Life at the top can be tough for some, but those with strong faith can survive the challenges. Just ask Natalie Manuel Lee.
In her new docuseries, “Now with Natalie,” Lee discusses faith and other topics with high-profile figures in entertainment, sports and fashion, and the consensus is that having a relationship with God makes a big impact in one’s daily living.
The program premieres on March 3, on the Hillsong Channel. Viewers can learn and grow by listening to the conversations with celebrities such as singer Kelly Rowland, Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Tyson Chandler and fitness coach/motivational speaker Angela Davis, who all grappled with doubt and insecurities in competitive fields. Yet, they have emerged on solid ground and with purposeful lives because of their faith.
The journeys of famous people are not unlike those who are not-so-famous, said Lee, which was a major factor in developing her new series.
“I’ve always had the desire to merge culture and faith together since I was a young child. The two worlds always seemed to be separate,” she said. “In creating this show, I saw an opportunity to do so. I saw a need to infiltrate the Kingdom into the culture. I’ve also always had a pure passion for people and their journeys.”
Through the six-episode show, Lee will explore subjects that the stars, as well as many people, encounter including mental health, self-worth and the pursuit of status. Her goal is to emphasize the importance of purpose, along with spreading the message that happiness cannot be equated with wealth and status.
“Our worth and value is not in things or our job title. Our worth and value are in who we are and what God says we are. Accepted, Redeemed, more than enough, free from condemnation, and chosen,” explained Lee.
“I believe the viewers will gain a new perspective on identity and purpose. This show aims to nullify, dismantle and pull back the veil to counterfeits of identity and purpose currently being sold and consumed through popular culture,” she said. “The counterfeit is what we do, what we consume, what relationships we have, how much money we have, etc. define who we are. That is an absolute lie!”
Lee, who is also a professional wardrobe stylist, credits her long relationship with Christ with guiding her throughout ups-and-downs of life. Describing Him as “the alpha and omega of my life,” she shared that God is “my provider, counselor, helper and much more. I lean on Him for everything.”
Faith and purpose will be recurring topics expressed by her guests as they pursue excellence in their respective industries. For example, Hailey Bieber, the daughter of actor Stephen Baldwin, will recall the pressures on creating her own identity in the midst her family’s legacy. Fear of God designer Jerry Lorenzo will outline how the pursuit of status can either help or hinder your life’s purpose. Also, former Teen Vogue editor Elaine Welteroth will review what it means to navigate towards your goals, even when the path is unknown. As the celebrities reveal their vulnerabilities, faith is often the common denominator, said Lee.
“If you believe it is where God has called you to,” she declared, “trust that He will give you the skills and qualities that you need to enter into that field.”