Sandi Patty – A Journey To Discovery

CCM: I just completed writing a book inspired by Rich Mullins’ life. In my research, I found a quote of his that says, “Go out and live real good and I promise you’ll get beat up real bad. But in a little while after you’re dead, you’ll be rotted away anyway. It’s not gonna’ matter if you have a few scars. It will matter if you didn’t live.”

Sandi, you have been beaten up a bit over the years. You have some scars. And you have generously shared them with us through your personal presence on and off-stage. Why did you decide to risk sharing so much of your life with so many?
SP: I have found freedom in the truth of my own journey. It was a process, but so unbelievably freeing. I share my journey with others for two reasons. One, no one is alone in their pain. Two, you can move through it, but it’s just so stinking hard. Simply put, we need each other.

I heard other women risk sharing their wounds and it empowered me to be bold and share mine. Hopefully I can pass the baton to other women who desperately need freedom in their lives. This is important—I share from a place of redemption, not from a place of shame! There’s a very big difference.

CCM: You have also assumed a mentorship role for several artists in recent years—apparent in your relationships with your now-adult children and with your farewell tour mates, Veritas. Why is it so important to invest in the next generation?
SP: I always wanted to be a teacher. I graduated with a degree in music, with an emphasis on conducting, but I started traveling with Bill and Gloria Gaither and never got to complete my student-teaching. So teaching, mentoring, encouraging—I just love to do that. The Veritas guys have been the best students ever, and it’s such an honor that my own kids are willing to listen to their mom from time to time.

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