Karrueche Tran is finding profound meaning not just in her latest acting role, but also in her personal spiritual growth. The actress, who stars in the new Lifetime film “Terry McMillan Presents: Preach, Pray, Love,” recently sat down with theGrio to share how her character’s journey with faith deeply resonates with her own evolving relationship with God.
A Deeper Connection with Faith
Tran, 37, explained that her connection with God has become significantly closer over the past few years. “Lately, over the past couple of years, my own personal relationship with God has gotten closer which is a beautiful thing for myself to see, to feel, to witness,” she shared. A key lesson she’s embraced is the importance of honoring and praising God not just during difficult times, but also in moments of joy and everyday blessings.
She elaborated on how easily people forget to celebrate and thank God when things are going well. “We forget, when it’s good, to celebrate him and to thank him as well,” Tran noted. Now, she finds herself praising God more for positive experiences, like having a good day, working out, or even enjoying a simple facial. “It’s just like those small things that we have to remember, to be grateful for, and that’s something that I’ve learned, and I myself just find so much beauty and honor in that to honor him in that way.”
Mirroring Her Character’s Journey
Tran sees strong parallels between her own spiritual path and that of her character, Charlisa “Charlie” Jones, in “Preach, Pray, Love.” Charlie is a platinum-selling rapper with a provocative image who, after a prison sentence, is sentenced to community service at a church. There, she meets Pastor Kyrus Owens (played by Mark J.P. Hood), and an unexpected romance begins to blossom, causing concern within the church community.
The film follows Charlie as she navigates her edgy public persona while trying to reconcile her faith, the possibility of redemption, and newfound love. Tran hopes viewers will connect with this “beautiful, black, spiritual story” and take away personal strength from the characters’ journeys, whether it’s about faith, relationships, or overcoming challenges.
Embracing New Challenges
Taking on the role of Charlie, a rapper, was a significant challenge for Tran, marking her first time playing such a character. This involved her first real studio experience recording music, which she admitted was “so scary.” However, she embraces these challenges, believing they make her a better actor and artist. She described the film as a “beautiful, spiritual love story” that many will relate to.
Being part of Terry McMillan’s legacy was also a highlight for Tran. She expressed pride in being part of a project that showcases Black talent telling stories in their own way, with a full Black writing and producing team. “It’s just beautiful that we’re able to tell these kind of stories and do it in our way,” she said.
“Terry McMillan Presents: Preach, Pray, Love” is currently streaming on Lifetime, offering a story filled with heart, faith, and the complexities of love.
Have you watched ‘Terry McMillan Presents: Preach, Pray, Love’? What did you think of Karrueche Tran’s performance and the film’s message? Share your thoughts in the comments below!