Mandisa- I'm so excited for you and the journey you've taken! I think a lot of Christians are so quick to say that we shouldn't judge the outside of a person that they forget that the Bible says to treat your body as a temple for the Lord to reside in! I think we need to be focused on being healthy! I'm proud of you!
 

..Thanks for sharing such a personal journey. We are starting an informal ladies bible group and several of us struggle with our weight. I think I'll print this off and bring it. Thanks even more for the scripture. God is good and always provides. ........Your Sister In Christ, Yvette..
 

I'm proud of you Mandisa. Like Donnie sings, "We fall down but we get up!". Stand strong and I know our Deliverer will bring you to a place a true freedom in this area. He's more than able!!! You're an overcomer.

 

Mandisa,

I would give you 1000 kudos if allowed *smiles*

I too know this struggle and battle with weight and I can only imagine how hard it must be to deal with it all in the public way that you have to.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

YES... together we can do it!

Love and blessings,
Donna
 

You are always in my prayers.  May you succeed in whatever you do for the Lord.  I first heard you on tobyMac's "Portable Sounds-Lose my Soul", which by the way I feel all children of God should be saying/singing.   May I just say you have a beautiful & contagious laugh.  And I love your upbeat spirit.  I would just love to hang out with you, you seem to be such a joy to be around.   I bought your "Freedom" CD, liked it so much I went & got your, "True Beauty" one.  I love your songs & your voice is out of this world.  I feel the Lord had His hand in all the songs you sang.  Once again, you are always in my prayers.  May the Lord guide your path, He has a plan for you.  Take care and May the Lord Richly Bless you as you follow Him.
 

I'm really proud of you Mandisa, I need to be right along with you. Because I need to loose weight as well, but soon I will be working on my goal to loose those pounds as well and trying too keep it off too. I can't wait when you have reach your 100 pound goal. Good luck & Peace & Blessings !
 

This was awesome to read.  Congradulations!  I loved you before you were on AI.  The first time I heard you sing was at Rupp Arena at the University of Kentucky with Beth Moore.   The second time I heard you sing was at Thompson Bowling Arena at UT, with Beth Moore.  The third time I heard you sing was on AI.  God is using you greatly in more than singing....He is using you to help thousands of people. 
 

Like the song from Jonny Diaz, There Can Never Be A More Beautiful You......oh man, when you told Simon that the Jesus in you had to forgive him for that comment, I was so moved and proud of you. I was already drawn to you as an artist with that mega voice, but then  you became a favorite contestant.  I am thankful that you have stayed with your true calling, gospel music. You go girl! I will be praying for you.
 

..I would like to know what exact work out took those bat wings away? You know, the jiggly arm thing? Thank you for sharing with us and I know that anything is possible through Christ. I love how you put in your blog that His mercies begin each morning. That is so true! When we are down, look up to the Father!

..
 

Praying for you Mandisa!  Look to the Strength-Giver daily - He'll never let you down!
 

I have also struggled with weight since childhood. After entering high school, I lost a lot (85 lbs.). Now, 7 years and 3 children later, I am 120 lbs. heavier. I try to stay motivated, but for some reason or another, I find a way to "put off" exercising till "tomorrow". Well, tomorrow never comes. Any advise? Leigh
 

You are such an inspiration, Mandisa! Your "Freedom" album has been my daily pick-me-up and workout music since I saw you at the Spokane Women of Faith event this spring where I purchased it. Thanks for helping me stay on track spiritually and encouraging us to become more healthy. It's such a blessing to see (and hear) God shining through you! Many blessings and prayers! ~Sarah
 

Why I am passionate about working out.

Alright I am not a professional body builder, maybe not even a novice according to some peoples standards- but in the last 6 or so years I have learned a thing or two about making changes and seeing results with my physical body.

I was thinking about this the other day in the gym as I was listening to a play list I made for a beloved friend.

Actually, most of the music was songs that have touched me in my spiritual life, some of them songs that seem as if prayers that came right from my own heart.

One of the songs, "The Motions" by Matthew West, (..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLJF9vaIJ_0..) made me think about the correlation between physical change or transformation and spiritual.

I can remember years ago flipping through magazines and looking at women with toned arms and six packs and thinking, "ya right- I could NEVER be like that!"

I also remember wanting, more than anything to be in shape like that. I mean I was never obese, but I always felt like the "chubby friend"- or carried around what I like to call "baby fat."

So with this hunger for knowledge I began to read and study everything and anything about working out and eating right and getting in shape. Some of the ideas were pretty crazy but ...

Ironically, what I finally concluded was that there are 3 basic elements to being in shape-- that's right 3-- 1) a healthy diet 2) exercise AND 3) the right state of mind.

That's right- the first thing I had to change was my thinking.

I had to visualize myself changing- I had to believe that the information I was reading was true and would do the things it promised to if I stuck to the 3 basic elements-if I did the things I had read.

The Bible says "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:" Proverbs 23:7 So is this true in our physical and spiritual lives ...

And so I began my journey into fitness ...

Little by little- week by week- month by month....learning, trying, changing ....

Interestingly, when I began, the healthy eating was easy- I wanted, NO-- I desired it so much that I never really wanted to eat unhealthy, NOTHING COULD MAKE ME DO IT-

sort of like a new Christian ... the Bible says "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" 1 Peter 2:2 (a new Christian hungers and thirst for the word of God)

It's also funny- at first I didn't notice "the change" or if I was changing at all and in fact what I didn't know then that I know now is that my muscle was growing UNDER MY FAT--which made me feel fatter ...it was a really trying time...

This also happens in our spiritual lives-- becoming a Christian does NOT MEAN we get a free pass or an easy ride in life--and in fact in order to grow in our Christian walk we will surely go through trials, maybe we lose friends, maybe even family members mock us or whatever trials we may see ...

The Bible says,
"The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts." Proverbs 17:3

IT ALSO SAYS:"5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5 and 6

AND: " Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually." 1 Chronicles 16:11

(In our spiritual life we may want to change so much but not be able to see the results-- but if we continue to trust and walk in faith and seek the LORD--the Bible says-- HE WILL DO IT ...)
(..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNjZlHARnEk..) "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" Philippians 1:6

In my physical life I also had to keep on trusting- keep on believing-- there were times it got hard or discouraging but luckily I met people along the way (like my husband) people who had already been through what I was going through-- people more knowledgeable and who helped me, taught me and encouraged me along the way.

I also learned that in order to get change- REAL CHANGE I HAD TO INCREASE my RESISTANCE (weights) -AND INCREASE MY INTENSITY-

The BEST and MOST DRAMATIC changes I ever saw in my body came when the load was at its MAX!!!! When the work outs were intense!

So far-- this has also been true in my spiritual life and growth.
The Bible says:

"Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." Isaiah 43:10

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:" I Peter 1:7

"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." James 1:3

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:3-6

(I could go on- but the Bible is FULL of versus that explain how spiritual tribulations REFINE US-GROW US-CHANGE US!!!!!!!!!!!)

In our physical lives over loading those muscles really bring the change... the beautifully sculpted body we so desire!

We can do repetition after repetition (like the children of Israel circling the same mountain) or until we are blue in the face but we will never really see much change-if any, after a certain point- it is ONLY through trial and error- through, sweat and discomfort that REAL CHANGE can come!!!!!!

And the funny thing is--even after we get the change- we still have to work hard to keep seeing the changes-- there will never be a day where one can say--"Ok these are the work outs I will do for the rest of my life"-- No, your body will soon adapt to that and so there will always be refining- relearning- reshaping your thinking!!! Changes that will need to be made in your mind and then your body.

WELL--- Interestingly, this past year I hit a plateau such as this-and I was feeling discouraged and bloated---

In my weight training regime I was doing something known as pyramiding which is simply adding a little more weight with each set (for a certain amount of repetitions)

For example- I might use 15 pounds to bicep curl, 10 counts or curls (up and down) and then rest and then use 20 pounds to bicep curl- 8 counts or curls (up and down)

Unfortunately I had done this for some time and my body was not responding-- so I had to RE-EXAMINE myself--

One thing I noticed was how- after these years of trial and error- after 2 kids and a career-- I had faltered in my eating habits- they weren't the worst-- but they weren't the best either-- what I KNOW about this is- with diet and exercise-- DIET IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT-- (probably the MOST important like exercise being 15% and diet 85%)

It's the same in a spiritual walk- you can NOT grow or be strong or be changed without the knowledge of Christ through his word--the SPIRITUAL FOOD he has given to us!!!

The Bible says' "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the MIND I myself serve the law of God; but with the FLESH the law of sin." Romans 7:5

it also says: "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:6

What is important about these 2 verses is that the BIBLE SAYS CLEARLY--"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2

How do we RENEW OUR MINDS? Through GOD'S WORD (OUR SPIRITUAL FOOD and WATER)
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:6

AND "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17

In physical and spiritual lives- food and water is not ONLY ESSENTIAL but it is IMPORTANT that we EAT THE RIGHT FOODS!!!! DRINK THE RIGHT LIQUID-- WATER!!! Funny how Christ is called the LIVING WATER isn't it? Coincidence? I don't think so!

SO-- I had to really WORK HARD on changing my eating habits, on renewing my body through good food and the right amount of food--

My husband also introduced me to a new type of work out known as MAX OT (..http://www.ast-ss.com/maxot.php..) - this work out was different from the pyramiding, this workout required/s me to use my heaviest weight on my first set .... this is a very scary thought for some people- but the man who invented the program said most people are stronger than they give themselves credit for--

so is this true in our spiritual walk, the Bible says:

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of POWER, and of love, and of a sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7

IT ALSO SAYS:

"I CAN do all things through CHRIST which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13 (my favorite verse)

And so I gave this program a go ... I couldn't believe the DRAMATIC changes in just the first 2 WEEKS of using this program- not to mention my strength has been GREATLY ENHANCED and my "SPIRIT REVIVED" in that I am excited to get to the gym again-- not feeling discouraged or bloated! :))

I go with a different sense today, than when I first started years ago--I still desire to learn but now, I also GET EXCITED to work hard and I enjoy ADDING the weight and seeing how much more I can handle ... how different my muscles look and so forth.

It reminds me of- in spirituality- something Paul said, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9 and 10

As we grow as Christians and in our fellowship with the Lord WE KNOW and have CONFIDENCE no matter HOW HARD the trial is-- HE IS THERE- HE WILL TAKE US THROUGH or TAKE US HOME--but either way WE WIN, WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS ....

The Bible says:
"I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, BECAUSE YE ARE STRONG, and THE WORD OF GOD ABIDETH IN YOU, and ye have OVERCOME the wicked one." 1 John 2:14

~~~ Of course, I ALSO need to say this ... to get to this point in my work out has taken allot of time, thought and advise from more experienced people. I have also learned I need to take time to rest (BE STILL) and do other activities in between these tough workouts ones in order to stay fresh and this also helps a person to be renewed physically-- but the interesting thing is-- the three basic elements I learned of years ago STILL remain the same today. ~~~~

Yet, in this stage of my life I have come to appreciate the challenges and understand what things will get me through the obstacles of working out- and when I need to re-examine myself and that it is a continual journey.

I have also learned that in my walk with Christ- I still have MUCH to learn--and God has used weight training to show me what he is doing with me in my spiritual life and walk with Christ and HOW IMPORTANT it is for me to

1) read my bible and pray
2) exercise my faith and trust through trials
3) put my faith into action (by living it) and share it with others through voice or testimony

The thing that is the same in my life today as when I was 5 years old in Sunday school is JESUS ("Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Hebrews 13:8)

My resistance in my spiritual walk may be anything I come across in this world---

my trials (that have come) and may come are those things I KNOW God will use (and has used) to change me and refine me--

and HIS WORD is my renewal for each and everyday-- (My ARMOR)

I have great peace because-as I have been reminded recently my peace comes from thinking on HIM and when I do I know ...

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." 1 John 5:4-7

AND "for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are CALLED, and CHOSEN, and FAITHFUL." Revelation 17:14b

I am so blessed to be able to fellowship with my Jesus even on a treadmill or in a weight room--he is right there with me--teaching me--

and the BEST CONFIDENCE I HAVE is- I know this body is going to fade- that these physical changes are temporal-- but MY HOPE is in JESUS and I KNOW I have eternal life--

those things I have IN HIM will LAST FOREVER!!!

"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." 1 Peter 1:24 and 25

 

How wonderful that you are able to share with so many of us!  May God continue to bless you as He works in you and thru you.  Many prayers for you, as I know you must be attached daily by the enemy.  You are a blessing!!!
 

oh my gosh, mandisa! i feel like i am reading my own journal! i am also a food addict. god made me aware of this in april. it began in childhood for me, too. and like you, i have tried every diet you can imagine. i am a big fan of yours. i have been ever since "idol". thanks for being so honest and candid. i was wondering...what are your thoughts on programs like overeaters anonymous and food addicts anonymous? have you tried any of these? if so, did you like it?-fallon
 

..Thanks for writing about your personal struggles. I am a fan of your music. I absolutely love it! I am struggling with my weight. I am not overweight now, but since H.S. almost 6 yrs ago, I have been gaining consistently 10 lbs a yr .. That 10 lbs a year adds up over time. I have NEVER in my life had an issue with gaining weight until I was out of H.S. I could always eat what I wanted and not gain any weight. I have tried to eat healthier and keep active, but somehow I always seem to trip up and slip back into my old ways. My Husband bought me the Wii fit in hopes that I would use it. And of course I did for the 1st couple weeks, but I have not used it for almost a month 1/2 now. I keep saying to him, oh I will start tomorrow. It's always later! He always tries his best to have me set goals and give me tips. You have encouraged me today to get back into the swing of things! I have REALLY been needing this boost, and you have given that to me today. Thanks again for all your encouraging words! I will keep you in my prayers! God Bless! ....
 

Disa, thank you for sharing your struggles! It makes you human and seem more real to us :) Something that not a lot of stars these days do. I'm on the journey with you and I agree wholeheartedly with a lot of what you are saying. I have lost 35.2 lbs in the last 2 months and 24.5 inches off my body. I've struggled with weight for most of my life and done the yo-yo dieting, too. I praise God for the group I'm in now! It so helps to have accountability. I lived off of fast-food for a long time, and worked as a nurse night-shift and set myself up for some seriously bad decisions. Thankfully, I can say today that God is setting me free from my food addiction! I am a member of what's called "Grey Sheets Anonymous". It's kind of like Overeaters Anonymous and we meet once a week and have a sponsor we call daily. It's Christian based, and I know that so much of this food addiction is spiritual! What a blessing! Thanks for the updates.... I'll keep you updated on my progress too :) God bless you and keep you. Remember, He will never give you more than you can handle. God bless sister :)
Julia
 

i just wnt to say im proud of u and yur n my prayers.my question is what do u eat 4 yur meals and snacks?
 

go girl! and God Bless You!

Mary R
 

Thank you for your transparency! God Bless you tremendously as you bare your cross publicly....I enjoyed your singing at the taping with Paula White in San Antonio,TX..You continue to inspire me..You have been an inspiration to me since you auditioned for American Idol:)!!
 

I have faith in you that you will succeed!  Mandisa, your fans love and support you, not only in your weight loss challenge, but also in your calling from God!  We love you :)
 

Fellow food addict!  I think you pretty much summed up exactly my dilemma with food, Mandisa!  I have also had quite the journey for the past two years and have lost about 120 lbs.  I HAD lost over 130 lbs but have gained a few back, basically the way (and same time period) that you did!  Interesting parallels!  I've learned that just because you lose weight does not necessarily mean you have conquered the demons that made you overweight to begin with.  I am still struggling (daily) with the power food (especially sweets!) has over me and would like to be delivered from it's grip on me once and for all!  I so appreciate you taking the time to give advice on a part of weight loss so many times overlooked, that it is mental, emotional, spiritual, as well as physical. 
I was wondering if you would consider skin removal surgery at the end of your journey?  I have quite a bit of loose skin and someday might consider it when I have the money and am finished having children.  What do you think of this procedure? 
I was also wondering if you have any good options you turn to when your craving sweets that hit the spot and are better for you?  (Besides fruit)
Your honesty, charisma, determination, and faith touches my soul!  Keep on keeping on, you will be in my prayers.

Janelle
 

..As I read this tears are falling down my face. I too have struggled with weight my entire life. A couple years ago I lost a lot of weight but sadly to say I have put a lot of it back on. I am a binge eater also. I have been meeting with my Pastor for counseling/discipleship but it feels like I've disconnected somehow and at times I feel like there's no hope. But I know there is hope with HIM and that the work HE has begun in me HE will finish.  I just pray my heart can hold on to that and your's as well. Thank you for your honesty and willingness to be vulnerable. It's not by mistake that I happened to visit your page tonight. You have encouraged me and I thank you for that! May God continue to speak to your heart and transform you into who HE wants you to be! Keep singing!!

In Christ,
Sarah

p.s. I loved you on American Idol! : )..
 

You are such an inspiration to me. I have truly enjoyed your music, and your testimony. Your default picture looks great. I am so proud the the accomplishments you've made. Keep it up!!!
 

One Word.... BRAVO!
 

all i have to say is  your're a beautiful person inside out whether large or small. so keep up your uplifting singing cause girl your songs uplift me evertime i hear them. i know your're a beautiful person.
 

inspiring. i really needed to hear the passage from Lamentations... it struck quite a chord in me. it probably helps that i'm listening to Mark Schultz in the background and hearing "back in his arms again"! i don't have the same struggles, but it is good to know one verse can help with so many different areas.

Lamentations is one of those books i always forget is there. looks like i have something to read while i'm at work tonight! :)

 

I'm really glad to hear how well you have been doing with this, but I really hope that you did it for yourself, and not just because of what Simon said to you or what others have said since then. It's your decision and idiots like Simon shouldn't tell people how much they should weigh and/or how they should live their lives.

My dad had a really bad scare several months ago and had to go to the hospital because of chest pain. As much as I hate to say this, I knew something like that would eventually happen because for as long as I can remember I've seen him eat unhealthy food 3 meals a day his entire life and gained so much weight, and acted like he didn't even care what it was doing to him. We had to take him to the emergency room and it turned out to just be high blood pressure and not a heart attack, which was a relief. But they did tell him that he needed to exercise and lose weight. I remember thinking that he would never do that in a million years, and then before I knew it he bought a treadmill and started running on it everyday and eventually lost the weight. I thought that I could do it too, but every time I have tried to stick to an excercise schedule I always end up getting out of it. I do think that I can lose the weight and I believe that I will one day, but I need help. I'm normally someone who likes to work alone and doesn't like working with others, but for this I really need help.

There is also an excercise DVD that I have been looking at. I can't remember the woman's name, but she has all kinds of exercise videos out there, and there is one that is called "30 Day Shred". I hear great things about it but I can't seem to find it anywhere. Have you tried it? If so does it work?
 

Mandisa,..
....I just wanted to say thank you and let you to know that you are such an inspiration to me.  I have publicly watched your story since your days on Idol.  Your gracious manner in dealing with Simon and your very public struggle with your weight have left such an impression on me and my family.  I was blessed seeing you perform at Women of Faith this year in Columbus, Ohio.  Since then, your music has uplifted me, helped me to express things when I didn't know how, and given me such a great comfort.  And now, walking through a valley, I turn to you once again for encouragement.  I will continue to pray for you in your journey and ask that you do the same for me!!....
....God bless,....
....Heather..
 

Hugs! Weight loss is always a public struggle whether you have a Simon Cowell calling you out on it or not.

We have family, friends, acquaintance who are well aware of our struggles and are not blind to it.
 

Hi Mandisa, I feel like I am in the same journey although mine has just begun.  I started weight watchers 3 weeks ago and since have lost 6.8 pounds.  I am pretty excited about that and hope to have a fantastic weight loss tomorrow for the week.  My husband and I will complete 5 years of wonderfully blessed marriage on October 30th and we are ready for a baby but I first need to cleanse and sanctify this temple.  Many blessings!

 

Mandisa, I'm so very proud of you and wan't to let you know I to am dealing with the demon's of binge eating hiding it for  years running from my emotions and turning to food instead of dealing with problems I sugar coated everything. I'm happy to say I've lost 25 pounds since June I know it's not all to write home about but it's a start and it's a goal that I'm working towards each day. Like you I have to be honest and say I've feel off this "emotional wagon" a time or two or maybe three lol but just like you said "when" you fall get back up don't wallow in it. I truly agree with you that there is a reason for emoitional eating and until you deal with it your gonna turn to unhealthy ways it is just not a physical impairment but a mental one as well. Mandisa I thank you for sharing your journey I have been a fan since I heard you sing Never by heart that first night on American Idol season 5. You give me hope and inspiration! God Bless Love,Brandy

 

IM A BIG FAN OF U AND I ALWAYS LOVE 2 CHECK URE INFO FROM JAPAN<33 AND ALSO I THINK URE SUCH N HUGE INSPIRATION 2 ALL THE LADIES WHO HAVE OVERCOMED THE HARDSHIP OF LOSING WEIGHT. GO 4 IT N GOD BLESS U ;)