Dennis Quaid has spent nearly 50 years in the public eye, having starred in multiple award-winning films and made a name for himself as both a talented musician and one of the best actors of his generation. But all that is nothing compared to the star’s personal story of redemption and triumph over addiction.
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Back when he was in his 30s, Quaid had “a bad thing goin’ on with cocaine.” And while a self-imposed stint in rehab helped the actor get a handle on his deadly addiction, he came out of it still searching for something to “fill a hole” in his heart. There was only one thing that was able to satiate his thirst: when he picked up the Bible again for the first time in years.
“I went back and read the Bible again and this time I was very struck by the red words of Jesus,” Quaid explained in a recent interview, noting that he was raised in a Christian home, but became disillusioned with the church as a young teen. “From that, what started to happen was a personal relationship with Jesus and that’s really what it’s all about.”
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That relationship has helped fuel Quaid’s foray into faith films over the past five years. One of the most notable being “I Can Only Imagine,” which we’re excited to announce is streaming right here on Great American Pure Flix this month.
The film tells the inspiring and unknown story behind the Christian band MercyMe’s beloved, chart topping song that brings ultimate hope to so many and serves as a gripping reminder of the power of true forgiveness. In fact, it was the film’s redemption arc that really hit home for Quaid when he first read the script, calling it “a renewal of faith for me. Not just as an actor but as a person in life.”
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The film also inspired Quaid to finish writing his own song, “On My Way to Heaven,” which is featured in the film as well as Quaid’s new album, “Fallen: A Gospel Record For Sinners.”
“What [Jesus] was saying was the Good News, which was about heaven, but it was also about teaching us how to have heaven here on earth and to live that in our hearts,” Quaid said.
Ultimately, by renewing his mind with the Word of God, Quaid found “something that really works.” And that’s when he really began to turn his life around.
“Of course, we’re not perfect and it doesn’t go on all the time, but it really finally clicked,” Quaid said about his faith. “And it wasn’t all at once, it’s just something that’s become more and more real as time has gone by.”
Be sure to watch Quaid in “I Can Only Imagine” right here on Great American Pure Flix this month! Not a member? Get a free 7-day trial now.
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