© 2024 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved.
Actor Reveals How the Decision to Go to Church Back in 2012 Rescued Him From a 'Dark Place

Actor Reveals How the Decision to Go to Church Back in 2012 Rescued Him From a 'Dark Place

"From that Sunday to the next Sunday, my life changed forever."

Tears were in no short supply on Monday night's episode of "Dancing With the Stars" as each contestant shared his or her most memorable year, but there was one emotional story that has been given little attention: actor and singer Carlos PenaVega's conversion to Christianity.

PenaVega, who is married to fellow "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Alexa PenaVega, explained in a video package that his most memorable year was 2012, as events during a one-week period lifted him out of a very "dark place" and forever transformed his life.

"My band Big Time Rush — we were at the peak of our success," PenaVega said, describing tour life as being party-filled and exciting. "[But] when you get home, it's just you. The tour ended and I felt really alone."

That loneliness took its toll on PenaVega.

Carlos Penavega, left, and his wife Alexa Penavega, cast members in "Spare Parts," pose together at the premiere of the film at Arclight Cinemas on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, in LosAngeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

"I locked myself in the house. I started smoking weed like everyday," he said. "I was like, 'I don't want to talk to anybody' ... I really hit rock bottom."

It was at that point that PenaVega turned to a friend and decided to go to church with him — a decision that profoundly changed his life.

"I walk in church and I know that I was supposed to be there," he said. "From that Sunday to the next Sunday, my life changed forever."

PenaVega continued, "On Thursday, I got invited to a Bible study and at the Bible study I met my wife."

Through tears, the actor and singer explained that he's still in awe that those events led him to where he is today. To commemorate 2012 as the most memorable year, he decided to dance to "Amazing Grace," which he said was one of the first songs he heard in church.

Watch PenaVega's story and his performance below:

Follow the author of this story on Twitter and Facebook:

Want to leave a tip?

We answer to you. Help keep our content free of advertisers and big tech censorship by leaving a tip today.
Want to join the conversation?
Already a subscriber?