Meet Johnnier Rodriguez

We recently connected with Johnnier Rodriguez and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Johnnier, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

If you are anything like me, you’ve asked yourself this question once or twice: What is my purpose on this earth?

Not being able to truly answer this question can be very painful as you see others who seem to have it all together and figured out. Take heart—you are not alone. Today, I walk with a level of confidence I never thought possible. I live every day with purpose, intention, and joy. I strive to make the best out of every opportunity and create art that once seemed impossible. However, it was not always like this. Let me explain.

I grew up at a disadvantage. Before I could even comprehend what an authentic relationship was, my mom and dad were already divorced. While I understand there are many cases far worse, this had a huge impact on my life. I found it hard to have consistency, motivation, and discipline. It almost seemed easier to just have a negative outlook on life. But if I am honest, the many trials and difficulties of life took me on a journey where I was able to clearly identify the things I enjoyed doing—not because I had to, but simply because I had the opportunity to do them. Music, for example, would surface anytime I hit a low point in my life. Yet, as much as I loved it, music would still leave a void in my heart once it stopped.

Does that sound like you? We all have something we love doing that makes us feel better. Sometimes it’s even something that’s not good for us. However, one thing is for sure: once the music stops, the movie ends, the relationship fades—or fill in the blank—we are left with the same problem to deal with.

In 2010, I left everything I knew to start a new life here in the United States. I had no friends, no money, no plan, and to top it all off, I didn’t speak English. I felt incredibly sad and purposeless, almost like the first 15 years of my life had been wiped away. A couple of years later, I attended a church called Oasis in Apopka, FL. As I stepped into the building, I felt, for the first time in a while, a sense of belonging. They welcomed me, and I felt at home. No one judged my appearance or style—they simply received me.

Why am I telling you this? Because it was crucial for my journey. I began to attend regularly and was eventually recruited into the worship team. I started exercising the talents that had helped me through past ruts in life, and I began serving alongside them. It took me some time to realize that a talent or gift is not truly valuable unless you use it to bless others. Think about it—what’s the point of having everything you could ever want if you have no one to share it with?

I grew a love for people, for serving, and most importantly, I fell in love with Jesus. There came a point in my life where I started asking the hard questions: Why am I on this earth? What is my purpose? What was I made for? Where do I begin? The answers didn’t come suddenly, but over time, each of these questions began to make sense as I found my purpose in faith.

I got the amazing opportunity to lead the youth and began teaching. I saw with my own eyes how young people began to flourish and break free from ruts like the ones I used to be in after hearing the message of hope in Jesus Christ. I witnessed how impactful music could be, how it could transform a broken heart, and how it could change the entire atmosphere of a room. Just wow.

So, how did I find my purpose?

Before I answer that question, pay close attention to the things you do that seem to come naturally to you. The things you love doing. The things you can’t wait to do after work or school because they nourish you. These may not always define your purpose, but they can serve as a compass, guiding you toward a more fulfilling life and eventually, your God-given purpose.

Today, I can confidently say that I found my purpose in serving others through the message of hope in Jesus Christ—specifically through music and teaching. I took a leap of faith in my passion for music and began writing and creating. In just one year since March 2024, my music has reached over 10,000 people through streaming services. Without a team, without prior knowledge, and from my home studio, I accomplished this. I share this to show you that you can start with very little and still make a huge impact. While I have yet to see the many other lives I hope to impact, I live every day loving my family, friends, and community—not waiting to feel fulfilled once I get “there.” Focusing solely on “there” robs you of the opportunity to experience joy and fulfillment today.

In summary, no matter where you find yourself in this journey we call life, as you’re trying to uncover your purpose, know that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. After my parents divorced and throughout the transition from my home country to a new home and a new language in America, I’m grateful to have found community in a local church that has helped me unveil the things I naturally felt inclined toward—music and faith. Looking back, I can say, even through the small details, I would seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and everything else (including purpose) was added. So much so that I’m humbled when I realize this purpose has already reached thousands. If we truly believe Him to be an author, let’s trust our story to be great!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My name is Johnnier, but I go by Johnnie Rod. I am a local bilingual, faith-based artist from Orlando, FL. My main goal with my music is to bring authentic, raw, and relatable lyrics that showcase how my faith has saved my life. Although I do not have a specific genre, you will likely encounter hip-hop, rap, R&B, Latin, and worship music throughout my journey.

The most exciting aspect of my short music career so far has been connecting with people all over the world. I did not anticipate that this journey would bring people into my life from across the seas through the gift of social media.

In the near future, I plan to collaborate with a few artists I have been blessed to meet, with the intention of continuing to spread the message of hope. Furthermore, at some point, I plan to create my own clothing brand to serve as a different avenue to share the hope and message of Jesus Christ.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I believe that if I had to choose only three qualities or skills, they would be:

Developing a healthy relationship with failure: Most people who do not accomplish much aren’t held back by a lack of talent or ability. Instead, the main obstacle is the fear of failure. Many believe that failing equates to being a failure. However, you cannot achieve success without encountering failure along the way. It is both necessary and an integral part of the journey.

Staying level-headed—avoiding extreme highs and lows: While you can capitalize on emotions during a high, when you feel invincible and capable of conquering the world, I’ve learned that without emotional intelligence, you can fall just as quickly when things don’t go as planned. Staying level-headed has been incredibly valuable for me. When applied correctly, it can bring consistency to any area of your life.

Relying on faith rather than the feedback of others: Depending on feedback can be harmful to your journey. Although likes, shares, follows, or congratulations may give a sense of acceptance and success, you will always focus on the one negative comment or critique, no matter how many positive ones you receive. The thing about feedback is that everyone has an opinion! How often are you willing to alter your art based on someone’s input just to feel accepted? That sounds exhausting! Instead, rely on conviction in your God-given talent and remain committed to your mission. The right people will be drawn to your work, and you will be a blessing to them.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I once heard a quote that stuck with me:

“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” – William Shakespeare

Shakespeare suggests that mastering many different areas is highly unlikely. While focusing on too many things may prevent you from mastering any, he also emphasizes the value of being well-rounded.

In my personal journey, I’ve found that focusing on my strengths has been the most beneficial approach. Time is my most valuable asset, and as I wear many hats in this season of life, I must be very strategic about how I spend it. On a typical day—after working my full-time job, being a husband and father, and investing in personal growth—I often dedicate time between 11 PM and 1 AM to work on my music.

Many times, you will find the greatest joy when you focus on your strengths, as they are often intertwined with your passions and gifts. However, this does not mean neglecting areas of life that clearly need improvement. That is important as well.

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