I grew up in a Christian home too. My mom did the best she could at raising us on God's word. And even then, her and my dad were far from perfect. My dad had a very bad temper and would act out violently whenever he got mad at my mom, for whatever reason. Sometimes we'd be the brunt end of that violence, so I can relate to Russ's testimony. It's been a long hard road growing up and trying to do things my way instead of trusting in Jesus. Took me till recently to figure that out. Thank goodness for His grace for we would be nothing without Him. ☝️🛐✝️
My foster people were the same to me. Beat me n junk. Disguraged my singing. Made fun of me. I ran away. Got married. Had 10 babies. He died in 03 from liver disease, massive heart attack. Then I lost our house,3 of our kids. And all we owned. In 2021 our last born was killed. And in 2017 I got multiple scerlosis. And my kids hate me. But I'm praising my Lord and Savior above all. He's my everything. Thank you Russ for heeding the call of Jesus. I've listened to you since young. I'm 56 now. We are More then conquers!!! 🙏💯✝️💪
We are all just paper tigers. Russ has always registered in my world as one of the most awesome men/singer/leader with the most perceptive lyrics and music. Russ i share your pains and your spiritual abuse from childhood which promotes addiction, depression and disillusionment. Praise be to Yahshua, He can still save, deliver and heal. Yhank you Father in Heaven fir your kindness.
I think that’s a good post. The only thing I believe that I disagree on based on what I understand about God‘s word is it we’re not all pay for tigers. We’re more than conquer to Christ and love us our words that we justified by our words that we condemn if we believe in our heart, we paper Tigers we’re gonna be defeatedjust my thoughts anyway
@edlwtu comments appreciated. The older you get the more tired you get. You start to pick your battles. Old soldiers will die on a hill, but they'll pick which one provided our Brother Yahshua is in agreement.
To Mr and Mrs Taff: Your testimony has opened my soul to forgive my viciously abusive siblings, long dead parents and multiple ex husbands, but mostly to understand my own responsibility in my attitudes and responses to their behavior. No, not instant healing yet... But at 77 being able to accept my own dysfunctions and release them to Jesus. Thank you for sharing your pains in order to show the road to real recovery and change.
I was married to an violent alcoholic for 8 1/2 years. One night, I literally saw the demon that he had in him. I also grew up with a father that, thank God, didn't drink, but had a violent demon filled temper. He was saved before he died, but the scars were there for my mother, brother, and myself for a long time. Your childhood are your developing and forming years. When they are bad, only the blood of Jesus can wash those heartaches away.
Amen..”Your childhood are your developing and forming years. When they are bad, only the blood of Jesus can wash those heartaches away.” Amen, amen, amen. That darkness covered my childhood as well. I’ve seen that demon filled temper…
I understand you my Sister. My husband broke my ribs, tried to strangle me. He had a demon that wanted to murder me. I saw a vision of a huge serpant wrapped around my husband and it had squeezed the life out of him and it was trying to reach me but could not as it was attached to my husband. God was protecting me. My step-father is an abusive alcholic and enjoyed berating me, belittling me and intimidating me each night drunk throughout my whole childhood while my mother blamed me. The scars are so deep. So painful and after years of councilling, 22 years walking with Jesus I am still deeply wounded I would love to not have these scars hurt anymore but its hard, it took my trust, hope and happiness away. I thank Jesus for taking them out of my life and protecting me but they do need salvation. I dont want them to go to hell. Its great your father was saved in the end✝️🙏🏻
We are all broken and in need of repair 🙏 Our Very Very Understanding Father God knows what His Children are carrying around. Although I have tried to run away from Him, I haven't been successful. Thanks Father God 🙏😊 Brokenness and pain that's not transformed, will always be Transferred 😒 Our loved ones don't deserve our pain. Jesus will transform anyone who's willing 🙏 Never give up 🙏 Viva Cristo Rey 💪🙏
And counseling if the spirit of the Lord lead you to seek counseling. There are tons of Christian's that need counseling, and they think they are lacking faith if they seek it out, and feel like they will be judged by other's if they seek counseling. But that is not true. God can and will lead His people to seek counseling, and still be operating in faith when you do so.
@@tonygville2969 Amen. All glory, praise, and honor belong to God. Your comment was and is such a blessing to me, for such a time as this. Thank you for being led by the spirit of God and sharing this comment. Many blessings upon, blessings upon, blessings upon, blessings upon, blessings over you and yours, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen and Amen and Amen and Amen and Amen and Amen and Amen.
An hour and about 26 minutes in: smacked me upside the feels, HARD... 😭😭 God is so good and so faithful. He knows exactly what we need and pours it on til we're healed and restored! THANK YOU JESUS! ☝☝☝❤❤❤
@@jesseclifford168 I love Russ’s testimony. It’s very powerful. We must never miss the best part of his testimony…..he is now a whole man because Jesus healed his inner most being. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. If he healed people in the Bible….he heals today.
I cried through the entire movie. My dad would beat me with all his might for as long as he could hold out. I still have scars on my back, legs, and sides from his belt. My mom would try to get between us because his rage just got worse and worse, and she would take licks for me. Oh dear God how I empathize with your pain - and now your scars. Been a huge fan since the mid 70's. "Performance based" faith is a trap.
I, too, understand what A parents rage looks like. My father used a doubled-up brown extension cord on my back to beat the Music out of me. I understand the lifetime crippling effects it leaves with you. All I know is that God says He will never leave us nor forsake us, that He has a plan for our life. He will give us BEAUTY for our ashes, and unlike humpty dumty.... He can and will put us back together again. Jeremiah 30:17. He also promised He will restore what the locust and canker worm ate.
What a great story and testimony. I had a privilege to play drums and host Russ for 4 days while he stayed in Finland, in Summer 2015. What a great man of God he is. Love and blessings to you and your family.
Mmmmmm. That's awesome. Thanks for sharing. God bless. I pray that the Lord continue to keep, cover, bless, lead, guide, and carry you. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen and Amen and Amen and Amen and Amen and Amen and Amen.
Russ!! When I got saved I heard your album “ He had no Medals” and that is when I was in my teens. I back slid thru some of the worst years of my life. I was homeless for 10 years. But I’d always remember your music and I’d lift my head in the night and sing, “ I still Believe”. I’m saved and in my right mind living in Austin. I have 3 beautiful daughters that sing in our church! Thankyou for impacting me thru the darkest times!!
My first gospel cassette after I got saved was Very Best of The Imperials.Im 14 years sober and 30 years drug free.GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BROTHER RUSS TAFF
I have seen him perform twice. And had the opportunity to meet him in person yesterday. He is one of the kindest, most sincere people I have met in Christian music. A true blessing.
Russ I just saw this and watched the whole video. I met you in Spokane in the early 80s. It was a youth conference with Casey Treat. I had brought the youth group from a small church from in Washington State. I saw Jesus in you then...I see in here too. You are His
Oh, my, when Tori said “I could love him and leave”. Many friends didn’t understand when I made my alcoholic husband move out because I finally realized that he was broken and I could not fix him. Thankfully, he turned to God and let Him heal him. Child abuse can ruin many generations, it almost ruined my family but God’s Grace covered it all. My husband and Russ had MUCH of the same trauma
My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people where they can find my love, acceptance and GRACE. What a lovely story of grace. God is good!
God is good when he isn't drowning unborn babies and casting secular humanists into eternal hellfire. Always tell the whole story about Yahweh and Yeshua.
As a victim of chid abuse , i thank God for your honesty. Thank God i was delivered. A drunk a drug addict suffering from depression to being a preacher, God is amazing. The greatest day of my life was when i forgave my dad. God took all my bitterness away . Only grace and mercy remained. I finally realized how hurt my dad was . Sadly he hurt deeply all of his life. I pray i can see him in glory and love him like my Lord loves me.
There are several things in Russ' childhood I can relate to: a dad who was jealous of any thing I accomplished -he considered any success of my own to be a personal affront to himself, speaking ill of my learning to play piano, walking across my sewing projects when I did them on the floor, etc. My mom unloading all her past and marriage problems on me, then telling me it's all my fault. The Lord told me that I wasn't to live for their approval, but for His. Someone in the church told me as a young teen, that if I wanted to know how to be a godly parent/wife or any other thing in life that I was to find out what Jesus did, what Father God did and seek for God to do that in me. Those two things, I took seriously. And that is what helped me through, not only to heal, but to witness to my parents of God's true character. God is healing my mom. But my dad still doesn't want anything to do with me. So I keep him in prayer.
Russ, my sister Teri died 6 years ago and she was a huge fan of yours. Thank you for encouraging and blessing her with your music AND your words. God bless you.
I remember the time I heard him talk about his Father and how he'd drink and said people who do this are in a lot of pain. It really hit me and gave me compassion for my Dad as he too was an alcoholic. I had no idea about Russ's struggle, yet it makes sense as my brother died from his alcoholism and my sister had been to rehab several times and has been so we now for 6 years. I'm so glad they shared their story as I know many of us have grown up in homes like this, and maybe struggled with addition as well. The devil doesn't want us to know how much Jesus loves us, he's the accuser of the brethren. I loved this video. God bless and protect this awesome family.
WOW! I never knew what Russ and his family had to go through. He was my inspiration to start singing for Jesus. The first song I sang in church was Praise The Lord. That was 45 yrs ago. Thank you Lord for never giving up on Russ.
1980, Bend Oregon, Russ was in concert at Bend Highschool. I was 15 and couldn’t believe how excited I was hearing the imperials. Russ’ voice was anointed, but I didn’t know what anointed meant at the time, I was just drawn to his music! 🎶 It was the SEED. It took four more years of God drawing me in, but I Finally got saved in 1984. I became a professional singer for Jesus!! We ministered at gospel missions, fairgrounds and churches! Thank you Russ for encouraging me!!!
Thank You Jesus for loving and saving this man and healing him of the hurts of living. I became born again in 1985 at 33 years old and was just finding out about Christian music. Metals was the first I had heard of Russ Taff and I fell in love with the heart and voice. So happy I came upon this tonight. Moving story of God's healing and what real love looks like. God Bless the Taff family. You are loved.
In a time when marriages fall apart over which toothpaste to buy, this brings hope and understanding and forgiveness. Russ Taff your testimony brings hope to many who suffer from addiction and depression and are so scared of saying anything for fear of judgement from those around. Thank you and your godly wife for this video.
@@shellyscholz1256 I have. I've seen couples divorce over a job, because of constant arguing over non important things, money. All reasons that had solutions but they just weren't capable of dealing with. I'm not saying there are some serious reasons out there for divorce but the majority of the time it's just a powerplay that goes wrong.
This touched my heart. I’ve been there for so long. I’ve lost almost everything. I’m so disappointed in my life. I hope I get to where you are now someday. God Bless you!!
Keep clinging to God and Jesus, repent each time you fall, and ask Jesus each time to deliver you from it. I know what you’re going through, to be down for a long time and desperately want to get the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, and to have lost the victory for a very long time, and want it back. Blessings.
God bless you, Bryan, don't give up hope. Trust God, He is Faithful. His healing is there for you when you cry out to Him and pursue Him. He is the Prize and the Answer for your life. The healing journey takes time, but Holy Spirit will guide you gently and lovingly step by step as you follow His lead. Just ask Him to remove the blocks in your heart that keep you from experiencing His Love and He will do it. What He did for Russ, He will do for you.
Misty eyed while watching this. As a Christian artist who’s had deep seated issues of my own…this is doing a work in me. Praise Jesus for loving us the same unconditional way through it all, and for walking us to the win He won for us. It’s ours and He will help us ultimately claim it as we keep following Him. He will.
We all have issues if we are honest. You are not alone. I suggest purchasing the celebrate recovery books 1-4 and setting aside one day a week to work on them and spend that time with God, answering the the questions in the journals. This changed me and my life.
In the documentary, Russ talks about his struggle with alcohol to self- medicate and to bury the memories of the daily abuse he suffered at the hands of his alcoholic Pastor Father and enabling Mother in his childhood home. I am glad that he finally reached out for and received the help he needed, through counseling and rehabilitation, to face the traumatic memories of his childhood in order to process them so that he was no longer emotionally highjacked by them. Glory to God 🙏
Sounds like his mom was more than an enabler,she was quite the abuser too. I've been through many of the same things Russ has. And the hardest part of healing can be to realize your parents didn't love you. They may have felt like they did, but the actions, the violence, the tearing down of your worth and dignity, are not actions of love. But hallelujah!! Jesus is *more* than enough!♥️♥️♥️
@@tessw9744 Amen! I also was the victim of childhood abuse and trauma. I thank God for Christian Professional Counselors who have helped me to process the abuse through EMDR Therapy, so I am no longer highjacked emotionally by the traumatic memories.
it was so good to watch a marriage heal . I so would have desired to have my marriage saved, and my children not damaged by alcohol and infidelity. I started just now to write the pain that all have gone through and still are and realize that God already knows . Thank you so much for sharing ,
Lorena our life’s without Jesus can become a mess. I’m so glad God loves us so much he gives us a fresh start and those who are hurt in the process God will get a hold of them and heal them spiritually. Hold on to Gods promises, not the past. Satan is the one who brings guilt. We can move forward for the future with Jesus.
Thank you Russ, Tori, and your daughters for sharing your lives with us. This is what is so mission critical in Christianity. Being authentic. Being real. This is what brings hope and healing to the masses. God bless all of you and thank you for sharing!
God uses the banged up and battered to reach the banged up and battered... In the early 90s Farther On probably kept me from suicide because I connected with it when my heart couldn't hear anything else God was saying.Thanks Russ.
This documentary has been such a blessing! I have watched it over and over. My paternal grandfather was an abusive alcoholic, and it was the mercy of God that my paternal grandmother (who passed away a few years ago), my father and his siblings survived. When my husband and I watched the part when Russ received a father's blessing from the pastor he visited, my husband sobbed! It was SO moving! Russ and Tori, thank you SO much for letting the Lord use your testimony. We appreciate your transparency!!!
Russ was a foundational artist in my life. Hearing his music now does something to my soul that I can't describe. Now seeing this documentary after going through a marriage where my husband was an addict. The "unnecessary" lying, disconnection. Though I knew my husbands trauma and we read, prayed tried all... he left me with the last woman he found during our marriage. I relate to the struggle you went through Tory. I don't know many people who can understand the craziness, the betrayal, the almost loss of truth and a sound mind...moved me. Want all of my kids to see this because their dad fought demons, drank, and was abusive (first husband). Just express the deep soul impact in so much of this doc. The Lord is so good, so faithful, so steadfast, so loving, so with us, for us, in us...precious broken vessels, so many people need Him. Thank You Lord for Your healing love, for always drawing us, waiting with us, we love you so much! Thank you Russ and Tory...so much.🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️👆☝️👆💪👆🙌❤️
The music of the Imperials with Russ Taff helped to grow my faith as a young wife and mother. In 1982, I became a field rep for Word Inc and enjoyed sharing his music and testimony with many pastors and their congregations. Our childhoods were nearly parallel. His story is raw and real! How much I appreciate his heart and willingness to share so others of us may find that same healing. Keep writing and singing, Russ and Tori! Love and appreciate you both so much!
Thank you, Russ, for telling your story! Your music has been such a part of my life! Although we never knew what happened, I now understand more of what my sister must have been going through. Up until watching this, all I felt was anger at the wake of pain she left behind her. Sadly her life was lost due to her addiction.
I was saved at a Russ Taff Concert in Waco, Texas (Medals) on 11/15/1985 and 35 Years later on the same day, 11/15/2020, my Daddy went to Heaven. I grew up in an alcoholic home (Mom). Thank you, for sharing your story! ❤❤
When I suddenly realized I could see Russ Taff's Testimony, I on board!! I am 71 at this season of my Life and I still Love Russ Taff and his ministry! As a rededicated Christian and my Family Life just getting off to a good start, I was enthralled with Russ Taff's Voice!!! Now, I Love your whole Family Also!! Thank You All, for letting us go behind closed doors with you!! The tears flowed!! You walked us through with such honesty!! Nothing fake here! Life is Complicated and it makes people Complex!!! It makes me So Sad, you all, went down This Path!! However, Our Lord Made a Way, For, YOUR, VICTORY IN BATTLE!!! And how Wonderful, you Knew, God said, Go Ahead and Share it!!! THE Amazing Love Stories we have witnessed here!! Thank You Jesus Christ, I could Witness. ISAIAH 42 16, in The Taff Families' lives!! BLESS GOD GLORY HALLALUJAH!!! SHALOM!!
The first time I became aware of Russ was when he was singing with the Gaither Quartet at Carnegie Hall after 9/11... they were singing “Let Freedom Ring”... David Phelps hit that high key change note, and Russ praised God with open abandon and raised hands... that was so beautiful to me. And then I started listening to his music. What a soulful voice. I had to go back and listen to his solo part in that song... I became an instant fan. We are so blessed... love you, Russ ❤️🙏💜🙏
I was so touched by his authentic sharing in Jesus Music and now this documentary. The love of Christ shows through all you and your family went through. Thankyou for being so honest and letting me see God's grace when I need it too.
@@lisafischer1365 I thank the Lord our God for those who are able to reach out to God's children with their strong faith giving Him the Glory with gifts like Russ Taff's. You can feel the sincerity which lifts the spirit up to the Lord. Thanks so much!
When I got saved in 1983 Praise the Lord was my song I played over and over. This story was so touching and I cried through it. A lot of us have been abused. So glad Russ was delivered. Our God is a powerful awesome God!
@@CrownEntertainmentUS I cried through it all. It was heartbreaking to see what they went through but God wasn't finished with Russ. He had a plan for him.
Praise God for Tori as a caregiver-wife. Prayers could have been lifted up for him way back but the devil tries his best to keep us blind and make us bottom out from past junk in the trunk until we're consumed by death. Praise God for the Victory in Jesus Christ!
Many have backslidden by hiding sin. Jesus delivers those who seek Him as the body of Christ needs the ‘Gift of Discernment’ 📖 1 CORINTHIANS 12 The Devil is attacking fiercely as the Day of the Lord is coming…💥⚡️💥 rapturing==Harpazo the Children of God off the earth 🌎💥⚡️💥
God so Love's you and me is beyond understanding 🙏 He knows our Good, Bad and Ugly, and He still wants Us All 🙏 God Bless the Ragamuffin 💪👍🙏 Viva Cristo Rey 🙏
Thank you from the depths of my heart for being vulnerable and sharing this. My husband is an alcoholic and I am right now where Tori was when she had had it and was getting ready to leave. This has helped me understand a little more where my husband may be and why he drinks. His childhood was very rough also. I just pray he will come to the end of himself and let God heal him like Russ did. God is our only hope.
Please be aware that you are in the most danger when you reach the point of getting ready to leave. Satan also knows your plans. Please be careful. Pray without ceasing!!
What has happened to Russ clearly shows that the GREATER. Is GOD'S calling in our LIFE..& the more the enemy tries to DESTROY US..& to do this ... It uses any kind of sin he can.. IT could be..drinking like Russ & your husband..or adultery ...pornografy .etc etc .like It's happened also to me..So the only thing we can do..Is PRAY that GOD'S MIGHTY GRACE & LOVE..saves our loved ones..like It has saved Russ thru that dying man..to who GOD sended him to & this we can do even if we have to LEAVE..& if we BELIEVE we Will RECEIVE It from FATHER GOD..
Ramona, if you want to understand your husband´s addiction more fully, please check out Dr Gabor Maté´s book "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts." He´s a MD, trauma therapist and addiction expert from Canada. Here´s what he says: "Addiction begins with solving a problem, and the problem is that of human pain, emotional pain. The first question is not why the addiction; it’s why the pain? And from my perspective, it’s always rooted in childhood trauma, either overt or covert.”
Thank you Holy Spirit and the Taffs for being willing to share the hard earthly life and facts, as well as the grace, love, redemption, peace and joy of an eternal life with Jesus. My wish is that hundreds of thousands are witnessed to through this medium, and that hundreds of thousands join the family of God.
Thank you Russ Taff for telling this incredible story of redemption! Learning to trust and believe and accept Almighty GOD’s love for us isn’t an easy road to travel but you are now on the other side with our SAVIOR.
Such a great testimony of how Jesus used people to love on someone hurting. I relate too how alcohol numbed pain for awhile but quickly brings pain on you and others around you. Jesus love means he never leaved you. Healing is so important for the heart. He binds the brokenhearted and we give Him the glory.
A beautiful story....we can see the God's hand upon his kids....his mercy, his goodness, he has no regards....he touched the bottom of the well but God raised him up.....Praise God
As a person who is actively pursuing my recovery I praise God for the honesty and transparency of this movie. That is so refreshing to be so honest and real. I love the song by Russ "make me whole" love this and I admire Russ for being so REAL about the life and struggles of addiction.
It's a wonderful blessing when someone who has been & is a successful Christian singer is willing to be vulnerable & share his story! We all have one! thank you, Russ, for getting real! I pray that many will realize that God use the broken! God bless you & Tori & all that you do!
Several years ago I somehow lucked into front row tickets for a Gaither event in Orlando, FL. As the artists would finish their portion most went backstage and weren't seen again, about half way through the concert I noticed someone standing to the side of the spectator area and he had his hands in the air and was just singing and praising Jesus for all he was worth, it was Russ Taff! He showed me his heart that night, and I'll never forget it.
All I could cry throughout the this video. My child was bad and my father was alcoholic from Vietnam War. I had my own demons of drinking and pornagraphy throughout my adulthood. I remember russ taff in the 80s as I grew up and listen to the imperial and solo...amazing story I can relate too. I love you russ taff and God bless you and your family.
I was 21 years old when I gave my heart to God. Russ Taff was one of the first albums i bought. His voice sent me closer to Jesus. Beautiful man of God!.❤
Just love Russ’talent. I was a bad bulimic for 12 yrs. God healed me, it’s been 20 yrs, but after many yrs of playing with food, I still struggle with my weight. It’s very difficult to quit trigger foods (sugar/carbs) but I’m still praying for the willingness to eat healthy again.
I understand I suffered eating disorder too bulimia anorexia stopped bulimia and went to anorexia now I put weight back on I shot my metabolism and thyroid and eating bad again hopefully if when ready to get back into shape I don't go overboard
Like a first love this is never forgotten. Stopped disoredered eating 15 years ago. At 55 yrs old I am at a point that I accept my size and shape. The sugar craving...well thats another story
What an amazing wife he has, she is beautiful and more than that, she does good to Him. It is more amazing what the love of God in a person can do to another one. I am blown up by that. She has been the pillar, the instrument of God to save this man. You are truly loved Mr Taff by the Lord.
Having been sober for over 40 years and a Christian since 12 yrs. Old it’s never ceases to amaze me how God never leave one of his own but is always there to welcome us home no matter how far we stray. To God be the Glory!
the yrs of pain finally was gone and Jesus was the reason for your remarkable healing.....russ taff you are a great testimony of what the Lord can do when we have hit the bottom......he takes our hand and helps us up.....and we praise Him for his mercy.....
I didn’t know who Russ Taff was until I saw him on Bill Gaithers singing group on my iPad one day and I remember that my heart went out to him . When I saw him I felt his past pain and for some reason I knew he was special in God’s eyes. The first time I saw him I fell in love with his sweet character , I could just feel that he was a man of some great suffering in his life. I even told my husband look ,” I don’t know who he is but I really like him, I feel this kinda empathy towards him. May God bless your soul Mr. Russ and also so glad God gave you a loving wife to care for you during your time of distress.
Your statement, and these statements of others, have encouraged me not to isolate myself from others who have or are struggling with this identity crisis, thinking I was the only one going through this. Because I was told the same as Russ, I would never amount to anything, I began believing that. I've wasted my life and talent and missed opportunities to live out my God given purpose in life. Although I didn't grow up in a home of alcohol abuse, I suffered through so much brow beating verbal abuse. Over the years, my whole life, I've carried this with me. Today I just pray to God for forgiveness, for not having the faith to overcome this years ago. Russ shows there is a God of mercy and grace, not just a god, but God. I thank Russ for his bold testimony.
I want to thank you both soooooooo very much for sharing your lives and story with me and all of us!!! You have honored our Heavenly Father and by sharing this!!! Man.....man...man... thank you for your honesty ,all I can say is Russ I appreciate you so much,and Tori....you standing with Russ offers us all so much hope as married couples,Thank you a million times over!!!!
I grew up listening to the imperials and when he went solo but I never knew that he had so much pain because of what he went through thank God for rest of and his wife and the wonderful people that he was surrounded by as I was listening to his story it even make me cry God bless you Russ and God bless your wife
I am happy Russ Taff loved his wife and family enough to get help. I was married to an alcohlic and he stayed in denial until it wasn't healthy for me to stay any longer so I finally left. I would have left sooner but I had no place to go. I am so glad I left because he ended up dying a lonely man. Because he just wouldn't change untill he got so sick he ended of dying.
I can identify with Russ where depression and alcoholism is concerned. Ive been there and it's a terrible place to be. More horrible than can be described with words. God bless you for your testimony, Russ.
Oh i love Russ Taff i work with him,i dance with him after i finish praying i sing his song so loud im afraid the neighbors will call the cops you should of being their when he set me free... the best song..
This was amazing Grace extended to Russ through his addiction and demons from his childhood. I was so touched by his story of forgiveness and love, and especially Tori’s love and long suffering through the many years with Russ. WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY.
Thank you for this most beautiful life story of Love and redemption. My husband and I are married 40yrs this weekend but also had a very rough road. We are still together and still learning about each other. I believe this is because our lives are entwined with Him as a three cord strand that we are together and still loving and caring for one another to spite our own personal struggles.
When I received the Lord back in the 80s I was a rocker. I thought what is there to listen to now. I found Russ Taff. Each song spoke to me and I can say he walked with me as I took my baby steps. Me and a friend went to see him in concert. I will never forget he wore all black. He got up on stage and said I have to do this concert so my wife can take a cruise. I was taken back. He was there in flesh but not spirit. I walked away that day and really stopped listening to a lot of Christian music. Fast forward to 33 years later. My walk is not strong anymore. I have a lot of health problems a lot of meds I have to take. But I feel the same as Russ did. I am not loved by the king I am only punished. Long history with my mom. Thanks for this movie. I am so thrilled u feel worthy! U deserve it!
jan...be comforted by these words……they are 100% true of you my Sister.... ……..It is comforting to know Biblically, that nothing can ever separate a believer in the Lord Jesus, from the love of God that is In Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:29-39 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is In Christ Jesus our Lord. Once we understand that these verses are true for us, which they are for all believers at the instant we’ve placed our faith in Christ, we will also someday understand that Romans 8:28 is also true, even though it stretches us to our limits because our hearts/minds struggle to believe that .... Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes ALL things to work together for GOOD to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” And... when were believers called and chosen...answer? before God said Let there be light, before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places IN Christ, just as He chose us IN Him BEFORE the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. At the moment of Faith in Christ, we are placed into Christ, we are placed Into Christ by the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13-14 IN Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-having also believed, you were sealed IN Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory. AND since all believers are safe and secure In Christ forever, then we will know that Romans 8:1 is true for all believers...true for us... Romans 8::1 “Therefore there is now No condemnation for those who are In Christ Jesus.” Also so beautiful….1 John 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may KNOW (with absolute certainty) that you HAVE (from the instant you believe In Christ for all eternity) eternal life. And finally we have to ask...are all believers declared by God Himself, to be positionally and forever Righteous? God says we are.... 2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God IN Him. ❤🙏✝🙏❤
@@rustymcLerran I dont know what to say....I was talking to my sister today and she said to me I dont understand this fear u have u are going to hell. She said I wish u had the faith like I do I am confident in my walk. And I started crying....and we hung up and this comes through in my email. Thank u! Thank u sooo much for taking your time out to send me this glorious hope and message I so desperately needed! I felt as our Father was saying I love u! U have a place with me! That is my only wish, my only hope! Again, thank u for your wonderful blessing u gave to me today!❤
We are all responsible for our own walk with God. I had to learn this lesson myself. Hebrews 11:6 says It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who diligently seek him. After believing in him and recieving the holy spirit we are led into all truth which we find in his word called the holy bible. And we begin to follow Christ. I also have many physical problems and take many medicines but after having learned his word, joining the body of believers and learning how to pray and having a personal relationship my life has changed completely. As it is written he has removed my stony heart and replaced it with a heart of flesh. With God all things are possible Matthew 19:26.
@rustymcLerran I don't know when u wrote this but I needed this so bad! I asked the Lord all I need to know is am I ok. Are we ok? And this helped tremendously! Thank u..bless you!!
Your music inspired a generation of young Christians in the 80s when I was a youth pastor. I remember bringing a group to see you in Chicago when you appeared on Channel 38, a Christian TV station. You were such a kind and thoughtful person in the interview. Watching this video, I was gripped by your story and could feel your pain as you relived it. What amazed me most, was how you never let go of your faith when you had every reason to by what you experienced. I’m sharing this video with other people who I know will be impacted by your testimony of God’s grace in your life. Thank you for being God’s instrument to the world!
Absolutely beautiful redemption story! Thank you for pouring out His grace and mercy story. Keep sharing. The Gospel working in our lives still saves! Bless you all!!!!
Thank you, Russ - I've been there, done that to an extent too. It's soooo good to be sober. You have a lovely wife! The Lord bless and keep you and your precious family.
Susan here, i lost my son to drug addiction in 2022, so i know all these feelings, all too well, for 25 years i watched him destroy himself, and there was nothing i could do to stop it. i expected that call one day, i always knew it would happen in myself i knew, i was too the point i was so fed up i couldnt even pray for him any more. then when he died i had so much guilt i almost couldnt bear it, the self blame i still feel to this day, him dying thinking i didnt love him any more. but i am working past it. but that pain will always bee there, just one day at a time sweet Jesus is all i can do,
Addiction is exhausting for those around the addict . You did your best with a hard, awful scenario that you were powerless over. Go easy on yourself please
No words can describe the impact this video has had on my heart and spirit. Christians are carrying pain and trauma within their hearts just like every other human on the planet. But, True Love, Jesus, is the only way to find enduring healing and restoration for our souls. He came to heal the broken hearted and traumatized, to bring life abundantly. Russ’s music deeply touched the world, I LOVED IT!! But, his story and transparency is going to bring healing to their hearts. And his wife, such an incredible inspiration, is doing the same thing. I’m just undone, in a good way♥️🎶♥️
Russ Taff changed my Life....At a concert in Charlotte NC he saw a very shy girl who was broken hearted and God I believe had him sing " I got to know if you believe in love...". It made me feel special...Thank you! God spoke to me through you!
Russ, your experiences and struggles are somewhat reflective of my own pain and struggles. When my wife, who passed away from brain cancer in 2017, were dating in 1989, the imperials were one of our favorite gospel bands. When I hear a song from you, I think of her. She stood by me during some our darkest times in our marriage. Thanks Tori for standing by Russ’ side! Thanks so much for sharing your story Taff family! It blessed me greatly!
God Bless you Russ Taff !!!!!! And your precious family!!! What a beautiful work of Grace!!!! May this happen for my brother Wesley! Very very similar family background with an abusive alcoholic father! I'm 58 still recovering from the abuse! My sister is paranoid schizophrenic. My brother alcoholic the other q brothers are raging anger! May we all recover!!! In Jesus Name!!!
Having found this powerful testimony, to me, is the shepherd leaving the 99 to go find the one lost. I get it, everything my brother has been through. I appreciate the raw honesty in this documentary. This is what God's Kingdom looks like, loving and embracing the suffering one, and not judging or abandoning him. Everybody just wants to feel loved. Forgiving is not easy but it's the only way to break free of the bondage of the past. Suffering is inevitable, but, Love, being impartial is the universal and all powerful cure-all. Xo 💝 May we all be loved.
In my greatest times of need I could always put on Russ Taff albums and let his soulful voice carry my problems away. I still listen today even after 40 years of first hearing his music. God works in mysterious ways and his testimony has set someone here free. Well Done Russ your Heavenly father IS proud of your courage and honesty! I am too!
I grew up in a Christian home too. My mom did the best she could at raising us on God's word. And even then, her and my dad were far from perfect. My dad had a very bad temper and would act out violently whenever he got mad at my mom, for whatever reason. Sometimes we'd be the brunt end of that violence, so I can relate to Russ's testimony. It's been a long hard road growing up and trying to do things my way instead of trusting in Jesus. Took me till recently to figure that out. Thank goodness for His grace for we would be nothing without Him. ☝️🛐✝️
A Romans 15:13 blessing to you!
God is so awesome. Thank you for sharing Russ' story.
My foster people were the same to me. Beat me n junk. Disguraged my singing. Made fun of me. I ran away. Got married. Had 10 babies. He died in 03 from liver disease, massive heart attack. Then I lost our house,3 of our kids. And all we owned.
In 2021 our last born was killed.
And in 2017 I got multiple scerlosis.
And my kids hate me.
But I'm praising my Lord and Savior above all. He's my everything. Thank you Russ for heeding the call of Jesus. I've listened to you since young. I'm 56 now.
We are More then conquers!!! 🙏💯✝️💪
"Trauma blocks your memories". I have never understood why I couldn't heal until now. I have work to do but... Thank you, Jesus ✝️
God bless you, Jennifer. Glad Russ and Tori's testimony helped you.
I did not realize he wrote all the songs I loved in my early Christian walk. Wow! Lord, bless this man and continue to deliver him.
We are all just paper tigers. Russ has always registered in my world as one of the most awesome men/singer/leader with the most perceptive lyrics and music.
Russ i share your pains and your spiritual abuse from childhood which promotes addiction, depression and disillusionment. Praise be to Yahshua, He can still save, deliver and heal. Yhank you Father in Heaven fir your kindness.
I think that’s a good post. The only thing I believe that I disagree on based on what I understand about God‘s word is it we’re not all pay for tigers. We’re more than conquer to Christ and love us our words that we justified by our words that we condemn if we believe in our heart, we paper Tigers we’re gonna be defeatedjust my thoughts anyway
@edlwtu comments appreciated. The older you get the more tired you get. You start to pick your battles. Old soldiers will die on a hill, but they'll pick which one provided our Brother Yahshua is in agreement.
To Mr and Mrs Taff:
Your testimony has opened my soul to forgive my viciously abusive siblings, long dead parents and multiple ex husbands, but mostly to understand my own responsibility in my attitudes and responses to their behavior. No, not instant healing yet... But at 77 being able to accept my own dysfunctions and release them to Jesus.
Thank you for sharing your pains in order to show the road to real recovery and change.
Peggy, I bless you for you being brave to share your own story!
I was married to an violent alcoholic for 8 1/2 years. One night, I literally saw the demon that he had in him. I also grew up with a father that, thank God, didn't drink, but had a violent demon filled temper. He was saved before he died, but the scars were there for my mother, brother, and myself for a long time. Your childhood are your developing and forming years. When they are bad, only the blood of Jesus can wash those heartaches away.
Amen..”Your childhood are your developing and forming years. When they are bad, only the blood of Jesus can wash those heartaches away.” Amen, amen, amen. That darkness covered my childhood as well. I’ve seen that demon filled temper…
I understand you my Sister.
My husband broke my ribs, tried to strangle me. He had a demon that wanted to murder me. I saw a vision of a huge serpant wrapped around my husband and it had squeezed the life out of him and it was trying to reach me but could not as it was attached to my husband. God was protecting me.
My step-father is an abusive alcholic and enjoyed berating me, belittling me and intimidating me each night drunk throughout my whole childhood while my mother blamed me.
The scars are so deep. So painful and after years of councilling, 22 years walking with Jesus I am still deeply wounded
I would love to not have these scars hurt anymore but its hard, it took my trust, hope and happiness away.
I thank Jesus for taking them out of my life and protecting me but they do need salvation. I dont want them to go to hell.
Its great your father was saved in the end✝️🙏🏻
We are all broken and in need of repair 🙏
Our Very Very Understanding Father God knows what His Children are carrying around. Although I have tried to run away from Him, I haven't been successful. Thanks Father God 🙏😊
Brokenness and pain that's not transformed, will always be Transferred 😒
Our loved ones don't deserve our pain.
Jesus will transform anyone who's willing 🙏
Never give up 🙏 Viva Cristo Rey 💪🙏
And counseling if the spirit of the Lord lead you to seek counseling. There are tons of Christian's that need counseling, and they think they are lacking faith if they seek it out, and feel like they will be judged by other's if they seek counseling. But that is not true. God can and will lead His people to seek counseling, and still be operating in faith when you do so.
@@tonygville2969 Amen. All glory, praise, and honor belong to God. Your comment was and is such a blessing to me, for such a time as this. Thank you for being led by the spirit of God and sharing this comment. Many blessings upon, blessings upon, blessings upon, blessings upon, blessings over you and yours, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen and Amen and Amen and Amen and Amen and Amen and Amen.
An hour and about 26 minutes in: smacked me upside the feels, HARD... 😭😭 God is so good and so faithful. He knows exactly what we need and pours it on til we're healed and restored! THANK YOU JESUS! ☝☝☝❤❤❤
Me too. Right there with you on that one.
Agree !!!!!
Wow, you know without a doubt God was working through him but more importantly God was right there standing with all of them in that room.
"But you, oh Lord, are a shield about me and the lifter of my head". -Psalm3:3
I am a 66-year-old man and found myself weeping throughout Russ’s testimony. I can totally relate.
Thanks for the transparent expression, Jesse. God bless.
@@jesseclifford168 I love Russ’s testimony. It’s very powerful. We must never miss the best part of his testimony…..he is now a whole man because Jesus healed his inner most being. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. If he healed people in the Bible….he heals today.
I cried through the entire movie. My dad would beat me with all his might for as long as he could hold out. I still have scars on my back, legs, and sides from his belt. My mom would try to get between us because his rage just got worse and worse, and she would take licks for me. Oh dear God how I empathize with your pain - and now your scars. Been a huge fan since the mid 70's. "Performance based" faith is a trap.
I, too, understand what
A parents rage looks like. My father used a doubled-up brown extension cord on my back to beat the Music out of me. I understand the lifetime crippling effects it leaves with you.
All I know is that God says He will never leave us nor forsake us, that He has a plan for our life. He will give us BEAUTY for our ashes, and unlike humpty dumty.... He can and will put us back together again. Jeremiah 30:17.
He also promised He will restore what the locust and canker worm ate.
@@becauseofwhoyouare6716 m
M
Thank you for sharing. God Bless♥️
I am so sorry for you. I pray that God will heal you completely. Blessings.
What a great story and testimony. I had a privilege to play drums and host Russ for 4 days while he stayed in Finland, in Summer 2015. What a great man of God he is. Love and blessings to you and your family.
Mmmmmm. That's awesome. Thanks for sharing. God bless. I pray that the Lord continue to keep, cover, bless, lead, guide, and carry you. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen and Amen and Amen and Amen and Amen and Amen and Amen.
Russ!! When I got saved I heard your album “ He had no Medals” and that is when I was in my teens. I back slid thru some of the worst years of my life. I was homeless for 10 years. But I’d always remember your music and I’d lift my head in the night and sing, “ I still Believe”.
I’m saved and in my right mind living in Austin. I have 3 beautiful daughters that sing in our church!
Thankyou for impacting me thru the darkest times!!
My first gospel cassette after I got saved was Very Best of The Imperials.Im 14 years sober and 30 years drug free.GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BROTHER RUSS TAFF
I was also raised by alcoholics and this is so raw and graceful. God bless the broken road that brought us all to Jesus Christ.
Broken and oh so rocky
@@Smartychase Russ sure had a sad and messed up life.
All things have purpose, even the bad. It leads to the good. Cannot have one without the other here on earth. May God bless you Cheryl ❤🙏
Thank God for Rascal Flats!😂
I have seen him perform twice. And had the opportunity to meet him in person yesterday. He is one of the kindest, most sincere people I have met in Christian music. A true blessing.
Russ I just saw this and watched the whole video. I met you in Spokane in the early 80s. It was a youth conference with Casey Treat. I had brought the youth group from a small church from in Washington State. I saw Jesus in you then...I see in here too. You are His
June Smedley is a literal Angel in every sense of the word.
People who had suffered always sing from their heart. Russ is one of those who are all heart ❤️
Yes, those songs did come very deep from his heart.
@@trulysensitive5620 Yes you are right, his songs are full of suffering......
Oh, my, when Tori said “I could love him and leave”. Many friends didn’t understand when I made my alcoholic husband move out because I finally realized that he was broken and I could not fix him. Thankfully, he turned to God and let Him heal him. Child abuse can ruin many generations, it almost ruined my family but God’s Grace covered it all.
My husband and Russ had MUCH of the same trauma
My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people where they can find my love, acceptance and GRACE. What a lovely story of grace. God is good!
All the time! 😇💯
Thank you so much Russ and family for sharing Love from your sister in Christ
Eva🥰🙏
God is good when he isn't drowning unborn babies and casting secular humanists into eternal hellfire.
Always tell the whole story about Yahweh and Yeshua.
As a victim of chid abuse , i thank God for your honesty. Thank God i was delivered. A drunk a drug addict suffering from depression to being a preacher, God is amazing. The greatest day of my life was when i forgave my dad. God took all my bitterness away . Only grace and mercy remained. I finally realized how hurt my dad was . Sadly he hurt deeply all of his life. I pray i can see him in glory and love him like my Lord loves me.
There are several things in Russ' childhood I can relate to: a dad who was jealous of any thing I accomplished -he considered any success of my own to be a personal affront to himself, speaking ill of my learning to play piano, walking across my sewing projects when I did them on the floor, etc. My mom unloading all her past and marriage problems on me, then telling me it's all my fault.
The Lord told me that I wasn't to live for their approval, but for His. Someone in the church told me as a young teen, that if I wanted to know how to be a godly parent/wife or any other thing in life that I was to find out what Jesus did, what Father God did and seek for God to do that in me.
Those two things, I took seriously. And that is what helped me through, not only to heal, but to witness to my parents of God's true character. God is healing my mom. But my dad still doesn't want anything to do with me. So I keep him in prayer.
Russ, my sister Teri died 6 years ago and she was a huge fan of yours. Thank you for encouraging and blessing her with your music AND your words. God bless you.
I remember the time I heard him talk about his Father and how he'd drink and said people who do this are in a lot of pain. It really hit me and gave me compassion for my Dad as he too was an alcoholic. I had no idea about Russ's struggle, yet it makes sense as my brother died from his alcoholism and my sister had been to rehab several times and has been so we now for 6 years. I'm so glad they shared their story as I know many of us have grown up in homes like this, and maybe struggled with addition as well. The devil doesn't want us to know how much Jesus loves us, he's the accuser of the brethren. I loved this video. God bless and protect this awesome family.
WOW! I never knew what Russ and his family had to go through. He was my inspiration to start singing for Jesus. The first song I sang in church was Praise The Lord. That was 45 yrs ago. Thank you Lord for never giving up on Russ.
Que hermoso testimonio!!
1980, Bend Oregon, Russ was in concert at Bend Highschool. I was 15 and couldn’t believe how excited I was hearing the imperials. Russ’ voice was anointed, but I didn’t know what anointed meant at the time, I was just drawn to his music! 🎶
It was the SEED. It took four more years of God drawing me in, but I Finally got saved in 1984. I became a professional singer for Jesus!! We ministered at gospel missions, fairgrounds and churches! Thank you Russ for encouraging me!!!
This gives so much hope to those who find themselves in free-fall and for those on the sidelines feeling so helpless as they watch.
Thank You Jesus for loving and saving this man and healing him of the hurts of living. I became born again in 1985 at 33 years old and was just finding out about Christian music. Metals was the first I had heard of Russ Taff and I fell in love with the heart and voice. So happy I came upon this tonight. Moving story of God's healing and what real love looks like. God Bless the Taff family. You are loved.
Very unique...no one sounds quite like Russ Taff. What a blessing his true spirit of worship is!!!
In a time when marriages fall apart over which toothpaste to buy, this brings hope and understanding and forgiveness. Russ Taff your testimony brings hope to many who suffer from addiction and depression and are so scared of saying anything for fear of judgement from those around. Thank you and your godly wife for this video.
I’ve never known anyone to divorce for trivial reasons. We don’t see the whole picture because as he says it’s not right to tell the outsiders.
@@shellyscholz1256 I have. I've seen couples divorce over a job, because of constant arguing over non important things, money. All reasons that had solutions but they just weren't capable of dealing with. I'm not saying there are some serious reasons out there for divorce but the majority of the time it's just a powerplay that goes wrong.
This touched my heart. I’ve been there for so long. I’ve lost almost everything. I’m so disappointed in my life. I hope I get to where you are now someday. God Bless you!!
🙏🙂
Keep clinging to God and Jesus, repent each time you fall, and ask Jesus each time to deliver you from it.
I know what you’re going through, to be down for a long time and desperately want to get the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, and to have lost the victory for a very long time, and want it back. Blessings.
How inspiration Russ you have always been one of my favorites on the Gaithers
God bless you, Bryan, don't give up hope. Trust God, He is Faithful. His healing is there for you when you cry out to Him and pursue Him. He is the Prize and the Answer for your life. The healing journey takes time, but Holy Spirit will guide you gently and lovingly step by step as you follow His lead. Just ask Him to remove the blocks in your heart that keep you from experiencing His Love and He will do it. What He did for Russ, He will do for you.
💛God is so good that He even uses our FAILURES. Remember Proverbs 3:5-6!
Bryan, you have a glorious future!
Misty eyed while watching this. As a Christian artist who’s had deep seated issues of my own…this is doing a work in me. Praise Jesus for loving us the same unconditional way through it all, and for walking us to the win He won for us. It’s ours and He will help us ultimately claim it as we keep following Him. He will.
Absolutely ❤
We all have issues if we are honest. You are not alone. I suggest purchasing the celebrate recovery books 1-4 and setting aside one day a week to work on them and spend that time with God, answering the the questions in the journals. This changed me and my life.
I got saved in 1983 and watching this I realize how much Russ Tafts music helped me to love and worship God. Praise God for this life.
Beautifully said Lori ♥️
In the documentary,
Russ talks about his struggle with alcohol to self- medicate and to bury the memories of the daily abuse he suffered at the hands of his alcoholic Pastor Father and enabling Mother in his childhood home.
I am glad that he finally reached out for and received the help he needed, through counseling and rehabilitation, to face the traumatic memories of his childhood in order to process them so that he was no longer emotionally highjacked by them.
Glory to God 🙏
Sounds like his mom was more than an enabler,she was quite the abuser too.
I've been through many of the same things Russ has. And the hardest part of healing can be to realize your parents didn't love you. They may have felt like they did, but the actions, the violence, the tearing down of your worth and dignity, are not actions of love.
But hallelujah!! Jesus is *more* than enough!♥️♥️♥️
@@tessw9744 Amen!
I also was the victim of childhood abuse and trauma. I thank God for Christian Professional Counselors who have helped me to process the abuse through EMDR Therapy, so I am no longer highjacked emotionally by the traumatic memories.
Been a long time fan of Russ, I’m moved by his honesty and faith. What an amazing story of God’s love, grace and redemption. Peace
it was so good to watch a marriage heal . I so would have desired to have my marriage saved, and my children not damaged by alcohol and infidelity. I started just now to write the pain that all have gone through and still are and realize that God already knows . Thank you so much for sharing ,
Lorena it's hard to not feel the need to explain isn't it? I totally get it.🙏❤
Lorena our life’s without Jesus can become a mess. I’m so glad God loves us so much he gives us a fresh start and those who are hurt in the process God will get a hold of them and heal them spiritually. Hold on to Gods promises, not the past. Satan is the one who brings guilt. We can move forward for the future with Jesus.
Lorena, Jesus understands your pain more than anyone. We all have regrets and I pray for healing & reconciliation in your relationships.
Praying for you all
Thank you Russ, Tori, and your daughters for sharing your lives with us. This is what is so mission critical in Christianity. Being authentic. Being real. This is what brings hope and healing to the masses. God bless all of you and thank you for sharing!
God uses the banged up and battered to reach the banged up and battered... In the early 90s Farther On probably kept me from suicide because I connected with it when my heart couldn't hear anything else God was saying.Thanks Russ.
This documentary has been such a blessing! I have watched it over and over.
My paternal grandfather was an abusive alcoholic, and it was the mercy of God that my paternal grandmother (who passed away a few years ago), my father and his siblings survived.
When my husband and I watched the part when Russ received a father's blessing from the pastor he visited, my husband sobbed! It was SO moving!
Russ and Tori, thank you SO much for letting the Lord use your testimony. We appreciate your transparency!!!
Russ was a foundational artist in my life. Hearing his music now does something to my soul that I can't describe. Now seeing this documentary after going through a marriage where my husband was an addict. The "unnecessary" lying, disconnection. Though I knew my husbands trauma and we read, prayed tried all... he left me with the last woman he found during our marriage. I relate to the struggle you went through Tory. I don't know many people who can understand the craziness, the betrayal, the almost loss of truth and a sound mind...moved me. Want all of my kids to see this because their dad fought demons, drank, and was abusive (first husband). Just express the deep soul impact in so much of this doc. The Lord is so good, so faithful, so steadfast, so loving, so with us, for us, in us...precious broken vessels, so many people need Him.
Thank You Lord for Your healing love, for always drawing us, waiting with us, we love you so much!
Thank you Russ and Tory...so much.🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️👆☝️👆💪👆🙌❤️
💔❤️❤️🩹
Thank you Russ and Tori we all needed this . God bless America
The music of the Imperials with Russ Taff helped to grow my faith as a young wife and mother. In 1982, I became a field rep for Word Inc and enjoyed sharing his music and testimony with many pastors and their congregations. Our childhoods were nearly parallel. His story is raw and real! How much I appreciate his heart and willingness to share so others of us may find that same healing. Keep writing and singing, Russ and Tori! Love and appreciate you both so much!
Thank you, Russ, for telling your story! Your music has been such a part of my life! Although we never knew what happened, I now understand more of what my sister must have been going through. Up until watching this, all I felt was anger at the wake of pain she left behind her. Sadly her life was lost due to her addiction.
Anoint this channel Lord Jesus and bless everyone who stops by to listen to this beautiful music and for the fellowship Amen.⛪✝️💯👍🙏
I was saved at a Russ Taff Concert in Waco, Texas (Medals) on 11/15/1985 and 35 Years later on the same day, 11/15/2020, my Daddy went to Heaven. I grew up in an alcoholic home (Mom). Thank you, for sharing your story! ❤❤
When I suddenly realized I could see Russ Taff's Testimony, I on board!! I am 71 at this season of my Life and I still Love Russ Taff and his ministry! As a rededicated Christian and my Family Life just getting off to a good start, I was enthralled with Russ Taff's Voice!!! Now, I Love your whole Family Also!! Thank You All, for letting us go behind closed doors with you!! The tears flowed!! You walked us through with such honesty!! Nothing fake here! Life is Complicated and it makes people Complex!!! It makes me So Sad, you all, went down This Path!! However, Our Lord Made a Way, For, YOUR, VICTORY IN BATTLE!!! And how Wonderful, you Knew, God said, Go Ahead and Share it!!! THE Amazing Love Stories we have witnessed here!! Thank You Jesus Christ, I could Witness. ISAIAH 42 16, in The Taff Families' lives!! BLESS GOD GLORY HALLALUJAH!!! SHALOM!!
The first time I became aware of Russ was when he was singing with the Gaither Quartet at Carnegie Hall after 9/11... they were singing “Let Freedom Ring”... David Phelps hit that high key change note, and Russ praised God with open abandon and raised hands... that was so beautiful to me. And then I started listening to his music. What a soulful voice. I had to go back and listen to his solo part in that song... I became an instant fan. We are so blessed... love you, Russ ❤️🙏💜🙏
I was so touched by his authentic sharing in Jesus Music and now this documentary. The love of Christ shows through all you and your family went through. Thankyou for being so honest and letting me see God's grace when I need it too.
@@lisafischer1365 I thank the Lord our God for those who are able to reach out to God's children with their strong faith giving Him the Glory with gifts like Russ Taff's. You can feel the sincerity which lifts the spirit up to the Lord. Thanks so much!
Thanks Russ for your rigorous honesty. Daniel W. Alcoholic.
God's grace and love covers all. Thank you Lord for leading Russ back to truth and his family🙏
When I got saved in 1983 Praise the Lord was my song I played over and over. This story was so touching and I cried through it. A lot of us have been abused. So glad Russ was delivered. Our God is a powerful awesome God!
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you found the program worthwhile.
@@CrownEntertainmentUS I cried through it all. It was heartbreaking to see what they went through but God wasn't finished with Russ. He had a plan for him.
Praise God for Tori as a caregiver-wife. Prayers could have been lifted up for him way back but the devil tries his best to keep us blind and make us bottom out from past junk in the trunk until we're consumed by death. Praise God for the Victory in Jesus Christ!
All I can say is wow Jesus never let’s go of us. Thanks for sharing this with us Russ and family.
You are so brave for telling your story 💕 The miracle scene with Mark’s pastor was so touching 🥲 It’s never too late to heal 🙏🏻
That brings true Freeeeeedom
Many have backslidden by hiding sin. Jesus delivers those who seek Him as the body of Christ needs the ‘Gift of Discernment’ 📖 1 CORINTHIANS 12
The Devil is attacking fiercely as the Day of the Lord is coming…💥⚡️💥 rapturing==Harpazo the Children of God off the earth 🌎💥⚡️💥
@@FLIPPER1439 so true. You could not have said it better. Hit the nail on the head.
God so Love's you and me is beyond understanding 🙏 He knows our Good, Bad and Ugly, and He still wants Us All 🙏
God Bless the Ragamuffin 💪👍🙏 Viva Cristo Rey 🙏
Amen. Thank you for sharing and saying that. God bless.
Thank you from the depths of my heart for being vulnerable and sharing this. My husband is an alcoholic and I am right now where Tori was when she had had it and was getting ready to leave. This has helped me understand a little more where my husband may be and why he drinks. His childhood was very rough also. I just pray he will come to the end of himself and let God heal him like Russ did. God is our only hope.
Please be aware that you are in the most danger when you reach the point of getting ready to leave. Satan also knows your plans. Please be careful. Pray without ceasing!!
1¹
I pray your husband heals by the healing power of our heavenly father.
Amen.
What has happened to Russ clearly shows that the GREATER. Is GOD'S calling in our LIFE..& the more the enemy tries to DESTROY US..& to do this ... It uses any kind of sin he can.. IT could be..drinking like Russ & your husband..or adultery ...pornografy .etc etc .like It's happened also to me..So the only thing we can do..Is PRAY that GOD'S MIGHTY GRACE & LOVE..saves our loved ones..like It has saved Russ thru that dying man..to who GOD sended him to & this we can do even if we have to LEAVE..& if we BELIEVE we Will RECEIVE It from FATHER GOD..
Ramona, if you want to understand your husband´s addiction more fully, please check out Dr Gabor Maté´s book "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts." He´s a MD, trauma therapist and addiction expert from Canada. Here´s what he says: "Addiction begins with solving a problem, and the problem is that of human pain, emotional pain. The first question is not why the addiction; it’s why the pain? And from my perspective, it’s always rooted in childhood trauma, either overt or covert.”
Thank you Holy Spirit and the Taffs for being willing to share the hard earthly life and facts, as well as the grace, love, redemption, peace and joy of an eternal life with Jesus. My wish is that hundreds of thousands are witnessed to through this medium, and that hundreds of thousands join the family of God.
Thank you Russ Taff for telling this incredible story of redemption! Learning to trust and believe and accept Almighty GOD’s love for us isn’t an easy road to travel but you are now on the other side with our SAVIOR.
I never knew this about Russ. Thank you for sharing your life’s story of God’s redemptive power.
Such a great testimony of how Jesus used people to love on someone hurting. I relate too how alcohol numbed pain for awhile but quickly brings pain on you and others around you. Jesus love means he never leaved you. Healing is so important for the heart. He binds the brokenhearted and we give Him the glory.
We all fall short of the GLORY of GOD. None of us can be whole without JESUS. 15 years clean now myself. GLORY TO GOD ❤ God is good 😇
ONLY GOD CAN DO THAT KIND OF HEALING !!!!!
Praise HIM !!!
A beautiful story....we can see the God's hand upon his kids....his mercy, his goodness, he has no regards....he touched the bottom of the well but God raised him up.....Praise God
As a person who is actively pursuing my recovery I praise God for the honesty and transparency of this movie. That is so refreshing to be so honest and real. I love the song by Russ "make me whole" love this and I admire Russ for being so REAL about the life and struggles of addiction.
It's a wonderful blessing when someone who has been & is a successful Christian singer is willing to be vulnerable & share his story! We all have one! thank you, Russ, for getting real! I pray that many will realize that God use the broken! God bless you & Tori & all that you do!
Several years ago I somehow lucked into front row tickets for a Gaither event in Orlando, FL. As the artists would finish their portion most went backstage and weren't seen again, about half way through the concert I noticed someone standing to the side of the spectator area and he had his hands in the air and was just singing and praising Jesus for all he was worth, it was Russ Taff! He showed me his heart that night, and I'll never forget it.
Thanks Dan-great to hear a first-hand account.
All I could cry throughout the this video. My child was bad and my father was alcoholic from Vietnam War. I had my own demons of drinking and pornagraphy throughout my adulthood. I remember russ taff in the 80s as I grew up and listen to the imperial and solo...amazing story I can relate too. I love you russ taff and God bless you and your family.
I was 21 years old when I gave my heart to God. Russ Taff was one of the first albums i bought. His voice sent me closer to Jesus. Beautiful man of God!.❤
Thank you Russ & Tori for your openness with your testimony.
Just love Russ’talent. I was a bad bulimic for 12 yrs. God healed me, it’s been 20 yrs, but after many yrs of playing with food, I still struggle with my weight. It’s very difficult to quit trigger foods (sugar/carbs) but I’m still praying for the willingness to eat healthy again.
Prayin' God's powerful presence in your life... and friends to come alongside.
I understand I suffered eating disorder too bulimia anorexia stopped bulimia and went to anorexia now I put weight back on I shot my metabolism and thyroid and eating bad again hopefully if when ready to get back into shape I don't go overboard
You do oioooooo! You aaare
Like a first love this is never forgotten. Stopped disoredered eating 15 years ago. At 55 yrs old I am at a point that I accept my size and shape. The sugar craving...well thats another story
What an amazing wife he has, she is beautiful and more than that, she does good to Him. It is more amazing what the love of God in a person can do to another one. I am blown up by that. She has been the pillar, the instrument of God to save this man. You are truly loved Mr Taff by the Lord.
Having been sober for over 40 years and a Christian since 12 yrs. Old it’s never ceases to amaze me how God never leave one of his own but is always there to welcome us home no matter how far we stray. To God be the Glory!
the yrs of pain finally was gone and Jesus was the reason for your remarkable healing.....russ taff you are a great testimony of what the Lord can do when we have hit the bottom......he takes our hand and helps us up.....and we praise Him for his mercy.....
I didn’t know who Russ Taff was until I saw him on Bill Gaithers singing group on my iPad one day and I remember that my heart went out to him . When I saw him I felt his past pain and for some reason I knew he was special in God’s eyes. The first time I saw him I fell in love with his sweet character , I could just feel that he was a man of some great suffering in his life. I even told my husband look ,” I don’t know who he is but I really like him, I feel this kinda empathy towards him. May God bless your soul Mr. Russ and also so glad God gave you a loving wife to care for you during your time of distress.
Your statement, and these statements of others, have encouraged me not to isolate myself from others who have or are struggling with this identity crisis, thinking I was the only one going through this. Because I was told the same as Russ, I would never amount to anything, I began believing that. I've wasted my life and talent and missed opportunities to live out my God given purpose in life. Although I didn't grow up in a home of alcohol abuse, I suffered through so much brow beating verbal abuse. Over the years, my whole life, I've carried this with me. Today I just pray to God for forgiveness, for not having the faith to overcome this years ago. Russ shows there is a God of mercy and grace, not just a god, but God. I thank Russ for his bold testimony.
I want to thank you both soooooooo very much for sharing your lives and story with me and all of us!!! You have honored our Heavenly Father and by sharing this!!! Man.....man...man... thank you for your honesty ,all I can say is Russ I appreciate you so much,and Tori....you standing with Russ offers us all so much hope as married couples,Thank you a million times over!!!!
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Tears of joy from watching this. Grace and mercy wins. Praise God, and thank you for sharing this.
What a testimony!!! God wins!!!
I grew up listening to the imperials and when he went solo but I never knew that he had so much pain because of what he went through thank God for rest of and his wife and the wonderful people that he was surrounded by as I was listening to his story it even make me cry God bless you Russ and God bless your wife
Beautiful. a real men is not the one that never falls, but the one that gets up in Jesus name
Tears of Joy. Redemption and Deliverance are "ever ready" when we finally submit to Peace, Love, Light and Laughter. Thank You Jesus...
What a marvelous testimony. It makes one understand the pain of an alcoholic. Jesus is so wonderful!!
I am happy Russ Taff loved his wife and family enough to get help. I was married to an alcohlic and he stayed in denial until it wasn't healthy for me to stay any longer so I finally left. I would have left sooner but I had no place to go. I am so glad I left because he ended up dying a lonely man. Because he just wouldn't change untill he got so sick he ended of dying.
I can identify with Russ where depression and alcoholism is concerned. Ive been there and it's a terrible place to be. More horrible than can be described with words. God bless you for your testimony, Russ.
This man has so much wisdom and tenacity. Jesus definitly HELD his hand.
Music is a gift from our creator.
Music talent is a gift as well.
Praise God and his love for us. Amazing grace and thank God for his healing hand of Jesus.
Oh i love Russ Taff i work with him,i dance with him after i finish praying i sing his song so loud im afraid the neighbors will call the cops you should of being their when he set me free... the best song..
This was amazing Grace extended to Russ through his addiction and demons from his childhood. I was so touched by his story of forgiveness and love, and especially Tori’s love and long suffering through the many years with Russ. WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY.
Russ I still believe to. I Listen to the Trumpet of Jesus, when the world here's a different sound. I think that's how that goes ❤️🙏
Thank you for this most beautiful life story of Love and redemption. My husband and I are married 40yrs this weekend but also had a very rough road. We are still together and still learning about each other. I believe this is because our lives are entwined with Him as a three cord strand that we are together and still loving and caring for one another to spite our own personal struggles.
When I received the Lord back in the 80s I was a rocker. I thought what is there to listen to now. I found Russ Taff. Each song spoke to me and I can say he walked with me as I took my baby steps. Me and a friend went to see him in concert. I will never forget he wore all black. He got up on stage and said I have to do this concert so my wife can take a cruise. I was taken back. He was there in flesh but not spirit. I walked away that day and really stopped listening to a lot of Christian music. Fast forward to 33 years later. My walk is not strong anymore. I have a lot of health problems a lot of meds I have to take. But I feel the same as Russ did. I am not loved by the king I am only punished. Long history with my mom. Thanks for this movie. I am so thrilled u feel worthy! U deserve it!
jan...be comforted by these words……they are 100% true of you my Sister....
……..It is comforting to know Biblically, that nothing can ever separate a believer in the Lord Jesus, from the love of God that is In Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:29-39
For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,
“For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is In Christ Jesus our Lord.
Once we understand that these verses are true for us, which they are for all believers at the instant we’ve placed our faith in Christ, we will also someday understand that Romans 8:28 is also true, even though it stretches us to our limits because our hearts/minds struggle to believe that .... Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes ALL things to work together for GOOD to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
And... when were believers called and chosen...answer? before God said Let there be light, before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places IN Christ, just as He chose us IN Him BEFORE the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.
At the moment of Faith in Christ, we are placed into Christ, we are placed Into Christ by the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13-14 IN Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-having also believed, you were sealed IN Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.
AND since all believers are safe and secure In Christ forever, then we will know that Romans 8:1 is true for all believers...true for us... Romans 8::1 “Therefore there is now No condemnation for those who are In Christ Jesus.”
Also so beautiful….1 John 5:13
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may KNOW (with absolute certainty) that you HAVE (from the instant you believe In Christ for all eternity) eternal life.
And finally we have to ask...are all believers declared by God Himself, to be positionally and forever Righteous? God says we are.... 2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God IN Him.
❤🙏✝🙏❤
@@rustymcLerran I dont know what to say....I was talking to my sister today and she said to me I dont understand this fear u have u are going to hell. She said I wish u had the faith like I do I am confident in my walk. And I started crying....and we hung up and this comes through in my email. Thank u! Thank u sooo much for taking your time out to send me this glorious hope and message I so desperately needed! I felt as our Father was saying I love u! U have a place with me! That is my only wish, my only hope! Again, thank u for your wonderful blessing u gave to me today!❤
We are all responsible for our own walk with God. I had to learn this lesson myself. Hebrews 11:6 says It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who diligently seek him. After believing in him and recieving the holy spirit we are led into all truth which we find in his word called the holy bible. And we begin to follow Christ. I also have many physical problems and take many medicines but after having learned his word, joining the body of believers and learning how to pray and having a personal relationship my life has changed completely. As it is written he has removed my stony heart and replaced it with a heart of flesh. With God all things are possible Matthew 19:26.
A Romans 15:13 blessing to you!!
@rustymcLerran I don't know when u wrote this but I needed this so bad! I asked the Lord all I need to know is am I ok. Are we ok? And this helped tremendously! Thank u..bless you!!
Your music inspired a generation of young Christians in the 80s when I was a youth pastor. I remember bringing a group to see you in Chicago when you appeared on Channel 38, a Christian TV station. You were such a kind and thoughtful person in the interview. Watching this video, I was gripped by your story and could feel your pain as you relived it. What amazed me most, was how you never let go of your faith when you had every reason to by what you experienced. I’m sharing this video with other people who I know will be impacted by your testimony of God’s grace in your life. Thank you for being God’s instrument to the world!
Absolutely beautiful redemption story! Thank you for pouring out His grace and mercy story. Keep sharing. The Gospel working in our lives still saves! Bless you all!!!!
What a real, authentic story of God’s redemption. I can so relate in so many ways. Cried throughout this great story.
Thank you, Russ - I've been there, done that to an extent too. It's soooo good to be sober. You have a lovely wife! The Lord bless and keep you and your precious family.
Susan here, i lost my son to drug addiction in 2022, so i know all these feelings, all too well, for 25 years i watched him destroy himself, and there was nothing i could do to stop it. i expected that call one day, i always knew it would happen in myself i knew, i was too the point i was so fed up i couldnt even pray for him any more. then when he died i had so much guilt i almost couldnt bear it, the self blame i still feel to this day, him dying thinking i didnt love him any more. but i am working past it. but that pain will always bee there, just one day at a time sweet Jesus is all i can do,
Addiction is exhausting for those around the addict . You did your best with a hard, awful scenario that you were powerless over. Go easy on yourself please
💔❤️❤️🩹
I love this man of God. His full of love and joy. His songs are blessings to me
Just awesome prescious Jesus ,Its Gods Amazing Grace
The best
No words can describe the impact this video has had on my heart and spirit. Christians are carrying pain and trauma within their hearts just like every other human on the planet. But, True Love, Jesus, is the only way to find enduring healing and restoration for our souls. He came to heal the broken hearted and traumatized, to bring life abundantly. Russ’s music deeply touched the world, I LOVED IT!! But, his story and transparency is going to bring healing to their hearts. And his wife, such an incredible inspiration, is doing the same thing. I’m just undone, in a good way♥️🎶♥️
One of my most favorite Christian artists. Thanks for sharing your fabulous testimony of deliverance!
Russ Taff changed my Life....At a concert in Charlotte NC he saw a very shy girl who was broken hearted and God I believe had him sing " I got to know if you believe in love...". It made me feel special...Thank you! God spoke to me through you!
Russ, your experiences and struggles are somewhat reflective of my own pain and struggles. When my wife, who passed away from brain cancer in 2017, were dating in 1989, the imperials were one of our favorite gospel bands. When I hear a song from you, I think of her. She stood by me during some our darkest times in our marriage. Thanks Tori for standing by Russ’ side! Thanks so much for sharing your story Taff family! It blessed me greatly!
You too bc ughs my dry up up on uoxd ezsf yo d ok you're going out there now up up
God Bless you Russ Taff !!!!!! And your precious family!!! What a beautiful work of Grace!!!! May this happen for my brother Wesley! Very very similar family background with an abusive alcoholic father! I'm 58 still recovering from the abuse! My sister is paranoid schizophrenic. My brother alcoholic the other q brothers are raging anger! May we all recover!!! In Jesus Name!!!
Truly inspirational !!!! Thank uuuuu Russ I shared this with my 25 yr old son Grayson who is now 9 mos sober from alcohol & drugs...
I Still Believe is “ my personal” song. These words speak where I am , have been
Having found this powerful testimony, to me, is the shepherd leaving the 99 to go find the one lost. I get it, everything my brother has been through. I appreciate the raw honesty in this documentary. This is what God's Kingdom looks like, loving and embracing the suffering one, and not judging or abandoning him. Everybody just wants to feel loved. Forgiving is not easy but it's the only way to break free of the bondage of the past. Suffering is inevitable, but, Love, being impartial is the universal and all powerful cure-all. Xo 💝 May we all be loved.
Wise words! Thankyou for sharing and May God co tonite to be a powerful presence in your heart and soul ✝️
I love what Russ & Tory's marriage turned into. The part at the end where they tell each other how much they love each other, and why, is incredible.
In my greatest times of need I could always put on Russ Taff albums and let his soulful voice carry my problems away. I still listen today even after 40 years of first hearing his music. God works in mysterious ways and his testimony has set someone here free. Well Done Russ your Heavenly father IS proud of your courage and honesty! I am too!