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Gospel music legend Sandi Patty on her personal battles Sandi Patty had to confront her own issues at a personal crossroads Gospel music legend Sandi Patty says the inspiration for her new book, “The Edge of the Divine,” came from a trip past Disneyland. It may seem odd that a woman who has won nearly 40 Dove awards and five Grammys was once at home crying, stunned and not knowing what to do after an audition for a singing job ended in a big, fat "no." But that happened when Patty tried out for a gig at the famous park as a teenager. Three weeks after the tryout, she got a rejection letter, saying she was a good singer but was too overweight and was a poor dancer. The heartbreak put her on the edge, she said recently by phone. But instead of staying in Southern California, Patty left for college in Indiana to study music. On her new path, she was discovered by gospel greats Bill and Gloria Gaither. She drove past Disneyland a year ago and thought about how different her life could have been. “God wasn’t saying no,” said Patty, 54. “He was saying yes to another dream. It was the edge of something great and I had to make that leap.” Patty says that writing the new book, her sixth, was also a way to be reminded that God sometimes works on a different schedule than the one we want. “If we just wait to God to reveal his plan, it makes the disappointment of a given day or situation” seem relatively trivial, she said. Patty also said that God sends signs. She recalled the modern parable of a man stranded on his roof during a flood. He prayed for God’s help. A little while later a boat comes by and the people in it tell him to get in. He refuses, saying God will deliver him. The boat goes away and the waters turn treacherous but a helicopter comes by. The man again says it’s OK because God will save him. The chopper flies away and a little while later the man slips into the raging waters and drowns. In heaven, the man meets God and asks, "Why didn’t you save me?" God replies, “Son, I sent a boat and a helicopter.” Patty used that story to explain how she struggled with her feelings about her weight for years, even before the audition rejection, but had trouble realizing what she should do. After nearly four decades, she said she realized that God was leading her toward a medical solution and she saw a doctor who suggested lap band surgery. “Isn’t that cheating God?” she recalled asking the doctor. The doctor said, “You’re cheating your family if you die too soon.” Patty has lost more than 80 pounds since the recent surgery. The book was both hard and easy to write, Patty said. Easy in that she had a good partner, longtime friend Sue Ann Jones, whom Patty said has a great ear. But the difficult part was going back to those painful times, dredging up memories to set the stage for the stories she wanted share. But she said it was important to honestly recount hard times so that she and other women could grow. “You have to address those issues and learn to feel worthy in the eyes of God,” she said. The book is intended as a companion to a new a new Patty album scheduled for release later this month.
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Sandy Patty is a fantastic singer and I absolutely adored her as a teenager in the late 80's early 90's. Irrespective of her faith, beliefs, values, we are all humans and we all make mistakes! Her personal life is her own...I'm sure we have all done things we are ashamed of? So who are we to judge of another? I wish you all the best on your lifes journey....good and bad
I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by the rude, ugly comments by some on this site; but I am! I've been inspired by Sandi Patty since I first heard her perform probably more than 30-35 years ago. Her musical and spiritual gifts have blessed and lifted souls world-wide; and while she's got a voice of divine proportion, she's still made of mere flesh and blood. Cruel words and cheep shots could't help penetrating and cutting deeply if she hadn't long ago donned the whole "armor of God" to fend off evil surmizers such as have raised their swords against her on this site. May those who love her and have been blessed by her witness raise their voices to heaven to call on the "shield of faith" to protect her against these revilings! Weight issues aren't just about what you eat and do! Everyone is unique and processes their fuel with variable efficiency. Some eat huge amounts and their metabolism is such that they burn effortlessly and don't store. Others eat much less, but their metabolism is such that it is very efficient in storing; but more difficult to burn and shed. Each of us are given different crosses to bear; some are more susceptable to other diseases. Would you criticize the person who seeks medical help for their cancer instead of fighting it alone unsuccessfully? Those with the "fat gene" seeking medical treatment do not deserve criticism anymore than those w/ the breast cancer gene, or genetics for cystic fibrosis seeking treatment for their illness. Some would do well to let their criticism melt away and be replaced w/ a little respect and tolerance of another's burdens and journey along the road of life. Thank God Sandi had the courage to follow her doctor's recommendation. Surgeries are not without risk; doctors are not God's – even without making mistakes, surgeries can go wrong – so I would never go into surgery without praying for God to be w/ my doctor – to bless and guide his hands and critical thinking while I'm under His care. That Sandi had a successful outcome to her procedure and strength and committment in following the plan after surgery, and success in shedding her weight... praise God!!
I just want to say that it's the people who are anointed for the masses that are attacked in greater ways than others. We all are attacked because Satan is angry but he has a vengeance for those who can get the message of Jesus Christ, his love, his grace, the cross and his power to overcome. Sandi Patti is a jewel. I was a little kid but it was a live album recorded in Oklahoma that my mom wore out. Sandi Patti has blessed many and continues to do so. We're looking at grace when we see her or hear her sing.
Thanks for providing such information. niouwhgfd
I love Sandi Patty! I disagree with a lot of what she has to say, but I think she has an incredible voice! I go to every concert I can.
hi, i'm not an atheist and i'm definitely not a christian. just someone who believes that there are forces, of some sort, greater than i. natural, spiritual, something. i'm also liberal, gay, and a nice person who treats people well. i also love sandi patty and her singing makes me feel better. thus, i'm glad she's happy and getting physically healthier so the world will have her talent and optimism (christian-inspired or otherwise) around for a while.
what's with all the hating around this article?
I wish Patty nothing but the best. Good luck on the weight loss. I have had the pleasure of seeing her in concert; well worth my time. I have enjoyed her previous books and look forward to reading the next. This woman has a good insight on life and what the Good Lord does for us and how he shows us the way, when maybe we feel lost. It would do some people a lot of good to read her books.
I think its great Sandi is getting control over her weight but isnt it a little rediculous to give God the credit for Lap Band surgery? Id rather think God gives strength for more excercise and smaller portions.
Anyone every looking at singing or dancing best stay well away from the Mouse House.
Remember your first car? I do – used, but awesome. My Dad gave it to me. But to keep using it, I had to do maintenance stuff, keep it clean, service it. So, I skipped a few details and it eventually wore out a little prematurely. What kind of Dad would let that happen? What kind of Dad would give me a car that would turn into a heap of junk like that?
Uh oh, Patty. Best pay attention as to who pays the bills. We've all heard how certian religious groups (*cough*) consider DIsney the anti-christ...
This is proof man/woman creates God in his/her own image and molds him/her to where we can always be a faithful follower of our man/woman made God.
Brianna, unfortunatly there are Christians and non Christians that are "hateful and arrogant" (as you put it). TRUE Christianity however is to be "CHRIST LIKE"....it sadens me that you have a negative opinion of Christians. WE need to be more CHRIST LIKE at ALL times and live life as CHRIST intended us to live it. We need to be an example and NOT a people who are seen as arrogant....rather a people who are seen as compassionate and loving.
Thank you for covering a story that includes a follower of Jesus in their own words. I appreciate it.
Was it God's will when Sandy cheated on her husband? Then married the guy she had the affair with? God moves in mysteeeerious ways!
that's just embarrassing. if not being selected at an audition when she was a teenager and having issues with being overweight have been her primary "struggles" in life, she needs to realize she's embarrassing herself in front of a world of people whose troubles in life make hers look like a sunday school picnic.
I just pooped... must have been god's plan.
It's only God's plan if you were on the toilet.
patty – you are an inspiration! i've seen you many times at Women of Faith. you have a God-given beautiful voice!! thank you for your testimony. God's beauty is evident in your life and His timing is perfect!!! God Bless You!!
I am totally on board with this one. Sandi is a true inspiration and has been my vocal hero for like ....forever.
I have my own views about christianity and christians in general. I dont trust most christians, and i dont see why a gospel singer should be any different. Christians are just sharks looking for easy prey.
@ Brianna
Very good comments.
OOPS!
@ Brianna
I thnik my last comment was actually meant for "Reality". My comment to you is ... what makes you think you are any better than anyone else you're slamming in the Christian faith. Your comments just go to prove how Christians are the ones neing hated. Ya, you really made your point (sarchasm)!