Christians have seen Leandria Johnson’s type before in the pages of scripture. Her journey to Sunday Best unfolded like the familiar biblical account of the woman with the “issue” of blood who desperately pressed her way through a crowd just to touch the hem of Christ’s garment. In an interview Johnson testified that her issue was losing her home to foreclosure a day before she auditioned.
Despite this unfortunate news, Johnson decided to pray and press her way to the New Orleans Convention Center to compete for a chance at having a better life. Wearing flip flops and gym socks and an outfit she’d pulled together from clothing she’d blindly tossed in a bag, Johnson was almost eliminated because she did not look the part according to show Judge Erica Campbell.
There was a time when the vocalist didn’t want to live she confessed in a one-on-one conversation with Burrell, but she believes God kept her “in the midst of it all.” Thankful she’s still here, Johnson, also a mother of three, encouraged other struggling young women to never give up.
“It’s never over and always remember you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you,” she said.
What motivated you to audition for the show?
One of my friends told me about it, but my kids are what motivated me. When I lost my house and everything, I was motivated through knowing what I could do for my kids if everything went well with “Sunday Best.”
Tell us about your trials with losing your home.
I didn’t have the finances. They came and didn’t give me notice at all and told me I had to be out within a certain amount of hours. I sat in the living room with my kids. They’re 5, 4 and 10 mos. I had to leave some stuff. I had no storage and nowhere for us to go. I knew I wanted better for my kids. I thought I’d try out and see where I go from there.
Are you surprised you made it this far?
I didn’t have any idea. I wasn’t worrying about whether I did or didn’t make it. I wanted somebody to hear my testimony. That’s what I was going in to do. I wanted someone to hear my pain.
What’s your favorite hymn and why?
My favorite hymn is “He Was There All the Time.” There have been times that I’ve been going through and I didn’t know if I was going to get out of it successfully. He showed up right in the nick of time. I’m only here because I know God is alive and well, and He’s been here for me.
What are you going to do if you win?
Well, the cash prize, I would throw that into my church. I love my ministry. It should be very important to anyone. It’s important that they tithe into the ministry. It only helps you if it helps your leaders. I’m just excited about my future and what God’s going to do and has already done. I’d like to thank everyone who’s prayed for me.
And of course, she won... Congratulations LeAndria, your story is truly motivational!!
Here's a clip of LeAndria singing one of my favorite songs "Running Back to You"
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