How Gratitude Gave Luke Bryan Purpose Amidst Tragedy: ‘We’re Not Promised Another Day’
By Movieguide® Staff
Country artist Luke Bryan recently shared how a heart of thankfulness helps him find purpose in each day.
“If this right here quit working in the morning, if I couldn’t sing again, then I am so blessed by what I’ve been able to achieve,” he told People Magazine in their latest issue.
While the 45-year-old’s contentment and joy are genuine, it is not because of his success or awards, but his personal experience with loss.
In 1996, Bryan lost his older brother Chris, 26, and his older sister Kelly, 39. Byran’s brother-in-law died of a heart attack only seven short years later, leaving behind three children. Bryan, along with his wife, Caroline, raised one of the sons since he was 12.
“I’ve had so many tragedies in my life, it’s almost like you don’t want to tell the story because you don’t want to feel like you’re out there craving sympathy,” Bryan said.
However, the award-winning country artist recently released LUKE BRYAN: MY DIRT ROAD DIARY, where he explains his life journey.
“You truly never get over it. You truly never settle in your mind that it’s happened. I mean, it’s always there,” Bryan said.
Despite Bryan’s grief, he believes that he can help people through their tragedies by how he responds.
“If I can inspire people to move on from tragedy, hopefully by my behavior, that’s what life’s all about for me,” Bryan said. “Thank God I’ve always been a pretty joyful person.”
Bryan added: “Maybe Chris and Kelly and Lee have moved some puzzle pieces around to make my life so fortunate. When I say my prayers at night, I have to say, ‘Thank y’all for looking after us down here.'”
At the heart of his music and performances is Bryan’s gratitude for the life that he has been given.
“We’re not promised another day,” he said.
“It’s a really special place I’m in, because I don’t really feel I need to go reinvent something to complete my life as a country singer. I’ve done everything I’ve ever wanted to do in music,” he said. “My true focus is to continue to work hard and write great songs. I may try to chase down a little thing to show them, hey, don’t forget I can do that. So I could get real creative within country music. But I’m about getting on stage, making music for the fans and really being content with that.”
Bryan also relies on his faith, which he learned from a young age, in going to church with his family.
“I grew up in a small town Baptist church, walked across the street to church. I learned a lot from that Baptist church upbringing and I’ve also had the privilege to learn about the whole country and see so many different types of people out there,” Bryan told One Country. “My beliefs, where I truly dig my teeth into, are can you imagine if we just lived like Jesus?
“I feel it would be a wonderful world if we approached our lives the best we can with the example he left us,” he added. “I truly believe that God does do plans for us.”
Bryan also confessed that holding to his faith amidst tragedy is difficult, but a conviction that he will not easily give up.
“Me and my family have countless times sat around wondering, ‘What the heck is God doing? Why are we the ones that right when it seems like we got our footing under us, the rug gets pulled out?’ At the end of the day I think all you truly have is you just have to have faith in the fact that we’re going to see them again, we’re gonna be with them again,” he said. “We’re gonna be with them and be with a whole lot of other people that we’re just gonna love for the perfect right reasons. There’s a lot of different ways to interpret where we’re gonna go after we’re done on this earth. I have to truly dig my faith in that that’s what it’s gonna be, or else I would be lost in my opinion.
“I do want people to see a positive light when they are around me. That’s the best compliment I get when a fan goes, ‘I lost my brother and watching you attack life with a smile inspires me,'” Luke added. “That’s the way I want to inspire.”
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
