It is no secret that Music can be a lifeline for so many people around the world; it has this amazing ability to reach us deep down where our emotions are hiding, offering strength and comfort, maybe even a new perspective when we feel lost and need it the most.
For musician Howard Gripp, this is exactly what happened and meant Music has become more than a passion – it has become this lifeline which helped him navigate some of his darkest moments in life.
Howard spent most of his life living the rock-and-roll lifestyle; playing in bars, chasing his musical dream and all that came with it, yet this lifestyle eventually took a toll on him and his personal life (including his emotional wellbeing!). But all that changed on one fateful Sunday morning, when he parked up in a church parking lot, contemplating the decision to end it all. In that moment of despair, he decided to make peace with himself and for his family but ended up finding faith again. And that’s not all, he also transformed the way he viewed music!
Instead of quitting music, Howard found a new purpose: use his creativity to create songs that people can listen to who struggle by inspiring them, uplist their spirit and create a deeper connection to themselves and others).
He did a complete redefinition of his purpose as an artist; from secular rock to Christian music!
You can hear his transformation and journey when you listen to Howard’s song “When I Pray”, it offers comfort to those battling with addiction and emotional hardship.
Whether or not we share Howard’s faith, I am certain we all can relate to those moments in life when music played a role in helping us through struggle and difficulties. And this is what his journey highlights to us – that music has the power to lift us out of dark places, heal us and remind us that hope exists.
I want to share with you three ways where music can be a lifeline when life feels overwhelming:
Music understands our emotions better than we do, trust me. How often have words failed you, but there was a song that exactly explained what you wanted to express? Listening to a song that resonates with our emotions can provide a much needed outlet for these feelings, especially for those we might not (yet) understand. From a powerful ballad that allows us to let the tears flow to an uplifting song that can be an anthem for strength, music is this space where we can process our emotions safely and in a way that feels natural.
Try this: Create a playlist of songs that match your emotions—whether you need to release sadness, boost motivation, or find peace.
We all want to be seen and understood. Thankfully music has this powerful ability to do that for us – how amazing!
When Howard wrote ‘’When I Pray’’, it was about his own reflections about what he experienced, but it became a song that deeply resonated with others, particularly with those who have struggled with addiction or have watched a love one suffer.
Try this: Pay attention to the lyrics of the songs you connect with most. What message are they sending you? Sometimes, the words of a song can offer the reassurance we need.
No matter what kind of music you listen to, if that is faith-based or another genre, there will always be a song that can remind us of better days ahead. Howard’s story proves that music can inspire change, and is there to help us shift our perspective and move forward, even when we feel truly stuck.
Try this: Find a song that represents hope for you. Play it whenever you need a reminder that things can get better.
What I love the most about Howard’s story is that it is proof that music is not just entertainment, but a companion, a healer and very often even a saviour! It doesn’t matter why you turn to music – for comfort, strength, inspiration or hope, remember that the right song at the right time can make all the difference.
I would love to hear from you what song or songs have been a lifeline for you? Send me a message!
You can listen to or watch my conversation with Howard Grip in episode 96 of my Podcast.
👉 website
👉 YouTube
👉 Spotify
👉 Apple Podcast