Meet Linda Bentley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Bentley.

Hi Linda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a small town Georgia girl who grew up in the booming metropolis of Macon! LOL! My beginning was extremely humble growing up in a lower middle class family that consisted of my father being a roofer and my mother a nurse’s aid. We didn’t have a lot and I thought things could have been better. Looking back on it, my sister and I never went hungry and wore designer clothes. My mom made sure of that! All in all, I consider it a blessing to have had both my parents in the home. We had super loving parents with a mom that was on beast mode when it came to work ethic. She still works today! Unfortunately, my dad passed away in 2020.

I was a curious though some would say nosy child who loved being in front of a camera which I’m sure is the reason I’m in front of the camera today. I majored in Broadcast Journalism at Fort Valley State University graduating with honors. I skipped over journalism and pursued an acting career in New York with plans to move to Los Angeles. I got small roles here and there but was about to get a major break on the soap opera One Life to Live then God stepped in. Well you know what they say about a person’s plans. GOD clearly chose another path for me. I wasn’t looking for Jesus in the 90s but He came to me and I said yes. So I made the trek back to Georgia and did what normal people do which is work a regular job though I managed to act in a number of theatrical productions.. I never liked regular jobs to be honest because I find them mundane, boring, and void of creative stimulation. Nevertheless, they pay the bills with a steady check so I had to be a grown up. My husband Cal and I got married and we have two daughters together plus I have 3 bonus children in the deal who are blessings. It’s a house full with a lot of children and grandchildren during the holidays.

One evening in late 2013 I was praying and really believed God said “movie production company.” I didn’t move on this for a while but as time passed I felt compelled to start a Christian production company Grace Like Rain Entertainment. We are very small but have managed to do a short film A Beautiful Life. We were headed off to the races with a full feature Hosea: An Undying Love which is a modern take on the Book of Hosea in The Bible. But in 2021 we got stopped in our tracks. My husband Cal became deathly ill with a humongous blood clot in the main vein of his liver which extended to the mesenteric vein blocking his small intestine. He was hospitalized for 7 months and didn’t eat orally for 4 1/2 months. He had to get his nutrition through a port in his neck. The doctor told me he wouldn’t make it but GOD! He works out regularly and is such a blessing to all of us. He even supports me in everything I do offering help in whatever I need or want. I look at him in utter amazement and tell him from time to time, “I’m so glad you’re here with me.” He tells me the same.

In 2024, I started a faith based podcast on Youtube called Chat With Me Linda B after a remote job with a glorious salary decided to let me go. I suppose me going back and forth to the hospital with my husband wasn’t what they bargained for so here I am. Chat With Me Linda B talks all things religious, cultural, and political from a Christian perspective. Plus, Grace Like Rain is working on a 1 hour political drama television series Liz Town of which I am the executive producer, writer, and lead actor. Liz Town is about a divorced mother with a horrible secret who becomes a Southern town’s first female mayor which causes her to be the target of political violence. We are currently in pre-production and raising funds for the project to go to Amazon Prime. People can find out more by going to our company website GraceLikeRainEntertianment.Com.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road in the independent film industry. It seemed when I was about to get a break, something happened. I could only chalk it up to either it wasn’t God’s will or not the right time. The film industry is challenging as a whole but when you are determined to focus on family friendly content and not jump at every opportunity that comes your way, it is an exercise in patience for sure. I sometimes question myself such as, “Is this really what God wants me to do?” I have peace knowing it is but He sure is taking His time. I choose to be grateful knowing that the process, struggle, and the wait is producing the character in me that is needed to handle the huge blessings once they come my way. The main struggle is the money needed to really have a solid production with exceptional quality. We have all our materials to present including the budget. I’m hopeful with the investment group who is assisting me as well as the non-profit where people can send in donations. All of this is found on GraceLikeRainEntertainment.Com.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As stated, I’m a filmmaker who is currently working on a faith based television series Liz Town. I also host a podcast Chat With Me Linda B on Youtube. Currently, I’m more known for my podcast. It’s really sweet when I’m out and about and people come up to me and say they watch me. They hug me and want a picture with me. I don’t mince words on the podcast so people need a thick skin to deal with me but I have nothing but love over here for everyone and I mean that. I mix statistics, data, history, and my opinion and serve it all straight, no chaser.

The filmmaker side of me gives me the most pleasure because it allows for even more creativity. Currently, we’re known for A Beautiful Life a short film that has received recognition at The International Christian Film Festival and The Branson International Film Festival. We got a lot of attention for Hosea: An Undying Love but my husband’s illness paused that for now. Liz Town is the latest project and I’m working with local officials, networking, and advertising on my channel to get more people excited about the show. I believe it will be when God wants it to become a reality.

I would say everything I do is based on The Bible but as you know that is all up to interpretation. Two people can read the same scripture and come up with two different meanings. I can’t pick what I’m the most proud of because I’m walking this all out by faith and a lot of hard work. As far as what sets me apart, I’d like to say I’m truthful based on how I see things and what I’ve studied as it pertains to culture, religion, and politics. I’m also blunt and to the point leaving no room for confusion. Additionally, I’m also proud of the work I do for Project 21 which is a conservative think tank that focuses on the black family and entrepreneurship. I believe black Americans as well as all Americans do better when we have stable families and a path to generational wealth. I’m extremely passionate about this work.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My favorite book is the Bible which has gotten me through the tough times. I’m a prayer warrior also. There is no way I would have made it without the Lord. I have to also give a shout out to my husband Cal of 25 years. He’s such a blessing. I also want to give a shout out to my fellow podcast sisters Crystal Baptiste of God’s Verdict With Crystal, Celeste Duffie, and April Chapman.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://GraceLikeRainEntertainment.Com
• Twitter: https://x.com/LindaBPodcast
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithmelindab