Over the past week, as BET has broadcast episodes of The Mo’Nique Show featuring various gospel artists, discussions have been swirling around the web about Mo’Nique’s incessant use of profanity and the reactions (or lack thereof) from gospel artists.
Apparently, in recent interviews with both Marvin Sapp and Kirk Franklin, Mo’Nique didn’t hold back from using casual profanity and, sometimes, crude humor. I’m grateful that neither of them went to slingin’ oil and rebuking her, despite the fact that (to me) they appeared be a bit uncomfortable with it. Anyway, some of you thought they should’ve been more outspoken against it.
Personally, I thought “who the heck cares,” because I won’t declare myself the arbiter of how artists should act when they get a national platform. It ain’t easy to do and I don’t know how I’d handle a personality as strong as Mo’Nique’s in that moment, with the cameras rollin’, before a live studio audience… I just can’t say. Plus, I tend to enjoy her show– she’s hilarious and she features great interviews with great people in the African-American community. In any case, I definitely wasn’t gonna enter the discussion.
BUT last night, when Mo’Nique featured gospel duo BeBe & CeCe Winans, she didn’t curse. Not once. I was prepared to just say “oh, well whatever” until SHE said, from her own mouth, that her words were twisted because, as it relates to “God’s angels,” God told her “Mo’Nique, don’t you FOOL with BeBe & CeCe, now.”
Now, whether God spoke to her or not, there is clearly something about BeBe & CeCe that Mo’Nique respected differently as compared to Kirk Franklin and Marvin Sapp (I won’t even say “respected more”). She perceived that she had to treat them differently.
And so I wondered– what do BeBe & CeCe have, exhibit, carry and/or represent to Mo’Nique that Kirk Franklin and Marvin Sapp might not?
I know a BUNCH of y’all are gonna talk about the anointing, but to be clear– I think Kirk Franklin and Marvin Sapp are super duper anointed for what God has called them to do. I love them and adore their ministries. What else might it be?
I thought maybe it’s gender… maybe it wasn’t as much about BeBe as it was an issue about CeCe. Maybe it’s a respect for women, because I don’t recall Mo’Nique using profanity with Yolanda Adams a few months ago either.
Maybe it’s… I dunno. I just know that it happened. And maybe it’s not even worth discussing. But maybe it is…
Okay I may be biased cos I love Cece...but of a truth the way Cece carries herself u cant help but respect her and I know for a fact that had Monique cursed Cece would have courteously chipped in a loving rebuke/correction.....Cece is VERY respected in the industry not to say Kirk & co arent but cece's is to another level....
I think gender player a small role, but maybe she has heard the not so positive feedback and decided to calm down a bit. I have no problem with her cursing because it is the MONIQUE show and the know the she is a comedienne before they agree to come on the show. Yes, I did believe that Marvin and Kirk seemed a bit uncomfortable, but if I recall correct Marvin Sapp did say at one point in the interview that he didn't have to curse in order to get his message across. Love Monique, but her profanity and screams can be a bit much and that's why I tune in after she's done with all that.
I agree with Kwartema....CeCe is very respected in the industry and I think Monique knows that, I was very nervous myself watching, I was praying she wasnt going to use Profanity around them and was glad she didnt. I was very happy with the interview , you dont get to see gospel singers on the mainstream televison, I was also happy about the questions she ask them.
I don't know what it is but I just knew Mo'Nique wasn't going to cross the line with CeCe. When the show came on I was about to tweet "I bet Mo doesn't come with that sideways foolishness on CeCe." Its just a certain demeanor she has. Now had it just been BeBe on the show, I think he would have played along with her. BeBe = Love / CeCe = Jesus
I agree with Kwartema; CeCe is a woman of poise and character. You can just look at her and see the light. I'm not THEE biggest CeCe Winans fan but that has always been one thing that continues to impress me about her. I felt Monique knew who she was in the presence of thus her having to show proper respect. Unlike previous guests, CeCe would've rebuked in her own kind way as I have witnessed her do live in concert. Did anyone notice how she gently corrected Monique's semi-blasphemous comedic dig about BeBe & CeCe working in the studio? THAT'S how you handle something in the proper ORDER and RESPECT. Nobody is talking about tongues, finger-pointing, oil, or laying hands on Monique....if you have the Holy Spirit, you should KNOW how to shine your light in dark places when uncomfortable moments arise. Don't laugh & give nonchalant responses as though you're not clear where to stand.
let me get in before everyone else get here...lol i saw it - by accident because i can't take Mo'Nique. she's so LOUD and most times the "profanity" is not necessary to make her point but i noticed that she carried herself in a completely different manner last night. ANYWAY - i won't say it's the anointing but it goes back to the point that CeCe made about not feeling more pressure to live a certain way because she's a gospel artist but that she lives for Jesus everyday and that's why it's not hard - i don't remember the exact quote. i will just say that i'm so very glad that they didn't sing "Grace"...AGAIN. lol
Hmmm... now here's a thought provoking post.... Kudos, EJ! I generally catch Mo online and will watch depending on the guest. Interestingly, Robert Townsend was on the previous night's show and he mentioned that some so-called comedians (I suppose regardless of gender) use profanity as a "hook", if you will, to lean on when either they have no material or the material is weak. In other words, a real comedian can be hilarious without ONE cuss word. When he said that, Mo didn't have much of a response. With that said... ...in terms of her avoiding profanity in the BeBe/CeCe interview, I would through the "anointing" reason out the window. Anointing doesn't keep folk from doing what they will and will not do. There are some anointed whores and gamblers and so on and so forth. What I do think it is is in part what has been mentioned earlier: a gender issue (and not because CeCe is so holy--not saying she's not holy but I don't think it has anything to do with faith/religion). Mo has no problem cussing around men. She seems to cuss less with the female guests unless it's one of her home-ettes who will cuss right along with her. I'm glad to read/hear that CeCe politely let her know what's up concerning any kind of remarks that reflected negatively on the Lord.
Type/correction: "I would THROW the “anointing” reason out the window."
Hey guys, speaking of BeBe & CeCe their performances have been posted on youtube. Check'em out below: BeBe & CeCe Winans Singing--"Close To You"--The Mo'Nique Show http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-q-xxRgo0I BeBe Winans Singing--"I Found Love"--The Mo'Nique Show http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SkboeRfA5c&feature=channel
I Notice with the last person that spoke about the Anointing is someone that Does NOT know Who the Anointing of God Is. As far as Monique Goes I Believe that it was the Presence of the Winans the Reason why she did Not Use Profanity. She had the Main Family in the Gospel Industry as Guest and it was Out of Respect for Their Mother and Father. I didn't see the Intervew with Pastor Sapp, but I did See the One with Kirk Franklin and Her Mouth Was Uncalled For. I as another Post Agree that She Does Not have to Be So LOUD and Use SO Much Profanity to Bring her Point Across. Also for the Person saying that there are Anointed Whores and Gammlers, that is a Person that is FOOLED by the DEVIL Himself. God says that HIS SPIRIT WILL NOT DWELL IN ANY UNCLEAN VESSEL. So with both of those People Being in and Of SIN, How do You think that They are Anointed? Study to Show thyself Approved a Workman Need Not Being Ashamed, Rightly Divinding the WORD OF TRUTH.......
"Anointed whores & gamblers"?!?! That's an oxymoron. Its like saying there's such a thing as "clean poop." I can't call myself anointed if I'm leading a sinful life and not ACTIVELY trying to live like Christ. I do believe that not only was it the anointing on Bebe & Cece, but the level of respect they expect. It really has nothing to do with their status or how big & bad Mo'Nique is, but what all christians possess: the Holy Spirit! Imagine what type of impact we all would have on those around us if we just activated the "HE" that is within us!
THEBLOODOFJESUS: Notice how I am referring to you SPECIFICALLY instead of "this person". I am VERY CLEAR about WHO the anointing is: the charismatic presence of the Holy Spirit. And since you claim what I don't know, what would be useful is for you to provide an explanation because as Christians, iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), yes? It seems that your logic for explaining Mo's lack of profanity in this interview is flawed: she didn't cuss because of the "anointing" or she didn't cuss because she respected the Winans' name? Because Winans (or any person) and anointing is not automatic. We're not in the spirit all the time. We're in flesh. Let's STOP making DEMI-gods of these gospel entertainers. Again, definitions matter with regard to what the "anointing" is. Anointed by whom? Let's not make assumptions about who's anointing whom. Google any scandal with a gospel artist that is claimed to be anointed. Were they anointed during the mess? Are you anointed when you do your mess? Am I anointed when I do my mess? Let's please stop misrepresenting the anointing and claiming that folk have it when they may not be anointed at that particular time or at all.
People need to pray for Mo'nique. Pray for her salvation. The more you talk about her, the more you give her more publicity.
EaZy...come on and bring some popcorn 'cause this is getting good! LOL For once, I am somewhat agreeing with Tam-Tam (**goes to look out the window to see if pigs are flying**). Anywho...sure "anointed gamblers and whores" sounds oxymoronic, but some of ya'll cheer on these folk EVERY sunday. let's stop frontin' for a minute...ya'll know there are some trifling folk in the pulpit, in the choir, etc. for some of these sloppy & messy people, their stuff is allllllllll out in the street, but let them preach a Word or do a run, riff or growl and half of all would be in the floor waiting for the white sheet to come cover up your virtue. how many of ya'll threw out your tye and j. moss albums when they were going through their stuff? right...i rest my case. at some point in our spiritual journey we have all been unclean. and even after being "saved" many of us STILL struggle, but God yet deals with us. and for that i give grace and mercy a high five and a thank ya!!!
I doubt it's that she respects the Winans any more or less than she respects Kirk or Marvin Sapp, although CeCe is certainly one of the most classy ladies I've ever met, but she probably had a certain level of regret about what she's said in those previous interviews with gospel artists, and wanted to be more careful this time around. Who knows...but I'm glad she recognized that God didn't want her foolin' with BeBe & CeCe!
I don't think it has nothing to do with anointing or respect, it's however Monique feels. She think she decided not use profanity last night or her staff gave her heads up about the concern. I am sure she wants to keep the Christian viewers also. We all know ATL church population is HUGE...LOL. I would want to keep the PEACE also.
The annointing of God is not a rank neither a humanly power. We are only his mouth piece. God can use whomever, whenever he wants to.
Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season: CORRECT,REBUKE and encorage-with great patience and careful instruction.
Personally, I think it was a combination of things...several that were previously mentioned. But the two things that stand out to me are business and the respect you demand. I'm sure her staff has received complaints about the way she conducts herself with her Christian guests and it would be bad business to ignore them. Also, if your character demands respect, you usally get it. I have several potty mouth friends who either don't cuss as much around me or they ALWAYS feel the need to say "excuse me" when they cuss around me...and that's after I've told them repeatedly that they don't have to excuse themselves (I know how to get off the phone or leave the conversation when it's too much). They are grown and they can say what they choose. But, my decision not to cuss and the way I conduct myself as a Lady consistently causes them to change their behavior around me anyway. And that's without me beating them over the head with scripture quotes and preaching at them. I'm telling you...your walk will go further than your words any day!
@v4c... and Amen goes right there!
@ Courtney - *high five* You must've had a few experiences with that, lol. I've always admired Cece's ability to always be a lady...a godly lady.
I think it may not even be a spiritual reason honestly. I simply boil it down to respect. I believe if Nelson Mandela, President Obama, Maya Angelou etc were on that stage, she would not use profanity. I love Kirk to life, but honestly, he seems like the type of dude you could curse around and could get away with it. Not saying that he'd be comfortable with it, but he comes off as that cool guy that wont call you out. (at least not in public) And i'm not suggesting that approach would be wrong or right. But I also think we're in an age where Christians are very passive. Everyone is so comfortable with the "world" under the guise of "winning souls". We explain away EVERYTHING these days. And lastly, (just a thought) maybe to MoNique, there was nothing that set Kirk, Marvin apart in her eyes. Maybe she didnt see a difference in their walk. Again, just something i'm throwing out there.
@v4c It comes down to whether a person calls themselves a Christian, a follower of Jesus. I Corinthians 5:12 What business is it of mine to judge those OUTSIDE the church? Are you not to judge those INSIDE? God will judge those outside. Now, for those who say they are a Christian, Proverbs 4:24 Put away perversity from your mouth, keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Since Monique says she is a believer and follower of Jesus, Kirk Franklin and Marvin Sapp should have openly REBUKED her ...2Timothy 4:2, Revelation 3:19.
@ Mike the Messenger - Thanks for the responding. There is a time and a place for everything, including silence and peace. Sometimes, I jack my 5 year old up in front of a crowd. Sometimes, I give him the eye and jack him up in the car, lol. You have to allow the voice of the Lord to lead you to what will work at the time. I think we tend to forget that most people who were raised as Christians know better and just choose to do otherwise...and have a right to do so whether folks agree or not (free will). I choose to let those people live with their choice and let the fruit of my righteous living speak for itself. And in my experiences, it works much better than arguing with them about scriptures that they don't respect enough to study and therefore do not understand. People often approach me for advice and answers cause they see the differences in the fruit of our choices! Living the word has been my best defense. And that, Sir, completes my one reply per person limit, LOL. Have a great weekend! :-)
@mike When did Monique say she is a christian? As far as I know Monique has never professed to be a christian. In fact, Monique stated during the interview that she didnt go to church and referred to God as 'thing up there'. Simply, I believe she just doesnt cuss around the females that much. Even when Steve Harvey was on she rarely cussed. Also , quite a number of people have responded on bet.com regarding her cussing around these gospel artists and the comments have not been favorable towards her. I am certain BET is aware of this. I really dont believe she has any more respect for Bebe & Cece more than she does for Marvin & Kirk. She doesnt want to lose her audience.
This is a good example for all of us, the word of God teaches us to be light in darkness and be Holy for God is Holy; God needs us to always be who we are in him represent his personality at all times regardless of who we are around. Mo'nique is in the business of entertaining people of all races, I really could'nt see her treating Bebe and Cece any different she kept it real for the audience, because if she had cussed she would had suffered the conquesences of her actions. Personally she would had lost alot of viewers Mo'nique is not crazy she knows what she has to do!!!! lol...
@ Jackie.....I briefly met CeCe Winans at a conference where she preached the no-fluff,no-nonsense, Word Of Jesus. She would have rebuked Monique,no doubt about it. As you say, she would have suffered the consequences.
Wow I am surprised that she did not curse. I think that Mo'nique wanted to be respectful to gospel legends. It kinda bugs me how she curses at some gospel artist but yet she did`nt curse in front of them? It just does`nt make sense. I am not going to comment whether she heard from God or not, because I don`t know. I think that the reason she did`nt curse was to either show that she was going for now on be respectful or Marvin and Kirk would`nt correct her. I think Bebe & Cece would have corrected her, and maybe that is why she held back.
Monique knows exactly what she is doing and she is not stupid! This sudden change in behavior has everything to do with the bottomline (ratings= money) which is why Marvin and Kirk sat there and did not openly rebuke a that fowl mouth cussin demon workin in her to its face! After all she was being openly disrespectful so why should she be dealt with after the show? And trust neither Kirk or Marvin said anything to her after the show becuz if that was the case she would have toned it down when Kirk came on the show period! This Saints is a result of the chuch compromising with the world. The lines of holiness have become blurred. And the world can "peep" the game and sef the residue of compromise in us. But its time out for this mess we accepting in the church for the sake of being relevant to the world! It has been a slippery slop in so called gospel music in my opinion starting with influx of sampling worldly music. And the slop is now spiraling out of control! It is now time to cry load and spare not!
@ej It's about respect! She didn't respect them and if anyone puts u in the position where you are not comfortable then u and they should have spoken out in love but said something. Sometimes a person just needs to hear someone say stop & say it's wrong for them to change. It's at that point of where u spoke up for that person to either respect u and the God in you or not. If not then the choice falls back to you to either stay or go. Silence is agreement. We as christians will find ourselves in secular places like the moniques show and MUST speak out when wrong is done. It's ministry first then promotion of our gift. So yes I say they should have said something to her.
Amen, amen...
marvin, kirk, yolanda, bebe and cece, and whoever else claims to be saved, why would they want to be on the monique show. so the problem lies with the so called "annointed" not monique. shes good at what she does, and that is sin. shes lost, and these so called annointed people are going on her show to be lifted up higher, and make more money, when they are supposed to be a light, and lead people to Jesus. and going on a show compromising is not how God uses people. this is ridiculous and stupid. but only truly saved people have that discernment,
I don't know what it could be, but she did curse her face OFF when Vickie Winans was there. Like a real curse where they had to blur out her mouth.
I love Monique and her show but I was taken aback with her disrespect for Marvin Sapp and Kirk Franklin. I was raised in the church and taught regardless of being saved or not there is a level of respect one should have have God's people. With Marvin being a pastor I felt a higher level of respect should have been shown. She asked him to curse and that was not right. When I watched the eposide with BeBe and CeCe I could feel the power of God in her through the T.V. Her presence exhibited the power of God and I love her because I remember her talking years ago about her fight with being saved and this was an encouragement and an inspiration because she is a gospel star yet she is saying I am human to. I am glad someone decided to start a blog about this because I love to support my African American family in whatever way I can. I hope Monique understands she can still reach people without the disrespect she showed. I love Monique and watch her show faithfully every night. God continue to bless us with sound knowledge, understanding, respect and love. God bless EVERYONE!!!
Some of you may be aware who work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry and we see when working on special events particularly with BET Networks, you have alot of artists who at one time didn't care or even given the Gospel community an invitation to be invited in their "world" but now the message of compassion and hope are allowing to see that those artists who represent God have similar backgrounds where offset if you did not know that there were Gospel artist they come across really as average people as based upon previous relationships like "I knew you when or I can relate to you" sometimes people feel comfortable being themselves even though they do recognize the "God in You"...Yet, HANDS DOWN CECE is So SERIOUS, like She touches the Heart of God like for real....There are just some altitudes even snakes freeze because of how high they may be...it's not CeCe but it is Definitely the GOD IN CECE that just says JESUS
Well Monique cursed last night with Karen Clark Sheard, so I definitely don't think it is a gender thing. In person Cece carries so much power about her. Being around her you just know to watch what you say. I think all these people are anointed, but Cece just has this way about her where she brings out the best in people. She makes you want to be a better person. I will say I have never spent time with any of the other artists that have been on the show (Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, etc.) so I can't really compare then to Cece.
The bottom line is that Christians have no one to blame for stuff like this but themselves. They know what this woman is all about, her behavior alone gives her away that she's not a Christian, and unless we're going to be like Christ and call sinners to repentance, why join up with them. Why enter their domain. "Be not unequally yoked with unbeliever's" 2 Cor 6:14." Until people come back to God's laws and believe in Jesus, our society will continue in moral decline.
I don't care what the reason was that she didn't swear around Winans, she should respect every vessel of God that even gives her show the time of day! All that skinny then went to her head LOL! Mo'Nique needs to get saved and come out Hollywood and let God use her greatly! And I'm through with this...