If you’re in the market for some encouragement, then Beyond Me by Melinda Doolittle is the book for you!

In case you need a refresher, Melinda competed on Season 6 of American Idol, and had the solid backing of the love-to-hate-him judge Simon Cowell. She was voted off in the number three position, leaving the competition just before the finale. Since then, she has had a burgeoning music career, making appearances all over the globe–even at the White House for President George W. Bush. Her debut album, Coming Back To You, was released in early 2009.

I had the privilege of speaking with Melinda on the phone recently to ask a few questions about her life and book.

Q: What made you want to write a book?

Melinda: I didn’t at first! I was approached by the publisher, but I thought I didn’t have anything to tell people. They called a meeting and as we talked, they convinced me that all the life lessons I kept mentioning were perfect for a book. Once they went that direction, I thought, “I am IN!”  The book is filled with lessons (from my Mommy) that I still use today–that anyone can use. I could fill three books with the stuff my mama taught me!

Q: Where’s home for you?

Melinda:  Franklin, Tennessee

Q:  What’s your favorite comfort food?

Melinda:  Sweet potato ANYTHING, apple desserts of any kind, and–this is weird–broccoli.

Q:  Whom do you admire?

Melinda:  My mommy!  And Gladys Knight. But mostly my mommy. She wins the prize. She’s my best friend. She struggled to make sure I had the best growing up and now she can enjoy this with me. She is the Godliest woman. She keeps on me and I love that! She’ll call and ask me, “How was your quiet time this morning?” And sometimes I say, “Well, I like to have my quiet time later in the day …”

Q:  And what do you admire about Gladys Knight?

Melinda:  She’s one of my ultimates because I have seen her on AND off the stage … when she is off (stage) she is just as admirable.

Q:  What’s the best thing about being in the public eye?

Melinda:  Having a platform to work with children. I get to go into schools and talk to kids about their dreams, telling them that with God all things are possible. I get to talk with kids at the height of trying to figure out who they are and I am able to share these things my mama taught me, like in the book.

Another great thing is getting to work with Malaria No More.

Q:  What is the worst thing, then, about being in the public eye?

Melinda:  Having to learn who I can trust–even friends, or potential men in my life. When a guy seems interested in me, I have to wonder if he really likes me or if he just wants to play in my band. I guess, missing my true friends.

Q:  What do you want people to know about you?

Melinda:  I am silly! I think people see however many minutes of you on a TV show and think they know who you are. Like, I’m sassy! I feel like, “Does everybody know I’m a black woman?!” I think it’s important for Christians to have fun. I’m sweet, but I’m silly and sassy.  And I like it!

Q:  Do you have a favorite Scripture or a “life verse”?

Melinda:  Ephesians 3:20. I sign it on every autograph because my motto is “Dream Big!”  Not only can you dream big, but then God takes that and adds His twist. I see it day after day.  It reminds me to take my dreams and God-size them, and then see His faithfulness.

Q:  What would you say to encourage women going about their everyday lives with jobs, family, stresses, etc.?

Melinda:  Nothing is new to God. He knows what He’s doing and He cares. Some days I forget that I have help! Especially being single and a business owner–I feel like it’s just ME having to do all this. But I’m not alone! It’s NOT just me. I have help! All I have to do is ask for help and be His child.

This conversation with Melinda is exactly like her voice in the book! She has written page after page of fun, hilarious and inspiring stories about her life and her journey from anonymity to stardom. Reading Beyond Me was like sitting down to a holiday dinner with your favorite distant cousin and catching up on the past year. I read it in one sitting and was left satisfied, but wishing there were just a bit more … like the craving for just ONE more piece of pie after the feast.

Melinda Doolittle is a phenomenal singer who has a phenomenal story and loves a phenomenal God. She is using her influence to make a difference in the lives of everyone she meets, and she’s the first to admit “It’s BEYOND ME!”

To find out more about Melinda, her music and her book, check out her website: www.melindadoolittle.com

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Crista Ashworth

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