Out of the Dark: My Journey Through Shadows to Find God's Joy

is Mandisa’s exploration of the journey she’s taken from when she first became a Christian, to her rise as an finalist and receiving multiple Grammy and Dove Award nominations, as well as the dark and challenging times she experienced along the way. She writes personally and openly about the hardships she has faced and the way she felt betrayed by God, but also about how God has brought her out of the valley into His glorious light. Along the way, she also shares her struggles in learning how to love her body and care for her health. Just as Mandisa’s Grammy-award winning song “Overcomer” was topping the Contemporary Christian Music charts, her friend for whom “Overcomer” had been written passed away. After losing this close friend to cancer, despite years of prayers on her behalf, Mandisa descended into depression, isolating herself and turning to her familiar friend, food, for comfort. Throughout , Mandisa uses her experiences to address the following themes: ​In the darkness, Mandisa knew God was there — but she wondered if she could trust Him. Even at her lowest point where she saw no human way forward, God was at work, powerfully redeeming her story and calling her out of the dark. Mandisa tells her story with warmth and vulnerability, challenging us all to focus on God’s purpose for our lives, surround ourselves with friends who will fight for us, and face life’s challenges with courage and faith. If you’ve ever found yourself in a dark place as the result of grief, depression, or loss, Mandisa’s story will reassure you that even when you’re walking through dark valleys, God can and will lead you on a path to joy and hope. “Since the first day that 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 music artist