Day: February 27, 2014

In recent posts I wrote about some of my favorite hymns. I want to move forward a couple generations. There are so many wonderful artists playing on the radio. One of my favorite Christian artists is Mandisa. She started off on American Idol, and got voted off because she stood by her faith. After she sung the song ‘Shackles”, she was gone. But not gone forever. She may have lost American Idol, but she is a winner in my eyes.

Mandisa has had many struggles. Most of them were her weight and finding the right person to share her life. She hasn’t had it easy by all means. I guess in so many ways, I can understand her struggles.

When she came out with the song “Stronger”, I was in tears. This song spoke to me at a time when I felt that God was very far away. I was angry and feeling like Job. It was one thing after another. There was family living with me that was driving me crazy and my life was out of control. And most of the out of control was my own fault because I didn’t trust God enough to handle all the things going on around me.

I had to get to a point where I gave it totally to Him. I knew I needed to get my sister Denise out of my house. My niece was living with us. She is my sister Denise’s daughter. And it was a full grown toxic relationship. And all their toxicity was pouring over into my life and making my health worse. Thankfully, they no longer live with me. Well, my sister Denise doesn’t.

Health wise, the best thing to do was get away from them and turn to God. Mandisa’s song helped me keep in check and reminded me daily that God is there. It was this song that I listened to every day when I got up. I needed that assurance that God was there. Many would tell me they needed to go, but it was through the gift of music that I heard it loud and clear.

I think anyone who is going through a rough patch can get something out of this song. If you listen to it, really listen to the words. Mandisa has had her share of bad moments and I guess knowing that, I can see that there is hope, even in despair and the cycle we call life.

Thankfully things are much better and got so much better the moment we moved and left them there. It was such a relief to have peace in the house. It was at that point when I realized family or not, it isn’t good to live in toxic relationships. And when they use the fact that as a Christian you never turn your back on family or those in need, I realized it was for their own purpose and gain, not mine and not Gods.

Stronger by Mandisa – Watch the Video –
Stronger by Mandisa – Lyrics

Hey, heard you were up all night
Thinking about how your world ain’t right
And you wonder if things will ever get better
And you’re asking why is it always raining on you
When all you want is just a little good news
Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather

Oh, don’t hang your head
It’s gonna end
God’s right there
Even if it’s hard to see Him
I promise you that He still cares

(Chorus)
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain’t gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me, this is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger
Believe me, this is gonna make you …

Try and do the best you can
Hold on and let Him hold your hand
And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus
Oh, lift your head it’s gonna end
God’s right there
Even when you just can’t feel Him
I promise you that He still cares

Chorus

‘Cause if He started this work in your life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I’m sure that He’s gonna help you get through this

Chorus