By Jami Greene
Pink Noire contributor, Jami Greene, was gracious to share an interview she did with Gospel singer and winner of season three, BET's Sunday's Best, Le'Andria Johnson.
Wow!
So, it's my privilege and honor to also announce, Ms. Johnson, is Pink Noire's Artist of the Month.
I couldn't let this one slip by and not award her with PN's honor.
"On September 25, 2013, I was honored to be among a select
group of Bloggers who were privileged to speak with Grammy and Stellar
Award Winner, Le’Andria Johnson. As most of the world knows, Le’Andria
Johnson was the Season 3 Winner of the Sunday’s Best. Since achieving
that life changing milestone, Le’Andria continues to show us exactly what
perseverance and faith can do. Below are some of the questions and
answers that were shared during this call. Take a moment to receive
insight into the heart and soul of this phenomenal woman. Be blessed!"
Jami: After all
of the adversity you have faced in life, why do you think that you are still
here? How are you still standing?
LE’ANDRIA JOHNSON: I am still here because I want to
be. I am still here because I want to see change for myself and for
others.
What was the toughest
part for you of ministering while you were pregnant with a child out of
wedlock?
The toughest part for me was trying to reach women who were
in a similar situation. I wanted to encourage them that their life was
not over because of this particular situation. Please understand that the
toughest part was NOT be concerned about what the Bishops, or Pastors, even my
record label thought of me. We are all human and we all make mistakes or
make bad choices. That’s life.
What advice would you
give to other young woman who find themselves single and pregnant in the
Church?
To have that baby and find a place where they are not judged
and condemned. To have that baby and find a place where they will be
loved and supported as they continue to strengthen their personal relationship
with God.
How do you keep from
falling apart during your trials?
I keep from falling apart by appreciating the process.
I know that everything I go through has a purpose and it’s not just about
me. I also remember that He’s the same God in every situation. Just
like He brought me through before, He will do it again.
At what age did you
become aware of your calling to ministry?
I have always known that I would minister in some way.
I also knew that elevations in ministry would come and that I just needed
to be ready and willing to follow His lead.
As a PK (Preacher’s
Kid), did you ever resent the requirements of ministry on your parents?
Heck yeah. There was always something going on the
required their time and attention. Whether it was a 50 night revival,
shut-in or something else. There was no balance and I definitely grew to
resent that. Church was our WHOLE life. I believe that growing up
that way both protected and crippled me. It crippled me regarding “life.”
That is one reason why I have done some of the things that I have done
such as my relationships with men, my style of dress, etc. I couldn’t
wait to do the things that I had not been allowed to do. However, in my
process, I found God for myself!
What is the greatest
life lesson you have learned since winning Sunday’s Best?
To trust God and NOT man!
What encouraged you
to begin Pastoring?
I followed the leading of God. I also followed my
desire to look in the face of a Le’Andria Johnson and them them hope. I
want to speak life into them. I want them to understand that they are so
much more than their current situation.
Why do you sing Gospel Music?
I sing Gospel Music because it provides a stream of life to
people. Gospel Music has historically inspired other types of music and continues
to provide people with a connection to God. Gospel Music changes lives.
Pastor Le’Andria Johnson unselfishly allowed us to look into
her heart and hear her love for people. She was very “real” and did not
leave me feeling that I was speaking with an untouchable “celebrity.” She
is a woman who is secure in who God made her to be. A wife, mother,
daughter, sister, singer and pastor, she is one of a kind. I was truly
blessed by this opportunity and pray for continual manifested favor in her life.
