Shortly after hearing the news of Mandisa’s death, I felt lead to share not only how heavy hearted I felt, but the impact she had on many lives. Upon hearing the new I felt it deep in my soul, and I just don’t know how to explain it. I almost had to pull over in my car on my way to work because I began bawling. If you know me, I’m not quick to feel my emotion, and for a brief moment I did try to hold back, but I told myself that I needed to acknowledge the emotions that were welling up inside me. I did not know her (though I did meet her once, briefly), but I believe I felt a connection to her and her story. I didn’t have the same life experiences but I related to some of her defense mechanisms and way of coping. Of course I knew her music and loved her songs, but that’s not what drew me in. She was very open about her life and many struggles she faced. I felt a connection to her emotions. I’ve heard her speak and I’ve listening to many podcasts she’s had interviews on. I haven’t read her book, yet. What I loved about her in these moments was how real and honest she was about her struggles. (Though I’m sure there were days she faked fine, and hid what she was really going through, she’s human after all) All of this takes a lot of courage! Especially being in the limelight for a couple decades while she continued to go through her seasons of depression (even her lowest places of having suicidal ideation), back into season of spreading hope, joy, and truth about where she had been. She shares in her song “Unfinished,” how she would stand up on stage singing to the world about overcoming, yet finding it hard to believe herself when she’d again fall into deep dark depression. Then to, yet again, rise again, giving God the glory in her story. I’m not here to share her story or give details, but to highlight and lift up how she was able to use her pains and struggles to shed insight, spread hope, and inspire all who heard her. After all we are called to share our testimonies, and by sharing the truth it will always point back to God.
I have gained a lot of insight and inspiration from Romans 5:1-5. I’ve spoken and written about it several times. It first spoke to me as I was early in my own healing journey, which led me to where I am today as a Life Coach. We face struggles, which we persevere through, building our character, and through that we can have hope. And as we face new challenges, and revisit pain from the past we can continue to find hope. When it says to rejoice in our sufferings it’s not saying to enjoy our sufferings but to rejoice because of the hope we find in our relationship with God. My healing journey looked different from Mandisa’s and different from many others, but one thing we can be sure of is the hope we find in Jesus.
Not to be all about pain and suffering, Mandisa also experienced joy in life. She was able to share life with many people who loved her and created great memories with her. While following her over the years, I’ve seen her build friendships with many artists that I also follow. I’ve seen her on stage dancing to her Zumba song “good morning,” listened to her laugh in different clips, and learned about her passion for the Tennessee Titians. She sang her heart out and won a Grammy! It seems as if she was contagious. God built her character and gave her many gifts in life, which we get to experience the fruits of them.
I want to share all of this to encourage anyone who is reading this, that it doesn’t matter where you are or where you’ve been, but God loves you and He has chosen you for a purpose. He wants you to draw closer to Him, let Him build you up, identify and use the gifts He’s given you, follow those passions, heal from that pain, and give Him the glory! You don’t have to wait for a sign or wait on Him. He’s been waiting for you! I was a Christian for 14 years before I began my healing journey and really began seeking what God had for my life. Every one has mental health and it’s very important for our overall wellbeing to tend to it. Whatever stigma you believe or whatever is holding you back from seeking help is only lies from the enemy. He doesn’t want you in a healthy place, growing closer to God, building the Kingdom, and even more giving Glory to His name. I encourage you, turn on your music app, listen to her music, read her book, listen to a podcast featuring Mandisa. Hear what she has to say about the pain in her stories, but I also want you to hear of the hope that she found.
Even after a day of her passing I still don’t know why the news hit me so hard. After all her soul is now resting in peace with our Father, she no longer has to feel the pain of her scars. Heaven is rejoicing, and she is singing praises for eternity. Unfortunately we are on this side of Heaven, where we experience pain and sorrow in this fallen world. My heart hurt for all she had been through at the news. Maybe it’s because I could relate to her story and her struggles. Maybe because I have some close friends who have been there and I grieve at the thought of losing them. Maybe because I’ve also heard the pain come from the mouths of clients as they have faced similar experiences. Or maybe because we are all connected in the same spirit. Whatever it may be, I do know that she was a beautiful person, inside and out. She will be missed. God has been given the Glory.
And even after today, her testimony will continue to inspire people, as she sits next to Jesus hearing the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Welcome home.”
Life Unlimited Coaching 