Live Like Johnny Cash l Tips From Johnny Cash l Life Lessons From Cash

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Johnny Cash was like many of us. Just because he was a star didn't mean pain was unavoidable. He felt misplaced at times, fell into despondency and questioned God during his life. The Country-rock singer and songwriter was known as "The Man in Black" unmistakably fought demons of drugs, alcohol and underwent depression which prevailed for years, but he uncovered the secret to happiness through Christ Jesus. Although he was coined one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century in the entertainment industry, Cash made faith a bigger part of life than his career. "While the other members of the troupe would sleep in, Johnny would disappear for a few hours. When he returned, if anyone asked where he'd been, he'd answer straight faced, 'to church,'" said a friend about Cash's commitment. Cash's enigma continues to intrigue people of faith and those looking for inspiration since his death in 2003. Here are 6 profound ways to live like Johnny Cash today.

Be Open to God

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Cash became addicted to amphetamines and barbiturates as his career was taking off, but never completely abandoned his faith. "I was in and out of jails, hospitals, car wrecks. I was a walking vision of death, and that's exactly how I felt,” he recorded in an autobiography. He also revealed he never wanted to see another dawn and tried to commit suicide by getting lost in Nickajack Cave in Alabama. God had other plans and Cash was led by the Holy Spirit out of the cave and his wife June and his mother were waiting for him outside with food and water. “I rebuilt my connection to God,” he said. “I thought I'd left Him, but He hadn't left me.” Cash began to feel something powerful taking place in his mind and added: “A sensation of utter peace, clarity, and sobriety.” Even in our darkest moments, God is there, even if we can't understand His plans or the reason for the pains in life.

Be an Example

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Cash talked about his faith but never pushed it on anyone or wanted to compromise. He didn't impose himself in any way. "Although I am evangelical, and I'll give the message to anyone that wants to hear it, or anybody that is willing to listen. But if they let me know that they don't want to hear it, they ain't never going to hear it from me." The way we become a light is by being an example. It's important to witness about Christ, but there are times we need to be silent and to simply be an example. This is not limited to faith. In life, people observe how we are in our daily lives and whether we're ethical and have a solid character. If you allow your life to be an illustration of faith and goodness, people will desire to know more about your faith.

Don't Give Up

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We can't ever give up in life or we will lose faith. As humans, we are fighters and leaders. No matter how hard it gets and when the flesh is screaming we need to dig both heels into hope. "There’s no way around grief and loss: you can dodge all you want, but sooner or later you just have to go into it, through it, and, hopefully, come out the other side. The world you find there will never be the same as the world you left," Cash stated. We all have to face the unpleasantness of life. But when we allow things to suck our vitality, there won't be much left as a person. Letting go of our own control will take the burden off of our shoulders and enables God to work on our behalf. Without hope, you have nothing, so take Cash's advice and push through.

Learn From Failure

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You won't master everything in life and there will be challenges, but this doesn't have to weaken you. "I learn from my mistakes. It’s a very painful way to learn, but without pain, the old saying is, there’s no gain," Cash said. Carve your own path and don't allow limitation to master you. Cash released an album in 1994 and it lost money for the record company and they dropped him as an artist. "You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space." He signed with another record company and released his greatest hits with great success. Even if another record company didn't sign him, the icon would've carried on.

Find a Cause

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Cash became popular because he sung about people always getting into trouble. This is why he gravitated towards those in prison. His live albums recorded at Folsom Prison and San Quentin became hits and brought awareness to the broken prison system. He often held concerts at penitentiaries during his career and used fame to bring prison reform into the spotlight and lobbied Congress to make a difference. “Prisoners have to be treated as human beings. If they’re not, when they’re turned out, they’re not going to act like human beings.” His biographer Michael Streissguth noted Cash knew punishment wasn't the cure and believed in rehabilitation. "He connected with the idea that a man could be redeemed." Finding a cause you're passionate about will bring healing to you and could improve the world. You don't need to be famous to make a difference, you need to take action.

Find Peace

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Cash once noted his favorite Scripture verse was Romans 8:13, which said, "For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." We all need to tap into the Word when we need to press on or help us strengthen our relationship with the Lord. Cash spent plenty of time fighting against the Lord and confronting his dark side but realized he couldn't make it on his own anymore. When the lights and the glow of admiration fade from other people, you always have the Word. Cash did and he found peace before leaving the earth. This harmony is something the world couldn't offer Cash at the end of life. Stop fighting God and enable your fists to come down.