Denzel Washington Prays ‘Every Day’ as He Recovers from Unlikely Injury
By Movieguide® Contributor
Actor Denzel Washington is leaning on his faith in God after suffering an unlikely injury.
The 70-year-old severely injured his tongue several months ago when he almost bit it in half, telling the New York Times, “It’s affecting my speech. It forces me to slow down. I have to use it.”
Washington is set to star in Broadway’s take on William Shakespeare’s “Othello” alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. His accident has made saying his lines difficult.
“I have a line: ‘Whither will you that I go to answer this your charge?’ It’s hard because my tongue is swollen. It has affected everything,” the actor explained.
“That’s why you pray every day,” Washington continued. “I’m like, ‘OK, Lord, I’m here, I think this is what you wanted me to do.’ Now I’m not sure why, but one can say coincidence and serendipity and all those things.”
The actor’s faith has taken centerstage in his life lately.
In December, he received his minster’s license and got baptized by Bishop James Pullings Jr. at the Kelly Temple in New York City.
“It took a while, but I’m finally here…If [God] can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you,” Washington said, according to video shared online. “The sky literally is the limit.”
READ MORE: DENZEL WASHINGTON OPENS UP ABOUT HOW HE FEELS AFTER RECEIVING MINISTER’S LICENSE
Despite working in an industry that often blacklists people who stand up for Jesus, Washington said he doesn’t care.
“I’m unafraid. I don’t care what anyone thinks,” he said. “See, talking about the fear part of it — you can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town.”
“It’s my job to lift God up, to give Him praise, to make sure that anyone and everyone I speak to the rest of my life understands that He is responsible for me,” Washington added. “When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my Lord and Savior.”
READ MORE: DENZEL WASHINGTON REFLECTS ON FAITH AFTER 10 YEARS SOBER: ‘GIVE HIM PRAISE’
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