Chrissy Metz: So many times, I’m like, “I wanna be on the cool, edgy show. I wanna get this nomination.” The ego is SO loud. And I’m like, “Maybe that’s not what it’s about.” I want to leave my thumbprint. Also, I want to leave a person, a situation—I want to leave something better than I found it, like that’s the very, very, very important overall idea in my life.

Chrissy Metz & Edwina Findley Dickerson on the Power of Walking Miles in Another’s Shoes – Episode #477

Narrator: Welcome to the Jesus Calling Podcast. This week, we’ll hear from two incredible actors—Chrissy Metz, best known for her role on TV’s This Is Us, and Edwina Findley Dickerson, known for her roles on The Wire and Chicago Med. Through their transformative work as actors, they strive not only to compassionately portray their characters, they deeply inhabit them, telling powerful stories with empathy and grace.

Let’s begin with Chrissy’s story.

Chrissy Metz: Hi, I’m Chrissy Metz. I’m a singer, actress, and author. 

Growing up in Japan, my dad was in the Navy, and I was the youngest child at the time. My mom had two other daughters after that, and I became a middle child. I just remember the countryside was so beautiful. I remember the food was so delicious. I was at a military school but we had so many friends who were Japanese, and we did a lot of camping trips. It was just such a beautiful country and such beautiful people and culture—such respect and discipline. My mom drove taxis every once in a while and made cakes. She was a little local baker for all the folks who wanted American pastries, so that was pretty cool. 

Then we moved to Gainesville, Florida when my parents divorced when I was about nine years old. In middle school, my mom remarried, and that’s when my mom had my baby sister. We moved often, so I went to every elementary school in Gainesville. I’d like to say that our tragedies become our triumphs because I really think that’s why I’m so congenial. I had to acclimate to every single school, every new class, every new teacher. I love people, and I think that really was advantageous for me to be able to learn to acclimate. But it wasn’t always easy, that’s for sure.  

The Guiding Light of a Grandmother’s Faith

Growing up, my grandmother lived with us and instilled so much faith into my life. It wasn’t even like she sat me down and said, “Okay, this is what I’m gonna teach you about God.” It was just the way that she walked through her life. She had such a strong faith and such a stronger relationship with God, and I was like, “Oh, I want that.” I was certainly searching for something, and I’m so grateful she was such a great role model for me.

Music was always my first love. I remember all the cool kids were in band, and we could not afford to rent an instrument, so I ended up joining the choir. This changed my life. I had a sense of community also. My mom, after she remarried—it was tough. It was a bit of a tumultuous childhood, so music and that choir was really important to me. 

Cast by Purpose – Not by Chance

In my circle of friends and in my family, I was the diplomatic entertainer. If there’s a fight, I’m distracting people with jokes or impressions or being silly. I was like, “Oh I want to be like Jim Carrey and Jack Black and Robin Williams—but a girl.” Such a goofball. I think I also found that when I was silly or telling jokes or doing impressions, I got attention that I hadn’t had at home. I was like, Oh, this is cool, but I never thought I was gonna be an actress. 

I’m teaching preschool at the time, I thought I was going to go into early childhood education. Then my sister, who wanted to be a print model, heard about a random open call.

My sister comes out of the audition room, and the woman holding the open call says, “Who are you?” And I was like, “Just her sister, her guardian.” She’s like, “Really?” My sister’s like, “Chrissy, you sing. You should sing for her!” And in my heart, I was like, Oh my gosh, oh my God, let me sing as I want to, but outwardly, I’m like, “No, absolutely not. There’s no way. Are you joking?” And I ended up singing “Reflection” from Mulan. She was like, “Oh, so do you want to sing?” I was like, “Yeah, I do.” She’s like, “Well, we’ll call you back if we’re interested.” She calls back a couple days later, and she’s like, “What about acting?” And I was like, “Uh, no.” And she said, “Well, why don’t we just do some classes?” 

So I would go down to Orlando every weekend with a couple other friends that I met through her management. She had an open call in different cities so we all just sort of came together. She ended up having a showcase in Los Angeles, and I gathered all my money, and we all went out there. It was my first time in Los Angeles. We had the showcase, and about seven of us out of like twenty got callbacks. An agent wanted to sign me, and I was like, “This has got to be a joke, like this isn’t real, this can’t be real.” She signed me, and I moved out to LA for a pilot season, which at that time was about three months. Then I had a bit of a detour, because my agent at the time who had just signed me needed an assistant. My manager said, “I think you should go and work for her.” I’m like, “For what? Wait, so I can’t do music, now I’ve got an agent for acting, and I’m not gonna be acting. I’m gonna be her assistant. Like, what’s going on?” 

I almost moved back to Gainesville because I was there for twelve years, and I thought, This is not happening for me. Am I delusional? Maybe it’s not for me. Then I booked This Is Us, and it completely changed my life. For it to do so well and to hear how it affects people—whether they’re dealing with race, weight, paternity, family dynamics, mother and daughter relationships, father and daughter relationships. It changed me as a person because I did not have a close relationship with my biological father growing up. So Dan Fogelman, who was the writer and creator of This Is Us—I don’t think he understood, and how could you, the relationship between Jack and Kate. I was like, “Oh wow, this is what a loving father is like.” And even though I portrayed it through a TV show, it was very healing for me.

I got to really understand why I wanted to be an actor. I wanted to tell stories that I never saw or people like me that I’d never seen on TV or movies that weren’t just the butt of the joke, but had like full-fledged stories and important lessons to impart. It was definitely providential. 

“I got to really understand why I wanted to be an actor. I wanted to tell stories that I never saw or people like me that I’d never seen on TV or movies that weren’t just the butt of the joke, but had like full-fledged stories and important lessons to impart.” – Chrissy Metz 

Leaving Spaces Better Than You Found Them

There’s so many different ways to even out for me. I mean, first and foremost is my relationship with God and praying, asking, pleading, and also just being very grateful. I start my day with a gratitude list before I even get out of bed because life is fleeting, life is precious, people are going through so much—but you can always find at least ten things to be grateful for. 

“I start my day with a gratitude list before I even get out of bed because life is fleeting, life is precious, people are going through so much—but you can always find at least ten things to be grateful for.” – Chrissy Metz 

It often starts with my conscious contact with God and sort of sitting with myself and saying, “Okay, what is it that I need? Like, am I tired? Am I hungry? What is actually going on?” Because it can become very overwhelming, and then you have people sort of pulling at you in every direction, and you’re like, “Oh, but how do I ground myself?” So journaling, gratitude, meditation, prayer, music, baths—anything that is going to, I think, fill your cup in a positive way.

What’s so cool about technology these days and podcasts and Jesus Calling in particular—you get so busy and inundated with life that you’re like, “Oh wait, hold on. I know this could help me. Let me just listen.” Whether it’s relatable stories or scripture or readings, all those things have been really, really, helpful. And I’m very close to my family, so I often speak to my sisters who give me great perspective.

The industry is so incredible, and I am so grateful for what I get to do. But life is so much bigger than Hollywood, so I always have to remind myself of that because I certainly know how to pick things apart and [think], Oh, I’m not good enough or I wasn’t worthy of this role. I just know that what’s meant for me will find me, even if I’m running away from it. This is in God’s time, not mine. 

“I just know that what’s meant for me will find me, even if I’m running away from it. This is in God’s time, not mine.” – Chrissy Metz 

Jesus Listens by Sarah Young, June 8th: 

My living Lord, 

You are everything I could possibly need in a Savior-God, and You live in me! You fill me with radiant Life and Love. I want Your Life in me to overflow and impact other people. Please live through me and love through me as I interact with others. I ask that Your Love will grace my words and Your Light will reflect from my demeanor as I live in joyful dependence on You. 

In this world I often feel insufficient, but I know I am complete in You, Lord. All that I need for my salvation and spiritual growth is found in You. Through Your divine Power I have everything necessary to persevere in my journey toward heaven. You bless me with intimate knowledge of You, and You invite me to open up and share with You at the deepest levels—both my struggles and my delights. 

Your finished work on the cross provides deep rest for my soul, Lord Jesus. I’m so grateful that I am eternally secure in You—my living Savior and my forever-Friend. 

In Your victorious Name, Jesus, 

Amen

Narrator: To learn more about Chrissy Metz, you may visit www.chrissymetzmusic.com, and please be sure to check out her new children’s book titled, When I Talk To God, I Talk About Feelings, at your favorite retailer.

Stay tuned to Edwina Findley Dickerson’s story after a brief message.

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JESUS CALLING: STORIES OF FAITH Returns for Season 4!

Hey everyone, this is Faith Broussard Cade, your host for the fourth season of Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith on UPTV. We’re so excited to bring you inspiring stories of people from all walks of life, who have turned to their faith in times of struggle, and in times of joy. We’re going to hear from some extraordinary guests this season, including Julie Chen Moonves, who you might know as the host of Big Brother. We’ll also be joined by NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw and Light Heavyweight Champion boxer Andre Ward, GRAMMY award winning gospel singer BeBe Winans, the world renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, and actress Taraji P. Henson, in addition to many others. And of course, you’ll get to hear more about me and my story, too. I can’t wait to see you there. Stay tuned for the new season coming soon on UPTV!  

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Our next guest is actress Edwina Findley Dickerson, known for her work in television, film, and theater, and a passionate storyteller both on and off screen. Edwina’s faith has helped her tune out discouraging voices and follow a deeper calling for both her life and career, inspiring others to find the courage to do the same.

Edwina Findley Dickerson: I’m Edwina Findley Dickerson. I am an actress. I do television, film, and I’m from the theater. Originally from Washington, D.C., I live in Los Angeles. I am also a speaker. I travel all over the world speaking and ministering, and I’m so excited to be here today.  

Hearing God’s Voice Over the Clamor of Hollywood

Growing up, I always enjoyed the arts. I always enjoyed performing. Around the age of five is when I really started leaning into these artistic gifts. And thank goodness I had a mom who was very supportive about cultivating the gifts that I had. At the time, the church I was going to did this Christian musical called Psalty’s Christmas Calamity. That’s the very first show that I remember ever being a part of. It was like this singing song book with Bible stories and Bible scriptures, and I think that’s when the bug just hit me. After that, I started doing a lot of church-related plays and musicals and performances. I remember as a high school student trying to decide, What am I gonna go to college for? What am I going to major in?

There were a lot of people that told me not to go into acting. Religious people told me, “Oh, you should not be an actor. That’s not of God, that’s not godly.” And then the industry people told me, “Yeah, this is nice for you, but you’ll never make it in Hollywood.” And when people tell you things almost as a fact, you can start to believe it if you don’t have another voice.

I had to keep relying on God’s voice because God told me something different. God told me I was called to entertainment, and I thank God that I leaned into His voice even when other people’s voices seemed louder, because God’s plan is the one that won out.

“When people tell you things almost as a fact, you can start to believe it if you don’t have another voice. God told me I was called to entertainment, and I thank God that I leaned into His voice even when other people’s voices seemed louder, because God’s plan is the one that won out.” – Edwina Findley Dickerson

I ultimately went to Duke Ellington School of the Arts and studied classical music, in addition to drama, and traveled all over the world singing and dancing as a teenager. I got my first TV show as a teenager, and then I went on to NYU and studied drama there and became a part of the professional film and TV and theater industry. Soon thereafter, I was cast in a big show in Hollywood, and my entire life changed. 

The Curse of Comparison: Silencing Voices of Doubt and Fear

I’ve had a lot of challenges and a lot of victories on the way to pursuing this God dream that I’m living. There’s multiple roadblocks that I have found that prohibit people from fully living into and manifesting their God dream. One of the biggest is fear—fear of what other people are going to say, what other people are going to think. And it doesn’t help that we’re in this kind of social media driven society where we can see, Oh, did they like it? Did they comment? Did they share? So we can end up with what I call the curse of comparison, and then we can talk our way out of what God is trying to talk us into.

“We can end up with what I call the curse of comparison, and then we can talk our way out of what God is trying to talk us into.” – Edwina Findley Dickerson 

Another thing is fear of failure. There’s fear of the unknown, but also there’s very real traumas as well. What’s holding you back? Listing out these things and looking at this from a very honest place to see, What am I experiencing, right? For some of us, it’s low self-esteem. For some of us, it’s not believing that we’re worthy or that we are capable of doing what God has called us to do. But what I love about that is that in Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, we see people who were not considered the smartest, who were not considered the most powerful, who were not considered the most beautiful, but were called. They were called for a purpose. God chose them for His own reasons. I just really feel like if we lean into some of those scriptural examples of people who were not the likely candidate from other people’s point of view, but were exactly who God chose, then I think we can see ourselves in that lineup, and start leaning into our calling. 

“From Genesis to Revelation, we see people who were not considered the smartest, who were not considered the most powerful, who were not considered the most beautiful, but were called. They were called for a purpose. God chose them for His own reasons. If we lean into some of those scriptural examples of people who were not the likely candidate from other people’s point of view, but were exactly who God chose, then I think we can see ourselves in that lineup, and start leaning into our calling.” – Edwina Findley Dickerson 

I was at an entertainment gathering with another actress, and she just happened to mention, “Have you ever heard of Jesus Calling?” At that time I hadn’t, and she said, “Oh, it’s so beautiful. It’s a devotional. It’s incredible.” She really planted the seed of my awareness of the book. And then, funny enough, my husband one day said, “Oh my gosh, I have this devotional that I love so much.” And I said, “What is it called?” He said, “Jesus Calling.” I’m like, “No, what?” And literally from that time to this—every single day—my husband reads Jesus Calling every morning. He sends them to me every morning, and when we’re together, we read them together, we pray together. Jesus Calling has had an incredible presence in my life and in my marriage. I think what we both love about it is that it helps us in the busyness of our lives and in the anxiety that we can sometimes face by just being very busy people, it helps us to center ourselves, helps us ground ourselves, helps us to take a moment out to listen to the Lord, to pray, to go and read those scriptures that are at the end, and to carve out time from this busy world to really connect with God. 

One of the things that I love about Jesus Calling is it encourages you every day to seek God’s voice, to come into a place of stillness, to read Scripture, and to pray. And when you do that over time and you make that a habit, then God’s voice will start to become the loudest voice. 

Empathizing and Understanding: Keys to the Acting Process

I think like most people, there’s a chasm between what you believe that God has promised you in your life and then your current circumstances. A lot of times when God’s promise enters your life, it can speak very differently from your current reality.

“I think like most people, there’s a chasm between what you believe that God has promised you in your life and then your current circumstances. A lot of times when God’s promise enters your life, it can speak very differently from your current reality.” – Edwina Findley Dickerson

I remember having an opportunity to audition for this popular TV show. The show itself was popular, but for me as a young woman of faith, I was like, “Okay, there’s no way God could want me to be on that show. There’s just no way.” But I auditioned for it, and I didn’t think too much of it. Well, they end up offering me the role, and now I’m really like, “Oh God, wait. No, uh-uh, no, no, no.” Someone in my life encouraged me to just pray about it. And so, I took three days—I was really inspired by the story of Esther when she went into a fast for three days and she really was pursuing God’s voice. And so myself and also my godsister fasted with me for three days, and I just pursued God. I think one of the keys of pursuing God’s voice in the most pure way is knowing that you’re willing to lay it down. When you know that you’re willing to simply go whatever way He tells you, that’s when you’re really seeking God’s voice and not necessarily presenting to Him your plan, what you want to do, and just say, “Well, can you bless it,”right? And so, I really came to Him like, “Listen, if You don’t want me to do this role, I won’t do it. And frankly, I kind of think I shouldn’t do it. So like, we can have a conversation, but I kind of feel like I know what You’re going to say.” Well, funny enough, at the end of the three days, it was like, “I’m sending you to this show. It is not for your own aggrandizement. There are people there that are waiting to hear from you.”

“I think one of the keys of pursuing God’s voice in the most pure way is knowing that you’re willing to lay it down. When you know that you’re willing to simply go whatever way He tells you, that’s when you’re really seeking God’s voice and not necessarily presenting to Him your plan.” – Edwina Findley Dickerson

My very first day on set, I’m in my trailer and this young woman comes and knocks on my door. And she said, “I overheard you talking about God when you were in hair and makeup, and there was something about you—the conversation you were having that just made me feel like I could come and talk to you. Do you mind if I come in?” Now, I didn’t even remember saying anything about God in hair and makeup. I guess it was just so natural. But she came in, and she began to cry, weep, and poured out her whole life story in front of me. Now, I don’t know that I’d met her for five minutes, but this was day one. At that time, she was struggling with substance abuse, she was in an abusive relationship that she really wanted to get out of, and she had this career as an exotic dancer. There were all these things happening in her life that she just released because she felt the Spirit of God and she felt like she could talk to me. Well, by the end of our time together on this show that I didn’t think I should accept, she was born again, she was out of the relationship, she had moved to a whole other state, she had joined a church, and her whole life changed. She ultimately ended up getting married and having children and her life was transformed. I know for a fact that was why God sent me to the show. And so, sometimes the choices that you make aren’t necessarily about what would come naturally to you—sometimes it’s purely surrendering to what God is calling you to do. And suddenly, you find out that there’s an amazing reason why He’s calling you in that direction.  

“Sometimes the choices that you make aren’t necessarily about what would come naturally to you—sometimes it’s purely surrendering to what God is calling you to do.” – Edwina Findley Dickerson 

One of my favorite parts of the production process is really preparing the role. I tend to do a lot of research, and I’m just like uncovering layers, right? As a performer, you have the unique opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes day after day to experience life from their point of view. It’s interesting as a person of faith, because I think a lot of times Christians, or even just people who may identify with a certain religion, can get a bad rap of being judgmental or critical of other people that are walking a different path. And for me, I find that being an actor helps to chip away at that. As an actor, it’s my job to take their side. It’s my job to walk a mile in their shoes. It’s my job to empathize and understand life from their worldview. And when I do that, I find that it creates a lot more empathy in my heart for people that I may have judged just moving through life in a regular way. So I really love creating characters, and then, of course, I love performing. So by the time we get on set or get on stage and it’s like lights, camera, action, ready to go—that’s I think the point when I really light up. 

I always tell people if God has called you to do something, just do it in obedience—even if you don’t understand how it’s going to end up, even if you don’t understand what’s on the other side of it, even if it means that you have to sacrifice something in order to move in the direction of this calling—do it, because you have no idea what kind of blessings are on the other side for others and for you. 

“If God has called you to do something, just do it in obedience—even if you don’t understand how it’s going to end up. You have no idea what kind of blessings are on the other side. ” – Edwina Findley Dickerson 

Narrator: To learn more about Edwina Findley Dickerson, visit www.edwinafindley.com, and be sure to check out her new book, The World Is Waiting for You: Embrace Your Calling and Manifest the God Dream Over Your Life, at your favorite retailer.

If you’d like to hear more stories about what to do with life’s roadblocks and setbacks, check out our interview with Cole Prasse.

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Next week: Justin Knoop

Next time on the Jesus Calling Podcast, we will hear from Justin Knoop, father of four and the creative mind behind The Blessing Boys. Justin shares how a small lawn care business he started with his young sons blossomed into a mission to serve others.

Justin Knoop: We’re made in God’s image. God is a creator. That’s why I love the term “content creator” because we’re actually using our gifts, our abilities, and our talents to create something through technology for people to enjoy and be inspired by.