Sunday Sentiments: A Life Well Lived

 

For the past week, I’ve been seeing tributes to Mandisa pop up online – from musical artists and fans alike. I told Ryan that I have yet to read one unkind remark about the person she was.

            I remember Mandisa from her season on American Idol, and I just loved her on there. I was so happy when she settled into Christian music, and I’ve loved many of her songs over the years. I’d seen her in concert a couple of times at women’s events, and I remember what a fun and energetic person she had been on the platform.

            But the stories shared by those who knew her in real life were inspiring. The artists who shared stages with her all said – without fail – that she was the biggest cheerleader in the industry. She would call and pray for them, she would buy their shirts and wear them to her own events, and she would always encourage them in their work.

            When you think about the competition of that industry, those words hold a little more value.

            While it’s more than safe to say I’ll never be on American Idol or headlining concerts, my life is similar to Mandisa’s in that I’m a loved child of God, and I have the opportunity to encourage those who surround me. My friends may not have merch shirts, but I hope they feel loved and supported by the ways I can encourage them in their daily lives. I hope I pray for them out loud and champion them in their work.

            My heart is sad at Mandisa’s passing, because not only did she have a gift as a musician, but she had a gift as a person and friend. I hope that the lessons I’ve been learning from her life this past week stick with me forever and inspire me to live boldly as an encourager.

            Join me!