What's God Got To Do With It?: Granger Smith: How Faith Led Me Through the Darkest Night

·44 min·4 clips

Granger Smith reveals how Jesus' message of guilt and forgiveness, unlike the world's, transformed him after his son's death.

The episode features an interview with Granger Smith, a former country music singer, hosted by Amy Brown and Kat Van Buren on 'Feeling Things with Amy & Kat'. Smith begins by explaining why he refers to himself as a 'former' country singer, linking it to a spiritual awakening where he realized his performances were seeking self-glory, conflicting with his faith. He then delves into the catalyst for his transformation: the death of his son River, who drowned in their backyard. Smith describes grappling with guilt, shame, and cultural Christianity, which he says is a separate religion that idolizes the self. He shares how he found true forgiveness through Jesus' gospel, which acknowledged his guilt and offered redemption. The conversation explores Smith's shift from self-help and cultural faith to a deeper engagement with the Bible, highlighted by a moment in John 14:22 that sparked a craving for scripture. Smith discusses redefining love, arguing its opposite is indifference, not hate, and relates this to self-worth and identity. He addresses practical aspects of navigating grief as a husband and father, admitting he initially tried to be 'the rock' for his family but learned vulnerability. Smith outlines his journey into ministry, emphasizing practical steps like seminary education and community accountability over waiting for spiritual signs. He reflects on how surrendering to God's plan led to the birth of his son Maverick after River's death, despite medical odds. Smith concludes by sharing his vision for serving in a local church and offers advice for those grieving or questioning their faith, stressing the importance of church community, Bible reading, and prayer.

As heard by us

A former country singer's grief and changing identity meet the hard work of admitting he could not be the family's rock.

Granger Smith's grief, faith, and changed sense of self give the episode its emotional weight. The conversation follows his move away from country music into a life shaped by Scripture, while keeping River's death and the demands of being a husband and father close to the…

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Why you'd press play

For the moment when grief makes your old identity and your next calling collide.

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