What can I say? Mandisa has a very special place in my family's heart.
I popped her brand new album, Out of the Dark, into the CD player as I headed out to do some errands last week. And before I had gotten to the end of the driveway, I was fighting back tears. The hot stormy kind that refuse to be thwarted.
For the first track, 'Voicemail,' crashed right on into my soul.
Big time.
'Cause I know what it's like to hit bottom.
There's some beautiful music here. Songs of worship, of deliverance, songs of the brokenhearted, of the redeemed.
And as I tooled around town that morning, I claimed 'Comeback Kid' as an ode to my own incredible grandchildren.
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Mandisa's last album was released in 2013. She wrote the hit song Overcomer to encourage her close friend Kisha, who was battling breast cancer. Mandisa believed that God was going to heal her, but when Kisha went to be with Jesus in 2014, Mandisa’s foundation was shaken in a way she never expected.
She fell into a deep pit of depression for close to three years, shutting out her friends, family, and the rest of the world.
She tells her story to ABC's 'Good Morning America' here.
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| December 2014 |
Meanwhile ...
In the midst of Mandisa's suffering, our family claimed Overcomer as 'Tyler's Song' with a touching video of his story made by big sister, Kathryn. It was her sweet gift of hope, honoring her adored adopted brother's fight for his life.
The Lord took our youngest grandson home to heaven in September of 2015, but not before he ... and his sister's little video ... powerfully impacted lives right and left around the globe.
Kathryn's moving video is here and Tyler's mom and dad share their family's story there.
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| Summer 2015 |
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Fast forward a year or so ...
Mandisa believes that if she continued down the dark path she was on, she
would not be here today. But God stepped in and lifted her out of that pit of despair by
using her close friends to communicate their love for her and God’s love for
her. Mandisa's brand new album is her way of letting all of us into her redemption story.
I'm absolutely delighted to give a brand new copy of Out of the Dark to one random person who leaves a comment on this post by Thursday, May 25th at 10 am {eastern time, continental US residents only, please}.
Bless yourself ... or someone who's walking through a dark night of the soul.
For Jesus' sake.
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sharing Mandisa with
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Disclosure (in accordance with the FTs 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising: Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
I am not a Mandisa fan. It is not my style of music. But I have two ladies in my house who are. :) However, you don't have to like/not like her music to appreciate the spirit of Overcomer and how it ties in to so many things.
ReplyDeleteThanks for looking out for your women, Bill! I love that you recognize their style of music even though it might not be your thing.
DeleteCool!
Sometimes we all go through a dark period in our lives and really hit rock bottom. We believe that God has abandonned us - even Christ felt this on the Cross. The reality is that He is always close to us, even if we don't see or feel it through our pains and turmoil.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your family.
God bless you all.
Good point, Victor ... Christ knows abandonment, loss, and grief.
DeleteHe is so very much present in ours, empathizing, strengthening, empowering us to overcome. What a wonderful Savior.
I do not know if Mandisa knows that her music helped your family through Tyler's journey and that her new album is helping you through the enduring pain of saying goodbye now but I suspect that your story is exactly why she choses to bless us with her music.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbi ... I can't even imagine the number of people around the globe who've claimed Overcomer as their theme song.
DeleteHow we end up living out being overcomers surely varies from person to person. But we can hold on to that promise all the same.
I'm glad you're here. Welcome!
Oh, Linda, that beautiful video put together by Tyler's sister absolutely reduced me to tears. What a precious, darling, sweet little boy he was! I know you and the entire family will ever hold a special place in their hearts for this "overcomer." May he be singing and dancing with the Lord in great and inexpressible joy!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, my friend!
I still cry, Martha. I don't watch the video often, but when I do, the tears flow. I am not ashamed ...
DeleteJust blessed.
You sold me as soon as you shared you listened to the first song with hot tears rushing down your face. That is the sign of good music in my eyes. I love Mandisa's music and I listened to her story recently on Good Morning America. I love her vulnerability and transparency. She is the real deal as are you my friend.
ReplyDelete* hint, hint *
DeleteThe first track isn't a song, it's actual voice mails that concerned friends left Mandisa during her time of depression. They are incredibly powerful and moving to listen to.
Yep, the real deal. You, too, girl ...
Linda, this is just so beautiful and brave. I really have no words that can express my admiration for this post.
ReplyDeleteGod bless, and prayers continue.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/05/your-dying-spouse-313-now-is-all.html
You know what brave looks like, don't you, pal ...
DeleteOvercomer is one of my hubby's and my favorite songs, Linda. Just on Saturday it was playing on our van radio again, and each time it touches our hearts again. I was not aware of Mandisa's dark journey. The video moved me to tears. As did Kathryn's video along with Mandisa's song. Little Tyler was so blessed to have such a loving family take him in. I'm sure you will continue to miss your little grandson who has such a special place in all your hearts. I love the photo of you and Tyler. God's deliverance of Mandisa out of the darkness is so amazing. And what faithful friends! I would love to hear her new songs! Thank you, dear friend, for sharing all this! Love and hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteAs one of my grandchildren said when we heard Overcomer on the car radio recently, 'this is a sad song.'
DeleteAnd yes, Tyler has a very special place in my heart. I've been wondering what he'd be like if he was still with us. His 3rd birthday would have been this summer.
But I see him romping around heaven with his great-grandpa and my heart smiles ...
Streaming this right now on Spotify! Love!
ReplyDeleteCool!
Delete;-}
I read your post and plan to go back and savor all the add on's later in the day. God has used my darkest moments to draw me the closest. ALL things are used according to His purpose and to further His Kingdom---even those things which are the absolute worst!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
PS--I will be purchasing her music--even if I don't win!
Yeah, there're alot of links this time around, but I appreciate your willingness to come back to check them out, friend.
DeleteI think they're worth the visit.
Thanks ...
Even though my roots are country I love the story behind the songs on Mandisa new DVD. I am speaking to some missionary women in SEpt and have been looking for some different music besides my preference to give away, think I have found it. Thanks for
ReplyDeletehighlighting Mandisa.
I love when we make those choices to reach beyond our comfort zones and expand our borders ... especially when it involves ministry. I'd love to hear how this all works out for you in September, Betty.
DeletePlease keep me posted, ok?
God bless you as you continue to pour into the lives of others ...
I have never heard of Mandisa but I'm grateful for the introduction and I will have to check out some more of her music as I enjoyed listening to Overcomer. Kathryn's video is beautiful and moving, and Tyler is adorable. I loved his beautiful smile despite the challenges he was facing.
ReplyDeleteHi Lesley ~ I am so happy to introduce you to Mandisa, Kathryn, and most especially Tyler. His short little life matters and he's leaving a legacy even as we speak.
DeleteI am so grateful that God's not done using him to bless others ...
Oh my goodness Linda, I am in tears reading your families story about Tyler. What a sweet little man who needed a family to love him :)
ReplyDeleteWow! The video is GREAT!! I love that song!!!! Your grandchildren are amazing people and they will be more amazing I’m sure as adults!
{via email}
I've said before that my greatest claim to claim are my 7 grandkids. Yes, they are an incredible bunch.
DeleteThank you for all your encouraging words today. You have blessed me with your enthusiastic support ...
How wonderful that the music of Mandisa touched your soul so deeply, and that in fact, it was in her own deep waters of distress that this music came forth to minister. I often think of the Psalmist David, as he wrote in deep distress some of his most beautiful psalms, and it seems that it is in these places that we realize how frail we are, and how much we need HIM. Praising the Lord that the healing touch of the Lord came to you and blessed you and your family in this way, in the midst of a very difficult journey! Hugs to you today :)
ReplyDeletemmm ... God knew how much David needed to pen those Psalms ... and how much we'd hang onto their truth and beauty all these years later.
DeletePraising God with you for strength in our frailties.
Blessings on you today, friend ...
Music is surely a way God speaks to me. Often, it's the voice I listen to more than friends. Heartbreaking stories of loss here, Linda. I know this must still be difficult to share for your family. But I am thankful that through the pain and grief, God has been glorified and continues to mend the broken.
ReplyDeleteYou said it all right here, Debby -->'But I am thankful that through the pain and grief, God has been glorified and continues to mend the broken.'
DeleteAnd all I can say is 'amen!'
Linda, I did not know this about Mandisa. I'm going right now to listen to that interview. THANK YOU for bringing me up-to-date!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm really happy you're here today, Susan.
Delete;-}
Gosh I had no idea about Mandisa's struggle or your grandson's journey to the other side. But I could feel the emotion (tears!) well up as I read your post. God is so gracious to give us music and comfort for every stage in life. God bless you Linda and thank you for sharing ♥♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteComfort for every stage in life. Oh Heather, you've penned that beautiful truth so well. I'm so grateful He never leaves our side.
DeleteAnd oh, the music that exalts Him. Yes and amen!
Hi Linda! God bless your storm-battered soul, and bring you to the ports of peace my friend. How hard it is this time of year to remember so much loss, and to struggle again to find the calm and blessing in it all. How wonderful that he uses Mandisa to bring you a measure of his grace! He knows exactly what will speak to your heart, and remind you of his great love for you.
ReplyDeleteBlessings always,
Ceil
Yes, He loves us so! I am calm and at peace. I know He does all things well, even though I can't always grasp hold of the details.
DeleteIt is well with my soul.
Thank you for your blessings today, friend. I'm thinking of you as well ...
Wow, Linda! Mandisa's story and path through a valley so mirrors yours and your family's since losing sweet little Tyler. What a big impact he has continued to have on your heart and the hearts of those you love. But I will say this seems to have only made your heart sweeter if that can possibly be! Hugs and prayers being sent your and your family's way!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking how many families have claimed Overcomer as their very own personal theme song along the way.
DeleteWhat a legacy Mandisa has left us!
And speaking of sweet, that'd be you, dear friend ...