In this episode of the 116 Life host Ace Harris interviews gifted musician Sam Rivera about his challenging upbringing as a preacher’s kid, facing judgment within his church community, and his subsequent estrangement from the church. From church hurt and self-harm to his personal encounter with God, Sam’s story will inspire you. Here are some highlights from their conversation.
GROWING UP WITH EXPECTATIONS
Sam’s story begins in Portland, Oregon, where he was raised as a preacher’s kid—a role that came with heavy expectations and a spotlight that often felt way too intense. Sam faced harsh scrutiny within his church community, which he found very overwhelming. “There was a lot of pressure to be perfect,” Sam reflects, acknowledging how criticism from an early age profoundly influenced his perspective on faith.
A DEFINING MOMENT
A particular incident remains etched in Sam’s memory: he led worship in jeans and sang in Spanish, choices that attracted severe public rebuke. “I remember feeling publicly chastised and humiliated,” he shares. This event was a turning point, creating a rift between Sam and the church, leading him to question his faith.
THE STRUGGLE WITH CHURCH HURT
Sam’s path diverged as he struggled with church hurt, resulting in a rebellious phase marked by tattoos and self-harm. The rejection from his church community left deep wounds, and for a time, Sam distanced himself from the church, seeking validation from people rather than a connection with God.
RECONNECTING WITH FAITH
Sam’s return to faith was gradual, but a meaningful encounter with a worship song by Todd Delaney sparked a healing process. He came to understand that his faith should be based on a personal relationship with God and his calling to minister through music. “I had to reevaluate my understanding of faith and church,” he states.
THE 116 LIFE: EMBRACING CHRISTIAN R&B
Sam’s musical evolution is essential to his testimony. Adopting a Christian R&B style, he gained confidence and felt a sense of duty to lead the genre in a positive direction. His music became a conduit for healing and self-expression, challenging the negative influences in the music industry while remaining true to his principles.
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