Guilt says you did something wrong. Shame says you *are* the thing that’s wrong. Russ Taff grew up believing he’d never be good enough. Raised by an alcoholic Pentecostal preacher and a co-dependent mother, his childhood was marked by abuse, secrets, and the suffocating weight of shame. But even in the darkest moments, music was his refuge. Russ’s extraordinary talent propelled him to the heights of Contemporary Christian Music. By 23, he was performing with The Imperials, later becoming a celebrated solo artist and member of the Gaither Vocal Band. With GRAMMY wins and a place in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, his success was undeniable. But behind the spotlight, Russ was fighting a silent battle. The echoes of shame never faded — and only alcohol seemed to silence them. What followed was a decades-long hidden struggle with addiction. This episode is the second of a two-part story sharing Russ Taff’s raw, redemptive journey through trauma and addiction, and the healing power of Love.

Show notes:

Page 238: Russ Taff Part 2: Silencing the Voices of Shame