In today's WaPo Express magazine, an article about gospel singer Kirk Franklin talks about his recently released "Hero" album, his new concert tour, and his triumph over a certain struggle.
His concert tour will also feature Mary Mary and Yolanda Adams. If you're a big fan of his work and in the DC area at the specified time, he is scheduled to perform at Constitution Hall on April 20th and 21st. Check his website for details.
On page 12, the newspaper interview cites details about his past dealing with pornography addiction. Kirk gets frank about it. He says something profound about the effects of viewing pornography.
- "It's the whole thing about sex and booties and cars, and at some point we have to realize that there's going to be aftereffects of that. If we feed a generation that type of message, we're going to have a very unhealthy generation of kids that are not going to be good for anything."
Along with a frank confession about porn, he talks about the repercussions of being so transparent. One song on the new album, Let it Go, refers to the story. I've listened to the song sample on the Amazon website, and the song borrows lyrics from Tears for Fears, Shout. I have yet to listen to the whole album, but the customer reviews on Amazon have been quite good.
Here is a quote about what is his take-home message for the upcoming "Hero" tour.
- Even in 2006, the gospel is still reliable, is still credible.... This ain't a Kanye concert but it's just as crunk, it's just as crunk as a Lil' Jon concert. And we're also presenting something that has eternal value, instead of just a good time.
Also, here is an extensive take on the interview from the Houston Chronicle.
Through other weblogs, I found out about more information about the public disclosure. In December 2005, Oprah invited him and his wife Tammy to her show to talk about his life-long addiction and triumph over it. They also did an interview for the 700 club.
His confession about struggle and victory over lust should be commended as he was willing to bring up the pornography addiction topic in the open. With the help of his pastor (and I would think along with his wife's assistance and patience), he has conquered what some people consider as "normal" behavior or what others consider something shameful.
Any type of recovery is such a rough process. I do know. It has been said before, but it is true. I just take it one day at a time. This part of the discussion could be a separate posting, but I don't want to digress at the moment. Maybe one day I will be willing to write it down as an entry.
Since we are talking about a contentious topic along with the music, can it be a good or bad thing? Some people would argue that this topic is merely used as self promotion. Does his testimony promote the music? Or is it the other way? Does his music promote the testimony?
For this case, they work together. Ultimately, testimonies and music can serve as good promotion (evangelical) tools as well as any Biblical resource or church service!
15For [the Spirit which] you have now received
[is] not a spirit of slavery
to put you once more in bondage to fear,
but you have received the Spirit of adoption
[the Spirit producing sonship]
in [the bliss of] which we cry,
Abba (Father)! Father!
technorati tags: addiction recovery; pornography addiction; gospel music; Kirk Franklin
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