Saturday, May 17, 2014

Broken On The Back Row: A Journey Through Grace And Forgiveness, by Sandi Patty

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Synopsis: Sandi Patty, the most awarded female vocalist in contemporary Christian Music, saw her stellar career go into a tailspin. Now she tells the story of her long road to restoration. From the agony of divorce nearly ten years ago, Sandi has moved from center stage to the back row of the church balcony and back into the spotlight.
This book is the heart-touching narrative of her years as an acclaimed recording artist balancing her role as adoring mother to four children, her fall from public acclaim, and the steps she worked through with her church and pastor to find forgiveness and peace —- all under the harsh glare of national media attention.
Sandi's story also includes insightful vignettes from their bustling blended family (Sandi's four children and three stepchildren) and the inspiring way God worked in the adoption of an eighth child, their precious Sam.
Sandi's performance schedule is full once more but there's a difference in her music and her heart that reflects the unforgettable journey she's made to reach the other side of hurt and find healing and forgiveness in Christ.
Thoughts: As I went through this book, I found myself identifying with so many of the emotions she felt during her difficult time. I went through the same situation, without the national media attention, back in 2002, and remembered feeling separated from God and my church family, feeling guilty for turning so many lives upside down. Going through the book and taking in the advice Sandi got from her pastor, among others, I could hear God speaking to MY heart (which has been happening a lot lately), letting me know those words of grace and forgiveness were just as much for me as for Sandi.

I enjoyed the stories of the blended family and the incredible story of how they brought Sam into their family. That was a truly miraculous event!

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