Mar 10 2025 26 mins
Joseph Habedank opens his heart about the journey from addiction to redemption in this candid and inspiring conversation. The acclaimed Southern Gospel artist shares how his struggle with prescription drug dependency—and subsequent recovery nearly twelve years ago—transformed his understanding of God's grace and erased the shame that once defined him.
At the center of our discussion is Joseph's powerful song "No Shame," which perfectly captures the essence of Joy FM's upcoming spring fundraiser theme: "Made for More." The lyrics reflect his personal testimony: "I'm saved by the blood of the Lamb, I'm free, I've been born again, I'm forgiven, I'm a child of the King. There ain't no shame on me." Joseph reveals how a visit from gospel legend Russ Taff during rehabilitation changed everything when Taff told him, "God loved you when you were using drugs. He still loved you, but he's crazy about you now." This revelation helped Joseph grasp the depth of God's affection that sees beyond our failures.
With refreshing authenticity, Joseph discusses the tension between professional success and personal humility. He credits his wife Lindsay with keeping him grounded, sharing a powerful story of how she confronted him after winning multiple awards to remind him what truly matters. "What I want more than anything," Joseph confesses, "is for people to say he was a good guy, a good man who had integrity and took the worst thing that ever happened to him and let God make it into the best thing." Though celebrated for his music, Joseph emphasizes that he's "not a struggling artist, but an artist who struggles"—facing the same challenges as everyone else.
Want to support the ministry that brings you music with messages like Joseph's? Consider giving during Joy FM's spring fundraiser and help spread the good news that we're all made for more than our mistakes.