06.14.2016 - By Ashley Ward
There’s something very special about Damien. Actually, “special” may not be the best word. In times like these, in the world that we live in, there’s something relevant, significant and necessary about Damien--- and people like him. You can go to pretty much any search engine, put “Damien Horne” in the search field and read about his life story and credentials. The cliff notes is that he’s from Hickory, North Carolina. He’s one of 12 children (a blended family). He’s a middle child, adores his mother, is the first in his family to earn a high school diploma and now devotes a lot of his time and resources trying to make a better life for his loved ones and those around him. Although they din’t grow up with a lot of monetary wealth (barely any to speak of), Damien’s mother had a love for God that inspired him to develop a personal relationship with Christ at the age of 7. It’s there where his hope journey began… The loss of a brother, experiencing family members being incarcerated and figuring out how to make ends meet led Damien to want more for himself. As a young adult, he first moved to LA. After being homeless a couple of years, he returned back to North Carolina and saved enough money to move to Nashville. Damien found himself homeless again. Only this time, a country star by the name of John Rich (of Big & Rich) put a nice chunk of change in his guitar case---and extended an invitation…to basically a whole new life. As a musician. As a public speaker. As a world changer. From Faith Hill and Keith Urban to Robert Randolph and John Legend, Damien has either opened up for or performed alongside these award-winning artists. He’s been a part of a country trio known as The Farm. He’s also had a publishing deal with BMI and released several solo projects including his latest EP The Love Saga Vol.1. Yes, he has a few bragging rights. But if you were to ask Damien what he’s most passionate about, his answer might surprise you. After receiving his associate’s degree from Free Will Baptist Bible College and becoming an ordained minister, Damien is intentional about giving back. Giving back by sharing his testimony. Giving back by serving at his home church, The Salvation Army. Giving back by offering words of encouragement, support and faith---anywhere he can. Damien recently started a blog that centers around his mission to surround others with hope. It’s called encourageinspiremotivate.com. Each week, there are new videos and articles on platforms he’s committed to: homelessness, human trafficking, prison ministry, world outreach, youth, adoption and the Word. For more information on this episode, please visit www.giverciseshorts.com