Dancing Stars Simone Biles and Rashad Jennings Shine, So Does Their Faith

03-24-2017
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ABC's Dancing with the Stars returned for its 24th season this week and athletes Simone Biles and Rashad Jennings finished at the top of the leader board.

Biles and partner Sasha Farber tangoed, scoring all eights. Jennings and his partner Emma Slater finished in second place and just one point behind.
 
The Olympic gymnast and New York Giant's running back aren't only leaders on the dance floor, they are both passionate Christians and they've shared their personal faith stories with CBN News.

Following her Olympic win, Biles told CBN News, "I think God gives every individual something special and mine was talent. So to never take it for granted, which my dad always told me, 'Don't waste God's gift that He gave you.' Because it's like it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. One day I'll be too old to do gymnastics. So for now I have to use it to the best of my ability."

Biles' journey has not been easy. Her biological mom suffered with drug and alcohol addictions. 

That forced Biles and her sister into foster care until her grandparents stepped in to adopt them. Her grandparents introduced her to a relationship with God.

"I was always taught that you can go to him for anything. He is the one that directs your life," she said.

Rashad Jennings' faith helped him to maneuver through childhood obstacles. 

"I was hospitalized. I was close to my deathbed because of asthma. (I) barely could breathe," Rashad remembered.

"The doctors told me that I'd never be able to play sports. I cried. That was a tough moment in my life. Through prayer and determination I woke up one day and said, 'I'm going to run. And get in shape to the point where I can outrun asthma,'" he said.

Today Jennings says he lives his life from a reference of scriptures and allows the Bible to be his mirror. 

"Every day I have to look in the mirror and say that is the guy I am trying to become," Jennings said.

For more exclusive interviews & uplifting, entertainment news be sure watch Studio 5, Check out this week's episode below! 

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