NASCAR Driver Looked to God After Mother’s Death
By Movieguide® Contributor
NASCAR driver Howie Disavino III recently shared his story of family loss and his faith in God on the Sports Spectrum podcast.
“Tell me about the importance of God in your life and your faith,” host Jason Romano asked.
Disavino explained that he grew up in a family with a lot of faith in God, but when he moved out on his own, he had to find faith for himself.
“While I was moving out, that’s one thing that you can struggle with when you move out is just trying to get back into it,” he said. “I always tell everyone that God’s always on my side, and that we’re always going to make great things happen.”
“Every night, I go through the Bible [and] find specific Bible verses that I can relate to in my own life, whether I’m having a bad day or if I just really want a powerful Bible verse to touch my heart,” Disavino said.
“Did you know that racing was always going to be the direction God was going to pull you towards?” Romano asked.
“No, growing up, I really wanted to be a full-time rancher,” Disavino shared. But he decided to be a NASCAR driver after attending a race when he was eight.
For more inspiring sports stories, check out Sports Spectrum.
Disavino also reflected on the death of his mom due to cancer.
“She got diagnosed when I was 14 years old, and it was bad because we found out on her birthday,” he shared. “She was told that she has three months to live…the reason why she is one of my heroes is because she always kept fighting.”
His mother ended up living five years past her diagnosis.
After her death, “There was a big big period in my life when I was 21 years old where I was extremely angry… I kind of fell out of it with God,” Disavino said.
He eventually began attending church again, and it led him back to God. He realized any trials he faced were to make him stronger.
“I finally just got up and said, ‘Alright, let’s go to church.’ And that sermon touched my heart,” he said.
Along with his faith, the driver uses his platform to support charities.
His website says, “Howie continues to progress on the track, he doesn’t forget what is most important off the track. Howie leverages his platform to raise funds for local charities, connecting with local students and making time for his family and fans. Howie has been a loyal supporter of Campbell Brandt’s effort to raise money for childhood cancer.”
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