Alexa PenaVega Finds Strength in Faith After Daughter's Stillbirth

Former child star Alexa PenaVega shares how her faith in God has guided her through the tragic loss of her daughter and inspired her to find purpose in pain.

A month after announcing the heartbreaking stillbirth of her daughter Indy, actress Alexa PenaVega has opened up about the profound impact her faith has had on her and her family during this challenging time.

"We're actually doing really well, considering everything," PenaVega expressed in an emotional video message to her followers. "We have been so thankful reading all of your messages of support. All the prayers that you guys have prayed, we have felt them. Like, let me tell you, I don't know how else we would've gotten through this season without all of you lifting us up in prayer… I don't care what anyone says, the power of prayer is so real."

PenaVega's faith has been her unwavering source of strength as she grapples with the unimaginable loss and navigates the intense pain that comes with it. "It's been really incredible to see how God has just moved through our family during this time," she shared. "We have obviously felt a lot of pain, a lot of pain. But also, an insane amount of peace. Like, God has really met us in this place between pain and peace."

The actress has found solace in the realization that her daughter's brief life, while cut tragically short, was not without purpose. "Indy's little life has transformed us, like, completely. Our family has never been stronger. My faith has never been stronger. My marriage has never been stronger," PenaVega said through tears. "Her life was so purposeful in just that short little bit that we had with her. And while she might not have taken a breath here on earth, she did not go without purpose."

PenaVega believes that God has guided her through this season, providing her with supernatural peace and strength. "God has really prepared us to walk through this season and not feel completely abandoned. It might be hard to understand unless you've experienced this kind of loss. But I really do hope that you guys can see the crazy peace that we have, even through the pain."

The former "Spy Kids" star emphasizes the power of surrender and trust in God amidst pain. "I don't think I've ever surrendered in this way to God in my life. Like you think, ‘God, I’m gonna surrender. I'm gonna surrender. I'm gonna surrender.' But until you get to this point, you don't even realize the type of surrender that you're capable of."

PenaVega's journey through grief and pain has taught her the true meaning of "pain with purpose." "Any time my body is feeling pain, God, may you turn it into purpose. Whether it's moving whatever's in my body out. Whether it's pushing these emotions through my body, God, like whatever it is, do not let this pain go to waste.' That was my prayer," she said.

The actress and her husband Carlos are parents to three children, two sons, and a daughter. They married in 2014 and have been open about their faith journey. PenaVega believes that her family's strength and resilience are a testament to the power of faith and the hope it provides in the darkest of times.