The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life's Storms

by Kirk Franklin

Seven-time Grammy award winning artist offers an inspiring blend of God and grit for building a fulfilling life

" The Blueprint is a transparent approach to talking about issues-from marriage to politics to sex and religion-and it's from my perspective. Not from a Princeton, mainline, protestant, evangelical or liberal viewpoint, but from a 2010 Christian moderate with swag."
--Kirk Franklin

Gospel artist Kirk Franklin's faith wasn't always as strong as it is today. His father abandoned his family; his mother constantly told Kirk that he was an unwanted child and left him to be adopted when he was four; his sister became a crack addict; he never saw a black man who was faithful in marriage. Despite his shaky foundation he found strength and success through his music and through God.

In The Blueprint , Franklin will explain how by communicating with life's architect, God, he learned to see hardships as necessary life propellants and moved on to become the bestselling gospel musician in recent history, as well as a devoted husband and loving father.

This is not a step program, it's a lifelong journey. With Franklin's guidance, you

-pursue your dreams without losing yourself in the chase
-do some lifescaping to eliminate the "weeds" that hold you back
-declare your life to be drama-free
-get past your fears, so you can live and love fully
-pass the baton to future generations by leading by example

It's time to take faith out of the church pews and into our everyday lives. With hope, devotion, and strength, The Blueprint offers a plan to help you move beyond hardships to create your own personal Blueprint for life.

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Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Biography, Christian Non Fiction, Self Help, Inspirational

233 pages, Hardcover

First published May 18, 2010

Reviews

[Shix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the pleasure of seeing Kirk Franklin preach on two seperate occasions, each was absolutely phenomenal. This book read similar to the style in which he preaches. Simple, in your face, practical, transparent, relevant, and probing us to assess our spiritual journey on a deeper level. I loved it. I hope that more people read what he has to share and takes the time to apply it to their lives.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Mr. Franklin

Great, small manageable book. Nothing theologically too deep, but definitely some sections are meaningful. Some sections for less mature Christians, but overall loved it!

[Tammie Fowlkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Kirk Franklin's music so I was very excited to read his book. I truly enjoyed reading this book it was very inspirational and helpful to me. I plan to recommend this book to my friends and family because I feel everyone can learn something from this book.

[Daniel Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple to the point of being redundant at times. Personally not a huge fan of 'do good - you will be blessed' because that's a simplistic self-focused approach to a life that is to be built on Christ.

[Dallas · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good, surprisingly good. it changed my thinking on a few things so, success! I'd highly recommend it to anyone. not too preachy

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

God’s blueprint, lure to abort is no life, talk to God, leverage older generation, do we close church when issue, do we close govt when failure, talk and marinate, consult owner manual, pray for strength and humility, self-control is fruit of spirit, empty shell vs pearl re sex a buried treasure not a dixie cup, no God no marriage one woman and man, look in mirror, crowning achievement of civil rights Obama, desire for equality of outcome, lost spirit of rigor, Mao cut down tall stock, higher taxes more equality, college educated no jobs occupy group, revolt of middle class, panic cycles of 1800’s.

[Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

That this is a man who has been saved and delivered through grace. This is a concept that many in their collective religious and/or self-righteous stances will overlook as not being as authentic as 'they' believe his salvation to be. It is a common-sense approach to the some the basic principles for not only GODLY living but also to the tenants of accountability, self-perception, decency and the moral responsibility to others that is required in living in this life amongst other people. FRANK. HEARTFELT. NECESSARY!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just reading the back cover alone lets me know that this is going to be a very powerful book of testiment as to how good GOD truly is and that there IS Nothing too hard for our God!

Well I finally finished this book and my mouth was dropped the whole time i read through it! It is truly amazing at all the things God will allow us to go through just so HE can get all the glory in the end, I am so happy and proud of Mr. Franklin for not giving up on his life, his ministry and most of all God.

[Maisha Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a slow reader, but it took me forever to finish this book because it was so impactful.

I'm currently in a very satisfying relationship. I'm certain if I weren't this book may not have made such an impact on me. It sparked great discussion between my love and I. Uncovering issues that I would have never thought to explore.

I'd recommend it to young couples.

[Lucy 'mazithulela' · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far so far, so good. Engaging, unpretentious and real. Although, not sure I like some of the language used - perhaps Id be a little less tetchy about it if I were from the U.S.A. None the less there are some really good reflection points in the book.

[Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very conversational tone with honesty and humour that prompts reader to realistically want to apply the matter-of-fact
suggestions.

[DW]

Gift for xmas from Mom.

[Marilyn Diamond]

It was a good read...honest and compassionate.

[Shercole]

This was actually a good book. Some interesting thoughts on relationships and marriage as well as the "soul bind". Lots of straight talk in this book was refreshing. I really enjoyed it.

[Brandi Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started off great but then grew very very churchy...but overall, it was a fantastic read!

[Danielle]

I have an autographed copy, which is why I've hesitated to read it. (I'm not very gentle on books.) But I'm more than sure it won't disappoint.

[Kandiyam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read, eye opeming