Carlos PenaVega - What If Love Is the Point?: Living for Jesus in a Self-Consumed World

I loved watching Los and Lex on TV when I was growing up. Now that we are friends in real life, I can confidently say they are the real deal. They wholeheartedly follow Jesus and continue to learn and grow in their faith, while juggling three young kids and incredible careers. They are truly an inspiration to my young family! Within the pages of this book are honest and real reflections on learning about the love Jesus has for all of us and how that loves changes our lives, no matter who we are or what we have done. They live out these pages in their own lives beautifully.

SADIE ROBERTSON HUFF, FOUNDER OF THE LIVE ORIGINAL MINISTRY AND BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF WHO ARE YOU FOLLOWING?

Growing up in the spotlight is hard, but Carlos and Alexa have done it with style and grace. They leaned in and trusted Jesus as they found a way to juggle life in Hollywood with seeking truth. I know theyre an inspiration to many other Christians in the entertainment business. So few of us find that balance, and I hope that Carlos and Alexas story inspires others to live a bold faith as they find their place in the world.

CANDACE CAMERON BURE, ACTRESS, PRODUCER, AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR

This is more than a book. Its a story of freedom, hope, redemption, and love. I couldnt put it down! Both Los and Lexs words and stories bring life. Being in the public eye, I understand the struggles they faced (and continue to face), individually and as a couple. I recognize myself in a lot of the stories they share. What If Love Is the Point? helped me heal from lifes wounds. It taught me that Im not alone and I know this book will help so many others grow their faith and live out love. I didnt want it to end. This book was so refreshing.

SAM ACHO, AUTHOR OF LET THE WORLD SEE YOU, ANALYST AT ESPN, AND NINE-YEAR NFL LINEBACKER

Fans of Spy Kids and Big Time Rush will relish the real-life adventures of Alexa and Carlos, but What If Love Is the Point? is so much more than a celebrity love story. Its a reflection of the greatest story ever told, one where all our fears, insecurities, and unmet longings get swallowed up in Loves rich and satisfying embrace. Thank you, Los and Lex, for sharing your heart so vulnerably and inviting the rest of us to join you in pursuing the only thing that matters.

JODIE BERNDT, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF PRAYING THE SCRIPTURES FOR YOUR CHILDREN

Carlos and Alexa talk about real life in this bookand I dont mean the glamorized, Hollywood version. They show us what its like to struggle in relationships, be overwhelmed by a financial situation, and wrestle with the worlds expectationsthen show us how they choose to surrender to God in the small and the big things. They love God fiercely and His love is evident in their lives as He shapes them into becoming who they really are.

SAZAN HENDRIX, LIFESTYLE AND BEAUTY INFLUENCER, FOUNDER OF S+S GOODS, AND HOST OF THE GOOD LIFE WITH STEVIE & SAZAN PODCAST

Los and Lex have invited us into their lives in the most humble and captivating way, showing us the true nature of God, who is passionately pursuing us in every moment. I couldnt put this book down and was caught up in the combined stories of heartbreak and grace. To know Lex and Los is to love them, and you will leave loving them more than ever and, most importantly, knowing the love of God in the process.

MICHAEL MCDONALD, DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS FOR BIBLEPROJECT

What a story! In these intense times we all need the refreshing reminder that God is at work, especially when we least expect it. Carlos and Alexas story is fun, deep, and awe-inspiring. Their life, story, and words make me want to open my eyes wider to how God is working when Im not looking. What a whimsical yet deep book!

SARA HAGERTY, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ADORE, UNSEEN, AND EVERY BITTER THING IS SWEET

What If Love Is the Point?

2022 by Carlos PenaVega and Alexa PenaVega

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Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. Nelson Books and Thomas Nelson are registered trademarks of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Any internet addresses, phone numbers, or company or product information printed in this book are offered as a resource and are not intended in any way to be or to imply an endorsement by Thomas Nelson, nor does Thomas Nelson vouch for the existence, content, or services of these sites, phone numbers, companies, or products beyond the life of this book.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: PenaVega, Alexa, 1988-author. | PenaVega, Carlos, 1989-author.

Title: What if love is the point?: living for Jesus in a self-consumed world / Alexa and Carlos PenaVega ; with Margot Starbuck.

Description: Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, [2022] | Summary: Popular actors Carlos and Alexa PenaVega share their inspiring stories of transformation, from feeling lost and searching for meaning to realizing that living for Jesus and loving others is what life is all about--Provided by publisher.

Identifiers: LCCN 2022001960 (print) | LCCN 2022001961 (ebook) | ISBN 9781400234844 (hc) | ISBN 9781400234851 (ebook)

Subjects: LCSH: PenaVega, Alexa, 1988--Religion. | PenaVega, Carlos, 1989---Religion. I Television actors and actresses--United States--Biography.

Classification: LCC PN2285 .P46 2022 (print) | LCC PN2285 (ebook) | DDC 791.4502/80922 [B]--dc23/eng/20220405

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022001960

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022001961

Epub Edition April 2022 9781400234851

Printed in the United States of America

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To the two people who were instrumental in

leading us to Jesus: Andrew Mortaza and Amy

Joyce. Thank you for showing us what His love

looks like through your unwavering reverence.

I f youre hungry for something more out of life, we get it. If youve been out there hustling and still havent found the peace and satisfaction you thought youd have by now, we feel you. Weve been there.

We know what it feels like to be broken. Aimless. Yearning for more. When each of us was at our lowest, we foundwe were found by!the One who made us, knows us, and loves us. And as a result, today we experience the purpose we were after. The hope. The fulfillment. And thats why were eager to share what that looks like for us today.