The country singer’s 2019 book is titled “Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward After Loss and Heartache” in honor of his late son, River.
After a successful and lengthy run in country music, Granger Smith has decided to retire.
The singer/songwriter announced on social media that the upcoming “Like a River” tour will be her last. Now 43 years old, the man plans to devote the rest of his life to preaching in a suburb of Austin. His final show will be on August 26.
I’m glad we finally got things sorted out. The “Happens Like That” singer said to Fox News Digital, “I have been able to tell the world exactly what my intentions are and what I am going to do.” Some folks have observed [my] departure from country music over the past few years, but it’s been mostly overlooked. Knowing that I’ll have to face my audience in the eye and tell them that I’m resigning in a few months makes it tough to perform in a variety of settings. It’s tough to be put in such a predicament. In telling the truth to everyone, I feel like a huge burden has been removed off my shoulders.
The Golden Globe winner actor admitted that there were times when he hoped his life would go in a different path. To show his commitment to his faith, Smith is pursuing a master’s degree in theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Smith’s family and friends encouraged him to compose music based on his thoughts, but he was dissatisfied with the results.
To paraphrase Smith: “I haven’t been able to really grasp the concept that this is wrong.””Why don’t you just sing country music and talk about God on stage?” is a question many will ask. What about, “Why don’t you get up on stage and sing a couple of hymns?” To put it another way, it was the cherry on top. Over the years, I’ve given this a lot of thought…. Several clergy members I’ve spoken with have told me that making country music is a calling. Where you are right now is quite dark. In these rough waters, you shine like a lighthouse. This is your calling; by going to locations like nightclubs and music halls, you will be able to communicate the gospel with those who have never heard it before.
After telling him “I believed it,” he continued. Even now, I can’t shake the feeling that this is the case. The problem, though, is that it was never meant to occur. The best method of spreading the gospel has never been the objective. Early on, I became aware of the need to focus on behaving more humbly when on stage. My only focus was on me. I aimed to impress everyone I met. I could have boldly proclaimed my faith in Christ, but it wouldn’t have mattered. I announced the good news from atop my makeshift throne. And I just had to roll with that incongruity. Maybe one day, but right now, I have to give it all up to God.
Smith stated his desire to increase his involvement in religious activities as a means of reaching out to those who may be feeling lonely. He’s been through something very similar before.
In 2019, Smith lost his young child, and his life swiftly went worse. River, with the Smiths watching from the terrace, scaled the fence and dove into the pool below. Rapid action was taken to rescue River, but it was too late for him to recover from the hypoxia he had suffered. The doctors and nurses tried their utmost to save him, but he ultimately passed away. River’s older siblings Lincoln and London were there to see it all unfold.
Smith’s mother-in-law, Amber, revealed after the fact that their son’s organ donation had helped two others. The family has utilized their Internet notoriety to raise money and awareness for water safety initiatives. In his soon-to-be-published book, “Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward After Loss and Heartache,” Smith describes his journey through grief after River’s passing. The general public release date is slated for August 1.
Smith discovered that expressing his feelings on paper was “therapeutic” as he tried to make sense of the tragedy. There are mornings, he said, when he had to push himself to get out of bed.
“Most of it was failure,” he said. It was really difficult to find the motivation to get out of bed each morning after learning of my child’s death.… This is why I exerted so much effort. I exhausted a number of diets, exercise programs, and self-help books without improvement. There was a varied selection of beverages and snacks. If someone were to ask me, “Are you feeling sad right now?” this is what I would say. Have you ever experienced a really painful loss? Get some practice in. I would definitely give it a shot if someone said, “I read about this, try it,” to me. No matter what, I would always be there for my family. There was nothing that helped the discomfort.
Despite his outward cheerfulness, he admitted, “I was very messed up” throughout the time he was touring and performing music.
After much hardship, the Smith family received some welcome news. A son arrived in 2021; they named him Maverick. Both sets of parents agree that Maverick has to learn to swim to keep him safe in and near water.
Smith claims that his firm religious convictions are what ultimately saved his life.
“Let’s look at it this way,” he said, “when you have a child of three or four years old, they may be going through something incredibly unpleasant, like attempting to tie their shoes.”Since they are increasingly dependent on others, they are becoming frustrated. A parent then intervenes, swoops in, and sternly warns the children to be quiet. Okay, now I get it. Put your feet up, and I’ll tie your shoes. Let me drive you to school if that helps. Ignore the fight and continue. At the moment I surrendered and said, “God, I’m giving this all to you,” I felt just as I feel today. To that end, please comply. Then, like a loving parent, He put His arms around me and reassured me, “I got you.” That’s how I felt too: at ease.
Smith acknowledges that his choice to live a deeply Christian life isn’t for everyone, but claims he’s never been happier.
He quipped that he wouldn’t remember sleeping on tour buses with fondness, but he’d never forget the support of his devoted audience.
He explained his decision to leave country music by saying, “There’s a lot I’m going to miss in country music.” I haven’t given up after all these years for a good reason. Since you were underpaid for so long, this is obviously not conceivable. Making music is a great way for me to express myself and bond with other people, therefore I do it and have done it in the past. For me, the highlight was getting to watch the hostages’ expressions of wonder as we took them on an adventure.
Smith hopes that by sharing his experience he can offer listeners a sense of “hope.”
When asked if happiness and sadness were incompatible, he said, “There is a joy that can coexist with grief.”It is possible to find joy, hope, and peace despite overwhelming adversity. Indeed, I’ve visited that area previously. There are alternative routes to the same destination as the one I used.