MD: To what extent does your faith play a part in deciding the roles you’ll take? For example, are you the type of actress who will take on any role, or are you a bit more picky?

MJH: Well, the Lord is the head of everything in my life — but, as an actor, I want to stretch my wings and jump into any role, no matter where that [character’s] background comes from. I don’t get a lot of chances these days to play the bad girl or play the villain or play the really flawed and defiant kinda role, but I wish I could. Those are really important roles to play as well. At some point, I have to be honest with myself. I think being a Christian also means understanding all people. The Lord wants to go to those who need Him the most, and playing those flawed characters will help me better understand people. Playing someone who has a really troubled past or a really troubled life [might help me] be an example of how we, as Christians, can be more understanding to someone who has a really troubled soul.

MD: What message do you think God has called you to bring to the world?

MJH: I think it’s important for me to speak up for people who aren’t being heard — Christians, children, the disabled, and the sick. I like to say three things: I’m fearless. I’m honest. I’m generous. I center my life on those three things. I try not to allow the fear of “what man can do to me” to control what I do. I want to leave this world battered, beaten, broken, and wrinkled — because I did everything that I was called to do.

MD: What advice would you offer this generation of believers?

MJH: Stand up. Stand strong. Don’t let anyone tell you what your values are, what your morals are, or what your moral compass should be. You decide that, and you stand by that. It might not be “cool” to be a Christian to some people, but there are people who will support you. I have a strong group of Christian friends who lift me up and help me when I need it. They help me do the fun stuff, but they also help me do the hard stuff. They’re my “village.” Christians need to know, what’s popular today won’t be popular in ten years. What seems important today won’t be important even next year. It will change. It will evolve. But the one thing you need to hold strong to is who you are. In order to figure out who you are, you need to find a quiet place and just let the Holy Spirit speak to you.
PHOTO: ASHLEY BATZ