Pastor and Singer Marvin Sapp Reveals How Greatest Gift From Late Wife Inspired New Transparent Record
"I personally believe that social media is supposed to be used for the purpose of promotion and getting the word out. I learned without question that the pen is mightier than the sword," Sapp told CP. "The majority of the time, when I post things on my social media it's thoughts, concepts, ideas and things that I've learned for over the 48 years that I've been on this earth. And there are some things that I post to shed light to."
One of those things took place recently when Sapp called out a Ruth's Chris Chicago restaurant employee for refusing to seat him and members of his party, citing dress code violations. The pastor insisted that others in the restaurant were also in violation of the dress code and took to Facebook to post the card of the employee who did not allow him to dine at the establishment.
For Sapp, it is important to use the platform he was given to speak up for people who may not be able to when they are being wronged.
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"I just think that individuals who possess any sort of platform, we don't need to forget where we came from. We need to make sure that we understand who we are but that we stay grounded," he told CP. "We also need to understand that there are people who may not have that notoriety that are being mistreated everyday, that don't get the opportunities that others do. Then if we feel that we are being treated unfairly, we need to voice it."
The gospel music sensation does not believe it is necessary to blast others on social media, but believes God will ultimately get the glory when he is open with his followers on Twitter and Facebook.
"I've been blessed to have a huge following on social media and I know the reason why I have that following is because I'm really transparent and I try to share my heart, things that I've learned and what I have experienced," said Sapp. "I just believe that if you do that and if you do it from the right place, God gets the glory. That's what it's all about."
More than just being present on social media, Sapp is present in the lives of his three children and makes it clear that fatherhood is his first priority, which is then followed by being a pastor and recording artist. Family is important to Sapp, who admits that after losing his wife five years ago the pain that he feels as a result has not subsided.
No stranger to loss, Sapp's father and two best friends also passed away. After prayer and counseling, which he recommends to others, Sapp has learned to better manage his pain and wants to help others do the same with his music.
"When people transition from this life to life eternal, they don't want us to stop and that's what we tend to do," he said. "The greatest gift that you can give to the memory of a loved one that has transitioned from this life to life eternal is to live and that's what this record is really about too."
Marvin Sapp's "You Shall Live" is available in stores and online for purchase. For more information, please visit http://marvinsapp.com/.
