2016-05-23

Hollywood RedcarpetOver the years, Hollywood has had a strong reputation for being a spiritual wasteland and for good reason. But these celebrities contradict this notion. These celebrities did not let fame or fortune take away from their faith or love for Christ. While they easily could have fallen off course with God, they chose another path in line with Jesus. Here are five celebrities you probably didn’t know were devout Christians who found God in extraordinary ways. We can all learn from their example.

Carrie Underwood

The country singer’s inspiring faith story began in her church in rural Oklahoma where she sang in the church choir. She spent many years trying to make it as a singer when she ended up on American Idol. After winning the competition, her career really took off. No matter what situations she’s confronted, she always makes sure to keep Christ at the center, not only in her personal life, but also in her professional life. In 2014, she stunned many with her Christ-themed song, ‘Something in the Water’ about the power of being baptized. If you listen to the song, it will give you chills! She is also married to a believer. Carrie has said in countless interviews that her husband, Mike Fisher of the Ottawa Senators has helped her grow in her faith, and their spirituality is at the very heart of their relationship. Here are just a few of the powerful things she said about her relationship with our Lord and Savior and how that relationship has impacted her:

“I’m not the first person to sing about God, Jesus, faith or any of that, and I won’t be the last. And it won’t be the last for me either. If you don’t like it, change the channel.”

“God put us here, on this carnival ride. We close our eyes never knowing where it'll take us next.”

“Jesus, take the wheel. Take it from my hands 'Cause I can't do this on my own I'm letting go. So give me one more chance to save me from this road I'm on Jesus, take the wheel.”

Mark Wahlberg

The former rapper, and acclaimed actor and producer has said on numerous occasions that his Catholic faith is the most important aspect of his life. He had a troubling past, selling drugs, getting involved in gang life, even getting an attempted murder charge which landed him a two-year prison sentence. During that period, he was transformed, particularly in His relationship with Christ. He is very open about how his faith has helped him overcome some of life’s toughest obstacles and how he has been changed for the better through active prayer. He says the first thing he does before he starts his day is get down on his hands and knees and pray. Here are just a few of the things Mark has said about his faith journey:

glowing crucifix“For me to sit down and ask for material things is ridiculous. It’s as much bigger picture than that. I want to serve God and to be a good human being and to make up for the mistakes I made and the pain I put people through. That’s what I’m praying for.”

“Being a good actor or a good producer: that’s not going to help me sleep at night or get me into heaven. The most important thing from where I sit is to be a good father, a good husband, and a good human being – a man who helps his fellow man and raises his kids to be good human beings too. Every single aspect of my family life is joy”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

In a recent interview with Oprah, the former wrestler turned actor emphasized how faith was instrumental in combating his depression sharing "You have to hold onto that fundamental quality of faith. Have faith. And on the other side of your pain is something good.” While he doesn’t often speak publically about his faith, he recognizes the importance of sharing aspects of his relationship with God with others, particularly those who also battle depression. Here is what else he has had to say about his relationship with God:

“…I put my faith in God and continue to work hard and hopefully good things will happen.”

“I have my very own special relationship with God. I am very blessed. I count my blessings everyday.”

Terry Crews

The actor and comedian is a devout Christian and his faith has been featured in a number of his acting roles, including on his reality show The Family Crews. He shares his faith openly, and is not afraid to talk about it on social media. One of his faith tweets said: Happy to be saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost! God is good and has always been! Thanks to Him for EVERYTHING!” Here is what else he has said about God’s work in his life:

“God is good and has always been! Thanks to Him for everything!”

”Atheism is a hard life. How can you ever know and experience true intimacy with anyone if you think you have no soul?”

Kevin James

Faith God reachingThe King of Queens and Paul Blart: Mall Cop actor is known for making people laugh. But what many people don’t know about Kevin is that he is a devout Christian with strong roots in the church. He grew up in the church as a Catholic. His father took his family to the church and really instilled the value of going to church regularly. He said in an interview with CBN that he is continuing to learn more and more each day in terms of trying to be the person that God wants him to be. Here’s what the actor has had to say about his faith: “I’ve been very guilty of not showing my faith and just praying when I needed it, when something bad happened in my life and not being thankful when things turned good. All good is from God, and so I want to honor him.”

“I think there's a huge lack of faith. I think it's become more and more about what we can do and living for ourselves for this time. I think it hurts us not only in the afterlife, but I think it also hurts us while you're here. I think it hurts us to live that way while you're on earth.”

Amen to these celebrities who aren’t afraid to share and stand up for their faith.

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