Kirk Franklin shares story of restoration in Father’s Day: A Kirk Franklin Story
After 53 years, uber-successful gospel recording Kirk Franklin has finally reunited with his biological father, and with his own estranged son. The monumental moment in the musician’s life is documented in the new free documentary film online, Father’s Day: A Kirk Franklin Story.
“It was a very lonely life,” explained Franklin regarding growing up without his biological parents. The pain that he experienced seeing his mother 2-3 times per year, made the wound and scar that much worse. For years, Franklin believed he knew who his biological father was, but he buried him a number of years ago.
“When you come from these marginal communities and you see your biological parents 2-3 times per year, it’s a wound that never heals.” The rejection and pain of growing up feeling rejected by his biological parents was a scar that was so deep and he experienced deep rejection and insecurity as a result.
Now he’s sharing that experience with the world and how it impacted his life. Franklin documents his own journey with God, his family, and meeting his biological father in the new documentary about the release of his 13th Album, Welcome Home.
A Cosmic Collision
The journey to reconnecting with his biological father started just over a year ago when some rumors started to spread. It happened at a funeral when people started asking about who Kirk’s biological father really was. A family friend came to the funeral and those close to Franklin started noticing similarities between Kirk and another man. Could this be his biological father? The rumors started to spread, and the rest is documented in the new film.
Kirk was blown away that this man who only lived a few miles from him was his biological father. Franklin had already buried the man who he thought was his father. But after a DNA test, it was revealed who Franklin’s father really was. The news threw him for the surprise of his life.
Family Reunification
Next, Franklin realizes he needs to reunite with his own son, Kerrion, who he hasn’t talked to or seen in two years.
“There is no way I can talk about a son meeting a father and a father meeting his son for the first time in 53 years and not address the challenges I have had with my son. So I reached out to him.”
This was the first time in 2 years that Kirk connected with his own son, Kerrion Franklin.
“Well, I know we have a lot of other things to deal with and address. But I think I have something that is going to be life changing.”
Kirk went on to share with his own son the news, and it brought healing to their own relationship.
Kerrion was visibly moved to tears, and thanked God for answering this prayer. “This is the only thing that I need that’s been missing from my life is right here. There is nothing I ask God for every day when I wake up. I have everything I want except you and my grandfather. I love you man.”
Kirk then asked for forgiveness for where he failed as a father.
“I am looking forward to touching his face more and being close to him more, as much as possible. We are still a work in progress,” explained Franklin.
Franklin shared how he has a vision of reconciliation, and helping men just like him find their way home. It’s after all what Franklin’s new album releasing October 6 is all about.
