Enter the world of Mandisa, and see what it takes to be an overweight woman who becomes an international American Idol sensation.
Through Idoleyes, Mandisa Hundley recalls her life from unknown back-up singer to becoming the most recognized American Idol pop sensation. Her new perspective of "Faith, Fat, and Fame" are expressed through honest retrospection about her youth in California, a rape she suffered, her acceptance of Christ, and the climb to television fame.
Describing herself as a “foodaholic,” Mandisa recognized during early auditions of American Idol that she did not represent “…the complete package - the perfect look, sound, style, and showmanship.” Later, Mandisa endured stinging comments from Simon Cowell regarding her size, heard by 30 million viewers. Shocking both Simon and the American Idol crew, Mandisa, as a Christian witness, forgave Simon.
Mandisa accounts for her dieting problems - pointing out the beginning of her food issues, and acknowledges how and why they worsened. Working at overcoming her food addiction, her message is one of health. She reminds the reader that we should not look at the outside of ourselves for self-worth, but rather for value from within.
Mandisa states, “I am a living witness that God can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine.” Idoleyes is Mandisa’s testimony of how she breaks free of an addiction by trusting in God. Her road hasn’t been easy, but she says that God is faithful. Idoleyes provides encouragement and hope for those struggling with faith and discipline. Mandisa’s story is a lesson for us all.
Idoleyes: My New Perspective on Faith, Fat and Fame
by Mandisa Hundley and Angela Elwell Hunt
Foreword by Beth Moore
Published by Tyndale House, June 2007
Article comments
1 - Natalie Bennett
This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net , which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States, and to Boston.com. Nice work!