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Last year, country music star Granger Smith shocked the world when he revealed that he was giving up his music career to pursue Christian ministry. Now, Smith is opening up about what that transformation has been like for him.
Smith discusses 'massive ego blow'
“It's a huge ego blow, man,” Smith, 44, told Fox News. “Standing on stage in front of thousands of people and hearing them roar with the lights on, it's all about you.”
He continued: “I raised my hand and they raised their hands, and I played loud songs and their intensity increased.” “There's a huge rush toward that, and leaving that is, first of all, a very healthy thing to leave that because none of us are created for that. None of us are created to be worshiped that way, and secondly, it's hard because it's addictive, and it's really fun to highlight You have to this way.
Smith's last tour ended in August last year. It's named “Like A River” after the Smiths' late son River, who tragically died in 2019 at age 3 when he walked through the gate surrounding the family's pool at their Texas home and fell in before drowning. Smith and his beloved wife Amber also have three other children together.
RELATED: Granger Smith announces he's leaving country music for ministry
Smith reveals the 'real reason' for leaving country music
Smith revealed last year that the “real reason” he left country music was because “knowing Jesus” and telling others about him is “the treasure of my life.” And I want you to know this, so you can have it as your own treasure too. He went on to say that he did not want a career “based on building a name for myself to get in the way” of his ministry work, “no matter what kind of popularity or career I acquired.”
He added: “There is no other song I can write, an album I can release, a concert I can give, that is more important than this.”
Smith explained that he no longer wanted to be known, “Instead I want to proclaim the name of Christ!” Who cleansed me, who freed me from my shame and guilt. The one who gave me a new heart. I want to be known! I want to know him more. This is the real reason I'm quitting touring.
“I hope to see you all soon on a new kind of stage,” he concluded.
RELATED: Granger Smith Defends Retirement from Country Music in Order to 'Serve' God — 'A Great Feeling of Relief'
Smith admits he made a “huge sacrifice” in giving up country music
In another interview in August of last year, Smith spoke candidly about the sacrifice of giving up country music.
“Giving it up now is still a big sacrifice for me, because I love it and it's a passion that I've had for a long time, but now I feel like I have a more important message to give and there's not enough time to make music,” he told Entertainment Tonight.
“This season of my life is actually going to be with my family and going to our little local church and learning from our pastor and going to seminary and going out and speaking every once in a while and talking about this book and telling people about my darkest night and how I'm living it. I've been saved from that, and this is who I am.” “On it now.”
We can only hope that Smith finds peace in his new life as he pursues a career in service. Please join us in saying a prayer for him as he continues this transformation!
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