Sandi Patty - The Voice: Listening for Gods Voice and Finding Your Own

Ive known Sandi for more than a quarter of a century. Im one of the millions who have been blessed by her voice and touched by her words of wisdom. Her story is one of grace, hope, and second chances. May it impact all who read it.

Max Lucado, pastor; author, Unshakable Hope

That voice! Im talking about the voice of Sandis heartthe voice that invites us into her struggles and allows all of us to see part of our own story in hers. Im talking about the voice that is constantly championing others and making them feel seen, valued, and heard. This book will help restore the voices of so many who feel sidelined and silenced.

Natalie Grant, singer

Ive known Sandi ever since she was a kid singing backup at our studio. Ive always loved her talent, her energy, and her heart. This refreshingly honest account of her story sets a remarkable example for anyone who wants his or her voice to make an eternal difference in this world.

Bill Gaither, singer

I love Sandis voice, her heart, and her passion for Christ. I was deeply moved by the transparency of this book. She shares her journey at a depth that few are brave enough to offer. So find a quiet place and sit with her story for a while. Perhaps you too will find your voice.

Sheila Walsh, author, Its Okay Not to Be Okay

My favorite kind of spiritual leader is the one who tells the truth and gives others permission to tell the truth. I dont need shiny, polished, or tidy. I need genuine. Sandi, my dear friend, whom I love wholeheartedly, has given us this and more in The Voice.

Jen Hatmaker, author; speaker; cofounder, Legacy Collective

I have a voice. Its high pitched, a bit nasal, and as country as cornbread, but it has taken me to places I never dreamed I could go as a comedian. But Sandi is more than just an amazing voice; she is a friend, a mentor, a teacher. This book moved me, challenged me, changed me, and my heart and voice are much improved having traversed these pages with Sandi.

Chonda Pierce, comedian

Im so proud of Sandi for having the courage to share the truth about her life and how hearing Gods voice helped her discover her own. This book will encourage and inspire you to find your voice as you pursue the dreams and desires God has put in your heart.

Robert Morris, founding senior pastor, Gateway Church; author, The Blessed Life

As I read this book, I realized how hard Sandi has fought against circumstances and experiences that could have silenced her, and it made me respect her even more. She has done what she does best: welcome others to listen to her voice and find their own as they do.

Angie Smith, speaker; author, Seamless, What Women Fear

Sandi is gifting us with an encore performance. Sharing wisdom from the latest third of her life, she is candid about the complexity of her journey and the depth of her faith, and we are once again encouraged, strengthened, and made aware of Gods love for us all.

Suzanne Stabile, author, The Path between Us

Sandis voice has filled arenas, stadiums, concert halls, and, most important, hearts. The only thing that exceeds her voice is her generous hospitality. When you open the cover of this book, you will feel seen and heard. Welcome to The Voice.

Patsy Clairmont, You Are More Than You Know

Sandi wraps real life and raw courage around the exhortation in Proverbs 31:8 to speak up for the voiceless. Her heartwrenching yet redemptive story is infused with the living hope and joy of Jesus Christ, which has the power to make even the driest bones dance!

Lisa Harper, bestselling author and Bible teacher

Spend some time around Sandi and it is easy to forget all the trappings of her fame. She is a grace-filled grace giver. She has much to say that we all need to hear. Ive been waiting for this book for a long time. You may not realize it, but you have too.

Marty Grubbs, senior pastor, Crossings Community Church

ZONDERVAN

The Voice

Copyright 2018 by Sandi Patty

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

Epub Edition September 2018 9780310352358

ISBN 978-0-310-35593-9 (special edition)

ISBN 978-0-310-35237-2 (audio)

ISBN 978-0-310-35235-8 (ebook)

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Patty, Sandi, 1956- author. | Lambert, Cindy, author.

Title: The voice : listening for God's voice and finding your own / Sandi Patty with Cindy Lambert.

Description: Grand Rapids, MI : Zondervan, [2018]

Identifiers: LCCN 2018021905 | ISBN 9780310352334 (hardcover)

Subjects: LCSH: Patty, Sandi, 1956- | Singers--United States--Biography.

Classification: LCC ML420.P322 A3 2018 | DDC 782.25092 [B] --dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018021905

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.Zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version. Public domain.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any otherexcept for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Some names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.

Author is represented by the literary agency of The Fedd Agency, Inc., P.O. Box 341973, Austin, Texas 78734.

Art Direction: Belinda Bass

Cover design: Kristen Ingebretson

Cover photo: Angela Talley

Interior design: Kait Lamphere

First printing August 2018 / Printed in the United States of America

To those who have felt voiceless,

and to those who have been our champions.

And to my family, Don, Anna, Collin, Thatcher,

Madeleine, Jon, Rachel, Jenn, Scott, Aiden, Donnie,

Katie, Aly, Will, Erin, Mollie, Sam, and my parents Ron

and Carolyn Patty, who have helped me find mine.

Contents

I first heard The Voice so many years ago I cant even remember the date. But I do remember thinking, Okay, thats a once-in-a-generation kind of talent. Thats like a Streisand. God doesnt give that kind of gift very often. Of course, the voice belonged to Sandi Patty, a young woman destined for greatness. All I know is that she became a lifetime friend.

What you are about to discover about Sandi in this book will shock you, upset you, and ultimately make you rejoice in the power of a life lived well with God.