The symbolic bump in the road that people sometimes encounter became real for Josh Smith, a junior in pharmacy. The bump eventually changed the way the rest of his journey would be traveled.

Growing up in Waverly, Ohio, Smith engaged in a lifestyle that broke the norm in the southern, “Bible-belt” community. Among his interests, music has always proven influential in terms of self-expression.

“I grew up listening to AC/DC, Ted Nugent and Van Halen,” Smith said. “I involved myself in drugs and everything else that went along with that ‘rock star’ image.”

Smith soon discovered that without a change, his life was headed in the wrong direction. Fortunately, a drunken night of driving caused only a minor accident, and it was at this point where Josh opened his eyes and finally saw the consequences of his actions.

“I had basically blown off my years of high school, missing about 120 days of school,” Smith said. “When that tire blew out I can remember getting tunnel vision and asking myself, ‘What if I would have died tonight… What have I done with my life that is worth anything?”

Smith’s search for something worthwhile took a philosophical twist toward religion. His parents were “church” people and although he didn’t see their influence in a negative light, Josh had trouble understanding the fundamentals of faith.

“I didn’t like church and the whole idea of having to go all the time to be accepted,” Smith said. “I started searching, saying to myself, ‘What about religion?,’ and I looked into Christianity.”

Smith became a Christian in 1996 and has utilized his love for music ever since. He knew that music had the power to sway public opinion for either the better or the worse, and most importantly, Smith realized that music could serve as a vehicle to express faith. He discovered “Christian rock,” and with this style of music, he had found a motive.

“Christian rock is a different type of music with a mainstream sound,” Smith said. “The lyrics are positive and influential, and the groups have more of a purpose, unlike that of ‘Marilyn Manson,’ where the songs can give no hope for anything.”

Smith explained how Christian rock carries messages of hope and faith, and gives young people motivation to not only explore their own beliefs, but also to participate in a community where no individual is criticized for their faith. Smith, however, has had trouble in the past gaining public acceptance of this type of ministry.

“I organized and promoted a concert at a local church in my hometown,” he said. “That didn’t go over too well because people were accustomed to southern gospel and anything with a beat is considered evil.”

Smith noticed a good number of young people responded to the music he worked hard to assemble. What makes it all worthwhile, he explains, is the inspiration and desire he draws from the crowd’s emotion.

“A girl came up to me and said she had done heroin and other drugs the night before,” he said. “She told me that she needed a change in her life and she wanted to know more about hope and faith because she was basically hopeless. The music gave her something to believe in.”

Smith involved himself in promoting Christian rock concerts at churches and schools in both his hometown and in various parts of southern Ohio. He manages The Fire Within, a seven member Christian rock band comprised of people from different denominations. The band addresses issues that young people may not discuss in church, such as promiscuous sex, abortion and drugs.

“Often times churches use language that’s hard to understand, but sometimes the church doesn’t want to face the issues at hand, especially for young adults,” Smith said. “This type of ministry isn’t under any type of denomination and we attack the issues.”

The Fire Within is influenced by mainstream bands such as Creed, the Goo Goo Dolls and Relient K. They are looking forward to the release of a promotional CD highlighting the single “Sacrifice.” Smith said the band is in the midst of working on a 10 song album to be finished by June.

“Everyone in the group has an occupation other than that of playing in the band,” he said. “We all use music as a recreational way to express what we believe, and there’s something appealing about making music for a living.”

Smith has also affiliated himself with Madison Greene, a five member aggressive acoustic band whose music carries a tribal and Celtic undertone. Smith said he is working to bring the nationally recognized group to Columbus for a concert that “will undoubtedly appeal to young audiences.”

Along with promoting Christian rock concerts, Smith, 23, is a member of the Ohio National Guard and a pharmacy student at Ohio State, looking to graduate spring quarter 2002. He laughs when discussing his interest in pharmacy, but knows that he has to stay true to the aspects that have changed his life.

“I already knew so much about drugs, and not the prescription kind,” he said. “I figured that I was one step ahead of most pharmacy students.”

After graduation, Smith plans to pursue a career in pharmacy and hopes to continue his drive toward effective communication both through music and public speaking.

“My passion is public speaking,” he said. “Any chance I have to motivate another person to discover their faith, whether through music or talking with people, I’ll take it.”

The Fire Within is performing at 1 p.m. June 16 at “Ignite the Light,” a festival involving 12 bands at Tracey Park in Portsmouth, Ohio. Located next to Kroger off of Rt. 23 and Rt. 52, the event includes headliner Silver Star and will end at 10 p.m. For concert ticket information or information regarding The Fire Within, contact Josh Smith at [email protected].