Interview: Stacy Lattisaw — Not The Same Girl Anymore [Part 2]

In part one, Stacy Lattisaw discussed the personal strains brought about by her rise to R&B fame as a teenager during the 1980's. In part two, Stacy discusses the life changes that have brought her to her present contentedness and her new autobiography, I Am Not the Same Girl: Renewed.

You’re starting to record gospel now. How long have you had the desire to do that?

It was something I wanted to do for a long time, but I wasn’t ready, spiritually, until recently. All the hardships I had endured and issues God had to work out of me — disappointments — took some time. It was a healing process. When I found the Lord, I started to go to church and read the bible. One day, I dropped to the floor. I had money and nice things — beautiful home, nice car, jewelry. But I always felt an emptiness, a void in me. I felt a presence come over me that I’d never felt before. It was like the burden — the depression — had been lifted off of me. It was as if God was saying, “I’ve been waiting for you to come to me.” I never looked back. The thing is, God is always speaking; but the question is, “Are we listening?” He speaks in different ways, but we as people don’t make time for God. When we don’t pray and make time, how can we hear from him? He called me, and I answered the call.

Now, I minister to women. It brings me so much joy, when I’m able to speak to a woman that’s been abused, suffering from depression, lost a loved one, or has a child on drugs. I go to women’s conferences and tell them about the faithfulness of God, encouraging them. I let them know that where they are, they don’t have to stay in that place. The same God that removed the burdens and depression from my life can do it for you, too.

Tell me about Believers Building Bridges. How did you start the company?

It’s a company that I know came from God. One day, I was taking a shower, and these words just dropped into my mind and spirit. So, I spent some time in prayer. God told me, “This is the name of your company, and this is what your company’s gonna do.” I sat down and thought, “What is the purpose of a bridge?” They’re formed to help other people get across to their destiny and purpose. Believers, and us as Christians, help people to get over to the other side, to reach their goals and dreams. When I go minister, or to schools to talk to children, I try to help them reach their goals however I can. I have the website, www.stacylattisaw.net. I also want to have a place where abused women can come and be fed; and be taught life skills about how to be a good mom and being a good wife. Abuse is not just in the way of being hit; it can be mental. I want to have a large facility for this type of ministry where the women can be listened to and prayed for. I know what it’s like to be hurt. For women who have been told that they’re never going to amount to anything, I want to encourage them and let them know their life can change. But it all begins with you — with your mind. There are people who say, “I’ve always been a failure. My life’s never gonna change.” Once you begin to think differently, your life will change.

Article Author: Justin Kantor

Justin Kantor is a music journalist with a passion for in-depth artist interviews and reviews. Most of his interviews for Blogcritics can be heard on his Blog Talk Radio program, "Rhythmic Talk."
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