Mandisa’s new single “Unfinished” is basically my life right now.
I love to encourage people and I believe it’s one of my grace gifts, but every now and then I feel drained, overwhelmed and uncertain. Where do the encouragers get their encouragement from? There are a few godly sources, and sometimes you have to encourage yourself in the Lord as David did in Psalms.
This is probably why I resonated with the lyrics in Mandisa’s newest song:
“Not scared to say it, I used to be the one
Preaching it to you, that you could overcome
I still believe it, but it ain’t easy”
When you’re so used to helping others in their wait while you’re waiting, you too may wonder when your wait will be over. Waiting for your career to start, to get that degree, to start that business, or to get into a relationship. It’s more than okay to admit that “God’s still working on me” as Mandisa declares in the contemporary Christian song. It’s an uplifting mid-tempo song that the songstress is known for. She’s given us hits over the years including “Overcomer,” “Stronger” and “Good Morning” featuring Toby Mac.
“No, my God’s not done making me a masterpiece”
So what’s the inspiration behind this song?
Mandisa recently shared that the song “Overcomer” was inspired by her best friend who was battling breast cancer. When she passed and went on to be with the Lord and that season left Mandisa questioning why God would allow these things to happen. “I went to the deepest depression of my life, and I was there for several years,” says Mandisa.
As God was lifting her out of the pit of despair, she learned these lessons:
His ways are higher and His ways are better. Things are going to happen that we may not understand. “But God is still good and still faithful. And even when I don’t understand, I can trust and I can rest in that truth,” Mandisa shared faithfully.
Mandisa’s other lesson came from Philippians 1:6: “Be confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Do you find yourself in the same battles and sins? Don’t be ashamed, God is not done with you, so don’t feel bad. Repent, don’t look back, and keep trusting God in the process. “Even if you mess up time and time again, it’s not how many times you fall down, it’s how many times you get back up.”
“You’re not a mess, you’re not a failure, you’re not a mistake. You’re just unfinished.”
That was encouraging to hear of that vulnerable moment in her life. Often times we see people and think they are so far ahead in the game but they have their own battles, moments of doubt, and process in faith to work out with the Lord. Thankfully He is so patient and loving with us that we can boldly proclaim that what He has started in us He is faithful to complete.
Philippians 1:6 is the same scripture I put towards the end of my book, Journey to 30, because I believe God that there is much more to life than what we see in the right now season of our lives. God loves us beyond our expectations of how things should go, our deadlines and our faults. It relates to God’s handwriting out our life story, and for us to have the faith in Him to walk it out, even when we are unsure of the hows, whens whats and wheres. So encourage yourself with the Lord’s truth, and remember as Mandisa has:
“He’s started something good and I’m gonna believe it
He’s started something good and He’s gonna complete it
So I’ll celebrate the truth, His work in me ain’t through,
I’m just unfinished…”
Be on the lookout for Mandisa’s new album “Out of the Dark” releasing May 19th.
Tatianah is the founder of the blog BLISSforSingles.com {Black Love & Inspiration for Saved Singles} where she encourages singles in faith and love. She recently published her first book entitled Journey to 30: A Single Woman's Guide to Living Unapologetically Without Deadlines. Tatianah works, plays and lives unapologetically for Christ in Chicago.
Anike released her lastest new single “Holy Girls” today and it’s set to be the new anthem for Christian ladies all summer! Giving the typical high energy all of Anike’s music gives, this one is going to make new mark in the industry and in the hearts of fans everywhere!
GiGi didn’t always know Faith based music would be her lane. Before stepping into Christian R&B, she was preparing to release a secular record, but things didn’t move the way she expected. Doors closed, plans shifted, and what felt confusing at the time ended up being intentional.
That season forced a real decision. Instead of pushing through what wasn’t working, she paid attention to the signs and what God was speaking to her heart in that season. It was during this time of transition that she decided to fully surrender her sound to God. And that “yes” changed everything, not just in direction, but in how her music started to come together.
Out of that shift came her 2025 release “Everlasting,” where listeners first heard the difference. The single centered on obedience, intimacy with God, and what it looks like to trust His direction even when it interrupts your own plans. It wasn’t just a new song — it marked a turning point in her story.
Her music was manifesting in a more grounded message – something more honest, and more connected to her actual walk. It wasn’t just about creating a vibe for attention or to pursue fame. It has now become her goal to make it clear that this version of her and her music is about purpose and inspiring others through Christ. It’s never easy in any industry taking a public stand like this. But, the single was met with nothing less than respect and great feedback from fans on her sound, the message of transformation and the vibes! She has landed interviews on Sirius XM while also being featured on countless blogs – only proving that she’s heading in the right direction.
Now with her latest single “My Heart,” she continues on that same pathway. This song leans into more vulnerability, touching on trust, surrender, and what it looks like to give God access to every part of you. It carries the smooth, familiar feel of R&B, but with continued intention behind every lyric.
That balance is important right now. The sound of R&B is shifting, and so are listeners. People are looking for more than something that just sounds good — they want music that connects, that reflects real life, and in many cases, something that speaks to where they are spiritually.
GiGi is stepping into that space, even if it’s not where she originally planned to be. She’s answering a call that didn’t fully make sense at first, but now shows up clearly in the music she’s creating. And that honesty is what makes it land every time.
Sometimes doors close so we can hear what’s actually meant for us. For GiGi, that led to a sound that reflects who she is now, and it’s clear she’s only building from here.
We’re excited to keep watching this artist grow! Scroll down to hear both singles that have been birthed from this new transition in her life and music.
After a three-city string of private listening events and insightful new interview with Sway In The Morning, Miami’s own Aklesso unveils his deeply personal album Still Lonely, released via Rodney Jerkins’ Alienz Alive. A follow-up to his praised 2024 album Lonely, the project solidifies him as one of Hip-Hop’s most honest storytellers.
Produced by Okay.Benny, William Soolua, and GLEECE, Still Lonely is a vulnerable, atmospheric exploration of fatherhood, faith, abandonment, and generational healing. The album expands the emotional universe introduced through his recent singles, including the Lecrae-collaborated single “Lonely” and the Darrel Jones–directed “Range!” featuring 1K Phew.
Listen to Still Lonely in its entirety below and watch his intimate conversation with Darkchild below:
“Aklesso’s story, his culture, and his sound all carry a weight that this generation needs to hear. From Miami to Haiti to the global stage, he’s not just making records, he’s making an impact. At Alienz Alive, we’re about building legacy, and Aklesso embodies that. I couldn’t be more excited to walk this journey with him.”
The Haitian lyricist, Aklesso, shares:
“This is the most honest project I’ve ever made. It’s not about perfect answers, it’s about presence. It’s about realizing God was with me even in the moments I felt the most alone.”
Be sure to stream and purchase this latest release – Now Available everywhere where music is sold.