Introduced to millions during his appearance on “American Idol,” Dave Pittman became a hero to many. Embracing life with Tourette Syndrome, Dave became the target of bullies. At age 10 he attempted to take his life, but stopped short of pulling the trigger of his father’s gun when his parents returned home from an errand. With much love and support, David’s faith blossomed and his inspiring journey reflects his hope and faith in Christ.

PEER: How has journeying through life with Tourette Syndrome shaped who you are today?

DAVE PITTMAN: When I was diagnosed as a 9-year-old, I didn’t know how to process just how badly Tourette’s affected me. It made me a target of bullies, and I almost took my life at age 10 as a result. I thought my identity was wrapped up in TS, but God taught me that it was not in what I had or didn’t have, but my true identity is in Christ alone. I realized I could be comfortable in my own skin and that I wasn’t defined by TS. My faith and love in Jesus grew, and that has shaped the course of my life since.

P: How would you describe your experience on the 9^th season of “American Idol”?

DP: I am so grateful to The Lord for opening up the opportunity. My experience on American Idol was amazing! I learned so much about the music and TV industries, and quite a bit about what I did and didn’t want in a career. The road auditions and the grueling Hollywood Week were tests of endurance, patience, and perseverance, but Neal Patrick Harris calling me “crazy brave” was a highlight of my time on the show. His words inspired me to write the song “Crazy Brave,” which became the title of my debut album.

P: Describe your relationship with Jesus.

DP: I gave my life to Christ when I was 6 years old, but I didn’t make Him Lord and Master until I was 21. Because I grew up in church—my dad was a worship leader—I was familiar with church lingo and knew all the “right” things to say and do. But in my heart, I was running in rebellion from God. It wasn’t until I surrendered to His all-sufficient, undeserved, unearned grace that God began breaking my heart for the things that broke His. I started reading His Word like I never had before, and the Spirit began His work changing my mind and heart with Truth. My love for Him grows more and more each day!

P: What most excites you about your album (released January 11), “Different Kind of Love”?

DP: It’s taken three-and-a-half years to finish this project, so I’m excited it’s finally out! Different Kind of Love is inspired by my heart for the Church. With my last album, I spent a lot of time in schools encouraging students and sharing my story of growing up with TS and overcoming that stigma. But because I spoke in public schools, I couldn’t share where my Hope was truly rooted, and that’s in Christ. The main theme of my life has been Hope, and I wanted that to be evident in this album.

Different Kind of Love is also a journey through various seasons in my life. Our culture today is so wrapped up in self-love and putting ourselves first that I wanted a song that showcased the true meaning of what real love looks like. That’s what the title-cut is all about, and it’s a theme that’s prevalent throughout the whole record.

P: Got a word for our readers?

DP: Remember that your identity is not in earthly things, but in things eternal. Put your faith, trust and hope in Jesus, and He’ll show you who you truly are in Him. He’s the only one who can give you true peace and satisfaction. When we fully surrender to God, He will help pull us through our toughest times.