Borrowing the title of her fifth studio album, which features hits “Unfinished” and “Bleed The Same,” Out of the Dark dives deep into the singer’s battle with depression and anxiety. After losing a close friend to cancer—a friend for whom she wrote her award-winning song, “Overcomer”—Mandisa descended into a dark pit of depression, isolating herself from family and friends, and turning to her familiar friend, food, for comfort.
Clinging to the hope of Psalm 40 in her overwhelming darkness, she slowly began to recognize cracks of light where God was at work. “I really believe that this book is just another part of how God is using this chapter in my life of bringing me out of the dark. My favorite part of this passage of Scripture is in verse 3: ‘Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord,’” she explains, referencing Psalm 40. “That’s what I see this book being about—me telling how God lifted me out of the pit, and letting people know He did it for me; He can do it for you.”
With the same warmth and vulnerability she exudes in her songs, in Out of the Dark, Mandisa opens up about her mental health struggles, walking through grief, and the role shame has played in her narrative. The fresh title followsher first book, Idoleyes: My New Perspective on Faith, Fat & Fame, written shortly after her time on “American Idol” and focusing on her battle with weight, food addiction and body image.
Out of the Dark picks up where Idoleyes left off, telling the rest of the story. Across 256 pages, Mandisa invites readers on the journey she’s taken from the time she first fell in love with Jesus, to her rise as an acclaimed recording artist and beyond, as well as the disappointing and challenging moments she’s experienced along the way. Through it all, Mandisa candidly shares the consistent healing she’s found through God’s faithful comfort and presence. With her new book, she hopes her redemption story can provide a piece of redemptive healing in someone else’s story.
Now an advocate for mental health because of what she’s personally experienced, Mandisa also explores the often taboo topic and how to navigate it from a Christian perspective with licensed therapist Laura Williams on AccessMore’s “Out of the Dark” podcast. Listen to the first two seasons HERE.
Learn more, and pre-order Out of the Dark: My Journey Through The Shadows To Find God’s Joy HERE.
What People Are Saying About Out of the Dark:
“As Mandisa shares her low points from her journey in the dark, it becomes evident that she trusts the Lord to be her light. We want Him to be your light, too. And I believe Mandisa, through her bravery and transparency, will serve as a guide, showing many the way out of the dark.”
—Natalie Grant, GRAMMY®-nominated recording artist and Dove Award winner
“Since the first day I met Mandisa, she has been nothing but original and courageous. My touring family is better when she is out with us. She genuinely supports each artist that takes the stage, as well as every crew member behind the stage. In a single word, I would say without hesitation that she is one of the most authentic people I have ever met. Her heart is to help others, and in this book, she vulnerably shares her own real life experiences and struggles in an attempt to provide insight and love others well.”
—TobyMac, GRAMMY® Award-winning artist
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