Most people would agree that moms are usually right—mine certainly is. She’s an integral part of the story I’m about to tell, much like Mother Mary was in Jesus’ life.

“You should watch it. I think you would really enjoy it.” She said this to me for over a year, every time we talked on the phone. She was referring to “The Chosen,” a groundbreaking historical drama about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

My mother is one of the most influential people in my life. I knew she was probably right—I would like the TV show. But I kept ignoring what she was telling me because I wasn’t ready to hear it.

I have always believed in God. I believe in miracles, and I believe things happen in life we are not meant to understand. But I think it’s important to be honest about how difficult my faith journey has been.

Like millions of others, I struggled with severe isolation and anxiety during the pandemic. Even after we all started to get back to living again, I felt really low and lost. There were times when I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror because I hated what I saw. I was that unhappy.

And I think one of the most shameful parts about it all was the frustration I felt. I kept praying for an answer, but I was too focused on what I wanted instead of listening to what God knew I needed. I still wasn’t ready.

But everything changed the day I got an email inviting people to sign up as background extras for Season 6 of “The Chosen.”

I almost didn’t do it. I’d never been on a film set before, and I was nervous. What if it was a horrible experience? What if I messed it up or stood out for all the wrong reasons? Filming for hours in the middle of a Texas summer sounded borderline insane—what if I passed out? These were just a few of the anxious questions racing through my mind.

But despite all my reservations, I signed up anyway. I told myself: This is happening in your own backyard. When will you ever get an opportunity like this again? God was nudging me to take a leap, and I was finally ready to listen.

Good thing I did, too. All the slots filled up just 15 minutes after registration opened.

And while I can’t reveal what scenes I was part of shooting, I can tell you it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.

People tend to glamorize acting and filmmaking because they only see the final product. They don’t see the hours it takes to write scripts, memorize lines, create costumes, do makeup, design sets or shoot scenes. It’s hard work—backbreaking work.

We all stood out in the heat for several hours at a time, sweat dripping everywhere—on the face, down the back. Crew walked around between takes, making sure everyone had water, snacks and sunscreen. Cast members ran lines again and again while the crew adjusted cameras and prepped for the next shot. If an angle didn’t work, actors were repositioned, and marks were changed before reshooting.

But despite the intensity, the emotions and the heat, I never saw an ounce of arrogance from anyone. Every single person on that set—from the makeup artists and camera crew to Jonathan Roumie (Jesus) and Dallas Jenkins (creator and director)—worked together like pieces of a puzzle, no one piece more important than the other. Watching it all unfold in front of me, some moments didn’t even feel like acting. The love and trust between the cast and crew were all very real.

You see, for me, that’s what makes being part of “The Chosen” so life-changing. This show has recreated the greatest story ever told through the eyes of real people with real problems. Jesus and his disciples are a family on and off set—they laugh, love, cry, argue and make mistakes just like everyone else. And more importantly, they’re teaching us through this series what it means to be human and still walk with faith.

Because in the end, life isn’t about money, fame or social status. It’s about kindness and compassion. It’s about overcoming trials and tribulations. About leaving the world a little better than you found it. It’s about trusting that God may not always give you what you want, but He will always give you what you need.

So yes, I had to get used to different—and once I did, everything changed. My perspective. My heart. My faith.

And as it turns out, your Imma really is always right.

Seasons 1-5 of “The Chosen” are streaming on Amazon Prime. Season 6 will premiere in late 2026. For more information on this groundbreaking historical drama, visit watch.thechosen.tv