Denzel Washington is often seen as a pillar of strength. He’s been famous in the realm of TV and film alike for longer than many of his fans have been alive. It’s hard to imagine the towering figure needing help. But Washington recently came forth to share some of his experiences with his faith. Washington’s views on life and religion make it readily apparent that we all can use a strong benevolent presence in our lives. Because this towering figure in the entertainment industry has most certainly appreciated that type of help in his own life. This can be seen quite clearly from the actor’s earliest years.
Washington started life out with all of the best influences. His father served as a Reverend and Pentecostal Minister. His mother worked to bring beauty to people’s lives through her beautician services. It’s clear that Washington was surrounded by influences that helped to instill a positive view of the world. His father in particular would install a deep appreciation of God’s word. Much of Washington’s childhood was spent trying to live up to his father’s example and expectations. But most people face struggles and temptations as they grow into their teenage years. Denzel was no exception to this rule. During his teenage years, Denzel would face a wide variety of negative influences. As he spent more time with the wrong crowd his faith began to waver. At fourteen his world was shaken further by his parent’s divorce. The divorce in particular was a push in the wrong direction for the teen. He started to get into even more fights and major issues around town. On top of all this, the young man’s grades were also deteriorating. It’s little wonder that his mother was frantic to find any way to help the troubled child. Her answer was Oakland Military Academy.
Saying that a military academy is intimidating would be an understatement. Military academies are often held up as a threat of last resort. But it turned out to be exactly what the young Denzel needed. Because right as he returned home he met a woman who issued a nearly prophetic proclamation. She told him that he was going to preach one day. The words touched him on the deepest level. In many ways, this can be seen as the culmination of a change pushing him in the right direction. From his earliest days hearing the good word from his father to his recent guidance in military school. The woman’s message led him into enrolling at Fordham University. During that time he concentrated on learning both medicine and basketball. But he felt unfulfilled in both of these paths. Denzel took a little time off, and when he was ready to come back he changed his major to Arts in Journalism. This turned out to be a huge change in his life. His later career would show just how much of an acting powerhouse he really is. But during these formative years, he was also able to establish his faith in God. Denzel now reflects back and realizes that there wasn’t a time when God wasn’t directing, protecting, and correcting him. This leads him to direct people toward prayer. He states that when we pray for rain there’s often mud. But that we need to accept that the mud is part of the good we receive from the rain.
