In this episode of "Struggle to Strength," Rob Cooper sits down with Rare of Breed, a musician whose life story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of transformation. The conversation delves into Rare of Breed's challenging upbringing, his struggles with addiction, and his eventual redemption through faith.

See Rare of Breed LIVE at Kingdom Revival Church in Ocala, FL. June 8th 2024. Tickets are available now!

Key Points Discussed:

1. Early Life and Struggles:
   • Rare of Breed shares his difficult childhood, including time spent in homeless shelters and foster care.
   • At 8 years old, his grandparents took him in, recognizing his potential and helping him cope with trauma through writing.
2. Battle with Addiction:
   • At 14, Rare of Breed began using pain medication, leading to a seven-year addiction.
   • His struggles continued until a transformative experience at a church service, where he and his wife were baptized and committed to a new path.
3. Turning to Music:
   • Inspired by his journey, Rare of Breed began creating music with a powerful message of hope and faith.
   • His music aims to reach and inspire others, as highlighted by his quote: "I never cared to have the name Rare of Breed known; I just wanted to reach people."
4. Perseverance and Faith:
   • Rare of Breed emphasizes the importance of perseverance, referencing Galatians 6:9: "Let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."
   • He discusses how faith and obedience to God have guided him through his darkest times and continue to drive his mission.
5. Current Life and Projects:
   • Rare of Breed is actively involved in his family's life, homeschooling his children and coaching his son's baseball team.
   • He shares his creative process, often writing music late into the night, and speaks about upcoming projects, including new music releases and tours.

Impact and Community:

• Rare of Breed and Rob Cooper discuss the importance of community outreach and making a positive impact beyond the church walls.
• The episode highlights the shared mission of both the podcast and Rare of Breed's music to inspire and uplift those who are struggling.

Conclusion:

• Rob Cooper and Rare of Breed reflect on their similar journeys and the power of transformation through faith.
• Rare of Breed leaves listeners with a message of hope, encouraging them to persevere and trust in God's plan.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength found in faith and the importance of reaching out to others with compassion and understanding. Tune in to hear Rare of Breed's inspiring story and gain valuable insights on resilience and transformation.

The Struggle to Strength Podcast is brought to you by Zero Hour Life Center. Zero Hour Life Center is a not-for-profit recovery community organization that provides support and services that help to bridge the gap between professional treatment and long-term recovery from substance use and homelessness. To learn more, call us today or visit zerohourlifecenter.org

In this empowering episode of "Struggle to Strength," host Rob Cooper sits down with Steve Blank, a seasoned professional in recovery and rehabilitation services. Steve, who serves as the Vice President for WestCare Gulf Coast region, shares his profound journey through addiction recovery, marking nearly 35 years of sobriety. With an engaging and heartfelt dialogue, Steve discusses the challenges and triumphs he has faced, providing listeners with an honest look at the complexities of sustaining long-term recovery.

Steve's story is not just about overcoming addiction but also about the powerful impact of community support and personal growth. He delves into his role at WestCare and his personal commitment to helping others achieve their recovery goals, emphasizing the importance of education, empowerment, and advocacy. This episode is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the transformative power of reaching out for help and supporting one another through recovery. Whether you are struggling yourself or know someone who is, Steve's insights and advice offer hope and encouragement for anyone on the path to recovery.

The Struggle to Strength Podcast is brought to you by Zero Hour Life Center. Zero Hour Life Center is a not-for-profit recovery community organization that provides support and services that help to bridge the gap between professional treatment and long-term recovery from substance use and homelessness. To learn more, call us today or visit zerohourlifecenter.org