So just who is the successful, humble, mission-minded woman behind that powerful voice?

Brio: Describe yourself in just a few words.
Mandisa: That’s a hard one! I guess I’m a personable introvert who has to spend time by herself but also enjoys being with other people.

Did you enjoy your experience on “American Idol”?
Absolutely! I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

What was your favorite part?
Well, I was very content beforehand with my music. I was doing studio work, some background singing for different artists and leading worship at church, and I loved that. But “American Idol” allowed me to tell people who maybe would never step foot in a church about the Lord! And now I’m invited to sing at games and fairs and festivals. I wouldn’t have that opportunity if it weren’t for my time on the show.

Was it important to you to be vocal about your Christian beliefs during the show?
Well, the fact of the matter is, that’s who I am, and when you’re on “American Idol,” you really shouldn’t try to pretend to be anybody else. And I talk about the Lord in my everyday life, so I couldn’t help but talk about Him there!

How did you feel after you didn’t advance past the seventh week?
That began a very difficult time in my life. I had been really praying to the Lord about what His purpose was, and I really did feel from Him that I was going to make it further than I did. When I didn’t, I thought, I can’t hear from God. God failed me. There was a lot of controversy surrounding my elimination, and that hurt. But I’ve certainly learned more lessons from that dark period than any other time in my life.

So God taught you not only through being on the show, but from being eliminated as well?
I think we learn the most during difficult situations. We never want to face them, but I think that’s where God really squeezes out our character. When things are great, I don’t think we learn quite as much.

So what did God teach you through everything?
Oh my, it would take me an entire day to tell you all the lessons I learned! But I think the biggest one was that I felt like I had to perform and do an excellent job in order to feel His love, so when things fell apart, I really learned that God loves me despite my performance. Of course I’ve read all the Scriptures that tell me it is by grace I’m saved and not by my works—I’ve heard that my whole life! But I don’t think I believed it. It’s through failure that I learned He still loves me, and His love isn’t based on performance.

Your album is called True Beauty. What do you think makes a person truly beautiful?
It’s all about what’s on the inside! I believe that it’s the Lord living inside of us that makes us beautiful. It’s an inner beauty that comes from a gentle and a quiet spirit. I think God has made us all beautiful, and we find that unfading beauty through our relationship with Him.

I’ve heard you speak before about your struggle with your weight and body image. What have you learned from that? Do you have any advice for someone who may be struggling in the same way?
Two things: first, you’re not defined by your outward appearance. Even if you are struggling with your weight, your body doesn’t define you! Second, focus on health. Eat the foods that are good for you. I think diets can be very dangerous, because you diet, you lose weight, and then you go back to your regular eating habits and gain it all back. Eat your vegetables! Eat your fruits! Also, when you go somewhere, park farther from the door than you normally would and walk. Instead of taking elevators, walk up the stairs. Just do little things in your life, and don’t try to look like the models. Focus on health and on loving the Lord. And don’t get down—you’re already beautiful!

You say you don’t put your value on what other people say about you. So what do you value?
Well, I try very hard not to put my value on what people say, but it’s a struggle! It’s hard to look in the mirror every day and see the things I don’t like, but I really try to make a practice of not speaking negatively about myself. I try to make a practice of saying, “The Bible tells me that the King is enthralled by my beauty. God tells me I am valued, precious and loved, that I am a powerful woman of God.” I value my relationship with the Lord and the relationships He allows me to have with other people. I also value the importance of finishing well and being able to say at the end of my life that I really lived according to what God wanted.

Now, for the very important questions. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Who carves the bird at your family dinner?
My Dad! He’s an alpha-male, so it’s definitely his job.

What do you think is a good name for a turkey?
Who names their turkeys?

You don’t?
OK, I guess . . . Jerkey?

Do you know of any Thanksgiving carols?
No, but I remember going Christmas caroling with my high school choir back in Sacramento, Calif.

One more very important question. Is sweet potato pie a vegetable or a dessert?
A DESSERT! Who thinks it’s a vegetable?!