Growing Up in Gang Life
Lecrae Moore's life is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus. Born on October 9, 1979, in Houston, Texas, Lecrae grew up without a father, who was ensnared by drugs. This absence left him wrestling with self-worth, as he lamented, 'I wrestled with a sense of self-worth because my dad decided drugs would be better than hanging out with his own son.' Raised by his single mother, he found himself under the influence of gangs in Denver and Southeast San Diego, seeking acceptance and identity among those he called 'gangsters.' His teenage years spiraled into drug addiction and crime, culminating in an arrest for drug possession. An officer, rather than condemning him, offered him a Bible, urging him to live by it.
A Desperate Cry for Help
Despite this chance, Lecrae continued down a path of partying and emptiness, rejecting faith as a mere crutch. However, a desperate plea to God marked a turning point: 'Just cried out to the Lord one day I said God I feel like um I'm going to kill myself or kill somebody. And I said 'Please. just just stop me before it gets to that point.' I said 'Stop me do whatever you got to do just don't kill me'.'
Car Accident Divine Intervention
At 19, a serious car accident became a pivotal moment. Emerging unscathed from the wreck, he recognized divine intervention, confessing, 'I came out without a scratch you know my car had flipped over it was dented in damaged up and here I am without a scratch on me and I said 'Okay God I need to I need to change'.' Surrendering to God, he realized his strength lay not in himself but in acknowledging his need for a Savior.
Rapper Found Faith Through Music
Lecrae's life radically changed. He began sharing his story, handed out testimonies on his college campus, and found community in friends who supported his new path. He discovered he could merge his passion for rap with his newfound faith, eventually volunteering at a juvenile detention center and using his music to reach others.
Lecrae's career flourished with the release of his album 'Real Talk' in 2005 and subsequent success, including a Grammy for 'Gravity' in 2013. He describes his faith journey as one of reconstruction, stating, 'I did a lot of spiritual deconstruction over the last few years, and now I've been reconstructing.' Emphasizing faith as synonymous with risk, he adds, 'The bigger God gets, the more I recognize the substance of my faith.'
Through trauma and healing, Lecrae has emerged unashamed of his struggles, declaring, 'For the first time in my life, I was free to live. I was unashamed.' His life is a powerful illustration of Jesus's ability to redeem and restore, turning a troubled past into a future filled with purpose.
