American Idol's Mandisa Talks about Overcoming Life's Hardships with Forgiveness
"I have learned that forgiveness is just as much for the person that is forgiving then for the person being forgiven...."
(Virginia)—With her first book out, her first CD about to be released and a modeling job with the Ashley Stewart clothing line, former American Idol contestant Mandisa is having the time of her life.
But it hasn't always been easy for the singer, Mandisa recalls a very difficult moment during the show, when judge Simon Cowell made a heartless comment that cut deeply. Referring to Mandisa not being "petite" in size, Simon quipped, "Do we have a bigger stage...?"
"It was my worst fear come true," said Mandisa, "because it's been the biggest struggle of my life and because it's something I feel so vulnerable about. For him to have said that, and for it to air on national television—I was devastated. After the show was over, just a bunch of my friends gathered around me and they began to pray for me. They began to pray for Simon. They asked the Lord to have mercy on him, and they began to ask the Lord to help me to forgive Simon."
When she was given an opportunity to confront Cowell on camera, Mandisa knew it was a moment meant for much more than revenge. When the time came, she said to Simon, "You hurt me. It was painful. It really was. But I want you to know that I have forgiven you. You don't need someone to apologize in order to forgive somebody. I figured that if Jesus could die so that all of my sins could be forgiven, I could certainly extend that same grace to you."
Cowell, famous for his brash attitude, was humbled and reportedly gave her a hug.
Mandisa notes a few other times when she chose forgiveness over holding onto grudges and hurt, even through the experience of a father who left, and the horror of rape.
To read more of this inspiring interview from CBNMusic.com, follow the link below.
