For years, Honey Ribar believed her value had to be earned-through perfection, productivity, and performance. But with the release of her new single "Child of God," she is telling a very different story. Rooted in recovery, worship, and a hard-won understanding of grace, the song marks a turning point not only in her music, but in how she understands identity, worth, and calling.
In this conversation, Ribar opens up about unlearning shame, stepping away from performance-driven success, and discovering what it means to live-and sing-from a place of rest rather than striving. From pop ambitions to worship-centered purpose, Child of God is both a personal testimony and an invitation for listeners who feel labeled, exhausted, or unseen to rediscover who they truly are.
Q: For listeners meeting you through "Child of God," how would you describe who Honey Ribar is today-and how is that different from who you thought you had to be earlier in your career?
Today, I'm someone who finally knows I'm enough just standing still. For a long time, I thought "Honey Ribar" had to be a polished product-the girl with the perfect pitch, the right look, and the endless hustle. I thought I had to be a chameleon to fit into the world. Today, I'm just a daughter of Love. The biggest difference is that I no longer have to perform; I can simply be. I'm not trying to prove my worth anymore; I'm just resting in it.
Q: You've spoken about moving from performance-driven success to worship-centered purpose. What was the turning point when you realized God wasn't just calling you to sing, but to worship?
I hit a wall where I had nothing left to give, and honestly, success felt empty. The more I had, the more destructive I became. Through recovery, God stripped away ego and met me at a mirror as I prepped for work. He told me to stop performing for the world and showed me that all I had been through wasn't an accident-my past was the very thing that drew me closer to Him for my future. In that brokenness, I realized I had been using my voice as a gift to build my own kingdom. I saw then that it wasn't meant for my glory; it was a tool for His.
Today, my focus has shifted from performance to a purpose of worship. I've realized that giving glory to God isn't about a platform; it's about a posture of the heart. My goal isn't to be seen; it's to point toward the One who rescued me.
Watch Testimony here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICWT9QPPtvI
Q: "Child of God" confronts shame, labels, and the pressure to live up to expectations. What personal lies or narratives did you have to unlearn while writing this song?
I had to unlearn the lie that my past mistakes were my permanent identity. For years, I wore labels like "addict," "failure," or "too much." Writing this song was a process of "un-naming" myself. I had to stop believing that my value was tied to my productivity or success. The song is a declaration that the only label that actually sticks-the only one that matters-is "Child of God." I've traded those old labels for the truth that God is unconditional love-and I'm building my life on that now. Everything else is just noise.
Q: Your journey includes recovery, sobriety, and deep healing. How has choosing freedom in Christ reshaped the way you understand identity and worth?
For a long time, my identity was tied to my performance, my mistakes, or the heavy labels that come with addiction. When you're in that cycle, your worth feels like a moving target - you're only as good as your last 'good day' or your latest achievement. Choosing freedom in Christ fundamentally shifted the foundation of how I see myself; it took the pressure off me to define my own value and allowed me to simply accept who God says I am. I've moved from a mindset of 'earning' my seat at the table to realizing that my worth is an inheritance, not a paycheck. In recovery, you learn that you are more than your past, but in Christ, you realize your scars are no longer marks of shame-they are evidence of where you've been rescued from. Now, when I look in the mirror, I don't see a 'work in progress' defined by a list of flaws; I see someone who is fully known and deeply loved. That is the heart of 'Child of God'-the moment you realize your identity isn't something you have to build, it's something you were born to receive.
Q: Musically, this song marks a clear shift from pop into worship and CCM. How did that transition feel creatively-and how did it change the way you approach songwriting?
Honestly, it felt like coming home. In pop, you're often writing to a trend or a hook. You're trying to be "catchy." Transitioning into worship and CCM changed my "why." Now, when I sit down to write, I'm not looking for a hit; I'm looking for a truth. I ask myself, "Does this honor Him? Does this serve the person sitting in the back pew who feels hopeless?" The creative process is much more prayerful now. It's less about my "sound" and more about The "Spirit."
Q: As this single reaches Christian radio, what do you hope listeners who are struggling with addiction, mental health, or self-doubt hear God speaking to them through "Child of God"?
I hope they hear a Father who isn't disappointed in them. When you're in the thick of addiction or depression, you feel like you're "too far gone" or a "problem to be solved." I want them to hear that God isn't waiting for them to get clean or "fix" themselves before He loves them. He loves them right there in the mess. I want "Child of God" to be a reminder that your struggle is something you're going through, but it is not who you are.
Listen to the song:
Connect with Honey Ribar:
https://www.facebook.com/HoneyRibar
https://www.instagram.com/honeyribar/
https://www.tiktok.com/@honeyribar
https://www.youtube.com/@HoneyRibar
