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

by Kirk Franklin

Seven-time Grammy award-winning artist Kirk Franklin offers powerful, streetwise advice for building a fulfilling life in the face of any adversity.

Kirk Franklin's life was hardly built on a firm foundation. Abandoned by both his father and mother, Kirk was constantly told he was an unwanted child. He struggled mightily yet managed to triumph, dedicating his life to helping others find hope during hardship. With The Blueprint, he provides an inspiring blend of God and grit to deliver real-world words of wisdom on provocative topics

•The true definition of manhood
•Deadbeat dads, divorce, and despair in family life
•Why faith that only takes place in a church is dead

In the spirit of Hill Harper's Letters to a Young Brother and T. D. Jakes's He-Motions, The Blueprint delivers an honest new direction, taking faith out of the pews and into the real lives of all who struggle.

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

256 pages, Paperback

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