Kirk Franklin Discusses New Book ‘The Blueprint’

Kirk Franklin recently sat down with the Associated Press to talk about the inspiration behind his new paperback book, “The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms,” released earlier this month.  The Grammy-winning gospel artist has weathered a difficult childhood, a promiscuous lifestyle in his youth, and overcome media scrutiny for his addiction of porn at the height of his gospel fame. Through it all, he says each obstacle made him wiser, teaching him how to prevail during life’s formidable tests.

Now the 41-year-old wants to take what he’s learned from his misfortunes and help others avoid the same pitfalls.  In the below Q&A, Franklin — who also released his 12th album, “Hello Fear,” in late March — talked about how he practices what he preaches in his household, how he confronts fear when it lurks, and pairing up with comedian-radio host Steve Harvey for their Gospel Comedy Tour, which ends on May 21.

The Associated Press: What do you want people to learn from you and the book?

Franklin: I am a jacked up guy (it’s) by God’s grace that I’m still here. I have no high school diploma, no college education, didn’t have a dad, didn’t have a blueprint. But by God’s grace, I’m a happily married man of 15 years, four children, a ministry that some seem to like, do songs that people like to listen to, do weddings, high school proms.


more..