7 Things I Learned Watching Dancing with the Stars

1. Age Can’t Stop You: Elaine Hendrix

Elaine Hendrix, the infamous Meredith Blake of 1998’s The Parent Trap, has showcased how important it is to keep a mindset of tenacity and not let your mind hinder your abilities, even at fifty-four. Hendrix missed a week during the show due to hospitalization for a rib injury, but she refused the idea of calling it quits enter her mind. Instead, she fought hard and wowed us in the show’s finale this week. She reminds us that we can also live as overcomers when obstacles come our way.

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2. Work Friends Can Become Family: Elaine Hendrix

It is a rare sight to behold friendships that span decades, especially in Hollywood. Elaine Hendrix welcomed her former co-star Lisa Ann Walter to the stage with her for Dedication Night, and our hearts melted to see these two former co-workers-turned-best-friends dazzle. Hendrix and Walter have supported one another through the years, and both ladies were invited by their junior co-star, Lindsay Lohan, during the recent premiere of her new movie, Freakier Friday. This friendship serves as a reminder that “work friends” genuinely can become the family we choose, and a win for one can be a win for all when we share in the joys of others.

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3. Bold in Belief: Robert Irwin

From his birth, Robert Irwin has been in the public eye; his father was the beloved “Crocodile Hunter,” Steve Irwin. After Steve’s unfortunate death in 2006, when young Robert was a mere two years old, his mother ensured that Robert and his older sister, Bindi, would carry on the work of their father. Terri Irwin faced the unthinkable, but with great courage and grace, she raised her children to carry on the legacy their father dedicated his life to through conservation and wildlife awareness. Robert has been outspoken in sharing his passion for these endeavors, never forgetting his roots. Like Robert Irwin, we too can be bold in sharing what we believe in, from our faith, or causes that need not only validation, but someone to speak up for them. We can live by the words found in Proverbs 31:8: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,” just as Irwin does in every aspect of his life.

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4. Loving the Unexpected: Dylan Efron

Life does not always go the way we would expect, but that does not mean God does not have something purpose-filled in the journey. We may find along the way that God has far more in store for us than we could have ever possibly hoped for or imagined. This was the case for Dylan Efron, brother of Zac Efron. Dylan and Zac’s parents divorced in 2016. Their father went on to remarry and gave the brothers two new siblings with his new wife. Although these additions to their family were unexpected and there is a significant age gap, Dylan showcases what it looks like to be a steady force of good in a younger sibling’s life. He welcomed his sister, Olivia, to the stage with him to dance to Rewrite the Stars, which also paid homage to their older brother, Zac. He warmly shared how she had changed his life for the better in an interview. Life may not always go as we had originally assumed, but it can bring wonderfully unexpected gifts. Dylan has found this to be true in the sincere love he has for these unexpected younger siblings in his life.

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5. Hard Work Pays Off: Alix Earle

Known for her “get ready with me” video tutorials and podcast, “Hot Mess” Alix Earle is no stranger to working hard. The journey has not been the smoothest for her, but she willingly put in the hard work and has experienced the joy of seeing it all pay off. In life, we may not always be skilled or successful when we start something new, but that should not indicate to us to immediately throw in the towel. Instead, when we partner with the Lord and invite Him into the process, we find that the true benefits are not solely in the result but are in the journey of practice. We also find that patience and persistence yield an incredible feeling of accomplishment.

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6. An Unexpected Journey: Andy Richter

Comedian Andy Richter never expected to be on the show very long. Perhaps it was fear or lack of skill, but he assumed that he would be voted off early on in the season. To his absolute surprise, he was voted off very late into the season. This is a great lesson in wisdom that we can glean: God’s plans are not always what we can figure out or calculate, and we should not limit ourselves or Him to those expectations. Proverbs 16:9 explains it: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Like Andy, we may find ourselves in an unexpected place or journey, but we can take the positive perspective that it will serve a greater purpose not only for us, but for the Kingdom.

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7. Healing and Grace

As the show celebrates a milestone of twenty years in 2025, it has seen many twists and turns. One of these twists was the welcoming back of former judge, Tom Bergeron, as a guest judge for this season. He had been let go from the show in 2020, but now, five years later, he has been welcomed back. There had been rumors of drama behind it all, but the fact that he returned lends itself to proof that healing, restoration, and reconnection are possible. Imagine the grace that has taken place behind the scenes, and now the viewers can bear witness that reconciliation is possible. What relationships in our own lives may find themselves with a second chance or an opportunity to try again? If it can work in Hollywood, it certainly has a chance in our own lives.

It is not common for a “reality television show” to captivate our minds, offer moving testimonies, or melt our hearts, but this show has hit the nail on the head this year. From speaking out boldly for what we truly hold firm to, seeing how determination is worthwhile, or how sharing in the achievements of long-term friends is a joy not just for them, but for all—we have seen something genuinely wholesome this season. May we all learn from these lessons and let them take root in our own lives.

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