Movies

published : 2023-11-15

'Spy Kids' Star Alexa PenaVega: Leaving Hollywood for Hawaii and Instilling Faith in Family

Former child star Alexa PenaVega explains how she teaches her children about having a relationship with God

Alexa PenaVega with her children, taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.

Former child star Alexa PenaVega has found a new path in life, leaving Hollywood behind and embracing a faith-filled journey in Hawaii. But her dedication to instilling faith in her family goes beyond mere words.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, PenaVega shared how she leads by example, operating in her faith in front of her children. She believes that the best way to teach them about faith is through demonstrating her own relationship with God.

While she does talk about stories from the Bible with her kids, PenaVega emphasizes the importance of having a real relationship with God. She experienced her own transformation in her 20s, going from a superficial, Sunday-morning faith to a deeper, meaningful connection with God through prayer and study.

One of the ways PenaVega demonstrates her faith is by praying out loud in everyday situations. Whether she's cooking or cleaning, her children hear their mother talking to God. This has instilled in them the belief that they can turn to God for anything and everything, even in the smallest moments.

PenaVega finds joy in witnessing her children's innocent prayers, even when it comes to video games. Her kids seek help from Jesus to overcome challenges in their games, and she appreciates their pure hearts behind the requests. She encourages them to rely on their faith, showing them that nothing is too small to bring to God.

Alexa PenaVega praying with her family, taken with a Nikon D850.

Growing up in the entertainment world, both PenaVega and her husband Carlos PenaVega understand the challenges of maintaining faith and family in the industry. However, they credit the strong communities they were surrounded by for giving them a solid foundation.

Despite the industry not being well-suited for faith-based individuals and families, PenaVega feels confident that their children could navigate the entertainment industry if they chose to do so. Their upbringing has instilled in them a strong enough foundation to hold their own.

In addition to her focus on family and faith, PenaVega also emphasizes the importance of giving back. She has been involved with the Christian nonprofit World Vision for several years, supporting and sponsoring families in need. She believes in empowering families to stand on their own and provides opportunities for growth and stability.

PenaVega proudly showcases the 'Seeds of Change' bracelet in World Vision's gift catalog, a meaningful item that reflects her Colombian roots. This bracelet, made by artisan jewelry makers in Bogotá, represents empowerment and assisting others in their journey to independence.

For PenaVega, giving back is a way to express gratitude for the blessings she has received. She sees it as a limitless act of generosity, knowing that everything she has is a gift from God. By involving her children in these acts of service, she hopes to instill in them the joys of giving and a heart for helping others.

Alexa PenaVega showcasing the 'Seeds of Change' bracelet, taken with a Sony A7R III.

Relocating to Maui in 2017 has allowed PenaVega to focus more on her faith and family. The recent devastating wildfire that struck the island threatened many homes and lives, but her family miraculously escaped unharmed. It has strengthened their connection to the community and deepened their commitment to the island they call home.

As her family embarks on new adventures, PenaVega remains open to whatever path her children choose to follow. Whether it's the entertainment industry or completely different fields like becoming an astronaut or firefighter, she trusts that their strong foundation in faith will guide them.

Alexa PenaVega's journey from Hollywood to Hawaii is not just a personal one. It's a testament to the power of faith, family, and giving back. Her story serves as an inspiration to others, reminding them of the importance of nurturing relationships with God, embodying their faith, and making a positive impact on the world.