How Community Support Shapes Your Faith
Insights from Michael Cochren
In a conversation with us, Michael Cochren, of Cochren and Co., shared insights into how his upbringing in a small town has profoundly influenced his life and music.
Michael Cochren’s roots run deep in a small town he lovingly describes to us. “I grew up in a small town in Indiana, called Winslow. Very small. No stoplights, no caution lights,” he reminisces. The simplicity of Winslow shaped his early years.
Michael’s description paints a vivid picture of a quintessential small-town experience. The absence of modern conveniences and the slow pace of life in Winslow allowed for a unique childhood, one that was deeply connected to nature and community. “We were about 30 to 40 minutes from a Walmart when I was a kid. And now I live about 30 minutes from there in just maybe a slightly bigger town,” he shares.
The Impact of Small-Town Life
Growing up in Winslow has given Michael a unique outlook on life. “I definitely do [see life differently], and not better or worse. Just different,” he explains. While he respects the challenges and rewards that come with urban living, Michael believes that the simplicity and closeness of a small community offer a distinct perspective.
Living in a small town like Winslow means being intimately connected with your surroundings and the people in your community. “I’ve always been a small-town fan. I love it. I lived in a town called Evansville for a while, in college. We’ve always just been out in the middle of nowhere. I’m three hours from Nashville, so I’m able just to drive down, do the business thing, write with my friends there, and and then drive back home on the back roads and keep it peaceful; keep it very chill.”
Smaller communities for others, like Michael often foster a sense of belonging and being groundedthat is difficult to replicate in larger, more transient communities. “Just like somebody growing up on Manhattan Island has a unique perspective of life that I don’t have,” Michael notes, highlighting the differences between small-town and big city living.
The natural surroundings of Winslow provided Michael with a serene and contemplative environment, allowing him to develop a deep appreciation for God’s creation. “I grew up around the woods and farm ground. The simplicity of that has affected my worldview,” he shares.
Michael found faith to be highly valued in the community of Winslow, a heritage Michael values immensely. “Everyone’s so rooted in faith… it’s such a rich heritage in my area of Christianity. And so I count that as a massive blessing in my life. I don’t want to take that for granted” he adds.
Community Support and Self-Confidence
One of the most profound aspects of small-town life is the unwavering community support. “If you make a goal in the soccer game, you might be on the front page of the paper,” Michael notes. He says this support bolstered his self-confidence from an early age and has been instrumental in his music career.
“The power of a small town is very unique. And for us, we’ve experienced that from day one,” he says. The local community rallied around him, from church invitations to event performances, and celebrated when his music hit Christian radio.
We hope Michael Cochren’s journey reminds you of the beauty and strength found in simplicity and support.
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