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On Saturday, March 13th, the Christian world was rocked. Gospel musician, songwriter, and 16-time Grammy award winner, Kirk Franklin, had lit up social media and had made national news. The headlines read, ‘Kirk Franklin Cusses Out His Son Kerrion Who Leaks the Explosive Audio.’ When I read the posts, I wasn’t as shocked as most were. Only because I listen to Kirk’s music weekly.
“His music oozes of his mistakes, shortcomings, and his struggle with his faith, so to hear that he’d cussed out his son was not alarming.”
When my 31-year-old son and I discussed what happened, we both agreed that Kerrion, his 32-year-old firstborn, had set up his father. Where we disagreed is that Kerrion should not be the villain in this story. I told my son that after it’s all said and done, he’s still Mr. Franklin’s son. Nothing can change that. I then decided that I wouldn’t side with the rest of America against Kerrion. I decided to be his silent ally. After making that decision, my BMF called and asked if I’d heard the recording. When he heard that I hadn’t and didn’t want to, he thought I was being super spiritual, but that wasn’t it at all. The reason I didn’t, is because (1) I’d just finished a word study; of which, included a 15-part series on ‘Mercy and Judgement’ and, (2) I hold Mr. Franklin in high-esteem. As a man of God that has done so much for the culture of the kingdom, I wanted to spare myself the memory of hearing him enact James 3:8,9.
‘…no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men,
who have been made in the similitude of God.’
Though I didn’t quote the verse, that didn’t fare too well with my boy, so our conversation ended abruptly. Needless to say, the onslaught of jokes and memes on social media was brutal. And yes, if you must know, I laughed at a few. #dontjudgeme #idigress
Today, I watched an interview of Kerrion’s mother, Shawn Ewing, giving her side of the story. Surprisingly, she was unbiased. In her opinion, both were wrong, and both needed counseling. In a round-about way, she acknowledged that their son was spoiled and had some growing up to do. I found that to be refreshing, only because as a mother of an adult son, mine does too. Immediately after, I watched Mr. Franklin’s interview with Tamron Hall. Afterwards, I double downed on my resolve to pray for Kerrion, and here’s why.
I know what it’s like to be the first born, practice child of a teen mom who later remarries and becomes the ideal parent. You too can probably relate. But maybe that wasn’t the case with the Franklin's. I mean, here you have a hurt son exacting public vengeance on his father who as a result, now feels betrayed. But what can be done? Could something like this be in the Word? Glad you asked, because it is!
A Son Betrays His Father
In 2 Samuel 13, we find King David’s son, Amnon, declaring his love for his half-sister Tamar. He later sexually assaults Tamar which results in her having an emotional breakdown. Her older brother, Absalom, then vows to kill his half-brother. Two years later, he makes good on his promise, which as you can imagine, upset his father. Thereafter, David and Absalom had no contact for five years which ultimately led to 40. During that time, Absalom decided he wants to be king and thereafter commits treason which results in a war. During which, David tells his commanders to, “Deal gently for [his] sake with the young man Absalom.” Do you see that? After Absalom killed his own brother which so happened to be David’s firstborn son, he also committed treason. And did I mention that he slept with one of David’s women - in David’s house? But even after was betrayed and had to defend his God-given kingdom against his very own son, he still had a heart for Absalom.
You've Betrayed God
And though there are other examples of betrayal throughout the Word, the one that usually comes to mind is when Judas betrayed Jesus. But the one we need to remember is when we betrayed God. Remember God is a Father. And how many times have you, CHILD OF GOD, betrayed your Heavenly Father? How many times have you violated the trust God had in you? How many times has your Father blessed you privately while you publicly embarrassed Him with your sin? I’m pretty sure if God leaked a few of your tapes, you might not say what you said about Kerrion or Mr. Franklin which brings me to this: If God can forgive you after all you’ve done, and David can forgive his son after all he did, then certainly Mr.Franklin can forgive his. And as our brother-in-Christ, let’s pray that the same redemption our Heavenly Father affords us, that Mr. Franklin will be just as accommodating.
Pray this with me: Heavenly Father, please forgive Kerrion. Whatever his reasons for exposing his father, I ask that You go to root of his hurt and heal his heart. Lord, whatever Kerrion feels like he didn’t get from Kirk, I ask that He get it from You. And Heavenly Father, Your Word says that You will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children (Lk 1:17), so I ask that You turn Kirk’s to his. In Jesus’ name.
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