Kirk Franklin: “Sometimes People Need A Hug, Not A Scripture”

Though Kirk Franklin appeared on the Tom Joyner Morning Show to talk about his role on the GSN’s “The American Bible Challenge” (and to defend himself against short jokes) he provided a little encouragement to people struggling to handle the problems in the world. Franklin, who is the musical co-host for “The American Bible Challenge” with host Jeff Foxworthy, says he’s been gratified by his participation on the show.

“It’s a really inspirational show. They contacted me last December to ask wanting to know if  I would consider being a part of it. I didn’t think I could add nothing to it, because they have Jeff Foxworthy hosting it and I didn’t really know if there was anything I could bring to the show. That’s like their number one rated show.  They have a lot of viewers. So I thought about it and said maybe if we try this and try that….I really enjoyed it.  I really enjoyed working with Jeff Foxworthy . It’s a fun show, it’s really inspirational, you would never think that a game should could find that perfect ingredient to inspire people with the Bible and entertainment at the same time. They do a really good job of it and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

This season finale encore airs on Thursday at 9 p.m. EST. The show, which allows teams to compete for cash prizes, features musical guests like Mary Mary and a Bible study guide on the GSN website. While it does reward contestants for their knowledge of Biblical scriptures and stories, Franklin cautions that in times of struggle, people require more than just a restatement of the Word.

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“I don’t think it should be a show that  tries to be prophetic or tries to be too biblical because I think it’s entertainment and it’s inspiring. I don’t think that  right now we ought to be trying to be all deep and super spiritual. People are hurting and you know the Bible says ‘Let’s weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.’  Sometimes, with what people are going through, they just need a hug. One preacher said ‘Preach the word and use words when necessary.’ Sometimes just being quiet and shutting up and opening up your arms is the best sermon you can give people.”

Franklin says that the challenges of the world are difficult for everyone. When tragedies like the bombings in Boston or the devastating tornados in Oklahoma happen, or even when people are faced with personal strife, they often have more questions than answers. Franklin says these kinds of questions can be met with compassion for those who are suffering.

“I honestly think that the things we turn to, like science, and thank God for science because God created science, but you know science tries to explain how but science can’t explain why. People want to know why? Why am I here, what’s my purpose, what are the life lessons? Sometimes, I just have to trust that God is a loving father but sometime he does things that I don’t understand. No preacher on the planet can give an explanation of why God allows certain paths to cross. Sometimes I have to trust his heart when I don’t understand what his hand is doing.

“I’m from Texas and we have a lot of people we knows that live in [Oklahoma and nearby] so we’re always up in that area. I just want to say I’m sorry. Our hearts hurt with you, man, and I dare not even try to pimp the moment trying to be all super deep. I’m a just weep with those people that weep.”

(Photo: Retna)