WNZR’s Xander Devault speaks with Sonny Sandoval, lead singer of the metal band P.O.D., ahead of Sonny’s appearance at Tragedy Into Triumph on Wednesday, November 4.
Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation, or click the image link below!
Sonny reflects on his 35 years with P.O.D. and the many different musical genres the band has been part of throughout its career. He shares how he encountered God at an early age and eventually recognized an opportunity to use music as a way to share God’s love with others. Sonny also explains what P.O.D. means when describing themselves as “too Christian for the world and too secular for the church,” and how the band has remained committed to its message while reaching people from all walks of life.
When reflecting on the meaning of Tragedy Into Triumph, Sonny describes it as a picture of redemption and restoration, representing the journey from being lost to being found. Looking back on his own life, he recognizes the ways God rescued him from where he was headed and gave him a new purpose.
Sonny also opens up about his personal faith journey and the lasting impact his mother had on his relationship with God. He remembers how she continued to praise and thank God throughout her battle with leukemia, even as her health declined and she eventually passed away. Her example encouraged Sonny to make his own faith a priority by spending time in prayer and reading his Bible. As his relationship with Christ grew, he began to understand how God could use his life experiences and the platform he had through P.O.D. to reach others with the message of Jesus.
Although Sonny admits that being in the spotlight is not always comfortable, he recognizes the responsibility that comes with the opportunity to influence others, even if it means reaching just one person. He encourages people to bring all their emotions to God, whether they are experiencing anger, hurt, or disappointment, and reminds them that difficult past experiences do not disqualify anyone from being used by Him.
Sonny points to the many people in the Bible who were far from perfect but were still called by God, emphasizing that it is His goodness, grace, love, and Spirit that qualify us for His purposes. Having been involved in some of the first Tragedy Into Triumph events, Sonny has maintained a connection with founder Wendell Brown and hopes to encourage those who may want nothing to do with God to experience a change of heart. Above all, he wants people to understand their identity in Christ, discover the freedom that comes through knowing Jesus, and recognize that God can use their stories, including their tragedies, to bring hope and encouragement to others.
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