeting point of faith and creativity.

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Have you ever pondered how to harmonize your spiritual beliefs with a career that thrives on performance and creativity? Our latest episode offers insights through the engaging story of Matthew Stuart Jackson, a remarkable actor, writer, and comedian. Matthew shares his journey from his roots in various Protestant denominations to discovering his passion for acting. We dive into how he navigates the intersection of faith and the performing arts, addressing the challenges and triumphs that come with maintaining Christian values in the theater world.

Matthew enriches our conversation with his perspective on what it means to be a Christian actor. We discuss how understanding one's identity in Christ empowers artists to tell diverse stories without compromising their beliefs. It’s not about isolating oneself from challenging environments, but rather about demonstrating faith through actions and integrity. Matthew's insights into prioritizing personal integrity over professional success are as inspiring as they are thought-provoking, offering a refreshing take on how artists can lead with example and grace.

In this heartfelt episode, we also explore Matthew’s teaching philosophy, where he integrates faith into his theatre classes. He candidly shares his experiences teaching improvisation across age groups, viewing his work as a form of ministry. We acknowledge his upcoming projects, including an audiobook based on a Christian guide, and also celebrate the deep friendship we share. Our chat reflects on the joys and challenges of balancing auditions, comedy gigs, and social media presence, wrapping up with genuine appreciation for the unique journey Matthew continues to tread.

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