Sometimes we get unusual reminders of God’s amazing grace. I certainly didn’t expect one of those moments to be on a recent episode of Dancing with the Stars, but that’s exactly what happened. The theme for this particular evening was “My Most Memorable Year,” and those two hours were quite touching as the stars shared from momentous happenings in their lives.
And then it was time for Carlos PenaVega and dance pro Witney Carson to dance. In the interview clip prior to their performance, Carlos shared that his most memorable year was 2012. His band, Big Time Rush, was at the pinnacle of success.
Carlos described that time in his life. “Tour life is a lot of fun. There’s a lot of partying. You get this rush by going onstage. And when you get home…it’s just you.”
He felt really alone, hitting rock bottom after the tour ended. He described how he didn’t want to see anyone, locking himself in his house. He also started smoking weed. It was a major downward spiral.
His friend Andrew Mortaza knew Carlos was going through some difficult times. Andrew recalled, “He actually called me and asked if he could go to church with me.”
Carlos said, “I walk in the church, and I know that I was supposed to be there.”
His pastor, Duane Ganther, remembers when Carlos came to church the first time. “It was evident that he wanted change in his life.”
Carlos’s voice roughened and tears welled in his eyes as he shared his testimony. “From that Sunday to the next, my life changed forever.” He started attending a Bible study group, and that’s where he met his wife.
Carlos and Witney performed to the music of “Amazing Grace,” and it was beautiful. When Witney asked Carlos why he chose that song he said, “It was one of the first songs I ever heard in church.”
As it has in so many of our lives, that amazing grace totally changed his life.
But you know what stood out for me in that interview clip? Carlos’s friend, Andrew Mortaza, had evidently lived Jesus in front of his friend—and Carlos had been watching. And when his life crashed down around him, that’s where Carlos went for help.
Sweet friends, sometimes we forget that hurting folks are watching our lives each day. Do they see Jesus in how we live? Do they see living, breathing examples of God’s amazing grace? That’s something for all of us to think about.
Dear Father, help me to be a walking billboard of your amazing grace. When others look at me, help them to see You. I thank You for Your amazing grace and the difference it’s made in my life. Don’t ever let me take that for granted. Amen.
