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Dennis Quaid

Hollywood Actor Dennis Quaid on Overcoming Addiction

by Le-Jovale Vallejo August 8, 2023

With a new gospel album, Hollywood actor Dennis Quaid reflects on faith and his journey to redemption. In his very own words, he was “struck by the words of Jesus.”

Hollywood Actor Dennis Quaid

Hollywood actor Dennis Quaid reflected back on his religious upbringing. The hymns he heard were what initially inspired him to write gospel songs.

“I grew up in the Baptist Church, and I love all the hymns that come from there that I remember from being a kid. And then I’ve written some songs that are very much in the faith category. I guess what really started was ‘On my Way to Heaven.’ Which I wrote for my mom when I got out of what I call cocaine school back in 1990. It was to let her know I was okay because I wasn’t okay before then.

“Addictions… we use things to fill a hole inside us. That’s what we do,” he said.

Hollywood Actor Dennis Quaid Reads The Bible

When asked if he had any regrets, he answered that he didn’t.

“But I’m really glad I’m not in that life anymore. I mean, I stopped because I came home and I was in a band. We got a record deal. And they broke up because of me. Because I was just… I was not reliable. I remember going home and having kind of a white light experience where I saw myself either dead or in jail or losing everything I had. And I didn’t want that,” the actor said.

READ: 91-YEAR-OLD INFLUENCER HOPES IN GOD DESPITE HEART ISSUES

Because of his determination to overcome his addictions, he looked for something that would replace the emptiness he felt inside.

“When you’re done with the addiction, you need something to fill that hole—something that really works right. And I started reading the Bible again,” he recalled.

Encountering Jesus

“I was really struck by the red words of Jesus. For me, I started developing a personal relationship, and you know, the songs started to come out. Self-reflective, examining yourself, and just where you are spiritually in life.

“They’re not churchy. That’s the thing I’m trying to get to. All of us have a relationship with God, whether you’re a Christian or not. It may not be good, or you may not believe it, but you’re still in a relationship with that side of yourself.

“I’m grateful to still be here. I’m grateful to be alive, really, every day. You know, I think it’s important to really enjoy your ride. You’re riding along in life as much as you can because there’s a lot of challenges and stuff to knock it down. Plenty of time to feel bad about stuff, so you gotta really make sure you’re enjoying it,” he concluded.

Dennis Quaid Says Faith Saved Him After Addiction: "I'm Grateful to Still Be Here" | PEOPLE

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Header image: Hollywood Actor Dennis Quaid [People]. YouTube, 26 July 2023, https://youtu.be/G8UcMPCoUPQ

August 8, 2023 0 comment

Articles

Christian Singer Moriah Peters Smallbone Stars In Upcoming Film ‘Reagan’

by Rhoda Gayle December 11, 2020

written by Rhoda Gayle

Christian singer Moriah Peters Smallbone will be starring in an upcoming film titled “Reagan”. The film would follow the life of former US president Ronald Reagan.

Moriah Peters Smallbone

“Reagan” producers are excited to have the Christian singer Moriah Peters Smallbone in their cast. The film is the story of the former US president Ronald Reagan. Moriah will be portraying the role of the legendary Cocoanut Grove singer Loyce Whiteman.

“We are thrilled to have Moriah join us,” producer Mark Joseph said in a statement to The Christian Post. “She brings grace and class to this important scene and we’re excited to have her on board.”

“Reagan”

The wife of King & Country’s Joel Smallbone will be starring alongside award-winning actor Dennis Quaid who will be starring as Reagan.

Among the people behind the film are Director Sean McNamara and writer Howard Klausner.

“There was something about Reagan’s benevolence and humanity that is so admirable,” Peters-Smallbone noted in a statement. “To bring back to life that kind of leadership is so relevant but more personally, being a part of this project feels like an homage to my grandfathers. One revered Reagan and the other players in a big band much like the one I had the privilege of performing within this movie.”

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Stewart Cook/Shutterstock (10225971z)
Dennis Quaid
‘The Intruder’ film premiere, Arrivals, ArcLight Cinemas, Los Angeles, USA – 01 May 2019

President Ronald Reagan

The upcoming movie will tell the story of the 40^th US President Ronald Reagan who served the country from 1981 to 1989. Prior to his presidency, he was an actor with Warner Bros. He starred in movies “Dark Victory,” “Knute Rockne, All American” and “Kings Row.”

December 11, 2020 0 comment

Faith Video

WATCH: Dennis Quaid “For Me, It’s Jesus” – Actor Talks His Impactful Role in “I Can Only Imagine”

by GOD TV May 15, 2018

written by GOD TV

Dennis Quaid “For Me, It’s Jesus”

This past March the movie “I Can Only Imagine” was released in theatres starring the actors Dennis Quaid and J. Michael Finley. The hit movie follows the life of Bart Millard and explains the story behind how Millard came to write the hit song “I Can Only Imagine” for his band MercyMe.

Viewers across the country have been moved by the story of hope including even Quaid, who portrays Millard’s father Arthur in the film. When Millard was a young boy his father Arthur was abusive both physically and emotionally until a terminal illness leads Arthur to the Lord and a radical life change.

Walking along the path of Arthur’s miraculous redemption story left Quaid, who is also a Christian, so deeply impacted that he was inspired to finish a song he had began writing almost 30 years ago.

“What moved me about finishing it really was my character of Arthur and how he found grace,” Quaid shared. “That’s the beautiful thing about the good news that Jesus was talking about.”

The song “On My Way to Heaven” is definitely a spiritual song; however, Quaid said it was originally written for his mother who has always been a strong woman of faith in his life.

“Her faith is unquestionable. So solid,” Quaid shared. “So I wrote it for her, but I guess it’s my story.”

Truthfully “On My Way to Heaven” is a song that will resonate with everyone’s story and walk with Christ. The lyrics are powerful and not unique to only Quaid or his mother’s life. In the song he sings:

“And He walks with me everyday,

Holds my hand and points the way.

And He will walk with you everyday,

The Shepherd’s lamp will guide you every step along the way.”

On his mother’s 91st birthday Quaid surprised her with the finished song and it must have been such a special moment! Be sure to watch the official music video for “On My Way to Heaven” and be prepared to be moved by the powerful lyrics.

The Faith of Dennis Quaid - The Story Behind On My Way To Heaven

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May 15, 2018 0 comment

Articles

I Can Only Imagine – From Pain to Inspiration

by GOD TV April 19, 2018

written by GOD TV

“Let your pain become your inspiration!” This was the advice given to the singer/ songwriter of Mercy Me, Bart Millard. The band has just been nominated for Best Artist, Best Song and Best Album – but back then, Bart wasn’t the best of anything. In fact he will tell you he was just a loser from a broken home.

But God turned everything around, Bart’s love of music gave him hope to cling onto despite his parent’s break up and his abusive dad and he wrote a hit song, which is now a movie. I Can Only Imagine is his story and it can be your’s too!

If you haven’t seen the movie yet, then make a point of finding a cinema where it is still showing, or get the DVD. In the trailer above Bart says: “My dad was a monster and I saw God transform him. I didn’t think God could do that, so I wrote this song for my dad. I went from seeing my father go from a monster to a man who was desperately in love with Jesus!”

Based on this incredible true-story of Bart and his relationship with his father, I Can Only Imagine is a powerful reminder of the power of God’s grace and the movie is bringing hope to many.

Don’t you just love those two words, “BUT GOD”. No matter what we are facing we can always trust God for His intervention. I can Only Imagine shows how He can turn lives around completely. Just a couple of tweets indicate a wider movie-goer reaction that underlines why the movie has become a runaway success.

“Ok, wiping away tears would be an understatement,” @jonathanpuddle tweets… “More like, not sure if I can breathe right now. I had no idea the story behind this song, and I am floored. GO SEE THIS MOVIE. #ICanOnlyImagine @icanonlyimaginemovie.”
“@Sharon_L_Stone writes: As @onlyimaginefilm ended – no one moved. Just tears and sobs. As my son and I left a lady asked ‘Do you know Jesus?’ We said ‘Sure do’. I blurted ‘Do you?’ She said ‘No, I need the @BartMillard Dad change.’ We prayed, cried, hugged and welcomed her home. This movie was just for her!”

It’s amazing to read all the positive responses from believers. There have been numerous testimonies too! It’s no surprise then, that faith films are taking Hollywood by storm as cinema lovers opt to see Christian-themed dramas like I Can Only Imagine, rather than studio-backed movies.

I Can Only Imagine

Christian movies are beating studio-
backed productions at the box office!

I Can Only Imagine took $25m in seven days of its release and was placed in the number three spot behind Black Panther and Tomb Raider. This is amazing seeing that it is an independent biopic. The movie features Dennis Quaid as Bart’s father and J. Michael Finley as Bart. It was produced and directed by brothers Andy and Jon Erwin, whose other faith-based films include Woodlawn and October Baby.

Jon Erwin said he had been told that there “was no audience for a Christian music movie” but every Christian he knew loved the song so the brothers “just believed that there was an audience for this movie and that they would show up.” Crowds did turn up and after seeing it, 79% of people said in an audience poll that they planned to pay to see it again.

The film’s success shows Hollywood that if you invest in acting talent and production quality, faith films can compete in the box-office with those promoted by the big studios. It also shows the power of Gospel music today. It’s incredible to think that a 1999 hit song from MercyMe is now be the theme song of a blockbuster movie and continues to played in both Christian and secular charts.

Other recent successful Christian films include Heaven Is For Real, a story about a boy who briefly dies, which took $91 million; God’s Not Dead, about a college student whose faith is challenged, which earned $66 million and Fireproof about a fireman addicted to porn that grossed $33 million from a $£500,000 budget.

Each of these films help take the Gospel message further. They let the world know that we serve a Good God who can transform lives, bringing forgiveness, restoration and healing where it is needed. Furthermore, many faith films today offer ministry-resources that make sharing the Gospel easier, in a contemporary way. Click to access I Can Only Imagine Resources. They include: Bible studies, a small group guide, student devotions and a children’s picture book.

As believers let’s support Christian media outreaches in every way, including film. Let’s use these resources to share the Gospel further. And, whatever you do, don’t miss I Can Only Imagine, the movie that turns pain into inspiration!

April 19, 2018 3 comments