Sandi Patty Announces Retirement

9-29-15

Sandi Patty

Sandi Patty announced her farewell tour yesterday and I'm not sure how I can function today.


I know anyone who knows me at all, knows that I love Sandi Patty. I always have and I always will. To me, her voice is without equal. I know she might not be everyone's favorite singer and her style of music and voice might not be what everyone likes. But, she is my favorite singer of all time. 

I think another reason why Her life resonates with me is that she has messed up---big time---in the past. She sinned and she lied about sinning all while being the voice of Contemporary Christian music. She, by all accounts, wrecked her family, her career, and reputation by her actions. But...the story doesn't end there. She asked for and received forgiveness for her sin.

Let that sink in. 

She asked for and received forgiveness for her sin.
Maybe her family suffered in ways they still remember and in ways that still sting. Maybe her career trajectory took a hit that did lasting damage. Maybe her reputation never fully recovered in some people's eyes and she probably lost a fair number of former fans for good. Maybe. I don't know. 

But I do know that when she asked for forgiveness, God forgave her.

That's been my experience, too. My sin maybe wasn't her sin and maybe it's not yours either. John 1:9 says that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. That is a promise that Sandi knows and a promise I know, too. I guess that makes it a little easier to relate to her and the message of her music. Her life has been a testimony to God's faithfulness in drawing us to Him and back to Him. 

I have been to close to 30 Sandi Patty concerts through the years. I hope I can go to at least one more. If I don't get to, it won't be the end of the world... it's not like I've never been. I can hear her voice about any time I want to. I know the One she sings about, too. I can hear His voice about anytime I want to, too.