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One day, in 2005, a young lady in Nashville picked up the phone, stated her name and phone number, and then sang an Aretha Franklin song for twenty seconds. The submission was among a multitude of vocalists who aspired to break into the music industry. Three days later, she got a return call that changed her life. As a top ten finalist in the subsequent season of American Idol, Mandisa went on to record multiple Christian albums and won a Grammy in 2014.
In her new book, Out of the Dark- My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy (K-Love Books), Mandisa shares her story of faith. From her days as a singer at Fisk University, then the American Idol experience, and on to her career as a Christian recording artist, Mandisa explores both the high points and the difficult and dark times. When her close friend died of cancer, Mandisa felt betrayed by God. Although her music celebrated the victorious power and presence of God, the darkness and depression deepened. When she hit bottom and felt as though God had abandoned her, the light began to overcome the darkness. Through the love of God, the compassionate intervention of friends, and the companionship of her beloved “praise puppy” Kiya, Mandisa rediscovered a life of joy, hope, and wholeness.
Like Mandisa, we all go through difficult days. Sometimes they are the result of poor choices, but some come simply because the world is broken. We can’t always choose what happens to us. We can, however, choose how we respond to God during tough times. We can be angry and bitter towards Him, or we can trust Him and lean into the hope that is found only in God. Out of the Dark reminds us, just as the Apostle John wrote long ago, that “God is light and in Him, there is no darkness at all.”
-Darrel Holcombe, Owner
Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts
Colonial Promenade, Alabaster
www.sanctuarychristianbooksandgifts.com
205-663-2370
