The Voice: Listening for God’s Voice and Finding Your Own

by Sandi Patty, Kathie Lee Gifford (Foreword)

Christian music icon and forty-time Dove award winner, Sandi Patty has long astounded listeners with her powerful voice. And yet, off the stage, Sandi struggled to have a voice at all. Through deeply intimate stories of her life and the empowering spiritual truths she’s learned, Sandi offers readers wisdom to navigate the journey from voicelessness to discovering the voice God has given you. With a poignant history of sexual abuse, infidelity, divorce, and crises of self-image, Sandi lived much of her life feeling unworthy of love or value. And like so many of us, she coped by living through the voices of others, allowing other people to prescribe her identity. As she performed around the world, Sandi met others just like her, who hid wounds behind quiet smiles and struggled to live with fractured identities. Sandi’s warm and invitational writing will draw you to the voice of God who sings over your life saying you are seen, you are loved, and your voice is worth hearing. With timeless wisdom, The Voice will help you uncover your God-given identity and a voice of your very own. “God heard my voice even when I couldn’t hear it myself and then his voice broke through my walls and wounds, insecurities and self-doubts. I am voiceless no more!”

Genres: Christian, Biography, Nonfiction, Music, Memoir

208 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2018

About the author

FROM BOOK:
Sandi Patty is the most awarded Christian female vocalist in contemporary Christian music history, with 39 Dove Awards, 5 Grammy Awards, and 4 Billboard Music Awards. Her 23 albums have sold more than 11 million units, including 3 platinum and 5 gold recordings. She has regularly appeared on network television. In 2004, Sandi was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame.

Reviews

[Darlene Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having followed Sandi Patty's career from the early 80's and watching her be used by God to be His vessel to minister in music with her incredible voice to now having read The Voice: Listening for God's Voice and Finding Your Own Sandi shares details of her life that she hasn't shared in her other books. Opening up that "inner voice" that was lost in hurt, fear, insecurity, and the struggle to be "good enough", Sandi meets us where we are. Ending each chapter with questions to lead to deeper ways of understanding ourselves to help the reader find their voice, she shares her soul's highs and lows. Just as she gives herself to God to deliver His message through her singing, Sandi shares the "real stuff" that has brought her to where she is today. And she gives us the hope that we too can find our voice in whatever form that takes, in order that we might serve a Master who knows our story and loves us more because He is.
Of all of Sandi's books, this one brings you into her inner sanctum, and you can learn to trust your own voice because Sandi so clearly states that she "prays that with God's voice as [our] anchor, [we] are able to find [our] own voice." After reading this book and seeking answers to thoughtful questions, the reader will discover in many ways that when you feel (felt) the way you do (did) you are not alone. What an empowering feeling knowing that we're not alone in this journey, and that "God made us to use the gifts He's given us for His good". We have a voice worthy of speaking our story. We may never sing like "The Voice", but we have stories that can reach others if we learn to use them to glorify God, the One who was, is, and always will be. And, that really is the message after all.

[Misha Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being 10 years old in 1986, and hearing Mrs. Sandi Patty sing Love in Any Language, on my cassette tape, and dreaming to be just like her, and then two years later standing in front of the huge stage in Memphis, Tennessee, looking up, eyes bigger than normal, with the biggest smile I’ve ever had on my face finally seeing the one I looked up to, no pun intended, then she smiles and winks at me with a slight rolling of the fingers wave at me. Fast forward 33 years, and I still feel the same way as I did at 10, when I get to see Sandi Patty perform. Reading this book, one would never realize that Mrs. Sandi never had a voice while hearing her sing on stage. This book is for everyone, and also an encouragement!!! After I started reading the book, I could not put it down until it was finished. I’ll be passing my copy along to a friend, and also buying more copies to give to anyone that wants one because it’s that good. The Voice book is so powerful, and at the end of each chapter, there are questions to help you think about your life and how to find your voice etc. I encourage EVERYONE to buy this book, and for friends and family and just for ANYONE that wants to be blessed, uplifted, and inspired!!! You won’t be disappointed!!! Thank you Mrs. Sandi for your love and dedication to our Lord, and sharing your story with us. You are soooooo loved today!!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandi Patty has always seemed to have it all together. She has a God-given, beautiful voice to which only a few in this world can compare. In this book she is candid and honest about her struggles to find her "voice". Most of us can relate to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety and unworthiness.
She shows us how she found her voice that allowed her freedom to express herself in spite of those feelings - to live the life God intended.
The stories in this book will make you laugh and cry. The questions at the end of each chapter will make you think and apply the lessons learned to yourself.
It's a wonderful book! Thank you Sandi for sharing part of your life with us!

[Susan Bennett]

This book. A must read if you want to walk a path of redemption which until now have kept secret. Very honestly and candidly written. Sandi is a Christian vocalist, but don’t let the “Christian” part deter you. She is the real deal! Willing to be in the fire, and coming out to a worthy place.

[Cheryl Koch]

I’ve loved Sandi for years, her singing voice move to everyone that hears it. During one particular concert of hers, that I attended, she said, “Now, I’m going to take you to church!” Which she proceeded to do.
For me The Voice is Sandi saying-come on in, into my soul, ride the roller coaster of my highs in my lows! So raw and yet so healing! ( Don’t be surprised when you see yourself along the way!)
Thank you!,Sandi, for bearing all and allowing Jesus Christ to Shine through “your Voice!”

[Rebba Chism · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would think this beautiful, wonderful lady blessed with a glorious unforgettable voice, who seemed strong, outgoing and confident onstage, really is a shy introvert that felt she had no voice. Sandi takes you on a journey from being voiceless to finding the Voice God gave her. She shares intimate stories of her life, starting as a young child of sexual abuse, struggles she faced along the way and her feelings of being unworthy of love. Don't be surprised if you find yourself in many of the pages.
Thank you Sandi for your honesty, your willingness to share with others and your words of inspiration. So blessed I had the privilege of following you all these years. You are so special and Sandi you are Voiceless no longer.❤️

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

review can be found at Hope By The Book: https://www.hopebythebook.com/blog1/2...

[Tobias Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved Sandi Patty as long as I can remember. All the Sopranos in our church would sing all her songs from WE SHALL BEHOLD HIM to ALLELUIA to HAND ON MY SHOULDER.

When I went to College and studied Music Ministry, Sandi Patty's was one of the only Christian artists who had nearly an entire section devoted to her including a photo, others didn't get half of that.

Review:
Learning that Sandi Patty is an introvert with a such a huge talent and gifting really wow'd me. I learned how she found her voice by living God's word and living out errors of life. Surely we've all been there.

Such a model and beacon to not only the christian world, but singers, artists etc.

She teaches us to Feel God's embrace, Make Peace with Your Body, Give Yourself permission to feel, Hold on to Anchors (family, church, community), Its never too late start over and to Know that You Are always loved (through all the offenses of life...sexual, emotional, physical).

Long live Queen Soprano Sandi Patty!

[Susan Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandi Patty’s new book, The Voice, is More Than Wonderful! You could say it is a Masterpiece. Was it a Morning Like This when she began to discover her true voice, and to sing it with Love (in Any Language) For All the World? The reader is taken to Another Time, Another Place as Sandi shares the joy and struggle of finding her voice after All This Time. When we find ourselves In The In Between, Sandi’s thoughtful questions that follow each chapter assure us that Grace Flows Down, and we are inspired to find our own voice so that Love Will Be Our Home. Through it All, she encourages us to listen for God’s voice as we move toward the day when We Shall Behold Him and to always, always Give Him the Glory. Amen! Let There Be Praise to God, and for Sandi’s honest and inspirational words. Sandi Patty’s Voice has been the soundtrack of my life, and for that I am Forever Grateful.

[MT · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever heard Sandi Patty sing you'll never forget it. Once you read Sandi Patty's words in this book you will never forget it either! I anticipated that this book would be interesting but wondered if it would be a bit depressing as she expressed "hidden" parts of her life story. It was anything but a downer. I was so uplifted by this book I was in tears half the time. As Sandi shares vulnerable, authentically and without excuses God's powerful love is the overwhelming theme over and over in this book. The story is extremely well written - beautiful heart soul reaching language - and the depth of openness is amazing. Each chapter tells a bit of her story from preschool Sandi to grandmother Sandi. The detailed way God has led and loved her at each stage of her life can't help but inspire and bring the reader to her knees. It gave me a sense of wanting to know God deeper and trust Him more fully for everything, absolutely everything in my life. This book is a fascinating story but so much more. It is a devotional book with journal type questions and a scripture at the end of each chapter. It is can be a tool to helping someone find the professional help they need for emotional support or to overcome addictions. It is a spiritual balm that reinforces the Biblical promise that God is for us and not against us, that God not only forgives but redeems and gives new life. What a blessing that Sandi Patty was willing to share her story without reserve to help others see the God of love she discovered.



I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

[Wesley Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a Sandi Patty fan since I could walk. My grandparents bought me a copy of The Friendship Company. Until recently (2009) I only really knew the voice of Sandi Patty. I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel all over the country to see her perform. I was even bestowed the honor of helping at one of her concerts in 2014. I thought I knew all there was to know about this incredible woman. I’ve read all of her books, seen all her concerts, and own several copies of all her albums, I even went to Starbucks and got her and the other performers coffee, so I must know her, right? Wrong! I was fortunate enough to get an early copy of “The Voice”. I almost immediately realized I didn’t know her at all. She is like me, she’s vulnerable, she’s shy, she’s nothing like the person I had put on a pedestal for all those years, she’s human. Let me tell you, I felt like she was telling her story to me, and only me. Sandi is a brave person, anyone who has read her previous books might think that she was brave for telling her story in Broken On The Back Row: A Journey Through Grace and Forgiveness, and she was. In this book, Sandi sheds her stage persona, she shows you the wounds of her life. The Voice challenges you to not only read her words, but to learn from her words, her struggles, her life. I might be a life long fan, but this is a truly unbiased opinion, this book will change your life. Get it, read it, reread it, learn from it!

[Linda Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reveals Sandi Patty to be open, honest, transparent, humble, vulnerable and real. We learn that for many years this great singer known as The Voice didn’t have a voice to express her innermost feelings. Like many of us, she has struggled with feeling invisible, hopeless, worthless – she often believed herself to be a failure �� she was broken, damaged, and suffering. She had gotten the idea that her voice didn’t matter and that she didn’t matter. But as the Psalmist expressed in Psalm 18:6 and as Sandi quoted in the book, “in my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” The subtitle of the book is Listening for God’s Voice and Finding Your Own, and Sandi shares how we can find our voice when we hear God’s voice. The book is more than an autobiography – it is a guide for hearing God’s voice, finding your voice, and using that voice to help and encourage others and to glorify God. Finding your voice takes you to a place of living your life as God meant for it to be, of achieving your potential in life, of being able to speak truth. Sandi not only walks us through some of the struggles of her past, but also shares her current life struggles. Because of her openness, we can see parallels in our own lives, and can learn that we too are worth having a voice. We can let our voices usher us into the life we were meant to live.

[Sharon Goodwin]

This book was the most candid I believe I have ever read; so good that I read the entire book in one setting; I could not separate from it. There was just such rich content, great topics, Scriptures that used the word voice and what the Word of God has to say about it; and thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter that challenged you to stop and think, ponder, examine, pause, it literally met you where you were at. Some of the questions you couldn’t deny that they resonated with you. Some bought back unpleasant memories of a situation you had forgotten about or had not dealt with hence, conviction set in; I cried, I laughed, and I prayed that this book will break book selling charts because everyone needs to get a copy and absorb it so they can get delivered from whatever they are dealing with. This book needs to be a teaching instrument because it can help anyone in any situation since it’s about truth, This book will not only help you to find your voice, but also help you find truth to your freedom, restoration and the grace of God [receive and extend]. Thank you Sandi Patty for sharing your compassionate heart with the world; I’m changed because of it.
Dr. Sharon Goodwin

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have known Sandi Patty for 12 years through her phenomenal voice and anointed songs that are timeless. I never thought that “The Voice” book would impact my life—simply because Sandi and I have a common denominator which is voicelessness. In different situations of life such as personal turmoil, at work and interpersonal relationships, being voiceless is inevitable because I do not have the courage or I can’t find the right words to speak of. But whenever I turn to God’s word and stumbled upon Proverbs 3:5-6 and the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 3, all I could do is just be faithful to the Lord and there I find my voice amidst life’s adversity. Sandi is being brutally-honest in her words. I felt different emotions upon reading the entire book. It expresses her inner core that behind her astounding and Grammy Award winning-voice, a heartwrenching experience yet graciously restored life can inspire and encourage anyone to examine their hearts to find their own voice and listen to God’s calling to desist veering off from the truth. There are Bible verses and questions written at the end of each chapter and it paves the way to remind and assess myself—my values and self-worth—how do I present myself to other people and most importantly to God. “The Voice” is a must to add in your reading collection.

[Shannon Bain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Sandi once in a life time voice as a kid who was coming coming out of the rubble of years of sexual abuse at the hand of a family member. Her voice wrapped around songs that brought hope to this broken kid and pointed him toward hope. To me she was the example of someone that had it all and surely knew nothing of being broken. Then in the early 90’s that mask sorta started coming off, and we started seeing and hearing a more authentic Sandi. Somehow her speaking her truth even when it was hard, helped me to begin a journey of healing and finding my own more honest and authentic self. This book finds Sandi once again sharing her heart and stories in a way that reminds us all where to go to find hope.

I read this book in one sitting—I couldn’t put it down. I have a feeling many of you will have the same experience. From the dawn of time mankind has had this inate need within them to tell and hear stories—it’s just sorta in our DNA. We all need each other and that’s ok. Thank you, Sandi.

[Carin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her latest book Sandi Patty holds nothing back as she takes us through the life long journey to find her voice. Sandi tells the raw and unvarnished story of how abuse as a young child by a family friend left her feeling not only powerless but voiceless. Later that voicelessness affected every corner of her life as she grew up, married and had a family of her own. Eventually she would
realize the depth, power and healing grace of the Lord she sings so beautifully about. Sandi would learn through that healing, restoration and grace that the Lord also gave a voice to her voicelessness. In her book Sandi engages her reader and with the same compassion she found,
she invites her reader in and engages them in the conversation with each chapter ending with some discussion points to help you discover your voice. I believe with some prayerful consideration and thought to the message they carry, you too can be on your way to discovering your own voice too.

[Sandra Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being the same age and having the same name, I have always followed and loved Sandi Patty. I have loved all of her books and this one is no exception. With age comes wisdom and Sandi has found her voice and imparts such wisdom in this book as she shares her journey through the years.

We see the bright and shining Sandi on the stage but her life has been filled with valleys too. Even when she appeared to have it all, this quiet introvert struggled with self doubt and feeling worthy.

Sandi is so loving and encouraging and her writing gives hope to others who may have experienced some of the things she went through. Expect to feel like she is speaking to you as you read along.

Don’t hesitate! Order the book today. It is captivating and I love Sandi Patty even more for sharing her touching story of how she found her voice.

[Sheri Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I begin the process of reading this book I keep hearing the words, "then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, How Great Thou Art! How Great Thou Art...."
The words used by Sandi Patty express her heart and tells her story of how God works thru the process of life to help her find her voice - to help her find her place - to help her find her value and purpose in Gods plan.
We all have a voice - a God given purpose - that He only knows. He shapes us and molds us and makes us into who He has designed for us to be.
This is a must read for anyone!
Feel alone? Questioning Gods purpose? His timing? Wonder what will be the next thing? God only knows!! And that is a good thing!
Read her story - listen to her heart as she walks thru her search to find her God given voice. You just might find yours in the process!

[Lisa Hollaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading THE VOICE, by Sandi Patty, I feel stronger and less afraid to allow my own voice to emerge. She has handed me a piece of her heart and soul in the pages of this book. Sandi tells of her struggle throughout her life to find her own voice - despite the fact she was labeled "The Voice" many years ago and has proven herself worthy of the title. Sandi's book offers so much hope and encouragement to anyone who needs reminded of God's infinite love. We ARE seen. We ARE heard. An important message everyone can take away from her words is that we can look back on the messiest times of our lives and see how God has put the broken pieces back together. He can take the bad and work it for good. Her latest and most candid work is well worth reading!!
Lisa Hollaway
Waldo, Ohio

[Julie Weekly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved the music of Sandi Patty and I always thought “ her life must be so easy.” After reading her new book, The Voice, I now realize that even the most gifted people have struggles, pain and hurts just like the rest of us. In her new book, Sandi revealed things in her past that brought me to tears for her and other things that made me rejoice with her. She was raw, open and unfiltered. She made me realize that no matter who you are, your voice needs to be heard. Sandi has helped me see that my voice needs to be heard and I matter. I know so many women who need to read this to help them find their voices too. I was truly inspired by the raw and frank openness that Sandi exhibited in this book and I can’t wait to give copies to the women in my life that mean so much to me. Thank you Sandi! Bravo once again! I will forever be a fan.

[Pam Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Voice is the most touching book I have had the privilege to read. Sandi speaks from her heart about her real life experiences and how it influenced her today. She is an amazing writer, a faithful Christian, and a beautiful soul, and of all her books, The VOICE touches my heart and mind. I related to many episodes in her life and now feel like I have new methods to overcome some of the bad coping mechanisms developed during my years. Thank You Sandi for your honesty, your Faithfulness, and your Voice. You have truely helped me begin the journey of finding mine.
Buy the book and read it several times. It will change your life if you allow her words and experiences to influence you, stimulate thought, and encourage heart felt prayer. #THEVOICEBOOK #HEARTANDMINDHEALING #SANDIPATTY.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that demanded my full attention from the start to the finish! Sandi's story captivated me, completely! There were moments within these pages where I felt her pain, experienced her joy and rooted for her happiness.

Her story is one of faith, hope, love, forgiveness, perseverance, self-discovery and a testimony to the God who restores!

The author has opened up her heart and given us (the readers) an in-depth tour of what makes it beat. Her storytelling style is honest, bold, kind and encouraging. I admire her bravery in not holding back from revealing the painful points of her life journey and as a reader, it made me feel like I too can be brave to find then to share my own voice.

Sandi is one of my favorite Christian musicians and now she is one of my favorite authors.

Go buy this book! It's worth your time.

[Steph Hensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading “The Voice”, by Sandi Patty, I truly can say it was enlightening. It will help many women or men, who feel inferior or inadequate. Anytime you are abused, rather it is physically, mentally and or sexually, you withdraw within yourself. The internal lies of those who abused you; for example; “You’re worthless, you’re stupid, you’re nothing” play over and over in your head & affect your daily decisions. These voices only verify what the abuser wants us to believe and they follow you until you confront them. With this book you will find assistance to allow you to start hearing what God thinks of you. Only then can you replace the thoughts of the abuser with God’s unconditional love.

[Carol M. Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally inspired by the Holy Spirit

I have been blessed by Sandi Party's music for many years. Several years ago I read her book, Broken on the Back Row, and was very moved and broken hearted for her. I'm so glad that she wrote the Voice. I was very moved by her story and the process God has brought her through.

Sandi seems to be an humble vessel and there's no doubt that God has used her mightily. I was deeply moved and blessed by reading this book. My cup ran over as I read of her growth and blessings God has given her. As she glorified God I found myself praising God with her.

This is a fantastic story of God's love and grace and a yielded vessel.











read her book

[Martha Salters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved hearing Sandi Patty sing over 30 years! Probably close to 35. I've been privileged to hear her in concert several times. Most recently on her Forever Grateful tour when she came to my hometown and I actually was blessed to meet and have a conversation with she and her nice husband. They were both so down to earth and friendly. Never would i have guessed that Sandi had struggled through the years to find her "voice." This book takes the reader into Sandi 's life off and on stage. It is full of encouragement and hope for others who may still be searching for their own voice. It is easy to read and hard to put down once you start reading. Read it! You will be glad!!

[Leigh McGuirt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book, I have found many similar things in my life that Sandi has sheared about hers. This is an excellent book to read. She has given me more encouragement to be myself and speak up. What I have to say does matter, and just might help someone else! It’s helped me to be a stronger Christian and to be honest with myself and others, and especially turn to Jesus Christ the main voice to God for my answers through prayer. She has helped me know even stronger that all things are possible with God and to like myself! Best book I’ve read in a long time.
I have all Sandi Patty’s books she has written about her life and I give her a big woooohoooo on this one!!!!

[Bethel Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandi Patty has an incredible Voice, both singing, and speaking. I have always loved her music and am so excited about this book. She has so much to say, she shares things in this book that will touch any heart that is open. Her words of wisdom, as she shares parts of her life that are not easy to share; but I believe she shares her message in this book to help others find help, that others might be healed and set free from the things that are holding them back from being everything they were created to be. I recommend this book highly. Its a story about God's love, his redemptive power, and reconciliation.

[Judy Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long enjoyed the music of Sandi Patty and several books that she has written. This newest one, “The Voice - Listening for God’s Voice and Finding Your Own” is no exception and had captured my attention by the skillfully crafted second chapter which talked about events in her life which had reset her “clock” wrong.

I believe this book can best be summed up by her own words, “I want my audiences to discover how to listen for God’s voice in all the milestones and challenges of life so they will find their own voices and grow in their identities and abilities to express who they are, who they were created to be.”

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a time when I was disappointed in Sandi Patty and found it hard to even listen to her music, which I had previously liked very much. I no longer feel that way. Now I realize that it isn't my place to judge, and I have learned a lot from reading this book. Here Sandi reveals what has been going on in her head for many years and how she deals with it. She has learned to speak her mind--use her voice. What I am learning is to ignore the voice in my head that causes negative thoughts and emotions. The other thing I appreciate is that Sandi makes no excuses for her choices and the consequences of her actions. I especially like the chapter on guilt--what a meaningful illustration!

[LAMONT D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A VERY HONEST AND RELFECTIVE BOOK BY ONE OF OUR FAVORITE CHRISTIAN PERFORMERS. I LIKE THE "DISCOVERING YOUR VOICE" SECTIONS AFTER EACH CHAPTER THAT ASKED POIGNANT QUESTIONS AND SHARE A BIBLE VERSE USUALLY USING THE WORD "VOICE". I DID NOT REALIZE WHAT SHE HAD GONE THROUGH AND BROUGHT ON HERSELF OVER THE YEARS AND THE STRUGGLES THAT SHE HAD TO OVERCOME GROWING UP AS WELL AS THROUGHOUT HER PROFESSIONAL LIFE WHILE DEALING WITH DIVORCE AND A BLENDED FAMILY LIFE AS WELL. I WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANY PERSON BUT ESPECIALLY TO THOSE THAT LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AND ALSO THOSE THAT STRUGGLE TO FIND THEIR OWN VOICE IN LIFE.