I told you in a previous post that I would keep you in the loop about the upcoming Lifetime movie Envy in which GregAlan Williams (Uncle Mac from OWN’s Greenleaf) will portray Elijah, and I’m making good on that promise!
Following the successful partnership of Lifetime with Bishop T.D. Jakes with Faith Under Fire and I Am Somebody’s Child, Lifetime reteams with the Bishop for two movies –Lust: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt) and Envy: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt) – based on two books from the Seven Deadly Sins anthology by Victoria Christopher Murray. Lust: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt) premieres onSaturday, April 17th at 8pm ET/PT and stars Keri Hilson (Love By The 10th Date), Tobias Truvillion (One Life to Live), and Durrell ‘Tank’ Babbs (The New Edition Story). Envy: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt) premieres on Saturday, April 24th at 8pm ET/PT and stars Serayah (Empire), Rose Rollins (The L Word), and Kandi Burruss (Real Housewives of Atlanta).
Bishop T.D. Jakes and Derrick Williams serve as executive producers on both films, alongside TV host, Shaun Robinson, who under the Broader Focus initiative, will executive produce movies for the first time. Lust: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt) and Envy: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt) join previously announced book to screen movies by author V.C. Andrews, Ruby, Pearl in the Mist, All That Glitters and Hidden Jewel this spring, and continues to establish Lifetime as the home for movies inspired by books from best-selling authors. Below are the full descriptions and premiere dates for Lust: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt) and Envy: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt).
The first of the Seven Deadly Sins book series, this movie is a grounded morality tale that explores the power of lust, but at what cost? Tiffanie Cooper (Keri Hilson) is about to have the wedding of her dreams to her soul mate, the dashing Damon King (Tobias Truvillion), founder of King Enterprises. But when Damon’s old friend Trey Taylor (Durrell ‘Tank’ Babbs) arrives, fresh from prison to step in as Damon’s best man, Tiffanie’s whole world gets rocked. Sexy and mysterious, Trey triggers a passion in Tiffanie that she never expected, and suddenly the life she’s always planned with Damon is uncertain. But Trey still carries wounds from his history with Damon, and his intentions toward both Tiffanie and Damon are not to be trusted. Lust: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt) also stars Ms. Juicy, LeToya Luckett (Rochelle from OWN’s Greenleaf), and Clifton Powell and is produced by TD Jakes Enterprises and Big Dreams Entertainment. T.D. Jakes, Derrick Williams, Leslie Greif and Shaun Robinson serve as executive producers and Star Victoria directs from a script written by Sonay Hoffman.
Gabrielle Flores (Rose Rollins) has it all – a devoted husband, a beautiful daughter, and one of the best PR firms in the country. When Gabrielle’s father suddenly reveals she has a half-sister, Keisha (Serayah), as a result of a brief affair, only-child Gabrielle is delighted to welcome her into her life. But Keisha, who grew up with nothing, wants more than a sisterly bond from Gabrielle—she wants her life, and is willing to do whatever it takes to get it. Envy: A Deadly Sins Saga (wt) also stars Kandi Burruss, Donovan Christie Jr., GregAlan Williams, Da Brat, DC Young Fly, Clifton Powell and Hosea Chanchez and is produced by TD Jakes Enterprises and Big Dreams Entertainment. T.D. Jakes, Derrick Williams, Leslie Greif and Shaun Robinson serve as executive producers, and Damon Lee directs from a script written by Nneka Gerstle.
I didn’t want to admit it, but now that OWN’s Greenleaf has ended, I must admit that Uncle Mac, as evil and depraved as he was, was my favorite character. And unless I’ve somehow missed it, I haven’t seen GregAlan Williams, the actor who masterfully portrayed Uncle Mac, on television since. (Aside: if you missed my interview of GregAlan Williams, check it out HERE.)
But he’s coming back to television via Lifetime! GregAlan Williams will portray Elijah in the upcoming Lifetime movie Envy, which is based on the novel of the same name by my sorority sister novelist Victoria Christopher Murray! Her novels Lust, Greed and Wrath will also be made into Lifetime movies! The air date for Envy hasn’t been announced yet, but you know I will keep you in the loop! Below is the synopsis for Envy followed by Victoria’s FB post about Envy below…
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Gabrielle Wilson has the perfect life: a Beverly Hills mansion, a loving family, and a massively successful PR firm. When her father admits that an affair he had years before resulted in a daughter, Gabrielle is shocked, but is actually happy. Could this be the sister she has been praying for all her life?
Keisha Jones’s life is a struggle. Her late mother worked on the streets, and school was its own nightmare. When Gabrielle offers to fly Keisha out of Arkansas to meet the family, Keisha instantly agrees. But Gabrielle doesn’t realize that Keisha has known about the Wilsons for years. Keisha is determined to have everything she has always envied, and nothing can stand in her way.
ENVY filming has wrapped! LUST begins today and I’ll share that cast soon!
And yes, they will do GREED and WRATH next,…
And in other book to film news, novelist Tiffany L. Warren, who graciously allowed me to interview her for my first book, will see her book The Favorite Sonon BET in 2021! Jonathan McReynolds and Anthony Evans Jr. are among the stars who will be in the film. Below is the synopsis of The Favorite Son followed by two of her jubilant posts about the upcoming movie!
Do family, faith–and fame–go together?
They’re handsome, smart, and musically gifted. Brothers Camden and Blaine Wilson have put their talents together and founded a gospel group. The quieter one, Camden is the songwriter, while charismatic Blaine is the performer. At first, their Reverend father is against the idea–until Blaine, his favorite, wows the congregation at a church revival. Sure enough, once the reverend witnesses their effect on the crowd he wants them there every Sunday. But he may have set the stage for trouble. . .
As the group’s popularity grows, so do the groupies–and promiscuous Blaine is more than happy to share his love. Gigs across the country, meetings with music execs, a chance to sign with a major label, and a sexy new band member bring new connections–and dangerous new temptations. Soon, a slew of rumors and a shocking betrayal threaten to destroy the group–and the brothers’ relationship. But one event is going to rock their world forever. Do they have enough faith, forgiveness, and brotherly love left to find harmony once more?…
Meet the Wilsons! Blaine, Camden, Pastor B.C., First Lady and Dawn. Yes, gospel fans, that is Jonathan McReynolds!!!!!…
Just like that my birthday month is over, and I have to wait a whole year to celebrate all month long again but that’s alright. Although my birthday month is over, I have a gift of sorts for you! I’m back with my monthly roundup of blog posts and or articles for black Christian women! So below is my Top 10 monthly roundup of blog posts and or magazine/newspaper articles for black Christian women for September ( but you don’t have be a black Christian woman to to check them out 🙂 As usual, let me know if you like my list! Enjoy and share!
1. “Producer Angela White Makes History with A Question of Faith” by Chandra Sparks Splond
Excerpt: Veteran producer Angela White is about to make history with the release of A Question of Faith. The film, which includes an all-star cast, is White’s first faith-based movie and the first of its kind to have been produced by an African-American woman. I recently spoke with White about A Question of Faith and the importance of pursuing your dreams. Tell me about A Question of Faith. A Question of Faith is a beautiful story that follows three different families, who are struck by tragedy, which forces their destiny on a converging path to discover God’s love, grace, mercy and the power of forgiveness. In “A Question of Faith,” all three families find themselves at a crossroads, questioning their faith and the higher power that guides their lives, as a result of their tragedies. As each family member deals with their issues, their worlds start to intertwine, which leads to a chain of events, which unknowingly brings the three families closer and closer together. Further, the film deals with social issues, such as texting and driving, organ donation and the power of racial reconciliation. See more at: chandrasparkssplond.com
2.”The Subtle, Powerful Way Jordin Sparks Joined The NFL Protests” by Carol Kuruvilla
Excerpt: Singer Jordin Sparks may not have taken the knee during Monday night’s NFL game in Arizona, but she managed to make a powerful statement nonetheless. The “American Idol” winner was scheduled to sing the National Anthem during a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals. The Dallas team knelt down before the anthem and stood while Sparks sang, and the Arizona players stood and linked arms. Sparks, on the other hand, stood tall throughout her performance. But there was one small detail that could shed a light on what the 28-year-old singer was thinking. Scribbled in black on her hand were the words Prov. 31:8-9. It’s a reference from the book of Proverbs, in the Bible. See more at: huffingtonpost.com
3.”NASA Honors ‘Hidden Figures’ Heroine Katherine Johnson With a Research Building Named After Her” by Ashley Edwards Walker
Excerpt: It has been a big year for Katherine Johnson, the “human computer” who served as the brains behind NASA’s launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. Hidden Figures, the movie based on her inspiring—though, until recently, largely unknown—career premiered in January 2017 (it sprang from the book by Margot Lee Shetterly). Taraji P. Henson portrayed Johnson onscreen, and the film won for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Even more important, the film and its portrayal of Johnson is being credited with galvanizing more young women to consider careers in science and technology. Now, in a very much overdue honor for the trailblazer, NASA has just dedicated a new facility to honor the mathematician: the Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility. See more at: glamour.com
4.”Ayesha Curry is CoverGirl’s Newest Brand Ambassador”
Excerpt: The cosmetics brand made the announcement on Instagram on Wednesday writing, “Told you we had something cookin’ COVERGIRLS… So happy we don’t have to keep our lids on it anymore! See more at: blavity.com
5.”Are Smart, Educated Women Still Called to the Church Nursery?” by Nana Dolce
Excerpt: Case in point: During a recent #ThingsOnlyChristianWomenHear Twitter conversation, many stressed their concerns over the treatment of women in Christian circles. Among the tweets were stories of restrictive gender roles—women confined to traditionally nurturing positions regardless of their gifts and abilities. “You speak five languages and have a doctoral degree? Children’s ministry is your calling!” wrote one woman in sarcasm. See more at: christianitytoday.com
6.”When The Parents Are White, The Child Is Black, And The Churches Are Segregated” by Leah Donnella
Excerpt: My husband and I are white and we have one biological child (a baby) who shares many of our physical features. We also have a 4-year-old daughter, whom we adopted, who is black. I am trying to surround our daughter with a multiracial community so she is less this one black person in a sea of white. That is a struggle in a city that is still pretty segregated, but my particular question is this: Where should we go to church? See more at: npr.org
7.”50-Year-Old Virgin Called ‘Crazy’ For Saving Sex for Marriage” by Asia Henderson
Excerpt: It’s not every day that you hear about a 50-year-old virgin, but one such woman self-identified as exactly that during a recent airing of The Wendy Williams Show. “I am a 50-year-old virgin and I’m proud of it,” said Evette, shocking the host and her entire studio audience. See more at: buzz.eewmagazine.com
8.”Fantasia Serenades A Paralyzed Man In The Hospital”
Excerpt: While visiting her brother in the hospital, soul singer Fantasia Barrino blessed another family with her incredible vocals. According to a fan page dedicated to Barrino, a woman approached the artist and asked if she would sing a song to her husband to soothe his spirits. The man was hospitalized for paralysis after suffering injuries from an undisclosed accident. See more at: elev8.hellobeautiful.com
9.”An Austin Congregation Struggles to Put a Confederate Icon in the Past” by Joy Diaz
Excerpt: At the time, the congregation was all white. Today it’s still mostly white, but it’s surrounded by a very diverse community. The church sits in the middle of the University of Texas campus. And yet, Denise Davis was one of only three black people at All Saints. But she was not the only one offended by the window. Father Adams has learned it is offensive to others too. See more at: texasstandard.org
10.”When the Gospel Isn’t Very Good News” by Tess Holgate
Except: “But still there was that part of me that thought, in order for me to belong, I had to erase the part of me that was black, the part of me that grew up Democrat, the part of me that thought Jimmy Carter was the good guy.” Harper says this is how it was to grow up an evangelical Christian in the 1980s, a time she describes as the “rise of the religious Right.” She says the subtext of the movement said that if you’re not Republican, you’re not Christian, and that to be Christian you have to be Republican. See more at: www.eternitynews.com.au
Check out the trailer for “A Question of Faith,” the first faith-based movie produced by an African-American woman, Angela White…My cousin and I saw this movie at the Atlanta premiere last Monday, and we both enjoyed it. I loved seeing some stars that I remember from when I was growing up like Kim Fields from “The Facts of Life” and “Living Single” and C. Thomas Howell from “The Outsiders!”Also, it was nice to see “Uncle Mac,” who was recently killed on “Greenleaf,” in the land of the living LOL. I interviewed GregAlan Williams, who stars in this movie as a pastor and was at the premiere, back in August!
If you know of any black Christian women bloggers and or writers, please e-mail me at jacqueline@afterthealtarcall.com as I’m always interested in expanding my community of black Christian women blogs and websites. As I noted before, while this is a roundup of interesting blog posts and or magazine and newspaper articles for black Christian women, you don’t have to be one to appreciate these pieces 🙂
But he’s coming back to television via Lifetime! GregAlan Williams will portray Elijah in the upcoming Lifetime movie Envy, which is based on the 
