In the summer of 1993 a new gospel artist by the name of Kirk Franklin released his debut album entitled Kirk Franklin & The Family. This album, containing the hit single Why We Sing, went on to spend 100 weeks atop Billboard magazine's gospel charts, crossed over to R&B, and was the first gospel album to ever sell over a million units. Kirks’ 1998 Nu Nation Project went on to sell over two million units. His 2002 release, The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin builds on this legacy garnering five awards at the 18th Annual Stellar Awards.
In a very short period of time Kirk Franklin has become a legend in gospel music. But Kirk doesn’t stop there. Kirk recently launched an entirely new venture, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, Inc., which includes an advertising agency, a production company, a new record label and a full-service youth outreach initiative.
Kirk is also a happily married husband and father of three who recognizes the importance of Keeping Family First. In an interview with Keeping Family First Editor Anita Lane, Kirk and his wife Tammy share with us how they keep romance alive, stay connected to their children and offer their encouragement to those struggling in life or in marriage.
Kirk, you have a beautiful wife and four children. What's the best part of being a father?
Being able to be the type of Father that I never had. To me it has shown me the truest of God's grace, because I had no blue print!
You've been married now, nine years? How do you keep the marital romance alive all these years amidst a busy life? Can you offer any tips to our readers out there?
We are really good friends and we enjoy each other’s company. When we are having a little tiff in our relationship, we miss each other. I have definitely learned it is not about who is right or wrong—sometimes it’s just a matter of different perspectives. You should both be willing to listen to the other’s feelings and point of view instead of trying to win. And of course you must have date nights! Even if it's just watching TV together! What matters is that you take some time away from kids and life's madness to enjoy one another.
With your busy schedule, I'm sure it can be a challenge to Keep Family First. So what kinds of things do you do to keep the proper balance between family and work/ministry?
I've learned over the years to realize that my family is my first ministry. It has helped to prioritize my life. The best advice I ever got from a pastor was to never make my family feel like they were competing with my work or ministry.
As a child, did you dream you would be where you are today?
The dream of having my own family has been more than I could have ever imagine.
We know that your aunt raised you in the church and at one point sold aluminum cans to raise money for your piano lessons at age four. That took extraordinary foresight on her part. Who else helped to shape your life and what types of things did they do that helped you to become the success you are today?
A woman by the name of Jewell Kelley. She was a music teacher at the High School I attended. She took time out with me and made me feel special. In my adult life it has also been my wife, good friends, my Father-in-Law and Pastor that give me balance and accountability.
A lot of different experiences, both pleasant and unpleasant have helped shape you into the success you are today. What words of encouragement would you offer to those reading this article who may feel hindered by their past?
Your past is only to make you stronger. If you allow it to it will build character and make you stronger. But you must choose to allow your past to build and not break you.
Tammy, as wives, we try to help our husbands stay connected to the family and the details of what's happening with the children. As the wife of one of the busiest men in gospel music, how do you help your husband stay grounded and focused on the family?
It helps that Kirk is such a hands-on Father. He wants to know all the details of his children—from ball games to tests at school. Even if he's out of town he knows what is going on and can talk to them about it. He even takes them to school. If he's extra busy, I may drop him little reminders (via text message) to help him remember those extra important things that in the long run mean so much to the kids.
Kirk, you've accomplished a lot. (Your debut album, Kirk Franklin & The Family spent 100 weeks at the top of Billboard magazine's gospel charts, crossed over and became the first gospel album ever to sell over a million units). But of these and all the other accomplishments you've achieved, what are you most proud of?
My family!
Your call is to Minister to God and to others, but how do you make sure that you're meeting your needs-spirit, soul and body? How do you make time for that?
First, by recognizing that apart from God I can do nothing. I try really hard to make it a lifestyle to abide in the Lord. When I do not I don’t benefit the Kingdom nor my family. When I get on empty, I refuel by stealing away whether to my bedroom or to a park and get alone with my heavenly Daddy.
What does the future hold for Kirk Franklin?
Well, first being in God's will—being a Godly husband and father. Next, me and the Lord are currently writing a new CD.... I'm just listening and writing what he's teaching me…
Any parting words?
God wants us to enjoy life and enjoy our marriage and our family. It is the truest reflection of His love for us. So many people are married, but not happy. Give your past hurts and cares to the Lord. He can repair a broken marriage and make it brand new, but you must first allow him to.
Thank you so much for your time. We appreciate your ministry and wish you and your family the very best!
Thank you!
Copyright ©2005 by Keeping Family First. All Rights Reserved.
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