Yrself player being thrust right into the NBA. There I was—suddenly invited into a huge world of iconic recording artists. Only God could have opened the doors of opportunities that I experienced, including performing on five world tours with Celine Dion. These incredible experiences not only allowed me to sing on platforms across the world, but to also train top vocal artists in the music industry. Many people enter the entertainment industry and become lost. Fortunately, I didn’t. It didn’t take long for me to realize that nothing this world has to offer compares to God. I knew my Funny how people desire what you have without knowing the history behind it. purpose on stage was to minister God’s love and hope to the world through whatever song I sang. All I’ve ever wanted to do is to share my love for singing and perhaps inspire others through the gift God has given me. I am so thankful for the amazing doors of opportunity He has opened for me to do just that. His outpouring of love, favor, and opportunities has sometimes been difficult to receive. Who am I to be so blessed by God? I’m just a little girl from the groves. He could have chosen anyone, but He chose me. For years I felt guilty about my success. I would look at my humble beginnings and see so many loved ones and friends still in those hard places. How could I enjoy all that He had given me when others I knew were still waiting on their dreams to happen? I felt guilty over God’s blessings. Isn’t that crazy?! I’ve struggled to feel worthy of God’s love, His time, and the material blessings He poured out on my life. For so long, I could see only the girl the world loathed; I couldn’t imagine that there was anything in me worthy of good. Yet, God continually showers me with His love. He shows me daily that I am worth everything to Him. He’s chosen to use me and bless me. I don’t think I’ll ever understand it, but I’m learning to embrace it. The guilt I carried kept me from truly enjoying life and embracing the gifts of my Heavenly Father—especially the gift of rest. Inside, I still identified with that hardworking girl in the groves who always knew there was another day of work ahead. My past makes me driven to work, and I find it difficult to enjoy even simple things like sitting in a chair by the pool. But living without rest leads to illness. A few years ago, I was at my doctor’s office, looking for an answer to what ailed me. His diagnosis was unexpected and surprising. He stated, “Sisaundra, you are as healthy as can be. Your problem is that you live in a constant state of guilt and fear.” Guilt I recognized, but fear? What was I afraid of? Through some serious soul searching, God has revealed areas where the enemy had me bound through fear. I’m afraid of disappointing people. I’m afraid I might lose what God has so abundantly blessed me with. My life was so hard as a child; what if I lose all that I’ve gained? These fears have made it difficult for me to fully enjoy the moments of my life—but now I realize God does not intend for me to carry such burdens. My journey to freedom began in 2013, right before I appeared on the national television show, The Voice. Perhaps you remember me singing my heart out, smiling for the camera, and strutting across the stage with my short blond hair. Well, let me tell you a little story about the hair that has become my signature look. Right before I auditioned for The Voice, I went to my hairstylist to have my hair colored and cut. The stylist left the chemicals on too long and burned my hair off. I mean, all of it! This nappy-headed girl was bald headed! I had to go to the emergency room to be treated for chemical burns and then spent a month at home with bandages around my head. I was so embarrassed and once again found myself facing that “I’m ugly and unacceptable” mindset I’d run from for so long. Top: Once Once ashamed of of her her humble beginnings, her appearance, and her h position i i as a migrant i worker, Sisaundra now celebrates her past, hoping to help others embrace their lives and give voice to their own stories. Middle: Competing on the sixth season of NBC’s The Voice, Sisaundra takes a break from performing and training to have some fun in Blake Shelton’s chair. Sisaundra made it to the top 8. Bottom: A congratulatory hug from celebrity coach Blake Shelton after he chooses Sisaundra to represent Team Blake in the live rounds of NBC’s The Voice. rning joying avenly e,e groves oves nd ike ut continued on page 20 Photo Credits NBC The Voice kojministries.org Issue 3 2017 19
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